There are a number of things that specifiers take into consideration when sourcing wiring accessories for new commercial builds. Namely, they have to abide by Part M Building Regulations and IET Wiring Regulations alongside health and safety requirements. But, it’s not just about reaching statutory requirements. On top of this there are key benefits and features that specifiers should look for in a range to exceed regulatory expectations, optimise aesthetics and ensure their job is as easy as possible.
There are also some features that should be avoided at all costs. It’s important to get it right when sourcing wiring accessories as these are the products that will, arguably, be used most in commercial installations. Today, wiring accessories need innovative features in order to last a ‘lifetime’; after all, it is not often public dwellings get their wiring accessories updated.
Quality and availability
It’s simple stuff: above all else commercial specifiers are looking for quality products that are readily and widely available. Why risk blighting your reputation by specifying thousands of wiring accessories for an important public build, only to find that your supplier doesn’t have enough available for installation? This can set a project back and potentially cause severe delays. A specifier should feel confident that they’ve sourced a range that’s hassle free, so the job is completed on time.
However, specifiers aren’t just looking for accessories available in the masses. A specifier will be faced with a potentially bumpy ride if accessories are available but lack quality. It’s not guaranteed they’ll be free from fault further down the line. Alternatively, sourcing a quality and reliable brand with a good reputation behind them ensures a specifier can choose, fit and start their next job without having to worry.
Breadth of range
In hospital or hotel installations, commercial specifiers can be required to source thousands of different wiring accessories; from sockets, to data outlets, fuse connection units and grid light switches. But specifying light switches from a different brand to your sockets is both inconvenient and complicated. For this reason, specifiers are looking for a range that has great breadth, and can satisfy the whole portfolio, not just a part of it.
However, sourcing one range that has it all doesn’t just make the specifier’s job easier, it improves the overall aesthetic appeal too. Adjacent accessories that don’t match one another aren’t an attractive proposition. A consistent and matching appearance across an entire range is a stylish and key differentiator.
Aesthetic appeal
In fact, interest in the appearance of wiring accessories has risen significantly in recent years. A slimline appearance, with soft curves and smooth lines are key features that specifiers seek when it comes to sourcing. A slick and modern appearance has become a necessity, rather than a luxury, that makes sure accessories fit naturally into every environment.
In addition, ranges with additional and bespoke aesthetic features that improve safety are highly appealing. For example, in hospital applications, our Instinct range offers specifiers a wide range of colours for different power uses. There’s the option to source bright blue “medical equipment only” sockets and sockets with green switches for cleaning apparatus. Meanwhile, laser printed marking is also available for crisp clear circuit identity, that won’t smudge or rub away after use. This not only meets NHS Estates HTM 06-01 but provides additional safety.
Unique, innovative features and benefits
Commercial specifiers think ahead. They’ll want to go above and beyond expectations by sourcing innovative accessories with benefits that are fit for future regulations, as well as current. One such benefit that eclipses regulations and can sway a specifier’s decision are additional safety features. Health and safety will always be a priority, so any chance to improve on safety is huge bonus in the eyes of many. One example is multipin safety shutters, that make sure the sockets’ live and neutral pins stay closed, even when the earth pin is engaged. This feature is particularly attractive to commercial specifiers as without engagement of all three pins of a BS1363 plug, it prevents public access to power supplies in busy commercial installations.
In addition, specifiers now seek innovative features that meet the ever-evolving needs of the public. We live in an age in which it’s more far more usual, than unusual to own a smartphone. In their Global Mobile Consumer Survey 2016: UK Cut, Deloitte reported that an impressive 81% of UK adults now own a smartphone. And this is only growing. People want to be able to charge their phone at any given moment, no matter their location. This means wiring accessories that incorporate USB charging outlets into fixed installations are more than just desirable; they’re a requirement if you wish to satisfy public demand. But not only are they convenient for the public, they have another advantage. Fixed installation USB charging outlets reduce the risk of electrical fault that can occur with the use of fake smart-phone chargers, helping to satisfy specifiers’ desire to optimise safety.
Easy installation and use
Due to the scale of the job, wiring accessories in commercial builds need to be easy to install. For this reason, features including upward-facing inline terminals should be high on a specifier’s radar. The inline terminals’ easy connection layout improves installation because there’s no need to rotate or twist the accessory.
Specifiers aren’t just looking to make things easier for installers, but the public who’ll be using the building too. Building Regulations require that wiring accessories contrast visually to a building’s decor so that all power sources are easy to spot. Meanwhile, light switches with large push pads aligning with door handles (within 900mm-1100mm) are always preferred for the same reason. On sockets with multiple power sources it’s also an advantage to have switches that are well separated to avoid any potential for confusion.
Commercial specifiers are required to satisfy large and often challenging portfolios and needs when sourcing their wiring accessories. They’re not on the lookout for any one thing, the list is endless. Availability, quality, breadth, ease of use, aesthetics and innovative features are key in remaining one step ahead. They’re in search of a range that boasts of a variety of different benefits and innovations; it needs to cover all bases to be in with a chance of consideration. To put it simply, they’re looking for nothing less than the whole package.
