Katie Plumstead, Group Marketing Manager at Scolmore Group, looks at the opportunities presented by the continued growth of the outdoor living market.

As the outdoor living market continues to grow – driven by homeowners’ desire to extend usable space beyond the front door – demand is rising for electrical installations that are smarter, safer and built to withstand the elements. Wholesalers are uniquely placed to support electricians and specifiers in selecting smart outdoor power and lighting solutions that deliver long-term reliability. Products that offer proven durability, full compliance with current standards, and straightforward installation will be key drivers of trade sales this season.

At Scolmore Group, we remain committed to investing in product development and innovation to ensure our outdoor power products keep pace with these evolving market demands -delivering robust performance, installer-friendly design and assured compliance with the latest regulations.

Weatherproof power solutions

Outdoor installations present unique challenges – varying temperatures, moisture ingress and UV exposure all take their toll on electrical accessories. In this environment, specified products must deliver durability without compromise.

Power can be brought safely to sheds, office spaces, heating and hot tubs, with Click Scolmore’s Aquip66 range of IP66 rated, easy-to-install 10A and 20A weatherproof outdoor switches and sockets. The IP66-rated weatherproof socket and switch enclosures offer users a single fix installation. The range includes 1 and 2 gang switch enclosures which utilise MiniGrid single width switch modules which are rated at 10A, as well as 1 and 2 gang switches that utilise the GridPro range of modules and offer 20A switching options. A 13A switched fused connection unit is also available with a semi-transparent cover with neon power indicator, as well as with a standard cover.

Smart power

Beyond power outlets, the outdoor category increasingly intersects with connectivity and control. With power brought to the outdoor spaces, Scolmore’s Click Smart+ range will allow remote control of any electrical elements outside via the Click Smart+ app – switching on lighting, controlling an outdoor appliance or sprinklers, or the ability to switch off power for security.

The Click Smart+ range has been created to simplify and streamline connected home products – lighting controls, smart sockets, security cameras and sensors. It utilises Zigbee technology – one of the most widely adopted smart home communication protocols. Zigbee certified devices require the Click Smart+ Hub and communicate with each other using a mesh network. This creates multiple pathways for the connection of multiple smart home devices without compromising signal and communication range.

The right connection

Providing a strong, quick and reliable solution when working with cables and power outdoors is the Q-NECT IP66 Weatherproof Junction Box from Scolmore Group company Unicrimp. It can house four of the 3 Port Lever Connectors using a 360° detachable cradle, while the curved lid provides additional space for wires. The lid is secured with quarter-turn fasteners, and 10 membrane entry points allow for flexible cable access. Protection against moisture and dust is enhanced by self-sealing membranes, which enable faster and more secure cable entry while maintaining the IP66 rating.

Featuring semi-transparent lids, the junction boxes are available in black or anthracite grey. The anthracite grey option has been specifically designed to complement the Click Aquip66 weatherproof socket and switch enclosures, which are also available with matching semi-transparent lids.

Lighting the way

Lighting remains one of the core product sectors for wholesalers, and outdoor lighting has seen steady demand as gardens, patios, pathways and driveways become extensions of the living space. Ovia Lighting’s portfolio of innovative lighting solutions offers a comprehensive suite of outdoor-ready fittings designed for performance, efficiency and reliability.

Ovia’s Pathfinder LED floodlights are an ideal way to provide ambient lighting around the garden – lighting up walkways, driveways, as well as highlighting architectural features when used as an up-lighter. The range offers 40 options from 10W to 300W, with fittings up to 50W available in both black and white finishes and they come in a choice of Warm White or Cool White colour temperatures. The standard range can be used with remote sensors PIRs (indoor and outdoor) or Microwave sensors (indoor only) as well as with the Click Smart+ control system.

The Ovia portfolio also includes a comprehensive garden lighting range which sits within the company’s Amenity Lighting category. There are seven different wall light designs in the range including a variety of up and down LED wall lights and boxed wall lights, LED bollards and a spike light. The majority of the range is available in cool white 4000k and warm white 3000k colour options. With warm white a very popular choice for external garden lighting schemes due to its softer light source, Ovia is experiencing high demand for this collection.

A strong partnership

For electrical wholesalers, outdoor power represents a growing opportunity to add value through informed product selection and availability. Scolmore Group remains committed to supporting the electrical supply chain with products that deliver performance, safety and ease of use. By working closely with wholesalers and installers, we aim to ensure that outdoor power installations are built to withstand the elements – and the expectations of modern users.

Additional details are available here

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Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, has welcomed the first visitors to its newly opened showroom at its headquarters in Staffordshire.

Launched by Scolmore Group in 2014, Unicrimp has continued to enjoy success with its comprehensive range of cable accessory products and the requirement to invest in a vcaisitor centre and showroom resource became a high priority. As well as showcasing Unicrimp’s ever-expanding range of cable accessories, it will serve as a venue to host a range of events including internal meetings and presentations, product launches and demonstrations, as well as training sessions for customers.

The Q crew

Since launch 10 years ago, the Unicrimp range has been continually developed and expanded, and currently comprises three distinct product categories, with each one marketed under its own sub brand and all available exclusively through the electrical wholesaler channel.  These are the Q-Crimp range of cable and wire accessories, Q-Fire fire–rated and 18^th edition compliant cable accessories and the most recent addition to the portfolio, Q-Nect lever connectors and connection boxes, launched last year. Unicrimp is also the exclusive distributor of the original, multi-surface sealant and adhesive brand, OB1, through the UK electrical wholesale channel.

The Q-Crimp range of cable accessory products provides everything required to harness cable between the consumer unit and the end accessory. The product offering comprises an extensive range of cable management consumables, including stainless steel cable ties, nylon cable ties, crimp terminals, PVC tape, copper tube terminals, cable clips, and brass and nylon glands.

Q-Fire is an extensive range of fire–rated cable accessories that are 18^th edition compliant.  The range comprises fire-safe Twin and Earth Cable Clips, Saddle Clips and P Clips, Stainless Steel Mounts, Metal Cable Cleats, All-Round Banding, Masonry Screws and Fire-resistant Sealants and Foam. The comprehensive range provides installers with an expanded choice of fixing solutions, suitable across a range of applications and environments – helping them to satisfy the latest wiring regulations.

The Q-NECT range of lever connectors and connection boxes brings together a selection of products that work in conjunction with each other to provide installers with strong, quick and reliable solutions that will offer them versatility when carrying out their everyday tasks. A total of 10 products make up the full Q-NECT range, which comprises 2, 3 and 5 way lever connectors, IP66 weatherproof junction box, 2 and 3 way IP connection boxes and 5 pole, 3 way IP68 ‘T’ and 2 way inline connectors.

Tried and tested

OB1 is a high-spec hybrid construction sealant and adhesive that has a tried and tested formulation which has been used by the trade for over 15 years. What makes OB1 stand out is its versatility, flexibility and its 24-hour full curing time. It provides an alternative to mastics, wood and PU adhesives, silicones, acrylics and butyl rubber sealants.

Visitors to the new showroom facility will have the opportunity to get a close up look at the key products from across each range which are on display, as well as the most recent additions which include new trade tubs, armoured industrial brass cable glands and nylon cable glands, earthing plates and black and grey PVC cable sleeving. The displays also show how various Unicrimp products work in conjunction with other products from across the Scolmore Group, such as the cable ties, nylon meter tail glands and grommet strip trim roll with the Elucian consumer units, and the metal clad switches and sockets.

For further information, click here

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Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, has produced a new catalogue to showcase its comprehensive range of cable accessories products.

Available to download now from the Unicrimp website – www.unicrimp.com – or via the Scolmore Group App, the catalogue brings together recently-launched and existing products to provide a comprehensive and valuable resource for wholesalers, specifiers, contractors and procurement professionals.

Since launch almost 10 years ago, the Unicrimp range has been continually developed and expanded, and currently comprises three distinct product categories, each marketed under its own sub brand and all available exclusively through the electrical wholesaler channel. These are the Q-Crimp range of cable and wire accessories, Q-Fire fire–rated and 18^th edition compliant cable accessories and the Q-Nect lever connectors and connection boxes.  Unicrimp is also the exclusive distributor of the original, multi-surface sealant and adhesive brand, OB1, through the UK electrical wholesale channel.

Recent launches that are showcased in the latest catalogue are new Q-Crimp Tradesmen Tubs; armoured brass cable glands; heavy duty masonry nails; rubble sacks; dust sheets; single and double earthing plates.

There are three new Tradesmen Tubs now available offering a mix of fire clips, screws, red wall plugs, grommets, LSF P clips and LSF saddle clips in a range of quantities.

Follow Unicrimp on X (Twitter) here

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Unicrimp continues to expand its Q-Nect range of lever connectors and junction boxes.

The latest additions to the range are IP66-rated, weatherproof junction boxes with semi-transparent lids. The addition of the semi-transparent lid takes the IP Box to the next level, allowing you to see the inside connections without compromising the integrity of the enclosure.

The Q-Nect IP66 junction box is designed to make installations more efficient. It can house four of the 3 Port Lever Connectors using the 360° detachable cradle and with a curved lid, it provides additional space for wires. The lid is locked using quarter turn fasteners. The semi-transparent lids are available on the IP66 Weatherproof Enclosure that is furnished with four X three way lever connectors.

The junction box features ten membrane entry points. Protection against moisture and dust is enhanced with the self-sealing membranes which provide a faster and more secure cable entry whilst at the same time maintaining the IP66 rating. Installers have the option of using up to eight M20 cable glands with the junction box. The M20 threaded entries with membrane ensure that the IP rating is maintained without needing to use any tools or locknuts.

Multiple fixing options are available – either fixing directly to a wall using four screws into the pre-moulded holes in the base or using the detachable wall clip which requires just two screws.

The new junction boxes with semi-transparent lids are available in a black or anthracite grey finish, with the anthracite grey colour option designed to match the Click Scolmore Aquip66 weatherproof socket and switch enclosures, which are also available with the same semi-transparent lids.

For more information, click here

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Unicrimp continues to expand its range of cable accessories and has introduced a brand new category of products to its portfolio.

Marketed under the new Q-NECT brand, the new range comprises lever connectors and connection boxes. The aim of the launch is to bring together a selection of products that work in conjunction with each other to provide installers with strong, quick and reliable solutions that will offer them versatility when carrying out their everyday tasks. 

A total of 10 products make up the full Q-NECT range, which comprises two, three and five way lever connectors, IP66 weatherproof junction box, two and three way IP connection boxes and five pole, three way IP68 ‘T’ and to way inline connectors.   

Lever connectors 

Suitable for solid, stranded and flexible cable types, these lever operated connectors use screwless spring clamp technology, which means there is no need for any tools. They feature an inspection window, which is located at the top of the lever connector and allows for quick and easy testing while the lever connector is installed.  

They offer a strong and reliable connection, with a conductor range of 0.2-4mm. Because they are reusable, they are the perfect solution for temporary or mobile installations. 

The housing on all Unicrimp Q-NECT lever connectors are transparent which means that installers can easily see if the wires inside are positioned correctly to ensure the best possible connection. 

Weatherproof junction box 

Available in black and anthracite grey finishes, the IP66 junction box is designed to make installations more efficient. It can house four of the 3 Port Lever Connectors using the 360° detachable cradle and with a curved lid, it provides additional space for wires. The lid is locked using quarter turn fasteners. 

The junction box features 10 membrane entry points. Protection against moisture and dust is enhanced with the self-sealing membranes, which provide a faster and more secure cable entry whilst at the same time maintaining the IP66 rating.  

Multiple fixing options are available – either fixing directly to a wall using four screws into the pre-moulded holes in the base or using the detachable wall clip which requires just two screws.  

Installers have the option of using up to eight M20 cable glands with the junction box. The M20 threaded entries with membrane ensure that the IP rating is maintained without needing to use any tools or locknuts. 

IP connection boxes 

There are three products within the IP connection boxes range – the four pole two way 24A IP68 inline connection box; four pole three way 24A IP68 (M16+M20) connection box and three pole two way 16A IP66 connection box. 

Both IP68 rated boxes come pre-installed with IP68 rated nylon glands. The nylon glands provide a dust and watertight seal, as well as excellent strain relief and cable protection. To aid installation the hinged lid enables quick and easy access with suitable fixing points provided. This allows the connection box to be fixed wherever it is suited.  

The IP68 connection box prevents exposure with a strong sealing performance. It can withstand dust, dirt and sand, and is also resistant to submersion up to a maximum depth of 1m for up to 60 minutes. The more compact IP66 connection Box is also protected against direct high pressure jets.  

 ‘T’ and inline connectors 

High quality and robust materials produce a tough nylon body which helps ensure that the connectors can withstand the harshest of environments. Whatever the installation conditions, the cables will be fully secure. 

The ‘T’ and Inline Connectors are supplied with five pole terminals. This provides the installer with a variety of wiring options, covering a large range of installations. The ‘T’ shape of the IP68 ‘T’ connector facilitates the install of an inline switch or additional powered output whilst also offering IP68 weatherproof protection, making it perfect for multiple installations.   

The IP68 inline connector provides a quick and simple solution for outdoor fixtures. It can be used to extend or repair existing cables while maintaining its IP68 weatherproof protection. 

Unicrimp has produced a comprehensive brochure providing in depth details of each of the product in the Q-NECT range and this can be downloaded from the Unicrimp website as well as from the Scolmore Group app.  

A video has also been created and can be viewed here. The Q-NECT range will also have its own dedicated area on the Unicrimp website – www.unicrimp.com 

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