Company Showcase

OUTDOOR LIGHTING ON THE UP – AND DOWN – WITH KNIGHTSBRIDGE RANGE

Knightsbridge is expanding its comprehensive range of decorative outdoor lighting with the introduction of its latest wall light range (product code: OWALL).

The stylish, contemporary looking line-up provides options for both down- and up-lighting from a sleek cylindrical, stainless steel body that is configured to provide a choice of either single or dual source lighting.

The single lamp option measures a compact 110mm in height, 60mm diameter and has a projection of 96mm. The two-lamp version is 170mm in height but with the same dimensions for diameter and projection as the single lamp version.

Available in a choice of popular finishes – black, anthracite, brushed chrome or white – the IP54-rated OWALL can take a standard sized GU10 lamp and is dimmable dependent on lamp type, further increasing the range of lighting effects.

Both new versions come with a standard warranty of two years, giving peace of mind.

Whatever the outdoor application, Knightsbridge has a product that can do it beautifully. Knightsbridge, mlaccessories.co.uk

SCOLMORE GETS SERIOUS IN THE SMART HOME MARKET

Scolmore Group has developed a brand new and comprehensive range of smart products under the Click Smart+ brand that takes its provision of smart home solutions to a whole new level.

Designed to simplify and streamline connected home products – lighting controls, smart sockets, security cameras and sensors – the Click Smart+ range utilises Zigbee technology. Zigbee certified devices require the Click Smart+ Hub and communicate with each other using a mesh network which creates multiple pathways for the connection of multiple smart home devices without compromising signal and communication range. A key benefit of Zigbee and the new Click Smart+ range is that there is no requirement for a signal repeater, as all the devices have repeaters built in.

Scolmore’s Click Smart+ range will assist installers looking to boost their business with an enhanced smart home offer that will deliver a complete connected home experience to householders.

The bespoke Click Smart+ App gives householders ultimate control of the smart devices, which can also be operated through voice control in conjunction with a smart speaker. Scolmore, click-smart.com/home

OVIA ADDS SELF-TEST EMERGENCY PACK TO COMMERCIAL LIGHTING RANGE

Ovia has introduced a self-test version of its 4W Universal Emergency Pack.

This means there is now a standard and self-test option to cover all emergency installation requirements for the company’s growing range of LED panels and AluPanel downlights.

The key benefit of the self-test emergency pack is to prevent the need for ongoing maintenance and the associated labour and costs involved. In the event of mains fail it will provide emergency lighting for three hours at a lower light. This fulfils the minimum requirement of the BS5266 standard that applies to emergency lighting. The self-test pack will check the emergency light fitting automatically to ensure that the battery and lamp are fully operational. If a problem is detected by the self-test function, the system will display a visual warning via the green/red indicator LED.

Both the standard and the self-test options are compatible with the following Ovia light fittings – Jura, Inceptor Slate, Inceptor Slate Backlit, Inceptor Skylar UGR16, Inceptor Trofa and AluPanel. Ovia, oviauk.com

AICO LAUNCHES ONLINE COMMUNITY FOR EXPERT INSTALLERS

Aico is pleased to announce the launch of the Aico Installer Community, a connected online community built to support expert installers. This community will provide a platform for electrical contractors to discover opportunities, interact and engage with one another to share knowledge and earn rewards.

At the heart of Aico is education, quality, service and innovation which is demonstrated in the free, CPD accredited training, available all over the UK. Aico’s award-winning expert installer training, delivered by knowledgeable regional specification managers, provides electrical contractors with updates on legislation, products and technologies and facilitates the sharing of best practice. This training also provides all of the information that they require to select, site, install and maintain Aico alarms to the highest quality. In recent times, the training scheme had been revamped and overhauled to adapt to the requirements of the virtual world.

The online community will provide opportunities for expert installers to network and connect with fellow professionals, participate in discussions and expand their knowledge. Members will be able to access the knowledge base within the community, view FAQs, how-to videos and new technical bulletins. Challenges will facilitate learning and development and enable members to accumulate points to redeem rewards and be entered into monthly prize draws, including the chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to watch the British Superbikes. You will be eligible to join the community if you have completed your training after 1st May 2019. Aico, aico.co.uk/community

AKUVOX LAUNCHES A05C SMART ACCESS CONTROL READER

CIE has announced the UK launch of the A05C from Akuvox. The A05C is the first of Akuvox’s brand new series of smart IP access control readers and features a 5” HD colour screen that is attractive and easy to use.

The unit also incorporates the latest deep-learning AI and dual-camera technology, which allows for secure, touch-free verification via face recognition, Bluetooth, RFID or QR Code scanning, all of which are supported by the Akuvox SmartPlus smartphone app. With these features available as standard, the A05C is one of the most advanced IP Access Control Readers available on the market.

The A05C Access Reader is also available with optional thermal detection modules to check anyone entering the building for fever-like body temperatures.

“The A05C is a prime example of a product that Akuvox has produced to meet the demands for the growing architectural trend for COVID-secure ‘contactless pathways’ in the workplace”, says Chris Edwards, Marketing Director of CIE-Group. CIE-Group, cie-group.com

NEW EV CHARGE POINT PROTECTION AND SAFETY SOLUTIONS FROM BRANDSAFE

Improved levels of protection for electric vehicle (EV) charge points installed in warehouse and distribution centre car parks are provided by a new range of high-performance solutions from Brandsafe, the UK impact protection equipment specialist.

The resilient, cost-effective and flexible EV charge point protection range from Brandsafe is ideal for the all-round protection of new or current EV charge point installations from vehicles in car park areas and features an array of durable and impact resistant bollards, wheel stops and Armco barriers. For light and medium duty applications, ImpactSAFE Protection Posts are available in either 600mm, 800mm or 1000mm height options. In heavy-duty applications, ImpactSAFE Heavy Duty Bollards should be utilised. These bollards are available in 1000mm, 1300mm or 1600mm height options. Vehicle traffic routing Armco safety barriers can also be installed in industrial areas to protect either individual or multiple charge points, providing a further level of protection against vehicle impact damage. Brandsafe, brandsafeprotection.com

HOME USB CHARGING JUST GOT FASTER THANKS TO KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Knightsbridge has introduced 230V 13A two-gang switched sockets that uniquely support FASTCHARGE* in two USB ports.

The sockets have either a Type-A USB port, for the most encountered chargers, and a Type-C, which is fast becoming the device charging standard; or two Type-A ports. In either combination, however, both ports are FASTCHARGE enabled. This means that a device compatible with QC2.0/ QC3.0 (Quick Charge) or PD FASTCHARGE can achieve up to a 50% charge in 30 minutes or less.

Both outlets are capable of delivering between 5V DC and 12V DC at a maximum of 3A. Standard charging mode provides up to 10W for both USB types; although charging rates depend on the type of device, for instance, mobile phones ‘determine’ how much power to draw.

The total output is a maximum of 4A when both outlets are in use. The Knightsbridge sockets are unique in the market in being able to shift voltages up to 9 or 12V in either port to achieve 18W.

*Apple devices do not support PD FASTCHARGE, but the use of certified cables will achieve an optimum charge rate of up to 5V 3A.

Knightsbridge, mlaccessories.co.uk

C.K LAUNCHES NEW RESCUE NUT & BOLT EXTRACTOR SET

C.K Tools is set to launch its new Rescue Nut & Bolt Extractor Set (T4360), a handy solution that quickly and efficiently removes broken/damaged nuts, bolts and fasteners. The new Set joins the already popular Damaged Screw Remover Set, to enhance the expanding C.K Rescue range of products. Designed to alleviate what can be an arduous, time consuming process, the new Rescue Nut & Bolt Extractor Set is set to be a winner for those whose work relies upon quality tools to get the job done.

The Set provides a hassle-free solution, featuring high quality patented extractor inserts for ring spanners and sockets that securely grip all round and effortlessly remove fasteners with up to 85% damaged or worn corners. Other key features and benefits include: adapters for fixings sized 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17mm; works on a range of fasteners; and adapts just two socket/ ring spanner sizes to fit 10 different fasteners.

C.K. Tools, carlkammerling.com

KNX STARTER SETS AND CENTRAL UNIT FOR SMART KNX BUILDINGS

With the KNX sets CasaConnect, Elsner Elektronik presents a new concept for KNX beginners. Typical KNX devices for an apartment or for a house reach the customer as a pre-configured package. It includes a weather station, control panel, room controller, smoke, motion and water detectors and actuators for heating, sun protection, light and for switching. All components have already been addressed at the factory and linked together in a KNX project.

After installation, they communicate with each other immediately without the customer having to use the ETS. The individual set-up of the device functions is done at the CasaConnect KNX central unit. This is possible even for lay persons thanks to the clear menus. Via the remote maintenance function, the user can also get help with the settings without the need for a specialist technician to visit.

The sets are suitable for enthusiastic smart home beginners and electricians who have so far been deterred from entering the worldwide KNX standard by the complex KNX integration. However, the simple set-up also has advantages for property developers who want to quickly and cost-effectively equip apartments and houses with a future-proof standard. Because even if it is easy to get started: all devices are fully-fledged, certified KNX products and the project file is supplied on a memory card. So, if the starter set is not enough for you now or in the future, you can expand it at any time with KNX products in the classic way via the ETS.

The basis of the sets is the powerful CasaConnect KNX central unit. Via the display, the user has access to manual operation and automatic setting of light, shading, ventilation and room climate, to timers and scenes. The central unit is also available for purchase individually and can be integrated into any KNX project. Elsner Elektronik, elsner-elektronik.de

UNIQUELY STYLED WALL PACKS FROM MERIDIAN

Meridian LED Lighting from the CED Electrical Group continues to expand and upgrade its comprehensive range of fittings. The latest addition features uniquely styled 28w outdoor wall lights with or without photocells.

Manufactured in diecast aluminium with an anthracite finish and fitted with frosted polycarbonate diffusers, each wall pack boasts 168 top quality SMD LEDs, delivering up to 3500 lumens with a beam angle of 120°. What’s more, up to date colour change technology allows the user optional colour renditions of 3000k or 4000k.

In terms of quality, Meridian Wall Packs have an average lifespan of 50,000 hours, meet all relevant BS Standards and are CE approved, whilst also having the reassurance of being backed by a five-year warranty.

Built for durable outdoor use with an IP65 rating, a wide range of possible applications extend from landscaping to court yards and industrial sites. CED Electrical Group, cedelectrical.co.uk

STREET-SMART COMFORT THIS SUMMER

Brand NEW men’s and women’s Work Shorts for the flexible working environment – designed for superior comfort and freedom of movement.

Combining four-way stretch fabric that delivers working comfort all day with street-smart, slim-fit designs, Snickers Work Shorts are great for grafting in the warmer months.

These lightweight garments feature a body-mapping design and are made from a self-ventilating stretch fabric with CORDURA reinforcements for durability and all-round mobility when you need it most.

The Men’s FLEXIWork lightweight work shorts come with flexible gusset seams and also have easy-to-access holster pockets with zip compartments, an expandable stretch cargo pocket and a ruler pocket. The AllroundWork Women’s multi-purpose, slim-fit shorts have four-way stretch panels in the right places for consistent comfort, practical pockets for optimal functionality and great freedom of movement.

For professional tradesmen and women who rely on their gear in demanding environments, they’re a must for those who want the ultimate in cool comfort this summer. Snickers Workwear, snickersworkwear.co.uk

HAMILTON – BRINGING POWER SAFELY OUTDOORS!

Hamilton’s Elemento IP66 Weatherproof Wiring Accessories are a safe and reliable way to deliver power outdoors to pools, ponds, sheds, bespoke garden offices, outside entertainment areas and outdoor electrical equipment. An easy-to-open latch ensures the integrity of the gel seal that protects the socket from water, dust and particle ingress. Latest additions to the Elemento range include the 20AX 2-Way Retractive Switch – a power-safe way for controlling garage doors and entrance gates.

Elemento key features: • Robust, UV stable, high-impact housing with multiple gland entry positions • IP66 rated for outdoor and indoor use • Socket outlets, switches, connection units and enclosures • Lockable two-gang switched socket outlet as standard • One-gang 13A double pole fused spur + neon • New two-gang 13A RCD units • New 20AX two-way retractive rocker switch + neon • New 20AX double pole switch + neon • 10-year guarantee

18TH EDITION COMPLIANT CABLE CLIPS FROM UNICRIMP

Unicrimp has made new additions to its range of cable clips. The new fire-rated Metal Twin and Earth Cable Clips are 18th Edition compliant and will sit within the growing Unicrimp Q-Fire fire-rated range.

The 18th Edition wiring regulations stipulate that cable support systems must be constructed with materials that will withstand premature collapse caused by direct exposure to heat. There are no applications excluded – trunking, conduit and cabling fixed to surfaces of the building or attached to cable support systems must all have fire-resistant supports in place.

These new additions provide installers with an expanded choice of fixing solutions, suitable across a range of applications and environments – helping them to satisfy the latest wiring regulations.

The new fire-rated T&E Cable Clips are manufactured from zinc plated carbon steel and are available in two sizes – 1-2.5mm and 4-6mm – and in a choice of uncoated or with a grey PPA LSF coating. The LSF coating provides long term protection for metal clips, as well as added protection for the cable during and after installation. Unicrimp, unicrimp.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE AHEAD OF THE CURVE WITH MULTIMEDIA PLATE

Knightsbridge has introduced a two-gang, two module switched socket and multimedia combination plate into its stylish curved edge wiring devices range.

Ideal for newbuild or refurbishment, the Curved Edge Multimedia Combination Plate allows for a power and bespoke signal distribution solution to be combined in a single unit. Compatible with the extensive Knightsbridge range of modular inserts, the plate can be highly configured to suit bespoke customer requirements, including satellite TV, DAB, telecoms, networking, and USB charging. Put simply, this means no more messy cables and overloaded extension leads behind the TV.

Moulded from high quality thermoset resin, the plates are inherently antimicrobial – important at this time of enhanced awareness of personal and environmental hygiene – and are easier to install, featuring captive, twin earths and top down terminals.

Finally, the Curved Edge Multimedia Combination Plate comes with two 13A 2G switched sockets and two 2-4G modular positions, supplemented by a reassuring 15-year warranty. Knightsbridge, mlaccessories.co.uk

KEEPING THE ELEMENTS OUT AND PROTECTING COMPONENTS

Protecting PCBs from the elements effectively is the task of the B0 Series of IP67 enclosures from UK manufacturer BCL Enclosures. Ensuring continued functioning of electronic circuit boards, these IP67-rated enclosures are made totally dust and particulate tight with a vacuum seal and can protect their contents against the effects of full immersion in up to one metre of water for as long as 30 minutes. There are multiple applications for the B0 Series, including in industrial and marine environments.

The B0 series is made in tough ABS plastic and is available in four sizes with either standard 53mm deep or extra deep 78mm bases. Sizes available are: B01 models – 80mm high x 73mm wide; B02 models – 80mm high x 106mm wide; B03 models – 80mm high x 139mm wide; B04 models – 80mm high x 172mm wide. PCBs can be held internally either horizontally or vertically via mounting slots. The enclosures feature M20 threaded cable knockouts and come complete with four captive plastic screws. Unique snap-on DIN rails and flange brackets are available. BCL Enclosures, bclenclosures.com

MAKITA’S NEW XGT TOOLS SET THE STANDARD

Makita has expanded its 40VMax XGT range with the launch of new tools.

The 40VMax x2 (80VMax) XGT Brushless Rotary Demolition Hammer (HR006GZ) features variable speed control and two operating modes – rotary hammer and hammer only. The 40VMax x2 (80VMax) XGT Brushless Demolition Hammer (HM002GZ03) features a compact design, variable speed control and a slide lever for trigger lock-on or lock-off. And the lighter class HM001G 40VMax Brushless Demolition Hammer XGT offers the same features with a 2,650 bpm and a 9.4 J impact energy per stroke.

Makita has also launched the HP002GZ 40VMax XGT Brushless Combi Drill, which has a mechanical two-speed control, a variable speed trigger and 21 torque settings for full user control. The new 40VMax XGT Brushless Brad Nailer 18Ga (FN001G) has a slim nose for improved access when fixing in restricted areas, ergonomic design and will drive up to 5000 nails on a single 2.5Ah battery charge.

The new RS001GZ and RS002GZ 40VMax Brushless Circular Saws have also been launched.

ENVIROVENT LAUNCHES NEW MECHANICAL EXTRACT VENTILATION SYSTEMS

Ventilation systems manufacturer EnviroVent has launched its new MEV 160 and MEV 300. These are versatile, compact, high performance mechanical ventilation systems ideal for houses, apartments and other communal residences, such as care homes and student accommodation.

The MEV 160 and MEV 300 are designed to significantly enhance indoor air quality with multiple extract points to simultaneously draw moisture-laden air from the wet rooms, whilst minimising the migration of humidity to other rooms. They have airflow rates up to 74l/s for the MEV 160 and 111l/s for the MEV 300 and can achieve extremely low Specific Fan Powers down to 0.19 W/l/s, suitable for applications with a kitchen plus six additional wet rooms.

These systems are extremely compact with a low profile of 16cm, making them perfect for areas where space is restricted. They can be wall, floor or ceiling mounted, horizontally or vertically with just four fixing points. EnviroVent, envirovent.com

ESP’S REKORHD CCTV RANGE GETS A REVAMP

The latest product category to come under development at ESP is CCTV, with a revamp of the RekorHD 2MP CCTV range. Available in kit form, Rekor HD provides all the elements required to get a system up and running in one box – making it popular with installers because of the convenience, whilst offering wholesalers the advantage of ease of ordering and stocking. The only additional item required is a monitor to access the menu and system display.

The systems have been designed with ease of set up as a key feature, including the option for remote monitoring via smartphone or tablet, using ESP’s specially developed ESP View app.

The revamped range introduces new and improved cameras, which feature contemporary styling and robust metal housings. The infrared capture has been increased from 20-30m and the range now includes intelligent function, with perimeter intrusion detection and line crossing detection offering improved functionality compared with the traditional motion detection feature.

ESP, espuk.com

ANSELL LIGHTING TAKES MAJOR STEP ON SUSTAINABILITY PATH

Ansell Lighting is set to save the equivalent of more than five million plastic bags per year with the launch of new responsible packaging, as part of its ongoing sustainability drive.

Ansell’s Green Team task force, a group of environmental champions who promote sustainability within the business, has overhauled the company’s packaging to replace single-use plastics with sustainable materials and therefore encourage good customer recycling habits.

Products will now be packaged in unbleached fully recycled and recyclable brown cardboard, one of the most environmentally friendly packaging materials.

In addition to eradicating single-use plastic protective packaging, the initiative will also see fixing kits packed in small paper bags, with biodegradable paper protecting the products.

The eco packaging has been introduced on products that are new to the S14 catalogue, launched in March, and it will be rolled out across Ansell’s entire range in 2021 and beyond. Ansell Lighting, anselluk.com