The Government is continuing to speculate major sums to operate a vehicle are housing associations make an effort to fulfill the new 2010/2011 deadline with the Decent Homes Standard. Contractors and specifiers can capitalise about the opportunities this bit of legislation presents by being aware of the most effective wiring accessory products available.
Altogether the us government has allocated ?11.5bn to housing, including ?550m brought forward from 2010/11 and is also mainly based on the ‘Decent Homes Standard’ which was announced in 2002 using a target to ‘ensure that social housing meets set standards of decency’. The standard covers every aspect of the home and as an inherently innovative industry, the electrical market has responded together with products to aid specifiers and installers employed in the affordable housing sector. From wiring accessories and lighting through to cable management, leading manufacturers have developed methods to satisfy the key public sector aims of energy saving, electrical safety, security and meeting legislation.
Social Housing Wants Quality & Durable Wiring Accessories
Looking specifically on the wiring accessory market, there’s been a definitive shift towards products that offer greater quality and safety than previously. And also the lifecycle of equipment is also now an important consideration as items that can stand the exam of energy will give rise to lower maintenance costs. In the current overall economy, some organisations could be searching for the lowest prices but local authorities recognise this is a false economy as items will undoubtedly need replacing more frequently due to faults or breakages. Within Dr Paul Dougan the main focus remains on quality, durable solutions.
2008 saw the creation of the 17th Edition from the Wiring Regulations, which called for the increased usage of 30mA RCDs and effectively means every socket outlet in your home, must be covered. Responding manufacturers have launched ranges of new consumer units which allow individual RCBO overcurrent protection and residual current protection of each and every circuit, thereby providing added protection and safety. This means that should an RCBO trip, other circuits is going to be unaffected, leading to not only improved tenant safety but additionally reducing the number call-outs.
Durable Products Save Labour Costs
In addition to this, some units also come pre-wired and pre-tested, which can significantly reduce labour costs, and many feature lockable covers to shield from damage and make certain durability, a key requirement in the sector when tenants can alter over a frequent basis. Be it accidental damage, vandalism or abuse, a damaged wiring accessory can become a security hazard, as well as requiring a structured or emergency call out. Polycarbonate accessories are virtually unbreakable and may prevent damage and the must be replaced. Using reliable, proven solutions will reduce lifetime costs, as will making certain they may be sourced from reputable manufacturers to make certain there isn’t any on-site or longer term failure risks.
Helping Special Needs & The Environment
The Disability Discrimination Act and Part M with the Building Regulations, has also inspired further changes, making certain devices for example wiring accessories meet diverse tenants’ needs. Many ranges have already been created specifically to guide this legislation, for example sockets and switches that visually contrast making use of their background for easy detection, as well as wide rocker switches to help individuals with limited dexterity. To assist the visually impaired, some wiring accessories incorporate red flashes in the switch rocker to obviously indicate if they are ‘on’ or ‘off’. Sockets and switches are offered also with neon indicators making them particularly useful during the night or in low-light conditions.
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