WIRING ACCESSORIES
to introduce the idea of smart home
technology to their customers, providing
advice and education to the homeowner
and at the same time using their skills to
introduce a smart element to their client’s
home technology requirement.
The advent of smart wiring accessories
shows how far the humble plug and
socket has come. It doesn’t seem that
long ago that people started to want
more and better sited wiring accessories
– switches, switch sockets and dimmers
for example – to cope with the increasing
number of electrical equipment, such as
computers and peripherals, AV, media and
kitchen equipment. Today modern wiring
accessories include combination media
plates for a variety of multimedia ports,
USB chargers and connectors.
Intelligent wiring accessories can help
make homes smarter. There are products
now on the market, like our Click Smart
range, which is designed to make it easier
than ever for installers to provide a smart
upgrade to an existing wiring installation
with minimum disruption. Click Smart has
at its core accessibility and simplicity for
the installer and end user and is designed
to bring convenience, comfort, security,
energy saving and ultimately more control
for occupants. It also offers business
opportunities for switched-on electrical
contractors and installers.
Smart switches are devices used for
controlling receivers and they consist of a
retractive switch module and switch cover
plate. They offer a range of solutions that
enable the wireless control of receivers
from a host of locations.
By looking at typical problems
encountered while out on the job, installers
can sell a simple solution to the end user
and introduce an element of smart control.
Here are four such scenarios we have
outlined, where a smart switch can provide
a solution:
Add an additional switch
to an existing light without
the need for cabling
You need to make your way to the bathroom
in the middle of the night. It’s difficult
to see in the dark and you want to avoid
SPECIAL
FEATURE
disturbing anyone. The solution is to fit a
smart switching module behind the light
fitting you wish to activate in the bathroom
and then add the switch controller to a
convenient place in the bedroom. You can
now easily turn the bathroom light on from
the comfort of your bed.
Fix a flickering light by using
a retractive switch instead of
a rotary dimmer (wired)
The problem of continuous flickering when
you switch on one of your lights with a
rotary dimmer can be easily overcome
using the 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)
If you have a two-way switch upstairs and
a dimmer downstairs you can turn the
light on from the switch. Once dimmed
with the rotary dimmer, there is no way
for you to increase the brightness. You
can only switch the lights on and off at
the same brightness. This means you
have to walk downstairs which can be a
hazard if the lighting is set at a low level.
By using a multi-functional dimming
receiver and two retractive switches, you
will be able to dim from both locations,
meaning no more risky trips down the
stairs in the dark.
Add a switch to an
outdoor socket for
multiple appliances
There are many reasons you may want to
add a wireless switch to an outdoor socket,
for example switching a light, controlling an
outdoor appliance/sprinklers or the ability
to switch off power for security. By adding a
smart switch and a receiver to the already
powered socket, you will be able to control
it from anywhere in your home.
The future is definitely smart and, as
more consumers become switched on to the
idea of being able to control heating, lighting
and security in their homes, so the demand
for electricians to install the products that
will bring this control will continue to rise.
If installers are put off by complicated and
costly smart control systems, they can start
with a back to basics system that offers all
the control without the complexity, time,
disruption and cost.
The installation of a system like Click
Smart is simple and flexible, with no
additional cables or wall cutting required
for installation within existing or newly
constructed buildings. Receivers can
be installed behind light fittings or into
suitable installation boxes and can be
utilised with existing wiring. Existing
receivers can also be paired with a
universal input switch which converts up
to four push-button switches.
Installers should take advantage of
the training opportunities offered by
manufacturers, as a means of tapping into
this growing and lucrative market sector.
Scolmore Group, www.scolmore.com
November2017 | 47