Legrand explores the tends in smart security and the opportunity they present

SECURING A SAFER FUTURE

Richard Hopkins, Lead Marketing Manager for Legrand UK and Ireland’s User Interface division, explores the trends in smart security and the opportunity they present.

Remote working, lockdown and a lack of travel opportunities have meant that most people are spending more time in their houses than ever. As such, there has been a growing home improvement trend which has resulted in more people investing in their property. Smart home products are growing in popularity, particularly those that are for home security, and electrical contractors must be alert to the different options available.

COVID-19 has dramatically impacted the living and working habits of many. People are spending more time than ever in their houses, resulting in many taking the time to update their homes. Indeed, Money.co.uk recently found that 65% of people have said spending more time at home has resulted in wanting to spend more on renovations. Implementing smart devices to create a connected home is forming part of this trend.

Staying secure

Over recent years the home automation market has boomed, with more people discovering smart lighting and heating systems and installing them in their homes. The next trend which is making its way to the UK is smart security.

Social distancing has also meant interacting with and granting visitors access remotely has become more of an attractive investment for many. While adding in the option to grant access to visitors without physical contact, through a smartphone, is an added bonus.

As the roadmap to lift lockdown restrictions is realised, contractors can also expect to see a continued rise in demand for home security. This will particularly be the case when homes are left unoccupied as workers return to offices and people take long overdue holidays.

Where should contractors start looking to upsell smart security? Smart video doorbells and door entry systems – such as those from Legrand’s Bticino and Netatmo ranges – have represented a foot in the door for many. Compatible with smartphones and easily integrated into smart home scenes, they provide full video visibility of visitors at the door and the ability to interact with them – or even deter them in the case of intruders. For residences with a need for smart door entry functionality, a connected door entry system like the Bticino 100x or 300x brings together video playback with the ability to grant visitors access remotely, removing unnecessary contact with people outside of their household.

As part of a home security suite, there are other smart devices that can be integrated for surveillance and intruder deterrence. Smart cameras for the interior and exterior of a property can intelligently detect differences in movement between a person and other sources, relaying video footage to smartphones. Indoor cameras can also be integrated with sirens and smart door and window accessories to create an intelligent alarm system which can detect movements from an intruder, alerting occupants to their presence with a smartphone notification.

Money.co.uk recently found that 65% of people have said spending more time at home has resulted in wanting to spend more on renovations

To aid in this upskilling process, electrical professionals should look to technology suppliers that offer training courses

Time to upskill

With smart home security expected to rise in popularity, it is crucial that electrical professionals have the right skills to install such products. Keeping up to date with the latest innovations in the sector will ensure the correct recommendations can be made to deliver a security package suited to the occupant’s needs.

To aid in this upskilling process, electrical professionals should look to technology suppliers that offer training courses. Such courses are particularly helpful in a time where in-person training courses are unable to go ahead. Legrand, for example, has developed the Netatmo Pro online training programme which allows electrical installers and contractors to learn about the suite of Netatmo products.

Taking advantage of training allows electrical installers and contractors to get ahead of the smart security demand boom. Electrical professionals need to be aware of the options, especially as people can start to look forward to booking more holidays and time away from home.

Legrand, legrand.co.uk