The federal government is continuing to invest major sums to drive work as housing associations make an effort to satisfy the new 2010/2011 deadline of The Decent Homes Standard. Contractors and specifiers can capitalise around the opportunities this bit of legislation presents when you’re conscious of the most effective wiring accessory products available.
Altogether the federal government has allocated ?11.5bn to housing, including ?550m brought forward from 2010/11 and is mainly dependant on the ‘Decent Homes Standard’ that was announced in 2002 using a target to ‘ensure that all social housing meets set standards of decency’. The standard covers all aspects of the home so that as an inherently innovative industry, the electrical market has responded installed with products to aid specifiers and installers doing work in the affordable housing sector. From wiring accessories and lighting through to cable management, leading manufacturers are suffering from methods to satisfy the key public sector aims of one’s saving, electrical safety, security and meeting legislation.
Social Housing Wants Quality & Durable Wiring Accessories
Looking specifically in the wiring accessory market, there has been a definitive shift towards goods that offer greater quality and safety than previously. And the lifecycle of equipment can also be now a major consideration as items that can stand test of your time will give rise to lower maintenance costs. In today’s economic climate, some organisations could be looking for the best prices but local authorities recognise this is a false economy as items will undoubtedly degrade more frequently as a result of faults or breakages. Within social housing development investment the focus remains on quality, durable solutions.
2008 saw the development of the 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations, which needed the increased usage of 30mA RCDs and effectively means every socket outlet in the house, needs to be covered. In response manufacturers have launched ranges of new consumer units that enable individual RCBO overcurrent protection and residual current protection of every circuit, thereby providing added protection and safety. Which means should an RCBO trip, other circuits will probably be unaffected, causing not just improved tenant safety but additionally decreasing the number call-outs.
Durable Products Save Labour Costs
Furthermore, some units also come pre-wired and pre-tested, which could significantly reduce labour costs, and many feature lockable covers to guard from damage and be sure durability, a key requirement in a sector when tenants can transform on the frequent basis. Whether it’s accidental damage, vandalism or abuse, a busted wiring accessory can become a security hazard, in addition to requiring a planned or emergency on-site visit. Polycarbonate accessories are virtually unbreakable and can prevent damage as well as the must be replaced. Using reliable, proven solutions will reduce lifetime costs, and so will making certain they may be sourced from reputable manufacturers to make certain there are no on-site or long term failure risks.
Helping Special Needs & The Environment
The Disability Discrimination Act and Part M from the Building Regulations, has additionally inspired further changes, ensuring that devices for example wiring accessories meet diverse tenants’ needs. Many ranges have already been specifically designed to support this legislation, for example sockets and switches that visually contrast using their background for easy detection, as well as wide rocker switches to help those with limited dexterity. To assist the visually impaired, some wiring accessories incorporate red flashes in the switch rocker to obviously indicate whether they are ‘on’ or ‘off’. Sockets and switches are also available with neon indicators making them particularly useful at night or even in low-light conditions.
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