Spring is in the air and a time when the focus for homeowners shifts to their outdoor space. Katie Plumstead, Group Marketing Manager, Scolmore Group, looks at ways professional installers can bring power to the outdoors to create a safer, brighter and more welcoming recreational space.
Whatever outdoor project is being planned, the advice is always to make sure a reputable professional is engaged to ensure that any work is carried out safely and meets all the required regulations. This is where professional electricians come to their own, with the necessary skills and knowledge to advise their customers on how best to bring power to the outdoors and to upgrade or improve existing lighting installations.
Across the Scolmore Group there is an array of products that installers can call on to provide power, lighting and security protection to enhance their customers’ outdoor spaces and some of these are highlighted here, giving wholesalers a heads up on what they should be stocking to meet demand.
Watertight solution
Power can be brought safely to sheds, office spaces, heating and hot tubs, with the 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.
The right connection
Providing a strong, quick and reliable solution when working with cables and power outdoors is Unicrimp’s Q-NECT IP66 Weatherproof Junction Box. 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. There are ten membrane entry points, and 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. These 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 Aquip66 weatherproof socket and switch enclosures, which are also available with the same semi-transparent lids.
Smart control outdoors
With power brought to the outdoor spaces, Scolmore’s Click Smart+ range will allow remote control of any electrical elements outside – 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.
Working alongside Click Smart+ is the Fort range of smart security products from Scolmore Group company, ESP. The range includes intruder alarms, video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras. They all operate under the same ‘Click Smart+’ app – which is completely subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred. By bringing the operation of the Fort range under the Click Smart+ app from Scolmore, users will have control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform.
Lighting the way
When it comes to lighting solutions for the garden, it is worth considering the main functions that are required. These could include accessibility, highlighting of particular areas of the garden, security and aesthetics.
Ovia has a raft of lighting solutions for the outdoors including the recent addition of a solar powered security light. A more sustainable lighting solution, the Zonne has a radiant 8W output, and casts a crisp 4000k temperature glow at an impressive 950 lumens. The fitting is IP65 rated and it has a charge time of 5-6 hours to fully and has two working modes – Mode A: 3~5 Nights and Mode B: 2~3 Nights. It is designed to be installed at a height of four metres and comes with three metres of connection cable.
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.
With power and lighting in the garden all under control, full advantage of its benefits can be taken all year round.