Retrotouch is launching a new range of light switches, sockets and dimmers that make it easy for electricians, housebuilders and renovators to add a high end finish to any new lighting scheme or easily update and upgrade an existing one.

The Retrotouch Aura collection comprises a choice of attractive clip-on milled aluminium front panels that quickly and easily attach to the Retrotouch Aura base module, creating stunning finishes for design-conscious customers.

The key benefits of the new range are its modularity, quality materials and finish. Once installed, customers can easily change the covers with no need to wire in new sockets to change the look. Installation is simply install the base at first fix and clip on the face plates at second fix.

The designer-look front panels currently come in four finishes: Brushed Nickel, Brushed Brass, Brushed Bronze and Matt Black. Further colours and finishes are in development and will ensure that the clip-on panels stay on trend as interior design styles and requirements change over time.

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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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Axiom Wiring Accessories has launched a new range of weatherproof switches and sockets.

These IP66 rated products comprise one and two gang options for 13A three pin switched sockets, two way switches with neon and for empty enclosures. In addition, there is a two gang unswitched socket and a one gang connection unit.

Robustly built for heavy duty use, quality features include brass earth terminals, stainless steel self-retaining screws and efficient gaskets for water protection. Installation is made easier with simple push out knockouts and space allowed for extra terminals, whilst in use benefits of the new sockets include positive switch contacts and the ease by which lids can be opened.

Finished in grey, this new Axiom range has full BSEN1363 approval for sockets plus BS EN0669 for switches and comes with a one year guarantee.

To find out more, 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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