Electrical Contracting News (ECN) May 2017 | Page 53

WIRING ACCESSORIES
SPECIAL
FEATURE
contractors and specifiers to added-
value features such as these that
wholesalers can help them identify
the most functional, cost effective and
fit for purpose solutions.
Nuisance tripping
IP rating
Whatever the IP rating, the importance
of considering the actual features and
benefits of individual products cannot be
overstressed. For example, it’s important to
note whether the product still protects from
ingress of dust and water to the required
standard even when plugged in. It is also
important to ensure the lids close when
using a moulded plug. Only a product that
has a lid designed to close securely around
the flex will provide this level of protection.
And, if the outdoor socket does have such
a lid, it is then worth noting whether the
lid is clear enough to allow the user to see
whether a plug is in place or whether an
indication light is switched on. It’s worth
remembering too that performance and
safety are not the only key selling points of
outdoor power products; durability is also
crucial; after all, they will be constantly
An increase in the
number of outdoor
power applications
has led consumers
to look for better
outdoor power
solutions.
Today people want
to make their
gardens a part of
their living space.
subjected to all kinds of weather conditions
and wear and tear.
All PowerBreaker ProteKt products are
IP66-rated and have been tested under
multi-directional power hosing conditions
and are therefore suitable for the most
demanding conditions, including pressure
washers and these products should offer
safe and reliable performance in even the
most challenging environments, such as
commercial car washes. IP66 also protects
from the ingress of dust and dirt particles
– all present in both commercial and
domestic situations.
While the focus is on waterproofing
and resistance to dust it is easy to forget
that heat and sunlight can also cause
the unit to deteriorate over time, which
is why the PowerBreaker ProteKt range
has been designed with UV protection
to increase durability. It’s by signposting
With safety so high on the agenda,
IP-rated sockets with integral RCDs are
a popular choice as these remove the need
for an RCD adaptor and avoid the risk
of nuisance tripping. For commercial
applications, the safest option is often
to opt for an IP rated spur unit to avoid
any possibility that electrical cables
could be unplugged by mistake or due
to vandalism. Meanwhile, if energy
efficiency is part of the brief, an IP
rated digital timer could be the most
appropriate choice as this would allow
devices such as outdoor lights – in
either domestic or commercial settings
– to be switched off automatically when
not required.
Finally, it is sensible to think ahead
as domestic and commercial demand
for outdoor power grows it may be
prudent to install a double socket even
if there is only a requirement for a single
socket at the present time, as this will
help to future proof the installation.
Ultimately, outdoor power is an
upselling opportunity for contractors
and wholesalers alike. Any domestic
or commercial building can benefit
from the availability of outdoor power;
a professionally installed socket,
spur, switch or timer enhances both
the flexibility and the safety of outdoor
power usage when compared to the old
fashioned extension lead approach. It
pays, therefore, to know what is out
there and to maximise the opportunity
outdoor power can provide.
May 2017 | 53