"Is your equipment HSE GS38 compliant?"

Kewtech, a manufacturer of innovative, accurate and reliable test equipment that enables the UK electrical industry to undertake testing obligations quickly and efficiently, is offering advice when selecting and using test equipment when working on Low Voltage (LV) electrical installations. This advice is provided for consideration as part of your risk assessment and method statement, derived from the site-specific risk assessment. HSE Guidance Note GS38 (Fourth Edition) is the UK Health & Safety Executive’s safety requirements for Electrical test equipment for use on low-voltage systems. Testing equipment and accessories that conform to these standards are designed to minimise the risk of electric shock, arcing, and injury when working on low-voltage electrical systems (up to 1000 V AC / 1500 V DC). It is imperative that your test equipment conforms to the standards set out in HSE GS 38 to prevent accidental contact, reduce shock risk, and ensure equipment can safely handle faults. Whether you are following the correct safe isolation procedure to prove dead, or fault-finding on a live circuit, you should ensure that the equipment conforms with the requirements set out in HSE GS38. GS38 applies to electrical test equipment such as: Test probes Leads Lamps Voltage detecting devices Measuring equipment, for circuits with rated voltages not exceeding 1000V AC 6 things to look out for… GS38 checklist: Use shrouded or insulated tips Probes should be insulated to leave an exposed tip not exceeding 4mm measured across any surface tip of the probe. Where practicable, it is strongly recommended that this be reduced to 2mm or less, or that spring-loaded retractable screened probes be used. Warning: Kewtech strongly recommends not using any test leads or test probes which have removable tips. In the likely event that you lose or misplace these tips, the probes may no longer be GS38 compliant, having more than 4mm exposed. Have finger guards Finger guards on your two-pole testers and probe tips stop your fingers from slipping onto live parts during use. Use high-integrity insulated leads Your test leads should be double-insulated, such as Kewtech’s G7 precision standard test leads. We would strongly recommend using silicone-insulated leads as these are more durable, flexible and heat-resistant. CAT rating Match the equipment to its environment: CAT II – (Prospective short circuit currents are less than 10kA), for example, appliances and single-phase domestic installations CAT III – (Prospective short circuit currents of up to 50kA), for example, testing of 3-phase installations, distribution boards, wiring systems, equipment and socket outlets connected to 3-phase systems CAT IV – (Where prospective fault currents may exceed 50kA, for example, at the origin of installation that are close to HV/LV transformers or where there is risk of high energy arc flashes) For most electrical testing on LV systems, a minimum of CAT III or CAT IV is recommended. Be robust and properly maintained Be vigilant. Regularly check your equipment to ensure it is fit for purpose. There should be no exposed metal parts other than probe tips and no visible inner insulation on the test leads. Carefully look for damage, deterioration and the presence of water or other liquids that may be present before each use. Check the function of the test equipment on a proving device or known live source before use. Use a reputable brand that manufactures and conforms to the relevant British Standards. Look for the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity with HSE GS38 and verify that the probes, leads, and tester are all compliant, not just the measuring unit. Further recommendations to consider: Working without batteries? Consider the use of a voltage indicator that will still indicate the presence of voltage without batteries or even when the batteries fail. Battery-dependent testers introduce an additional point of failure, and a flat or faulty battery could give a false indication. Contrastingly, products that are self-powered from the circuit under test, or that incorporate battery-independent voltage indication, provide an added layer of reliability. Single-Pole Detection Equipment that offers single-pole detection can provide an extra safeguard by allowing the presence of voltage to be identified with reference to earth, which may highlight hazardous conditions not always apparent with two-pole testing alone. Non-detachable leads Equipment with permanently fixed leads should also be strongly considered. Detachable leads present a risk of poor connections, damage, or the inadvertent use of non-compliant accessories, whereas fixed leads reduce the likelihood of misuse and help to maintain GS38 compliance over the life of the tester. The bottom line Ensuring your electrical test equipment is HSE GS38 compliant is not just best practice - it’s a critical part of managing risk when working on low-voltage systems. By selecting the right equipment, checking it is suitable for the environment, and maintaining it properly, you significantly reduce the risk of electric shock, arcing, injury and danger to life. GS38 compliance should be a fundamental consideration of your working, helping to protect yourself and others as well as the installations while promoting safe, professional working practices. For more from Kewtech, click here.

NVC Lighting upgrades STERLING PRO panel

NVC Lighting, a supplier of commercial LED lighting systems, has introduced an upgraded version of its STERLING PRO LED panel, replacing the previous STERLING model. The back-lit LED panel is designed to improve energy efficiency while offering a wider range of options for commercial lighting projects. It delivers up to 187 luminaire lumens per circuit watt and is power selectable, with a range of dimming and control options available. The STERLING PRO is offered in three sizes: 600x600, 1200x300, and 1200x600. It is available with either a high or low wattage-selectable driver, providing up to eight wattage settings. Colour temperature options include 3000K, 4000K, and 6000K. Flexible configurations for commercial spaces The panel features two TP(a)-rated front covers designed to reduce glare. The opal diffuser provides a 100° beam angle, while the micro-prismatic option offers a 90° beam angle for applications requiring lower glare. With CRI>90, it is suited to retail, gallery, office, healthcare, and education environments. Installation options include lay-in for exposed grid ceilings, pull-up for plasterboard ceilings, as well as surface-mounted and suspended configurations. Phil Brown, Product and Marketing Director at NVC Lighting, says, “We’re pleased to launch our upgraded STERLING PRO panel and hope that the added features will make [it] the go-to product for a diverse range of commercial buildings and spaces. “This enhanced panel reflects our commitment to listening to our customers and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, with higher performance, greater flexibility, and outstanding efficiency that sets a new benchmark in commercial lighting solutions.” The panel has a rated life of 100,000 hours, with L80 performance at end of life, and is supported by a seven-year warranty and a verified Environmental Product Declaration. For more from NVC Lighting, click here.

Scolmore opens new visitor centre in Canary Wharf

Electrical products provider Scolmore Group has opened a new visitor centre in Canary Wharf, London, as part of its expansion in the South of England. The facility provides a dedicated space for contractors, specifiers, and other industry professionals to view products from across the group’s brands. These brands include Click Scolmore wiring accessories, Elucian consumer units and distribution boards, Ovia lighting, ESP security and fire protection systems, Espire fire and CO alarms, and Unicrimp cable accessories. The centre has been introduced in response to growing project demand in the South of England and offers a London-based location for product demonstrations, technical discussions, and project planning. The site can accommodate up to 10 visitors at a time. Space for demonstrations and technical discussions The visitor centre is intended to give customers direct access to the group’s product ranges, as well as technical guidance from staff. It complements the existing visitor centre at the company’s headquarters in Tamworth, Staffordshire, along with dedicated facilities operated by Ovia, ESP, and Unicrimp. Contractors and partners can book appointments to visit the Canary Wharf site through their local area sales managers. For more from Scolmore Group, click here.

NICEIC launches apprenticeship job board, Connected Futures

NICEIC, a certification body for the UK’s electrical contracting industry, has announced the launch of Connected Futures, a dedicated apprenticeship job board designed to connect certified businesses with aspiring apprentices across the UK. With a pressing need across the sector to close the skills gap, expanding high‑quality apprenticeships and building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges of electrification and low‑carbon technologies has become a priority for electrical businesses of all sizes. Newly published research from the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) estimates the industry will need an additional 12,000 apprentices by 2030. However, the electrical skills gap continues to widen nationwide, with a 5.5% drop in electrical apprenticeship starts compared to last year. Addressing the skills gap Given the urgent need to attract more apprentices into the sector, NICEIC says it has launched Connected Futures to connect certified businesses with motivated, aspiring apprentices. Connected Futures is exclusively available to NICEIC-certified businesses and individuals over the age of 18 seeking apprenticeship opportunities. The job board also includes a screening process to ensure only verified NICEIC businesses can register. Alex Robinson, Head of Training at NICIEC, comments, “We’re committed to supporting the next generation of electricians. Connected Futures connects ambitious prospective apprentices with certified businesses, helping them to take their first step towards a meaningful career. “For the sector more widely, one of the most significant challenges we face is closing the skills gap to ensure we have the skills and capacity we need to build out vital national infrastructure, from housing to transport, renewable energy, and the growing demands of electrification.” Posting your job is free, with the Connected Futures job board also enabling you to manage applications via a dashboard. Click here to visit the page where you can register. Candidates can upload their CVs, browse opportunities, and sign up for job alerts to stay informed about new postings. Connecting students Ellis Stevenson, Electrician at NICIEC-certified Campbell and McHardy and 2025 SkillELECTRIC winner, says, “I would definitely recommend an electrical apprenticeship. You’re earning while learning, you get hands on experience, and you finish with a qualification that can take you down so many routes. There are hard days but if you stick with it, it’s 100% worth it.” In addition, NICEIC’s student membership is available free of charge to those currently enrolled on an electrotechnical qualification, so to complement their technical competency training. It’s available both to full-time and part-time students, as well as those studying through an apprenticeship within the electrotechnical industry. For details on how to sign up, click here to visit the site. Connected Futures at a glance: • Free job posting for NICEIC-certified businesses • Free access for candidates aged over 18 • 45-day job posting duration • Job alerts for candidates For more from NICEIC, click here.

WISKA celebrates 25 years of service and contribution

WISKA UK, a manufacturer of electrical installation products, says it is proud to recognise and thank Maxine Rich as she celebrates 25 years with the company. Maxine has been with WISKA UK since January 2001, supporting the business from its early days to its position today within the UK electrical market. The company notes that, "Over the years, her experience, commitment, and deep knowledge of the business have made a lasting impact on colleagues, customers, and partners alike. "Highly respected across the organisation, Maxine’s contribution reflects the values at the heart of WISKA: trust, expertise, and long-term relationships. "WISKA UK would like to sincerely thank Maxine for her dedication and looks forward to continuing this journey together in the years ahead." For more from WISKA, click here.

RAW Charging opens EV charging hub in Tunbridge Wells

RAW Charging, an electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint operator, has opened a new EV charging hub at Knights Park, Tunbridge Wells, adding 10 bays at the leisure and retail destination. The new installation includes four 22kW fast chargers, four 50kW rapid chargers, and two 150kW ultra-rapid units for Knights Park, which hosts a range of attractions including a cinema and bowling. Drivers can use contactless payment and the chargers feature a standard user interface intended to support a wide range of EV models. The installation forms part of RAW’s ongoing collaboration with Aviva Investors, with additional rapid charging sites planned across its retail property portfolio. The company works with several UK commercial property owners, including Aviva Investors, SEGRO, Hammerson, and Aberdeen, delivering charging infrastructure from planning and grid connection through to installation, operation, and maintenance. Expansion of EV charging bays The company states that more than 400 new charging bays were installed across its network during 2025, including locations at Gallions Reach, Merrielands Retail Park, Forest Hill, and Etruria Mills. Jason Simpson, CEO of RAW Charging, says, “We are thrilled to unveil our latest EV charging hub at Knights Park, Tunbridge Wells, a vibrant destination at the heart of the local community. "With 10 new state-of-the-art charging bays, we’re making it easier than ever for visitors to charge their vehicles quickly and conveniently while enjoying everything Knights Park has to offer. "This launch marks another significant step in our ongoing partnership with Aviva Investors, demonstrating our shared commitment to delivering innovative, reliable charging infrastructure across the UK’s top leisure and retail locations.” For more from RAW Charging, click here.

Luceco provides lighting for regenerated Piano Building

When West Midlands-based electrical contractor Barrie Beard was looking for a lighting manufacturer for its latest project at Kidderminster’s Piano Building, the company chose Luceco, a UK manufacturer and distributor of LED lighting products, to provide a complete lighting and controls system that would meet the brief. Purchased by Wyre Forest District Council in 2024, the Piano Building project is part of the town’s wider regeneration programme, supported by the Government’s £17.9 million Levelling Up Fund grant for Kidderminster. The Grade II-listed building is being transformed and repurposed into a modern, mixed-use facility which includes co-working and hybrid working spaces, an entertainment space, and restaurants. From design through to hands-on support, Luceco says it worked closely with Barrie Beard to deliver its upgrade of a new, high-performance lighting and controls system for the building, ready for it to be occupied in Autumn 2025. Jay Taylor, Account Manager at Luceco, comments, “We are delighted to have been able to provide comprehensive support that went beyond initial product supply, achieving both a scheme that would reflect and enhance the character of the building and also delivering a system that would maximise on energy savings with reliable performance.” Product selection Prior to the start of the project, Luceco carried out a controls demonstration to explain the controls offering and potential savings the client could achieve. The company was then able to recommend a range of high-performance luminaires to meet the various lighting requirements of the building. Luceco’s Climate Extra IP66 linear luminaire was chosen for its "durability and efficiency", being appropriate for areas needing low-maintenance lighting. Platinum Downlights were selected to provide a clean light in communal areas, complemented by Celeste backlit panels, selected for their "uniform light distribution and contemporary finish". Presence and daylight sensors were also integrated to allow the system to adapt automatically, reducing energy use in unoccupied areas and enhancing the building’s sustainability credentials. Zach Beesley, Contracts Manager at Barrie Beard, comments, "We saw real energy-saving potential during the controls demonstration, and the support the Luceco team gave us from design to installation was outstanding. "The products performed exactly as promised, making the process straightforward and stress-free." Jay Taylor, concludes, "We’re proud to have contributed to a project that celebrates heritage while creating modern spaces that people want to use." For more from Luceco, click here.

Makita launches new 40VMax XGT vacuum and dust extractor

Makita, a manufacturer of power tools and outdoor equipment, has expanded its 40VMax XGT cordless platform with the launch of a new L-Class vacuum and dust extractor designed for site cleaning and low-hazard dust applications. The new cordless unit is positioned as a portable option for professional users, combining dust extraction and site vacuum functions with automatic operation and battery-powered flexibility. The vacuum delivers a maximum sealed suction of 15 kilopascals and an airflow volume of up to 2.0 cubic metres per minute. According to Makita, this represents an increase in performance compared with previous 18V platforms, without an increase in overall size. Noise levels are stated at up to 75 dB(A), supported by the design of the motor housing and internal supports. A pre-filter and HEPA filter are also included to support dust capture and air quality. Designed for site use and dust control As an L-Class dust extractor, the vacuum is suitable for tasks producing low-hazard dust, including cutting or sanding softwood and gypsum plasterboard. It also supports Makita’s Auto-Start Wireless System, which uses Bluetooth connectivity to link compatible tools and automatically activate extraction when a tool is in use. The unit uses a brushless motor, intended to improve energy efficiency and runtime compared with brushed alternatives. Runtime is stated as between 22 and 120 minutes using a 5.0Ah battery, depending on the selected power setting, with compatibility for higher-capacity 8.0Ah batteries for extended operation. Additional features include adjustable suction control, wet cleaning capability with a dedicated filter, and a built-in blower function. The vacuum has a wet capacity of 4.5 litres and a dry capacity of 7.5 litres, with options to operate with or without cloth filters or paper dust bags. Accessories, including hose extensions and a telescopic pipe, allow configuration to suit different tasks. For mobility on site, the vacuum includes an integrated carry handle and removable shoulder strap. Optional casters can also be fitted to the base to allow easier movement during use. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita, says, “Its portability means simple dust extraction can be achieved in a wide range of locations and, as part of the 40VMax XGT platform, it delivers the power that professionals require.” For more from Makita, click here.

Urban Fox to deploy new Kent EV chargepoints

Urban Fox, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, has secured a 20-year deal with Kent County Council to deploy a large-scale programme of on-street electric vehicle chargers across Kent. Forming part of Kent County Council’s strategy to modernise transport and support innovation across the county, Urban Fox will install up to 10,000 new on‑street electric vehicle chargers, prioritising areas where residents have limited access to off‑street parking. Working closely with Kent County Council, as well as district and borough councils, Urban Fox says it will ensure chargers are installed in the most suitable locations, drawing on a range of on‑street solutions designed to "integrate sensitively" into residential neighbourhoods. Expanding Kent's charging infrastructure Ion Appuhamy, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Investments, comments, “We are delighted to partner with Kent County Council to deliver cutting-edge electric vehicle charging infrastructure that meets the needs of local communities. "This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to creating a cleaner, greener future by making electric vehicle charging accessible and convenient for everyone. "By working together, we are helping to accelerate the transition to sustainable transport and supporting Kent’s ambition to lead the way in low-carbon mobility." Oli Freeling-Wilkinson, CEO for Urban Fox, adds, “This programme represents a significant step forward for electric vehicle charging in Kent and is a vote of confidence in Urban Fox’s ability to deliver at scale while keeping communities at the heart of every project.” Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Kent County Council, explains, “We’re pleased to support this programme because it offers practical help for residents and prepares Kent for the future. "It will deliver reliable and affordable charging within walking distance of their homes, which is particularly important for people who do not have off-road parking, and it’s being delivered at no extra cost to Kent’s Council Tax payers.” Residents have already shared over 700 locations where they would like to see electric vehicle chargers, and these will be assessed over the coming months as the roll-out begins. For more from Urban Fox, click here.

Click Scolmore expands New Media range

Click Scolmore, a designer and manufacturer of electrical accessories, has expanded its New Media wiring accessories portfolio with the introduction of a new eight aperture front plate for its screwless Definity collection, alongside two additional finishes for its existing New Media eight aperture plates. The unfurnished eight aperture front plate has been added to the Definity range to support installations requiring a single, centralised connection point for multiple media outlets. The design allows installers to combine different media modules within one plate, reducing the need for multiple accessories and supporting a more consistent wall finish. New finishes and wider range availability The company has also extended its New Media eight aperture plate range with two new finishes: Matt Bronze and Matt Black. These finishes are intended to support projects where visual consistency is a consideration, including both residential and commercial environments. The New Media range is available across several Click Scolmore collections, including Deco, Deco Plus, Definity, and Mode, allowing specifiers and installers to select accessories that align with individual project requirements. New Media modules are available in black, white, or grey, and are designed to fit into unfurnished plates across selected ranges. The wider portfolio includes half semi-modular part-furnished plates within the New Media and Mode ranges; semi-modular part-furnished plates across Deco, Deco Plus, Definity, and Mode; and unfurnished eight aperture front plates in the New Media and Mode collections. The addition of the screwless Definity option, alongside the new finishes, expands the available configuration and design choices. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.