2008-08-11
For years white wiring devices have been the norm, but it appears that trends and tastes are changing.
Alastair Ramsay of Legrand talks about the changes affecting the wiring accessories market.
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“In recent years wiring devices have had to undergo a dramatic change – the main reason for which can be directly attributed to the veritable explosion in technologies used at home and work.
Take for example today’s modern home. It simply isn’t complete without its computer, or computers, with hi-speed Internet access linked to home entertainment and combined cable or satellite service providers. Additionally, access control and home security systems are fitted as standard within inner city re-development projects, and are fast becoming commonplace in new-build homes.
Meanwhile, the way in which we work has influenced changes in commercial environments. Nomadic work practices and the constant pursuit of optimised productivity now play a major role in the design of new office buildings and in order to meet these requirements, the technical infrastructure needs to be able to be quickly and easily adapted to integrate electrical equipment and communication networks as and where they’re needed. In addition, the office also needs to operate in an energy efficient and environmentally friendly way.
In practical terms, this has meant that where once the demand for wiring accessories in the average room was limited to one light switch and a couple of power points, it’s now vastly more than this. For example, TV only wiring evolved to handle diplex TV and FM wiring, moved on to triplex TV, FM and satellite and has recently morphed again into the flexible TV corner installations we see today.
As the number of required wiring devices increased, so their appearance had to change. The main reason being that back when their numbers were strictly limited, the impact they had on a room was minor and so function rather than appearance was the main issue. As a result, the design of the product was left up to the electrical and manufacturing design engineers.
Now though, the visibility of wiring devices is high and appearance is key, so the functional elements are actually designed within the product’s aesthetic constraints – a situation that clearly challenges the electrical designers, but demonstrates the sheer importance of appearance in the modern world of wiring devices.
All of these changes led, in the first instance at least, to the replacement of chunky white products that were designed purely from a functional perspective. In their place came a new generation of devices that were developed to add to, rather than detract from, the interior design scheme.
At first, this new generation followed the tried and tested path of white being the optimum choice for all wiring device solutions. And, in terms of sales volume, this is still the case – although it is changing.
Today, end-users are now looking at form as well as function and performance from all their electrical accessories. Therefore, architects and specifiers are keenly looking for ways to add something extra to their project and, due to their abundance throughout the interior of any new build or redevelopment project, wiring devices are seen as an ideal means of doing this.
What this has meant to the manufacturer is that product offerings have had to be reinvented in order to meet these new demands – a process that we at Legrand have led the way with.
In 2005 we launched our Synergy range. Designed with the aim of elevating wiring devices to the status of must-have style accessories, it provided interior designers with wiring devices that complement every conceivable décor, while meeting the practical and safety needs of installers and end users.
A particularly noteworthy feature of the range was the selection of different finishes offered across both its Modern and Traditional elements. Key amongst these for our Modern products was a decorative nickel finish that was designed to create a ‘warm’ contemporary look, and a silver option that provided the perfect solution for ultra ‘cool’ interiors.
Meanwhile, the Traditional element of the range featured brushed steel, polished steel and satin brass finishes, all which were aimed at ensuring a classic look could be maintained throughout any interior. The brass finish adding warmth and elegance to any relaxing setting, while the ‘cool’ brushed steel finish was intended for busy environments where accessories are constantly in use. Finally, the polished steel finish provided a stand-out ‘cool’ look, guaranteed to turn heads due to its stunning mirror finish.
The popularity of these non-white finishes was immediate and has continued to grow in relation to white sales ever since. In fact, such has been the extent of this growth, there are some within the industry who feel it won’t be long before non-white sales outweigh those of white wiring device sales in value terms.
Our view is that while white wiring devices will always have their place, the use of non-white products will grow significantly. And such is our confidence in the market following this path we have recently added new finishes to our Synergy range – matt black and black nickel.
These two new finishes, which have been available on all Synergy Modern products since April, have been added to the range as stand-out options; delivering as they do a big impact to any interior in which they are used.
Initial reaction to them has been positive, but the proof of just how far the market is willing to move from its white product roots will be in the end of year sales, which I’m confident will show our faith in this trend has been well-placed.
So what do these developments mean to the wholesaler?
The main impact this new generation of wiring devices is having, and will continue to have on the wholesaler is very much linked to cost.
As you’d expect, a wiring device that has been designed to add the interior style, both through its form and function, will cost more to manufacture and, of course, the manufacturer’s price will reflect this. In turn, the sell-on price of such products will be greater than that of traditional type wiring devices, meaning profit opportunities for the wholesaler will grow.
Legrand is amongst the UK’s leading manufacturers of wiring devices. To find out more about its products and services visit the Legrand website by clicking on the link below.
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Related contacts
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Legrand Electric Limited
Great King Street North
Birmingham
B19 2LF
Tel : 0845 605 4333
Fax : 0845 605 4334
Email : legrand.sales@legrand.co.uk
www.legrand.co.uk |
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Source: Legrand Electric Ltd |
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