14.09.2010
Legrand recently set industry tongues wagging with the launch of its new wiring device and home automation range, Arteor, which at first glance appears to have more in common with Apple and its iconic products than traditional switches and sockets. Although looked at in its entirety the range really is something else.
It features everything from basic switches through to the most advanced home automation systems, and offers an impressive array of stand-alone and system functions that have been incorporated with the intention of making it the ideal choice for virtually any project.
Wow Factor
And that’s just the functions. Looks wise Arteor really does have the Wow Factor. All products have a unique bevelled profile that gives the illusion that the product is not attached to the wall and helps create a light and floating sensation reminiscent of flat-screen design. There are circular switches, touch screen devices and it’s available in 17 finishes that range from stylish white moulded products through to sophisticated and innovative materials such as woven metal, leather, tattoo, brushed steel and wood.
Of course, all this cutting edge smart technology and design innovation is the kind of thing that would normally result in the range being the sole domain of big budgeted interior designers and specifiers, but as we’ve already said, Arteor is no ordinary range. Not only does its appeal extend across both commercial and residential sectors, but the developers at Legrand have ensured that even its most complex products can be installed and used with ease – a fact that could well prove to be of particular interest to electricians looking to add value to their service.
Entry level home automation
You see, the home automation element of Arteor is offered in two formats, namely BUS (SCS) and radio (Zigbee) frequency solutions. And while the Arteor BUS technology products require additional cabling and specialist skills to install, the Arteor ZigBee products can be installed with ease and without cables pretty much anywhere you choose. They simply attach to the wall, don’t have to be wired in to any system to operate, and are quick and easy to programme so that they interface with other wiring devices and systems.
All of this means a regular electrician can utilise Arteor to offer entry level access to home automation to their customers, and as such differentiate themselves from the competition.
Enrico Giannone of Legrand takes up the story: “Home automation or smart home systems are being talked about with increasing regularity, but I’m sure that a lot of people – both electricians and members of the public – don’t pay a great deal of attention on the basis it seems impossibly complicated and well out of their budgetary reach.”
“This point of view is easy to understand due to the fact so much of the press coverage about smart homes is focussed on multi-million pound properties or so-called homes of the future, all of which seem to be targeted at those with professional footballer sized wallets.”
“And while this end of the market is catered for, wireless wiring devices such as our Arteor Zigbee products provide the average family with an opportunity to enjoy smart technology for themselves.”
ZigBee radio, which is used in these ‘entry level’ Arteor products, is a radio frequency solution that uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band and is available more or less anywhere in the world. The technology uses the principle of mesh networking, which means that if a direct link between two devices is not possible the network will automatically search for another channel to keep the installation running – an operation that makes it totally reliable. And as it’s installed on the conventional electrical infrastructure and configured directly from the product it’s extremely easy to set up.
Dual benefits
“In practical terms the Arteor Zigbee technology is ideal for both end users and electricians,” added Enrico. “It allows home owners wishing to get a taste for home automation the chance to enjoy the benefits of simple automated functions such as lighting scenarios and curtain / blind control, while electricians are provided with a straightforward means of adding value to, and up-selling their service.”
To find out more about Legrand’s Arteor Zigbee products contact Legrand.
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Related contacts
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Legrand Electric Limited Great King Street North
Birmingham
B19 2LF
Tel: 0845 605 4333
Fax: 0845 605 4334 |
Email Legrand
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Source: Legrand Electric Limited |
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