Electrical Contracting News (ECN) ECN-Nov2017 | Page 49

WIRING ACCESSORIES SPECIAL FEATURE BEAT THE CLOCK For time-pressed electricians, products which prevent delays on-site arising from product damage and loss are vital. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly coming up with new innovations which reduce these hazards. Emma Segelov, head of marketing at MK Electric, discusses some of the latest addi tions to the market. A ccording to recent government statistics, more Brits than at any time since the recession are dreaming of shorter working hours. Like many professions, electricians can feel overworked at times, but shorter working days can be attainable if projects are planned ahead and products are selected carefully. For example, no electrician wants to waste time reinstalling products that have been damaged on-site, or re-ordering parts which have been misplaced during the hustle and bustle of every day construction. At the end of the day, the quicker an electrician can complete the job at hand, the sooner they can move on to the next one. As a result, we are now starting to see products entering the electrical industry which are designed to avoid these common issues. With innovations such as two-piece product designs, manufacturers are developing new products which can help to avoid product damage and loss to ensure time on-site is as productive as possible. At MK Electric, for example, we have recently released our latest range of screwless wiring devices, MK Dimensions, with these specifi c challenges in mind. During the design process, we spoke to electricians to fi nd out what they need from the wiring devices they install, and what obstacles they face on-site. Unsurprisingly, a standout, recurring, theme amongst those consulted was the risk of product loss and damage, and the pressure that this can put on effectively meeting project deadlines. Another frequently raised concern was that if a frontplate is not installed until a later stage (in order to protect it) then the functional module may not be compliant with British Standards, and therefore, socket outlets for example may not be operational as an on-site power source. The obvious answer to reducing damage is a design which enables a two-part installation – allowing the functional module to be installed in-line with the build schedule, whilst the frontplate is safely put aside to guard against damage such as plaster abrasions or paint splatter. However, this still leaves two points of diffi culty; the fi rst being the risk of losing the frontplate whilst it is waiting for installation, and the second that the functional module alone may not be compliant, and therefore unusable. With this in mind, MK Dimensions was designed to make two-part installation as simple as possible, also ensuring that the functional module is compliant without the frontplate being exposed to potential damage. Unlike many other two-part product solutions, MK Dimensions presents the two individual components as completely separate products, with individual part numbers. This means that whilst the functional module can be installed in-line with the build schedule, the frontplate – which does not need to be fi tted until later in the process (perhaps “Manufacturers are developing new products which can help to avoid product damage and loss to ensure time on-site is as productive as possible.” until just before client handover) – can also be delivered to site at a later stage, avoiding loss and damage. Every functional module is fully compliant with British Standards and therefore can be fully operational, allowing work to continue as usual on-site. As a result, the frontplate fi nish can be decided on later in the build process, while there is no longer a need to worry about paint splashes or knocks and scratches that may occur whilst the site is still under construction. The potential for the part being mislaid whilst it is awaiting installation is also minimised. Time is of the essence for electricians, and there’s nothing more frustrating than having to re-do a job because of damage or loss. By choosing products which take the risks out of on-site installation, electricians can save their own time, whilst also helping clients to keep their building schedule on track. MK Electric, www.mkelectric.co.uk Could innovative new wiring products reduce time on-site? November2017 | 49