NEWS & INSIGHTS from Maintenance Services Electrical 

Power over Ethernet with optic fibres
Businesses and homes alike benefit from a variety of electrical installations. That might mean providing a facility for electric vehicle charging or making sure a building is properly protected. 
 
Maintenance Services Electrical have recently completed work that demonstrates the variety of electrical services available, from commercial EV charging installation through to domestic fuse board upgrades. 
Power over Ethernet with optic fibres
The electrical industry, once again, is in flux. Modern buildings are becoming increasingly connected to everything. Security cameras, access control systems, lighting, and a whole host of wireless access points are all pivotal connectivity points in the modern home and office. One of the important technologies lodged at the centre of this shift is Power over Ethernet (PoE). 
 
PoE allows data and electricity to be delivered through the same network cable. There is no need to install separate power supplies or connections for compatible devices, a single Ethernet connection is capable of providing both. 
 
Whilst PoE is not a sparkling new technology fresh from the lab, its growing use makes it increasingly relevant to electricians and contractors. This is reflected in the IET Wiring Regulations latest update. This introduces a dedicated section covering PoE. 
Electricity Meter
Recently, a little-known issue affecting hundreds of UK electricity meters has surfaced. The meters connected to the UK’s transmission system could be adding up to £100m a year to the cost of operating the electricity grid. 
 
The problem is not that the meters are broken in any traditional sense. Instead the meters are recording the direction of electricity flow incorrectly. Power being generated is being reported as consumption, and vice versa. 
 
According to reports, the issue affects more than 800 metering points across the UK, including all 45 offshore wind farms. 
Electrician replacing fuses
The UK’s ambition to deliver a near-zero carbon electricity system by 2030 is currently under pressure. New analysis suggests the target will be missed unless there is significant acceleration in national infrastructure and installation work. 
 
According to a recent model by LCP Delta, Great Britain is on course to achieve around 83% clean power generation by the end of the decade. That falls some way short of the government’s aspiring 95% goal. It seems despite the steady progress in renewable generation, the electrical systems required to support this transition are struggling to meet the pace. 
 
For electricians, electrical contractors, and the end user, these findings highlight a critical issue: it’s not just about generating clean power, but how effectively that power is utilised across the grid. 
Old consumer box
As another busy week comes to an end we are taking the time to showcase a recent domestic project. Whilst large-scale commercial installations steal the spotlight, it is these carefully completed household upgrades that make a significance to everyday peace of mind. 
 
Earlier this month, we undertook a project that involved the replacement and upgrade of an existing consumer unit for a residential customer. It was important the work was carried out to a modern standard, ensuring improved protection for the property and to bring the installation in line with current electrical regulations. 
Electrician replacing fuses
The electrical industry in the UK is currently entering a critical period of change following the latest update to the IET Wiring Regulations, BS 7671 Amendment 4 (2026). 
 
Following the official release on 15 April 2026 by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Standards Institution (BSI), the amendment represents one of the most significant regulatory updates in recent years. Whilst, in most instances, it can be adopted immediately, a key deadline looms. On 15 October 2026 the previous version of the regulations will be formally withdrawn. From this point, Amendment 4 becomes the only recognised standard. 
 
For electricians across the UK, the message is clear: adapt quickly or risk falling behind. 
A defibrillator nearby in your community could save lives.
Maintenance Services Electrical Ltd (MSE) is excited and proud to support its presence in grassroots motorsport. Director Rob Jones prepares to return to Rebels Racing following a full rebuild of his stock car. 
 
Rebels Racing, established in late 1994, was created around a clear and practical thesis. The organisation’s founders aimed to develop a full-contact racing series that required minimal repair and maintenance equipment. This makes the cars and racing accessible for drivers and spectators whilst still delivering high-impact competition. At the same time, the cars were designed with both size and aesthetics in mind. The Rebels Racing drivers will be able to keep their stock cars compact enough for easy storage and transport, and will take pride in their appearance.