Leandro Souza, Category Manager for Wiring Devices at Schneider Electric examines the latest ‘intelligent’ wiring accessories that can makes homes smarter and bring business opportunities for switched on electrical wholesalers and installers:
As the property market continues to thrive, and the UK’s £14 billion home improvement market undergoes a renaissance, many installers are seeking something fresh for both new builds and refurbishments.
Electrical accessories for buildings have long been overlooked, with sockets and switches often failing to receive the same attention as more prominent technology in the home. However, demand in the market is changing, with customers seeking more refined electrical accessories, as well as a higher level of functionality and choice.
Consumers are looking for innovative products that improve safety, design, connectivity and make their lives easier. Installers are seeking something fresh, flexible and easier to install to enable them to do their job faster, at a high quality and to meet customer expectations in terms of design and functionality.
Electrical wholesalers, on the other hand, are looking for flexible products and solutions that address new technologies. They are also looking for different ways of optimising their stock levels, while some of them are also trying to adopt a more business-to-consumer trade counter approach.
Function as well as form
It’s precisely for these reasons that Schneider Electric recently introduced its Lisse range, giving installers and wholesalers the chance to offer their clients a choice of premium and professional accessories.
Designed with both function and form in mind, the products are built for the aesthetic and practical requirements of 21st century buildings. There is no longer a need to compromise on appearance to get the most innovative features.
The white moulded accessories have a gentle curve and provide inherent antimicrobial properties. Rounded rockers compliment the curved body of the plate, with two sets of screw cap covers providing a discreet, flush finish.
The 7mm raised edge profile allows for easy installation on both new builds and retrofits, and minimum back protection frees up space in the back box for cabling. Supplementary spacer frames offer an additional 7mm of installation depth where required.
At the rear of the plate, backed out and captive screw terminals are designed for positive drive and speed of installation. The range also offers several optional extras.
Other distinguishing features
At a time when installers are looking to distinguish themselves from the competition and offer something different, the Lisse range brings together a number of interesting features for various functions.
For example, a subtle LED indicator on the front plate can provide a gentle but clear signal where power indication is needed. The illumination shines through the front plate moulding, with the indicators simply clicked into place via a purpose-built space on the back of the front plate with dedicated push terminals for cabling.
Staying connected at home has never been more important, and digital natives are well catered for with the Lisse products. Included are combination media plates with a variety of multimedia ports, USB chargers and connectors, providing central hubs for TVs, sound systems, games consoles and computers.
Regular plates can also be modified with clever homeowner accessories, including a hook frame for keys, a clip frame for notes or photos, and a two-gang shelf frame for resting phones and tablets while they charge. These options can be both fun and functional, extending the socket’s purpose beyond the obvious with easy to install stylish frames.
Beyond the home…
The range has also been designed for use beyond the home, having been independently tested to validate its antimicrobial properties.
Its urea construction means that the Lisse range is resistant to harmful bacteria such as MRSA, e-Coli, salmonella and klebsiella pneumonia, making it a suitable solution for hospitals and care homes, as well as any other public buildings where plates are likely to have a high number of users.