When it comes to electrical installations, the choice of sockets and switches plays a crucial role in both functionality and aesthetics. By staying up to date with the latest trends that will meet customer demands, enhance safety, and improve energy efficiency, electrical contractors can stay ahead in the competitive electrical industry.
Embracing feedback from contractors helps drive product development and Click Scolmore is constantly looking at ways to innovate its wiring accessories ranges to reflect current trends. Here we outline some of the most recent product launches and innovations to emerge from the business.
Modern twist
Among the latest developments in the wiring accessories range is the expansion of the Metal Clad range to introduce Metal Clad Pro - robust new range of premium, durable wiring accessories that combine a modern aesthetic with Click’s latest innovations to offer a stylish, long-lasting performance for any environment.
Designed with a contemporary, curved profile, with matching surface boxes, the Metal Clad Pro range comprises switches, socket outlets, modular plates, fused connection units, as well as surface and blank boxes. The entire range is available in three striking finishes ‘Metal Clad Grey’, ‘Polar White’ and ‘Matt Black’.
Sitting alongside the existing Metal Clad product portfolio, Metal Clad Pro provides installers and designers with a more modern wiring accessories solution. The modular construction allows for easy modifications and custom switching solutions, ensuring total flexibility on-site.
The products are packed with features that incorporate Click’s most recent product improvements as standard to create a new, premium surface mountable range. These include:
· Contemporary curved profile with matching back box profile - achieves a neat and precise fit for an unobtrusive aesthetic and to eliminate uneven surfaces.
· LED indicator – a brighter, more modern method of indication, replacing traditional neon indicators and located on the rocker switch.
· Ingot-style socket pins – all Metal Clad Pro socket outlets (round pin excluded) will contain the new ‘Ingot’ style socket pins as opposed to the traditional T-shaped versions.
· New insert shapes – FCUs and 20A switches now feature a stylish, modern insert shape that reduces the amount of exposed white plastic around the inserts.
· 3-pin safety shutters – ensures that all three socket outlet pins are engaged correctly before the shutters open, providing added protection.
· Customisable configurations – compatible with Click’s MiniGrid range, allowing flexible module interchanges.
Power to the USB
With the proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices, the need for USB-integrated wall sockets continues to grow. These sockets eliminate the need for bulky adapters, offering convenience and enhanced functionality. A quick and easy way to free up socket space is to install a Click Scolmore Type A and C USB integrated socket. They feature integrated high-speed USB ports with a 2.1A output, allowing fast and reliable charging for various devices.
Safety features like built-in shutters ensure top-level protection whilst the energy-efficient smart technology prevents overcharging. Designed to complement any décor, the Type A and C USB socket outlets are available across all Click Scolmore’s wiring accessories ranges – Mode, Polar, Metal Clad, Part M, Deco, Deco+, Define, Definity and Definity Complete. As well as the USB sockets, Click also offers 2.4A Type A and 3A Type C USB Dual Charging Modules, which provides installers with flexibility to configure a customised accessories plate and are ideal for commercial and residential settings.
Safety matters
As electrical safety regulations become more stringent, contractors must prioritise high-quality, safety-enhanced accessories. Tamper-resistant outlets, surge-protected power strips, and childproof socket covers are essential features that enhance safety in homes and workplaces. The latest addition to Click Scolmore’s wiring accessories collection is a range of unswitched safety shutter sockets. This new range comprises 1-gang and 2-gang unswitched socket outlets, with integrated 3-pin safety shutters as standard. They have been added to the Mode and Part M collections, as well as to the most popular finishes in the Deco and Deco Plus ranges – satin chrome and stainless steel. The 3-pin safety shutter is a feature that prevents foreign objects from being inserted into live contacts, which brings a crucial layer of protection.
Enhancing aesthetics
The demand for Matt Black wiring accessories has been on the rise in recent years, as installers and end users look for an alternative premium finish for interiors. Scolmore has taken this feedback on board and has extended the popular Matt Black finish to its Deco and Deco Plus wiring accessories collections. Adding the perfect contemporary look to any interior space, the Matt Black finishes are available across all products in the extensive Deco metal and Deco Plus premium metal ranges.
Some of the more traditional finishes are still proving popular. Brass and antique brass finishes are often chosen for their timeless appeal, ability to complement period styles, and to add a touch of luxury to a space.
Winning combination
Earlier this year saw the introduction of three new ranges - Type A and C GridPro Modules, Illuminated Locator Gaskets, and New Media Combination Plates.
The USB Type A and C GridPro Modules offer dual charging capabilities and are internally fused for added safety. The Type A port provides 5V DC, 2.4A, 12W, while the Type C port offers 5V DC, 3A, 15W. Designed with an easy-to-use clipping feature, these modules allow for quick removal and assembly, making them a convenient choice for professional installers in both residential and commercial sectors. They are available in black and polar white finishes and come offered with a two-year warranty.
Scolmore’s Illuminated Locator Gaskets feature white LEDs, making the switch plate visible when in the OFF position for easy location in dark areas. Ideal for commercial and domestic spaces, they create a subtle halo effect which enhances both visibility and style of the switch. Available in white, these new gaskets are fully compatible with Click Scolmore’s Mode, Deco Plus, and Curva ranges and are backed with a two-year warranty for added peace of mind.
The New Media Combination Plates offer space for up to four 25 x 50mm Euro Modules, providing a versatile solution for Satellite TV, DAB, telecoms, and networking. Compatible with a wide range of modular inserts, they are available in Mode, Deco, Deco Plus, and Definity ranges, each offering stylish designs and flexibility. Featuring 2-gang 3-pin safety shutter outlets for added protection, the plates are available with or without integrated USB ports (Type A and C) for charging devices like phones and tablets.
High-speed connectivity
New CAT-6A modules have just been added to the company’s New Media range, delivering high-speed data connectivity for today’s increasingly demanding media and network installations. These CAT-6A modules are engineered for ultra-fast performance, supporting data speeds of up to 10Gbps over cable lengths of up to 100m. With a high-frequency operation at 500MHz, they are designed to ensure dependable, high-speed data transfer, even across extended distances.
Ideal for both residential and commercial projects, these modules offer installers a flexible and efficient solution for integrating data, audio, and visual connections. A single New Media faceplate can be configured with multiple interchangeable modules to suit various media requirements. The clip-fit design allows quick, tool-free installation into blank mounting plates. The modules are offered in three colour options — black, white, and grey.
Modularity
Modular wiring accessories allow users to customise switch and socket configurations based on their specific needs. These adaptable solutions are particularly popular in commercial and industrial settings where flexibility is crucial. The concept of modular wiring accessories isn’t a new one, however. Interchangeable cover plates and interchangeable switch modules have been available for years. What has changed is the development of technology and the desire by homeowners to have more ability to control the lighting and other electrical accessories. Modular wiring’s flexibility means that there is no minimum project size. From single room solutions to the largest multi-million pound new-build hospitals, systems can be either retro-fitted or newly installed to provide users with safe, reliable and convenient power and lighting services.
GridPro
Click’s extensive GridPro range of interchangeable mounting plates and modules offers installers the ultimate in flexible, modular grid solutions, allowing them to create multi-function 1-24 gang plates which integrate with Scolmore’s vast Click wiring accessories range. The versatile GridPro plate can be populated to perform multiple tasks using a combination of GridPro and New Media modules. As well as a wide range of modules to choose from, all switch modules are 20A rated making them ideal for both domestic and commercial applications.