Electrical Contracting News (ECN) May 2017 | Page 59
WIRING ACCESSORIES
most flexible and efficient means of doing
this is the use of modules on a multiple
aperture plate.
By offering modular switch plates as
standard, manufacturers can facilitate the
quick and easy creation of virtually any
switch plate design required. With such a
wide range of modules available, contractors
and installers have total flexibility to quickly
and easily customise bespoke designs and
solutions on site, assembling up to as many
as 24 different switching functions on a
single plate, if required.
Modular wiring’s flexibility means that
there is no minimum project size and it is
easier for contractors to take on bigger
projects than they might otherwise do.
From single room solutions to the largest
multi-million pound new build hospitals,
systems can be either retrofitted or newly
installed to provide users with safe, reliable
and convenient power and lighting services.
Smart homes
As the evolution of the smart home
gathers apace, the market is witnessing
a continued increase in the appetite
for smart technology from end users.
Whilst this advance is bringing significant
business opportunities for switched on
electrical contractors and installers,
there is a reluctance on the part of some
installers to fully embrace this new
technology as it is deemed too complicated
to install and they are therefore unwilling to
upsell to customers.
However, with the right wiring accessory
products it is now easier than ever for
installers to provide an upgrade to an existing
wiring installation with minimal disruption.
Smart switches are helping to provide the
answer. Here are three scenarios which we
regularly come across as typical problem
areas encountered by installers, where smart
switches can provide a solution.
• Adding an additional switch to an
existing light without the need for
cabling
This can be done by fitting a switching
module behind the light fitting you wish
to activate (for example in the bathroom)
and then add a switch controller to a
convenient place in the bedroom. The
bathroom light can now be easily turned
on from the comfort of the bedroom.
‘The market
is witnessing
a continued
increase in
the appetite
for smart
technology
from end
users.’
• The problem of continuous flickering
when you switch on one of your lights
with a rotary dimmer
This can be easily overcome using a multi-
functional dimming receiver and a retractive
switch. Replace the wired rotary dimmer
with the retractive switch and add the
receiver to the light fitting. This will instantly
stop any flickering that may have occurred.
• Introduce two-way dimming control from
separate locations (wired)
By using a multifunctional dimming
receiver and two retractive switches, you
will be able to dim from both locations, for
example at the top and bottom of the stairs.
Key influencing
factors on the
market include
legislation on energy
efficiency and carbon
emissions.
Wiring accessories account for
a significant element of the overall
investment in any electrical installation
infrastructure and installers will be in
favour of those products which, by being
quick and easy to install, will not only save
them time on the job but will also save
them money.
SPECIAL
FEATURE