Hannah Liscombe, Head of Marketing at Knightsbridge, highlights two areas of interest when it comes to trends in wiring accessories.
Brass is back! That’s the overwhelming conclusion we’ve come to at Knightsbridge, taking into account what we’ve seen over the last couple of years in terms of wiring accessory sales. ‘Brasses’ as a finish option have surged in popularity, so much so that they are leaving matt black in their wake. Antique brass, in particular, is proving to be a major hit with the trade and consumers alike.
The appeal of brass is no doubt helped by the combination of finishes and styles in switches and sockets, allowing consumers to mix and match depending on their tastes and requirements. The recent introduction of our screwless antique brass range has increased choice yet further and the finish is rapidly becoming one of the most popular choices in our brasses options.
Obviously, the question remains why brass should become so popular when matt black has dominated the design stakes for so long. A definitive answer is probably difficult to arrive at, but we can look at the wider design environment for specific influences.
Striking a chord with homeowners
At the beginning of the year a few ‘interiors’ magazines were touting mixing metal finishes as opposed to matching them, citing examples of pairing warm metals like brass and copper with cooler ones like stainless steel or brushed nickel. Maybe this has struck a chord with homeowners, and we are seeing an increase in the use of brass finishes as a result.
Another view is that homeowners are seeking what might be termed ‘timeless’ luxury, an enduring and lasting aesthetic that brass carries off so well. There’s also the practical element that brass tones can be paired with kitchen and bathroom hardware such as taps and handles, which allows wiring accessories to be seen as a design feature rather than simply functional.
Power to the people
If brass is the newish trendsetter, there has been a reoccurring theme for us at Knightsbridge over the last few years and that has been around delivering faster and more efficient charging for modern devices. The sheer number of phones, tablets and laptops in the home or office means that charging points are in demand and become a bottleneck that is often resolved through the creative use of adapters, chargers and extension leads!
In a bid to create a more efficient, speedier way of charging devices, we came up with the 13A double pole switched socket with dual USB-C (65W Dual Fastcharge). It is one of the UK market’s most powerful dual sockets featuring USB charging and represents an important upgrade to our existing 45W model. Between the two sockets, Knightsbridge offers a choice of performance and versatility to meet the needs of busy office personnel, impatient teenagers or despairing parents.
The socket features dual USB-C outputs that can deliver up to 65W total power. Users can charge two devices simultaneously at 45W and 18W or power a single device, such as a laptop, at the full 65W without any need for bulky adaptors.
Rather than split power between ports, the 65W Dual Fastcharge model ensures optimal performance even when charging multiple devices. Supporting USB-PD (power delivery) and PPS (programmable power supply) protocols, it provides universal compatibility with smartphones, tablets and laptops.
At the core of the socket’s performance is GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, achieving over 94% efficiency while reducing energy loss and heat, making this product an energy-conscious choice without compromising on charging speed or reliability.
Designed with a double pole switch, outboard rocker and twin earthing points, the socket combines functionality and style. Its installation-friendly design simplifies upgrades without extensive rewiring. With over voltage category III suitability and ErP standby power consumption of just 0.1W, it offers versatility and energy efficiency.
Modern and traditional environments
To complement a wide variety of settings, the 13A switched socket is available in four styles: raised edge square, raised edge round, curved edge and screwless designs. Each option blends seamlessly with different interior aesthetics, ensuring the socket suits both modern and traditional environments.
Built with premium-grade metals for durability, the socket includes advanced safety features such as overcurrent, overload and overheat protection, ensuring peace of mind for users. It is an ideal solution for domestic and commercial spaces, offering high-speed, reliable power delivery without compromising on safety or design.
We believe that this latest innovation exemplifies our commitment to continuous improvement. By integrating advanced technology and enhanced performance into every product, we want to remain at the forefront of the wiring accessories and lighting sector.
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