In the fast-changing wiring accessories sector, new features and technologies are always just around the corner. Amy Burley, Global Offering Manager at MK Electric, examines the switchsocket innovations sparking change in 2024.

The humble switchsocket is an essential part of modern life; one that is continually evolving with developments in technology and advancements in mechanical design.

Although the UK had sockets as early as 1885, it wasn’t until April 1919 that a reliable, effective two-pin socket was developed: MK Electric co-founder Charles Arnold patented the Multy Kontact socket and the British Engineering Standards Association soon declared it the new standard. This remained until 1947, when BS1363 was published, and the age of the 13A, three-pin socket began.

Today, access to power is in high demand, whether for plugging in laptops and monitors in commercial offices or charging mobile devices during the morning commute. Time is of the essence for consumers and contractors alike: consumers want convenient access to power, quickly, and contractors want to be able to fulfil the customer needs as efficiently as possible.

This is balanced by a heightened awareness on the need for sustainability. With rising costs and tightening regulatory requirements, businesses are continuously refining their energy management strategies and introducing new technologies, from IoT to metering, to better control energy consumption.

These two driving forces in the electrical market are fostering innovation within socket technology.

Every bar counts

In the past decade we have seen a meteoric rise of switchsockets with integrated USB outlets for convenient charging of portable electronics. From mobile phones and tablets to smart watches and wireless headphones, we all have an ever-growing arsenal of electronics that need charging – and quickly . USB outlets have become very popular in commercial properties such as hotels, cafes and airports as a way of conveniently enhancing consumer experience.

Until recently, USB-A ports were the norm. However, this is now giving way to the improved efficiency of USB-C, which can provide a much higher output.

As of 2023, the European Union has thrown its support behind USB-C as the universal standard for charging portable electronics with the introduction of its common charging legislation. Manufacturers have until the end of 2024 to adapt accordingly, but many have already began adjusting their designs. The most notable example is Apple, who made the shift from its lightning connector to USB-C in its iPhone 15, marking the most substantial change in Apple’s charging technology in a decade.

Switchsockets are likewise adapting, with USB-C sockets becoming more popular. For example, MK Electric has added USB-A and USB-C ports to its most popular wiring device ranges of switchsockets. The range uses power delivery (PD) protocol to rapidly charge devices, and is able to charge iPhones to 50 percent in 30 minutes. Unlike other mainstream wiring device brands, the 30W ‘fast-charge’ version also offers double-pole switching for enhanced user safety.

With this extension to MK’s popular ranges of wiring devices, electrical contractors can fulfil the booming demand for USB-C with a high-quality product that ensures future-proofed safe and rapid charging.

Connecting power

On the commercial front, the trend towards connectivity and IoT has gained pace in recent years. In many cases, this shift has been driven by a need for operational cost control and greater sustainability, with connected device-to-device communication being better to manage equipment remotely, automate processes, and reduce power consumption.

For businesses, managing IoT devices and connected systems usually involves the use of a building management system (BMS) or building energy management system (BEMS).

However, electrical sockets have not historically been integrated into a BEMS. When you consider that the modern commercial property will have hundreds of plug-in devices, it’s no surprise that small power can account for a quarter of a building’s entire energy usage.

2023 saw a dramatic change in the market with the launch of MK Electric’s multi-award-winning Connected Power solution. Developed to meet the evolving needs of commercial installs and designed for improved energy management, Connected Power is the UK’s first BMS-integrated controllable socket.

Comprising smart plug sockets and connectivity hubs, the Connected Power solution allows businesses to gain visibility into their buildings’ energy usage, remotely power down unused sockets and automate functions such as scheduling, grouping and alarms. Data is available down to an outlet level, providing more robust information and control of energy use.

Connected Power sockets have a 25mm backbox like standard BS1363 standard plug sockets, allowing for easy retrofits. Installers can interlink up to 50 sockets, and as many as 50 hubs can connect to a single supervisor or BMS.

In 2024, technology that gives commercial businesses complete control over plug-in energy consumption will no doubt become even more prevalent, and advance further to incorporate cloud control.

Time is money

It’s not just the functionality of switchsocket technology that has been developing recently; the installation process has evolved to become faster, easier, and safer.

Behind the socket, screw termination can be time-consuming, especially when installing multiple. Each needs to be mindfully installed to prevent over- or under-tightening, which could lead to wasted time on call backs and fault-finding.

Inspired by alternatives used in the lighting industry, MK Electric developed Rapid Fix technology, which uses spring-loaded cable clamp terminations that meet the requirements of BS1363 for a safe, secure, and reliable connection that doesn’t degrade over time.

MK Electric has led the way on ease of install with its products for years, from its groundbreaking use of backed out and captive screws and inline terminals to its latest innovation: Rapid Fix technology. Rapid Fix is a further evolution of that, making the install of Logic Plus sockets more efficient. Recently, this innovation was incorporated into MK Electric’s Masterseal Plus range of weather-resistant enclosures, forming an award-winning solution that brings faster install speeds to more projects than ever before.

With a wealth of new technologies abound, 2024 looks set to be an electrifying year for switchsockets. By being aware of and offering these flourishing innovations, wholesalers can play a key role in helping contractors and specifiers meet the changing needs of buildings and customers.

To find out more, click here

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Electricians and installers can now cut the time of their outdoor and indoor projects with MK Electric’s new Masterseal Plus Rapid Fix switchsocket outlet.

Marrying the robust enclosures of MK’s renowned Masterseal Plus range with innovative Rapid Fix tool-less and spring-loaded cable clamps, the new sockets can reduce installation times by up to 45% whilst providing a safe, secure connection that won’t degrade over time.

The Masterseal Plus Rapid Fix switchsocket is IP66 rated for protection against dust ingress and high-pressure water jets from any direction, as well as IK07 impact rated to withstand the potential knocks and scrapes of commercial and residential environments. Masterseal Plus is made from high quality materials, won’t discolour, crack or fade in UV light or extreme weather, making it ideally suited for outdoor power needs, perfect for the summer months or even winter’s biting cold, and rainfall at any time of year.

Its spring-loaded clamps can accommodate all cable types for small power circuits, including up to 4mm stranded cable. Individual cable entry and incorporated colour-coded terminals help make installation more efficient without compromising on product performance. The product is well suited for any job and help to simplify challenging install locations such as corners and enclosed areas. The clamps prevent over- or under-tightening, which can lead to the degradation of the connection over time, by keeping wires in place with the right amount of pressure.

For more information, click here

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In this review George Robertson, a trusted ‘product tester’ for our sister title PE, gets acquainted with the Essentials range of switches and sockets from MK Electric.

As a brand, MK has always been considered the ‘gold standard’ of wiring devices, so when I was offered the chance to try out the MK Essentials range I didn’t need much convincing. I’m pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed.

MK Essentials is a range of switches and sockets that feature the usual hallmarks of MK quality and flair but are designed for those jobs where a smaller budget might be available. This has resulted in a well-designed range of white, curved, screwless accessories that honestly wouldn’t look out of place anywhere you fit them.

Multi-purpose

The range has everything you might need: single and double switched or unswitched socket outlets, (with or without USB ports); cooker controls (single or double, with or without neon indicators); LED dimmers; round pin switch-socket and unswitched socket outlets; and a range of grid plus and euro modules.

I was particularly taken with the switches in both wide rocker and small rocker types, which offer up to four gang, two-way switches on a single back box plate. More to the point, they’re all quick, easy and a delight to fit. The cover plate simply flicks off the back unit but, once in place, this is held firmly in position by four robust pins, while the screw holes on the main body allow enough lateral movement to get the units positioned correctly every time.

MK may have designed these as a ‘budget’ range but they neither look nor feel that way when you’re fitting them. If I have one small gripe, it’s that MK didn’t provide me with all the units necessary to replace the switches and sockets that my other half suddenly decided needed to be changed at home after she’d seen the quality of the ones I fitted! 

Value

Having checked the pricing point of the Essentials range at my local suppliers, I was pleasantly surprised. Anyone who knows me well will realise this isn’t something I’d say in jest when it comes to spending my own money.

I’d seriously recommend that other electricians have a look at the Essentials collection, as they could easily become your ‘go to’ accessory range for the future.

At the very least you’ll have the confidence that everything you fit will not only match correctly and look good, but it will also have that MK cachet behind it.

To learn more about the Essentials range from MK, visit: https://www.mkelectric.com/en-gb/Products/Pages/MK-Essentials.aspx

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