17 minute read
Hardware
CARL F GROUPCO STOCKS LATEST UKCA STANDARD PRODUCT
Leading independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco has confirmed that the popular FUHR 870 Type 8 Emergency Exit multipoint door lock now meets the new UKCA standard. John Crittenden, Managing Director of Carl F Groupco, said: “The FUHR 870 lock is one of our most popular products so it was important to confirm it would have the correct accreditations when the CE mark is no longer recognised in this country. We liaised with the product team at FUHR to confirm all the correct certifications were in place.”
The government has announced it intends to end recognition of the European CE mark in Great Britain by 1 January 2023. Instead, products must be tested and certified by a UK-recognised approved body. To indicate a product conforms to the relevant standards, the UKCA mark must be affixed to products. John said: “We see it as our responsibility to support our customers by being ahead of the curve. So checking our products conform to the latest regulations is an important part of our customer commitment.”
The FUHR 870 Type 8 Emergency Exit multipoint door lock allows a door to be opened at any time to provide an emergency exit from the inside. From the outside, access can be provided using a key. After opening, the cylinder must be locked to regain full security. It is suitable for use on PVC-U, aluminium, composite and timber doors. Single and double door options are available. Carl F Groupco stocks a comprehensive range of hardware products that meet every trend and project requirement. They also work closely with their customers and offer next-level technical support to proactively solve hardware problems, offer advice and find solutions. Confirming the status of the FUHR 870 Type 8 Emergency Exit multipoint door lock is a perfect example of their proactive approach. It’s why the company has a decades-long track record and is one of the UK’s leading independent hardware suppliers. Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk
NEW ANODISED FINISHES FROM GREENTEQ
Hardware manufacturer VBH, the company behind the greenteQ brand, has recently added two new colours to its suited range of residential door, patio door and window furniture.
In response to requests from customers, the popular Alpha resi-door handle set is now available in two anodised aluminium finishes. This brings the number of available finishes to 12.
VBH describe greenteQ Alpha as a premium quality handle set for use with entrance doors and bi-fold doors. It features a number of benefits including sprung levers, thicker fixing bolts and a flange around the cylinder profile cut out. As a part of the greenteQ Suite, it is matched in colour and lever style to Alpha casement and tilt & turn handles, and Aspire lift/slide patio door handles. Gary Gleeson, Marketing Manager at VBH says, “Alpha was originally launched in 8 painted and plated finishes, before we added our Enduro and Antique Black options in 2019. “A number of customers who buy these original finishes also have a need for gold and silver anodised finishes, and don’t like mixing handle styles to obtain these colours. We are happy to have used these requests as the catalyst to expand our colour range further.” As components of the greenteQ Suite, the new anodised handles are covered by the greenteQ 10-year performance and surface guarantee, and are approved for use on Q-secure guaranteed installations. These installations are guaranteed against break-in, with up to £8000 available in compensation. For more information on the new finishes, contact VBH on 01634 263263, email info@vbhgb.com or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.
KENRICK EXPANDS HARDWARE COLLECTION WITH RANGE OF RESTRICTORS
Leading hardware supplier Kenrick has extended its comprehensive suite of hardware solutions with the addition of a new range of window and door restrictors – all of which have been manufactured in the UK.
The new range includes a cable window restrictor, a springloaded stainless steel window restrictor and a 90° door restrictor.
Both window restrictors are suitable for any type of window manufactured in timber, PVCu or aluminium. They have been designed to accommodate varying opening sizes to allow air flow, whilst preventing the window from being fully opened. The cable restrictor is perfect for retro-fitting and the spring-loaded restrictor is well suited to new builds. They are both ideal for domestic and commercial applications. Made from aluminium and steel for greater durability, the 90° door restrictor features an adjustable friction brake to prevent the door from slamming shut in windy conditions. It has multiple screw ports, with friction providing restriction and a permanent stop at 90 degrees. It will fit almost all timber, PVCu and aluminium doors with a eurogroove and has a ‘hold open’ function at 90 degrees to provide a more reliable hold. The restrictor, which is suitable for open-in and open-out doors, is only visible when the door is open and can easily be disengaged to allow for free movement of the door.
The restrictors, which are manufactured in the West Midlands come with a comprehensive 10-year mechanical guarantee. Furthermore, the spring-loaded window restrictor and the door restrictor have also been tested to 20,000 full cycles. Kenrick is a leading supplier of hardware solutions for PVCu, aluminium and timber window and door systems. The company has a proud heritage spanning more than 200 years, having been established by Archibald Kenrick who manufactured buckles and livery fittings. Kenrick’s range of top-quality products includes the market leading Excalibur multi-point locking system, the four-point Centurion system and the Easifit and Espagnolette locking systems. Tel: 0121 553 2741– www.kenricks.co.uk
CARL F GROUPCO ACHIEVES CYBER ESSENTIALS CERTIFICATION
Leading independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco has just announced it has achieved Cyber Essentials certification. John Crittenden, Carl F Groupco’s Managing Director, said: “Holding the Cyber Essentials certification helps us guard our business against cyber attacks. It also gives our customers the reassurance that we have cyber safeguards in place to not only protect their data but also ensure business continuity.”
Cyber Essentials is an effective, Government backed scheme that helps protect organisations, whatever their size, against a whole range of the most common cyber attacks. John said: “Every business takes steps to ensure the security of its physical premises. By seeking Cyber Essentials accreditation we’re taking the same approach to our virtual assets.” Government research shows that cyber attacks are a serious threat to business.
In the last 12 months, 39% of UK businesses identified a cyber attack. One in five businesses (20%) said they experienced a negative outcome as a direct consequence of a cyber attack. Where the attack had a financial consequence, the average estimated cost was £4,200.
John said: “The figures make for sobering reading, which is why we’ve taken the steps we have. We now know we are protected against a wide variety of the most common cyber attacks. My thanks go to every member of the team who worked hard to show how we meet all the requirements of the scheme.” Carl F Groupco has a decades-long track record of being a value-added hardware supplier thanks to its core principles of product quality, first class service and industry knowledge. In achieving Cyber Essentials certification, it has taken proactive steps to secure all aspects of its business, demonstrating its commitment to being a reputable, reliable and responsible hardware partner to its customers. Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk
VBH TRADE COUNTER SERVING WELSH CUSTOMERS
Hardware manufacturer VBH, reports that more customers than ever are using the improved trade counter facility at the company’s Swansea site.
The counter is open during weekday working hours and offers a large selection of hardware from VBH’s own greenteQ brand, as well as from other top marques including Yale and AGB. VBH advise that fabricators, installers and maintenance companies within a wide radius of Swansea regularly call in to collect products including profile cylinders, patio door gear, resi-door and window hardware, vents and construction chemicals among other items. Operations Manager at VBH Swansea says, “Often, customers can’t wait for a delivery so prefer to call in and pick up what they need for the day. As well as the convenience of being local, we cater for orders of all sizes, with no minimum order value and no need to pre-order. Walk-ins are welcome.”
The trade counter has proven so popular that it has been listed as a finalist in this year’s National Fenestration Awards in the Trade Counter of the Year category. Dave concludes, “We may not have the biggest or most plush counter, but our wide stock range and friendly, experienced team make it an attractive option for local businesses. Being named as a finalist is a massive pat on the back for our hard-working team, and a win would be the cherry on top!” VBH Swansea can be contacted on 01792 794566, and the full address can be found in the ‘Contact’ section of www.vbhgb.com.
ERA INTRODUCES REVOLUTIONARY TRUEGLIDE BALANCE
As part of its continued commitment to product innovation, ERA, one of the UK’s leading home security and fenestration component providers, has launched a new balance for vertical sliding windows that sets new standards for efficiency and performance.
Designed and manufactured in the UK by ERA’s experienced engineering experts, the revolutionary TrueGlide balance enables sash window manufacturers to deliver market leading functionality and reliability for any PVCu, timber or aluminium window.
Offering an extensive weight carrying range between 4.5kg and 28.4kg, ease of use is effortless due to low operation forces creating an enhanced user experience as the window manoeuvres quietly, smoothly and easily with the lightest of touches. Providing increased safety, each balance features a dual action close that prevents any sudden closure of the window or trapping of the fingers. The window closes smoothly to a safe point and then fully closes with a final motion. firmly in any chosen opening position, whilst the inner spring generates a smoother and more consistent force. The addition of sophisticated lubricants built into the balance also reduces friction torsion and noise for a superior sash lift. James Wilson, Technical Product Manager at ERA, said: “TrueGlide is a reflection of our ongoing dedication to product development to ensure every solution we manufacture provides fabricators with the highest possible standards of performance and durability”. “The result is a balance that has been completely redesigned to provide an optimal user experience, without compromising on quality or longevity. Each component has been carefully engineered to deliver harmonious operation that provides manufacturers with an unrivalled solution for a wide variety of sash window types.” “Aside from being a leading one-stop shop for all sash window manufacturers’ gearing and decorative furniture requirements, we provide extensive technical support in the form of our engineering experts and dedicated field service engineers, who are on hand to help streamline the fabrication process and ensure the highest quality manufacturing standards are achieved.” Supplied with white outer tubes as standard, brown, grey, black or tan finishes are available on request. Each pretensioned balance is optimised for each individual window to facilitate the speed of installation, whilst also eliminating the requirement for fine tuning on site. The balance forms an extension of ERA’s versatile gearing and Fab&Fix decorative furniture offering to deliver a complete suite of high performance solutions that deliver first class functionality and aesthetics. Available in nine fully suited finishes such as Hardex Chrome and Pewter, the decorative furniture includes standard and high security cam locks and keeps, handles, eyes, pulls, travel restrictors and knobs. When fabricated with high security locks and accessories PAS 24 security can be achieved.
Extensively tested in accordance with BS EN 13126-13:2012 in excess of 20,000 cycles, TrueGlide is supplied with a 10 year mechanical guarantee. The TrueGlide balance has been tested in accordance with BS EN 12046-1:2003 for load and weight carrying capabilities. As each balance is manufactured at ERA’s headquarters in the West Midlands, UK delivery is available in just three to five days. For further information on ERA’s diverse portfolio of security products, visit www.eraeverywhere.com or contact the sales team on 01922 490 000 or email info@eraeverywhere.com.
RESEARCH HOLDS THE KEY TO
THE SUCCESS OF ELECTRONIC LOCKS
David Jennings, CEO of UAP, explains the drivers behind the launch of a new ultra-secure electronic lock and how a focus on the customer experience has shaped its development.
Smart technology is rapidly filtering through all our lives. From smart bulbs and speakers through to the with Internet of Things (IoT), the technology is all around us. People of all ages are now turning to smart home tech, a trend largely been driven by the pandemic which forced everyone to more actively engage with online tools.
This shift in consumer behaviour has accelerated the launch of smart door locks with consumers now faced with a variety of options aimed at improving convenience and security. UAP, like many other manufacturers, has stepped into the smart market but our journey began five years ago. What followed was extensive research, planning and testing aimed at developing a concept unlike any others.
AVOIDING RISKS
We began by researching customers’ priorities and the factors needed to provide the best possible experience. From the outset, this saw us disregard biometrics such as fingerprint readers as they could cause a host of problems. Say for example, a homeowner was carrying a bag of shopping on a cold and rainy day. Having to put the bags down at their door, remove the gloves and get a fingerprint reader to work spells hassle. There is also a risk of the reader not recognising the print or the technology shutting down if it gets too hot. The other major concern was security. It is a fact that hackers have stolen, and will steal, digital fingerprints and other biometric data. You only need to do a Google search on hacking of biometric data to see the real risks involved. Once your biometric data is stolen then you can’t simply change it – it is lost forever and that means your security is also jeopardised for the long term.
PRIORITISING NEEDS
We then sought to find out what features would matter the most to customers. We learned that security, ease of use, speed, reliability and flexibility were all essential to improving their experience. People want to be able to shut their door and for it to automatically lock, without having to lift a lever and turn a key. They want a choice of tools for locking, and the process needs to be audible, so it is clear the door is secure. At the same time, we learned that in some instances, the consumer may want to reduce or extend the time it takes the door to lock, if for example, they had forgotten something in the house. If the door lock is operated using a smartphone App, that needs to be simple too. And the App must offer functions that provide the flexibility demanded by customers such as enabling friends or family to operate the lock. Regarding security, we recognised that some people were worried about keyless car theft and shared similar concerns about an electronic door lock. To address this, we needed to develop technology that would make the key fobs ultra secure.
MEETING CONSUMER DEMAND
Armed with our research and a clear picture of how we could improve the customer experience, we spent five years developing the IONIC. The electronic lock is the first in a series of ‘smart’ products set to be launched under UAP’s Fullex Ai brand. Simple to install and easy to use, the IONIC can be operated using a smartphone App, a fob, push button on the inside, or a thumb turn. When a consumer gets to the door, they simply press the handle down and walk in.
The time it takes for the lock to activate can be adjusted to suit the consumer. The App can be used to set up new users and time settings, allowing one off access for workmen or regular access for cleaners or carers for example. Security is enhanced through face recognition, which builds additional authentication into the App. The fobs have been manufactured in a way that prevents them from being cloned and the lock itself holds no data with the user’s own phone controlling the system rather than a server. To make the IONIC as reliable as possible, we based it on the Fullex Crimebeater lock which has a proven track record. The electronics have been developed by a specialist manufacturer in Europe and every printed circuit board is tested multiple times before being shipped to the UK for assembly.
SETTING THE STANDARD
The research and insights we have gained on the customer experience have enabled us to develop a unique, patented design. We believe this could become a standard for all electronic multipoint locks ensuring we can meet the changing needs of consumers today and in the future.
www.uapcorporate.com
OPEN YOUR DOOR WITH THE TOUCH OF YOUR FINGER
FORGET KEYS WITH FORCE 8 TOUCHKEY
No need to grapple with a set of keys, or try to remember a passcode, just let yourself in. TouchKey is the future of security within the door lock market, it’s simple to use as you are the key.
Using fingerprint technology, all you need to do is hold the handle and place your thumb on the sensor, which is positioned where your thumb would normally go when opening a conventional door. Force 8 are the first to offer this innovative system on any of their new doors, with a special introductory offer of only £495. The system is self-contained within the door and no extra wiring is required, making installation easier.
The TouchKey App from ERA gives the homeowner full permission to control and monitor who has access to the property and track the activity of who has entered and at what time. The system can store up to 50 profiles, and all the information is stored on ERA’s cloud platform, and not stored on the phone or handle, creating a two-factor authentication with ERA’s server when anyone enters the property to prevent hacking. In the event of a problem with recognition, TouchKey can also be opened by a smart phone The system is not confined to a domestic property, Force 8 have already installed a TouchKey into a local solicitor’s premises to allow the staff access the private area of their offices. Hill & Co Solicitors have been using the TouchKey for the past few months
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and are very happy with its performance and ease of use.
The security and mechanical aspect of the lock is second to none. When closing the door, all six locking points automatically secure the door tightly to the frame and for easy smooth opening from the inside without a key, simply use the internal thumb turn. The system is extremely advanced, with self-learning smart fingerprint technology establishing robust user recognition by learning and adapting the characteristics of an enrolled fingerprint template through valid verification over time.
Force 8 previewed the TochKey at this year’s FIT Show, and it proved to be extremely popular. The whole system is backed up by ERA and guaranteed. As our world becomes more technical and complicated, TouchKey gives access to suit your lifestyle. www.force8.uk
