Hazel Whittingham, Product Manager for BG Electrical, looks at how the latest wiring accessories manage to combine form with functionality.
It’s no longer enough for a product to just perform well, it’s got to look good too. And, in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, even products that were once seen as utilitarian – such as wiring accessories like sockets, switches and USB chargers – there is a growing demand for stylish designs that align with and enhance the aesthetic of an interior. And, whilst wiring accessories may be small, insignificant they are not. Good design can really pack a punch when it comes to the overall finish of an installation, particularly in open plan spaces where electrical accessories – that also need to deliver on all aspects of practicality – are more visible.
Appealing aesthetics
Whether it’s at home or work, people want their spaces to feel good and function well, and since electrical components are often visible, their design can impact the overall atmosphere of a room. Wiring accessories that have been thoughtfully designed, with sleek finishes and stylish colours, complement rather than detract from the surrounding décor, delivering a truly finished feel helping to elevate the space and make the essential wiring accessory products less intrusive.
More than good looks
However, looking good is not enough. Specified wiring accessory products need to deliver not only on looks but also on practical functionality – for example with the integration of fast charging capabilities. With the growing dependence on mobile phones, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices, the demand for rapid, efficient and reliable charging has never been greater – and looks set to rise.
Sockets incorporating high speed USB ports eliminate the need for bulky adaptors whilst delivering a convenient space-saving, clutter-free – and aesthetically pleasing – solution that provides end users with dedicated charging points delivering higher power for faster charging, significantly improving the entire user experience.’
Practicality and aesthetics
Specifically designed to answer this need and launched by Luceco under its specialist wiring and accessories brand BG Electrical, the Evolve range of decorative switches and sockets is ideal for both domestic and commercial applications and is the perfect way to ensure all essential power points enhance décor rather than detract from it. This range also makes decorative metal switches an accessible option for older homes which have no earth on the lighting circuit too, as no earthing is required for the decorative metal front plates due to their clever construction method.
Aesthetically attractive, the slimline switches and sockets are designed with screwless face plates which easily clip on and off making decorating easier and are available in eight different colours including brushed steel, black chrome, and matt blue as well as satin brass, polished copper, matt black, matt grey, and pearlescent white.
The range includes switches, sockets, innovative fast charge USB sockets, Wi-Fi range extenders, touch dimmer switches, as well as Grid range extensions and Euro module range extensions to combine power, data, TV, telephone and audio. The Evolve range includes a 25-year warranty (10 years on USB and Wi-Fi Extender sockets), with Asta Approval for assurance that these are best in class when it comes to wiring accessories. Colour coded terminals and captive screws also ensure a ‘right first time’ approach to any wiring installation.
End users expect both beauty and function in their wiring accessory products and the Evolve range combines aesthetics with practicality perfectly, making it the ideal choice for installers.
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