As the summer approaches and the focus for homeowners is on 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 and security protection to enhance their customers’ outdoor spaces.
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 – with the whole of the back box fixed to the wall to accommodate the socket or modules. Multiple knock-outs on each side (20mm) allow for entry from all angles, and a flexible rubber base with rear entry gasket provides extra weatherproof protection, as well as allowing for mounting on most types of uneven surfaces.
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 polycarbonate construction makes this a durable and long-lasting, heavy-duty range. All switch products are of modular construction allowing the installer total flexibility in designing customised switching solutions according to on-site requirements.
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. It features a curved lid, which provides additional space for wires. The lid is locked using quarter turn fasteners.
There are 10 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.
The IP Box gives you the option to fix directly to a wall using four screws into the pre-moulded holes in the base. Alternatively, use the detachable wall clip which requires just two screws. It also provides the option of using up to eight M20 cable glands. The M20 threaded entries with membrane ensure the IP rating is maintained without the use of tools or locknuts.
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.
Installation is simple and flexible, with no additional cables or wall cutting required, making it ideal for existing or newly constructed buildings. The bespoke Click Smart+ app gives householders ultimate control of the smart devices, which can also be operated through voice control in conjunction with a smart speaker.
Click Smart+ sockets, including the smart fused connection unit, can also be incorporated into the Aquip weatherproof enclosures to safely bring smart technology to the outdoors. Part of the Click Smart+ range is a Smart Socket Outlet Kit which brings together all the essential components for outdoor installation. The kit includes a smart hub, four Mode 13A 2-gang Zigbee smart sockets and an Aquip IP66 weatherproof enclosure.
Smart security
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 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, plus the Pathfinder LED floodlights which are an ideal way to provide ambient lighting around the garden – lighting up walkways and driveways, as well as highlighting architectural features when used as an up-lighter.
With power and lighting in the garden all under control, full advantage of its benefits can be taken all year round.
Fore more from Scolmore, please click here.
