Electricians Keep Getting These 8 Things Wrong

industry news to save you the trouble. And if  you think you've spotted the two words I've been   challenged to slip into this week's show, comment  with them below for the chance to win a prize.

The industry watchdog has revealed the top  mistakes electricians make when installing   renewables. The Microgeneration Certification  Scheme says there are eight standout reasons that   projects fail its evaluations. It says it's not  out to bash contractors with the list, so don’t   get yourselves into a funk over this. Instead,  MCS says it's disclosing the non-conformities   for the first time to raise awareness in  the trade and eliminate the issues for good.

The list is based on 86 assessments carried out in   February — 49 of these were solar  installs, and 37 were heat pumps. The top fail with PV projects was that no  schematic diagram of the installation was fixed   at the point of interconnection. Additionally,  warning notices for alternative supplies were   not in place at the origin, the meter position,  the consumer unit, or other points of isolation.  

Furthermore, DC cables were not supported or  routed safely or brought through the underlay/felt   as required by the IET. Finally, expansion gaps  were not always maintained around all modules. For heat pumps, the biggest issue was that  external insulation was not sealed to keep   out water — particularly important if the heat  pump is installed in a shrubbery. Inspectors   also reported that warning labels were often  not completed or left in a visible position.  

Another reason jobs failed was that the pipework  outside the building was not suitably sleeved   or sealed. Lastly, inspectors often found that  the D2 plumbing termination was not compliant. I’ve put a link to the full list in the  show notes so you can use it as a checklist.

In other news, a hugely popular Sangamo wall  switch is being recalled over the risk of shock,   burns, and suffocation. The Power Saver  is a fused timer for heating systems. It’s   either surface- or flush-mounted,  and available in white, silver,   and black. Nine variants of the Chinese-made  unit are being recalled from householders. Trading Standards officers say the product  presents a risk of electric shock and burns.  

That’s because a potential manufacturing  defect may cause it to overheat — especially   when used with high loads and in high ambient  temperatures. The housing can become distorted,   exposing the user to live parts. The  consumer may touch the live part,   resulting in potential electrocution.  The unit can also melt, causing burns   and releasing smoke — which  could lead to asphyxiation. The product does not meet the requirements of  the Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations 2016.  

I’ve listed the affected model numbers  and 13-digit barcodes in the show notes.   If you've installed one, replace it  with a new unit from your wholesaler.

The family of electrician Matthew Campbell says  its petition calling for an inquest into his   death has now been signed by over 2,000 trade  colleagues and friends. Matthew, 24, died when   he was struck by a falling tree as strong winds  from Storm Ali lashed Northern Ireland in 2018.   He was working to restore power at a water pumping  station in a forest park, as winds hit 91 mph.

His family says the Health and Safety Executive  for Northern Ireland (HSENI) did not initially   attend the scene or launch an investigation.  It eventually opened an investigation in   February 2020 — more than a year later. In 2024,  Newry, Mourne and Down Council, along with Lagan   Construction, were fined a total of £50,000  after admitting health and safety offences   related to the incident. However, the charges did  not address the specific day Matthew was killed.

His parents say an inquest would expose how   badly his death was handled and  help prevent future tragedies.

The trade is also being warned this week about  the dangers of vibrating tools. It follows an   HSE prosecution of a social housing provider  after two workers were diagnosed with hand-arm   vibration syndrome. One worker estimated he used  vibrating equipment for 90% of his working day. Stonewater Ltd, who deployed the workers near  Coventry, was fined £140,000. Regular exposure to   vibration can cause painful, disabling conditions  affecting the nerves, blood supply, joints, and  

muscles of the hands and arms. The risk increases  with exposure and varies between individuals. I’ve put a link to the HSE  guidance in the show notes. Now, welcome to our Electrical News Weekly  feature, where we focus on a specific product  

area. This week, it’s tools and test equipment  — and there’s been loads of innovation recently. First up is Martindale, who’ve unveiled an  advanced socket tester. The EZ664 verifies   socket safety and wiring integrity in domestic  and commercial jobs. It connects via a standard   13A plug or flying leads and uses tri-colour  LEDs to show wiring conditions, voltage levels,   and earth loop impedance —  without tripping a 30mA RCD. Chauvin Arnoux has launched a current meter with 

a flexible measuring loop. The Digiflex MA400D   measures AC flow from 20mA to 400A — or up to  4,000A with another model. It’s ideal for tight   spaces where you can’t use a clamp. I’ve linked  to the product and demo video in the show notes. The Kewtech KT64DL is the UK’s smallest  multifunction tester with EV testing.   It handles continuity, insulation resistance,  loop impedance, PSC/PFC, and both AC and A-type  

RCD testing. It also includes a 6mA DC  test at 0° and 180° to verify EV charge   points — plus AC/DC breakdown voltage  displays for surge protection testing. Socket & See has launched its safe isolation  kit — the ISO Kit 420. It includes the SP400   proving unit, the upgraded VIP 2000 two-pole  voltage indicator, and a rugged safe case.   The SP400 has a true AC waveform output up to  690V, while the VIP 2000 features continuity,   phase rotation, and auto-test functions.

One of our favourite bits of kit is “The Xtrahand”  — a vacuum attachment that sticks to almost any   surface and clears dust while drilling, grinding,  or cutting. It even works with hole saws,   auger bits, angle grinders, and multi-tools.  Use the code EIX10 to get 10% off online orders. Two toolboxes to highlight now. First, the  Wiha XL2 — a roller case packed with 60 tools,   92 loops, and shock absorbers to stop it slamming  shut. It includes everything from screwdrivers to  

crimping pliers. If you register your  Wiha toolkit through the MyWiha app,   you're entered into a monthly  draw to win a Coolbag or fan pack. Velocity has also launched the Rogue 600 Wheeler —  the world’s first trackable tool bag. It includes   a built-in Velocity Connect tracker, massive  storage, rugged wheels, and 55 internal pockets. Spit has unveiled the Tapcon HFL Extreme —  a hex-head screw for cracked and uncracked   concrete, including seismic zones C1 and 

C2. It features a patented longer thread,  

is adjustable for realignment, and  comes in various lengths and diameters. This week’s question was about ferrules — and  came from our free training package with Klauke.  

Next week, we’ll be focusing on  wholesalers and distributors. And   don’t forget — there’s still time to enter  NVC Lighting’s sales promo. The top prize   is Oasis tickets! Spend £250 for a £5  Greggs voucher, £400 for a £10 voucher,   plus monthly Amazon prizes — and you’re  entered into the draw automatically. We’re always looking for your stories, installs,  and recommendations. Over the next few weeks,   we’ll be covering distributors, LED lighting 

and controls, and smart software. Send us   photos or let us know about the tools  and products making your job easier.

Now, onto your favourite bit of the show  — the secret words. Last week’s challenge  

words were “puppeteer” and “unicyclist.” And the  winner? Longtime commenter and friend of the show:   DogWhisperer7494 — aka Sha Dempsey.  Well done, Shan. Persistence pays off! Make sure you click the "get involved"  link in the show notes to claim your prize. Thanks for listening to this episode of  Electrical News Weekly. Make sure you   subscribe for the next update — and until next  time, have a great week. Stay safe out there,