Timeguard

Timeguard Valiance brings SRCD protection up to standard?

Building Products Index Ltd March 27, 2021 Socket Leave a Comment

Timeguard’s Valiance+ range of RCD-protected switched sockets and fused spurs guarantees compliance with the latest safety standards for improved safety and long-term reliability.

Timeguard has a history of firsts in RCD protection. For instance, it was the first UK manufacturer to market revolutionary compact single gang RCD switched sockets, a testament to the great engineering skills of the Timeguard R&D team, and part of a comprehensive range that includes single gang and dual-gang sockets, metal or plastic casing, active or passive switching. Now, the Valiance + RCD range puts the icing on the cake with compliance to the latest BS7288:2016 regulations for dual-flag (red AND green) notification of switching status. They also look good enough for any customers’ premises and, as usual, the Timeguard illustrated box packaging carries all the images and key information your customers need to choose the right model.

The standard

The Valiance+ range is fully compliant with BS 7288:2016: Specification for residual current devices with or without overcurrent protection for socket-outlets for household and similar uses. Timeguard was the first company to achieve this ‘pass’ with UK approved certification to the new BS7288:2016 standard, at the beginning of 2019.

The main visible sign to look out for to know that a device is compliant is that there is now a dual-flag indication system to show whether the power is live RED – ON, or Green – OFF when the RCD is tripped. This ingenious mechanical indication system is designed to last for many-many years rather than using LED’s that have a limited life expectancy.

However, ‘under the bonnet’, other changes add up to even greater reassurance for users. They mostly relate to EMC resilience, with more stringent testing to ensure products can withstand years of use and electrical or physical abuse and RF interference.

It’s important to note that the new BS7288:2016 standard calls for an SRCD socket or spur unit to be built and to pass much higher levels of testing and performance than products built to the older BS7288:2009 standard. Also introduced for the first time in the new standard is “Type classification”, this being simply a way of indicating an RCD’s detection characteristics in-line with general RCD’s, with all Timeguard SRCD products achieving rating certification for both Type A (for single phase DC loads up to 6MA including vehicle charging) and Type AC (for AC sinusoidal waves only).

The range

The new and stylish Timeguard Valiance+ range offers a complete range of 1 gang and 2 gang RCD switched sockets, white or metal-clad as well as a choice of RCD switched fused spurs. The Timeguard sockets are hugely popular with installers because they are specifically designed to directly retro-fit in to a 25mm deep recessed box and replace standard wiring accessories.

Active and passive options are offered so installers can decide whether the power is automatically restored to the device when the power supply returns to normal, as in the ‘Active’ version, (essential for products such as freezers etc), or if it remains isolated until manually reset, as in the ‘Passive’ version, (essential for products such as hedge trimmers, power tools, etc) with exposed moving parts where an unexpected restart would be a danger to the user.

Why bother with RCD sockets?

An RCD wiring accessory or residual current device is a life-saving device, designed to provide added protection for people against the risks of electrocution and fire that ordinary sockets cannot provide. If, for instance, someone cuts through a cable or touches a faulty appliance indoors, RCDs specifically detect earth leakage and trip in milliseconds.

A miniature circuit breaker (mcb) at the consumer board is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. It makes sense to have both in many applications throughout the home and workplace, and certainly for any socket or spur that might be used to supply power for outdoor use.

Just make sure the RCD sockets you choose meet the latest safety standards, are designed to guaranteed quality standards and look good for installation anywhere in the home or workplace. That means Timeguard Valiance+.

www.timeguard.com

Taking outdoor LED to the next level for professionals

Building Products Index Ltd January 30, 2021 LED Lighting Leave a Comment

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The demand for automatic outdoor LED lighting never seems to fade. There are plenty of products for installers to choose from, but which should you choose to add a professional touch? We looked at the trusted Timeguard range:

Customisation

One of the ‘Top’ products since its launch, is the Timeguard LED Pro range, a range that really does tick all the boxes for professional installers.

For those of you still unfamiliar with the concept, LED Pro is a range of floodlights with interchangeable controls. Installers choose the most suitable floodlight power for the job at hand, IE: 10W to 100W per flood, and then decide how they want it switched: PIR, photocell, RF remote, or as a slave – and plug the two together on site. Change your mind? It’s easy to mx and match. Look out for a new integrated functionality later this year, which will be ideal for new installs or to update existing ones.

Wide beam lights that really do flood

It might sound simple, but the right sort of illumination can’t be taken for granted. When it’s right, it’s the signature of good quality design. If you need greater light coverage be sure to ask for a wide beam floodlight design.

Uncontrolled LED’s emit a straight beam so, if the floodlight isn’t designed to control and distribute the light evenly, the floodlight will have a spotlight-like effect when what people really want is a wide even spread of light. A quick check is to keep a look out for lenses over the diodes as that’s a sure tip that the designer has considered light beams and angles. Where you have a big area to illuminate, choose LED floodlights with arrays designed specifically to provide the ‘really wide’ beam you may need. It is an option we now offer across our ranges, including the LED-X rust-resistant models.

Rust free good looks

Rust resistance is crucial for keeping good looks and avoiding the tell-tale sign of unsightly running marks often seen down the wall. Even though most LED floodlights are now made primarily of polycarbonate, the brackets are normally always mild steel that will corrode and rust. That’s why we designed the rust resistant range, ideal for coastal areas or installation in damper places with every single metallic component, including the bracket manufactured from rust-resistant 316 stainless steel – even down to the screws on the PCB board.

When we designed the rust resistant floodlight range, we also took the opportunity to devise an optional pan & tilt bracket that allows for the floodlight to be panned sideways (left & right) and then vertically by the floodlight fitting itself for precise and accurate area illumination.

Using stainless steel components inside and out keep these lights corrosion-free for years and allowed for a curved bracket so you can pan as well as tilt the lamp to suit.

The not-so-basic bulkheads

Demand for bulkhead designs that sit flush to the wall never falters, but there’s no reason for them to be left behind in the quality and design stakes. We continue to improve on them and, while we still offer retro die-cast models, our LED88 polycarbonate versions with & without PIR’s seem to be a market favourite. Easy to install, easy to use and easy on the eye.

Small is beautiful

When we first introduced the revolutionary design of the ultra-compact Nighteye range, with both single headed and twin headed versions, it was widely seen that the single units are hardly bigger than a man’s hand – wow! “Could they do the job”, you asked? Well, they certainly can, and they’ve proved that they also last the course and give years & years of service. The next step was evolution, incorporating the PIR detector within the main housing in the EVO range so that the detectors are ‘hidden’ but still offer easy to set time and lux control settings. With single and twin floodlight options in black or white, they look great and they do a great job! We rest our case.

Available in black and white these lamps with concealed PI detectors are hardly bigger than your hand

Find out more at www.timeguard.com – or give us a call us and we can talk about the ranges available and which ones best suit your needs.

bulkheads EVO range LED Floodlights LED lighting LED Pro range PIR Timeguard

All Present and Correct

Building Products Index Ltd November 23, 2020 PIR Detection Leave a Comment

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Presence and motion detectors are the devices that you want to be able to fit and forget, so you need reliable high-quality branded products and the Timeguard range has everything you need – including a helpline for any queries you have.

Passive infrared is the most economical and widely used sensor technology and the key choices here are between motion detection and the more-sensitive ‘presence detection’, of say people sitting and working at a desk. Increasingly popular now are the models that get the combined movement / sensitivity balance just right with precision sensitivity covering the core detection field plus motion detection extending over a wider area. Of course, there will be a price differential, and that’s why it’s important you can easily find all the information you need to make the right choice by simply visiting the Timeguard website.

Combining presence and motion detection: the top selling SLFM360N / Pic: SLFM360N 360o PIR detector.

Joined up thinking: Timeguard’s easy-install linkable mini-PIRs.

Check that the detectors you choose keep you in control. They will measure ambient light intensity so they will only trigger when certain pre-set low lighting thresholds are reached, not in broad daylight. This level should be adjustable to suit the premises. They should also offer the option to adjust the ON time. If these controls are missing and/or they are difficult to access and use, the detector is unlikely to do the best job for your customers. Easy and accurate control are hallmarks of the Timeguard ranges, and one of the many reasons installers choose them time and time again.

With very low profile flush mount detectors, the controls are hidden in the body of the unit, so look for good spring clips that hold the device securely while still enabling you to remove the unit from an aperture with ease should you need to adjust the settings and replace it securely without damaging the ceiling. Or perhaps, if super-sleek profiling isn’t vital, choose devices that offer external access to the controls without compromising on looks. We’ve proved that surface mount can still look sleek!

We did a bit of lateral thinking with the controls on the linkable mini PIRs, which allow for an array of detectors with a master and up to five slaves connected using standard pre-wired RJ11 sockets. A quick & easy drop-down twist-and-lock design makes reaching the controls as easy as changing a lightbulb.

We also offer the option of hand-held remote control for several of our presence detectors.

Making control as easy as changing a lightbulb … twist and lock back when you are done.

Of course, PIR’s may not always fit the bill for what you need, especially in larger and partitioned spaces, so that’s when you may need active microwave (MW) devices. Operating in different areas of the light spectrum, they send out microwave pulses to measure the reflection off a moving object. The Timeguard models look no different from regular PIR detectors when fitted. Check the website for more information.

Check out the range and specifications at www.timeguard.com

low profile flush mount detectors mini PIRs Passive infrared Presence and motion detectors Timeguard

Staying safe

Building Products Index Ltd October 29, 2020 LED Lighting Leave a Comment

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We are all finding ways of accommodating different ways of working together and, in the midst of so much change, you’ll probably agree that now is not the time for anyone to be taking business risks with unknown, untested suppliers. In the busiest season for core product lines that installers rely on, like outdoor LED lighting, this is no time to be letting your customers down! Stick to a brand you know you can trust.

Giving customers what they need

We all understand the core needs in this market: something that looks good to the end user, something that provides opportunities to add value and profitability, and something that does a good job for years and years.

Where there is a price differential between bucket shop and branded quality, the difference is more than justified by design and specification, by the inherent value of the guarantee, and by ease of installation (installation time is money!). A product that really does what it promises, that is designed for easy fitting and won’t confuse the end user with unintelligible settings, is going to be a cheaper install. Professional installers get that. Timeguard delivers it.

The LED Season

Having argued the case for the brand, let’s look at the Timeguard ranges. We know what the top sellers by volume will be, and we understand the special requirements installers have for some jobs. So, we’ve got them all covered.

Flexibility

One of the ‘Top’ products since its launch, is the LED PRO range, a range that really does tick all the boxes for professional installers and it’s also a great proposition for wholesale stockists too as they can rationalise total stock while still offering a full range of options for you off the shelf.

For those of you still unfamiliar with the concept, LED PRO is a range of floodlights with interchangeable controls. Installers choose the most suitable floodlight power for the job at hand, IE: 10W to 100W per flood, and then decide how they want it switched; PIR, photocell, RF remote, or as a slave – and combine the two together on site.

Lights that really do flood

It might sound simple, but the right sort of illumination can’t be taken for granted. When it’s right, it’s the signature of good quality design.

Rust free good looks

The not-so-basic bulkheads

Demand for good old bulkheads that sit flush to the wall never falters, but there’s no reason for them to be left behind in the quality and design stakes. We continue to improve on them and, while we still offer retro die-cast models, our LED88 polycarbonate versions with & without PIR’s seem to be a market favourite. Easy to install, easy to use and easy on the eye.

Small is beautiful

When we first introduced the revolutionary design of the ultra-compact Nighteye range, with both single headed and twin headed versions, it was widely seen that the single units are hardly bigger than a man’s hand – wow! “Could they do the job”, you asked? Well they certainly could and they’ve proved that they also last the course and give years & years of service. The next step was evolution, incorporating the PIR detector within the main housing in the EVO range so that the detectors are ‘hidden’ but still offer easy to set time and lux control settings. With single and twin floodlight options in black or white, they look great and they do a great job! We rest our case.

You might want to keep a small stock of lower-volume lines like extra high-power floods, die-cast bulkheads, step lights etc. o the van. Alternatively, all can be supplied from stock and it can all be shipped to your wholesaler quickly from our London warehouse.

Find out more at www.timeguard.com – or give us a call us and we can talk about the ranges available and which ones best suit your needs.

LED Floodlights LED PRO outdoor LED lighting rust resistant floodlight Timeguard twin floodlight

Smart WiFi tech – bridging the gap

Building Products Index Ltd September 28, 2020 WIFI Accessories Leave a Comment

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Timeguard has introduced a range of Smart Wifi Accessories covering everything from hard-wired smart wall sockets to ‘out-of-the-box’ plug-in controls.

The thinking behind the WiFi Accessories range is that countless ”me too” DIY gadgets have opened customers eyes to the possibilities of smart control, but also showed them all the downfalls. People are ready for professional help and for branded quality and reliability. No-one wants the hassle that comes along with poor quality, inadequate specification and instructions, and lacklustre support.

Timeguard and Tuya Smart – Worlds leading IoT Platform

The Timeguard development team chose the proven Tuya Smart IoT (Internet of Things) platform for control of its WiFi Accessories range of Wi-Fi controlled devices. Tuya works with Alexa and Google Assistant and the free app enables consumers to control all of their smart home devices from a single app, as well as any of the other 90,000 compatible products from other manufacturers.

Not all Tuya devices are equal of course – it all depends what functionality manufacturers decide to build in to their devices and what control to offer users. While the processes for tailoring the Tuya app and getting devices approved is quite robust, a quick Internet search will tell you that some device manufacturers have confused and disappointed end users, and that branded quality will have growing value. With Timeguard you know for sure that genuine Tuya chips have been used, and that good support (from online videos to real people at the end of the phone line) is provided

Tuya also takes the longer view: it’s going to be around for a long time, just like Timeguard, and is ready for other technologies. Just to remind you: Bluetooth, generally used for data transfer from, say, mobile phones to nearby PCs or speakers over a range of 10m or less, and ZigBee, a lower-power wireless protocol mesh system ideal for continuous monitoring applications like as smart alarm systems. However, WiFi devices can connect to an existing network hub or router, which means that a PC doesn’t have to be left on to access a remote device like a camera or switches. It’s ideal for most home control applications.

What’s in the Timeguard WiFi Accessories range?

As ever, the Timeguard approach has been to look at the market, see what devices are available, and then apply lateral thinking to make them do more, and do it better! The Timeguard WiFi Accessories range includes:

Indoor camera

The Timeguard difference: Highly-specified with high-resolution two-way audio, night vision, detection masking, and complete with a USB power supply adaptor, these cameras will get the job done. The choice of SD storage or easy upload to subscription based cloud storage.

Doorbell with chime

The Timeguard difference: Wait for someone to press the bell or be notified as they approach the built-in PIR detector. Everything you need to get set up is supplied – you’d be surprised how many Wi-Fi doorbells come without a chime! Multiple chimes can be connected, and they plug in to any 13A socket. The doorbell has reliable, Panasonic-branded batteries and is easily recharged via its USB cable when needed (a single charge should last for four months.

Plug In timer adapter

The Timeguard difference: Small but mighty, these 13a (3kW) adaptors offer daily or weekly programming as well as countdown timing and overload protection. Power monitoring lets users see at a glance how much power a connected device is using. These are timers you can trust.

3-way trailing socket with 2 USB

The Timeguard difference: Pretty much all you need in a single device! Users can time and control each socket individually. Manual over-ride is built in.

Bayonet lamp holder adapter

The Timeguard difference: At last a lamp holder adaptor that will hold a standard BC/B22 bayonet lamp. Naturally daily/weekly and countdown timing are also provided by Timeguard.

Twin socket

The Timeguard difference: These 13A (3kW) sockets for professional installation also provided a handy USB port. Daily and weekly timing programmes and countdown timing are offered via the app, with each socket under individual control.

10A in-Line connector

The Timeguard difference: The functionality of the in-line adaptor is much the same as other products in the range. The big difference is that Timeguard actually thought of what installers need. Want to automate an existing luminaire? Just wire this in and pop it through the ceiling aperture or in-line with power cord of an appliance.

So there you are: everything you need to supply smart home control that you and your customers can trust. Check out the range at your wholesaler or visit www.timeguard.com

Doorbell with chime hard-wired smart wall sockets Indoor camera Plug In timer adapter Timeguard Tuya Smart IoT Twin socket WiFi Accessories

The easy installs that pack extra punch

Building Products Index Ltd March 25, 2020 outdoor lighting, Time control Leave a Comment

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Installers rely on customer satisfaction to build up a solid base of repeat business and a steady stream of referrals. So, the quick installs that deliver extra benefits for their customers are always going to be useful weapons in their armoury.

Going above and beyond the norm, they tend to give stockists opportunities for bigger margins, too. So, display them loud and proud at the counter and make sure your staff are briefed to help sell them.

Here are a few ideas:

Swapping out ugly old outdoor lighting

People soon become used to the convenience of automatic outdoor lighting but, after a few years in our wet climate, the units can begin to look a bit tired. Even plastic lights have metal parts liable to rust.

The wiring is already in place, making selling in the idea of a replacement easy, but Just fitting like for like is kicking the can down the road – the same problems of corrosion, stains on rendered walls and cloudy windows will soon recur. Instead, installers can make a real difference by choosing to rust resistant models for damp areas where old lights are rusty. They can also add value by improving the looks of the property, choosing sleeker, windowless designs and perhaps all-white models to blend in better with rendered walls or for mounting on soffit boards.

Adding new ways of controlling outdoor lighting

Is the power switch for outdoor lighting in the right place for customers? Often you’ll find it next to the door, but why not offer less-mobile customers the option of remote RF control. With the Timeguard remote fob it’s also possible to ‘hide’ the RF remote inside any normal light switch, which won’t need to be connected to the mains or chased in – and of course it will never get lost! Leads from the remote are simply connected to the switch terminals and users can control their lights from a wall switch in any convenient location (The RF fobs described here are designed to work with the Timeguard LEDPro range of modular outdoor LEDS, with mix-and-match master and slave floodlights and a choice of PIR, photocell or RF control plug-in modules.

Switch off and save

Wherever there’s a fused spur, installers can save lives and money by making sure appliances like dangerous irons or expensive heaters won’t be left on accidentally. Simply replace the basic spur wire-for-wire with a device that also offers programmable time control. With these fused spur time switches, installers can add hard-wired programmable time control to virtually any device or appliance in the home.

An alternative approach allows a boost timing – the device counts down and switches off automatically while still, of course, providing all-important fused spur protection.

Switch smarter

Light switches can be put to work as well, with integral PIR and time control. Again, replacing basic switches with these smarter devices could hardly be easier, but the benefits to end users are immediate and obvious.

WiFi for all

WiFi is the name of the game – and it seems you’re nobody unless you can switch something at home on and off from your phone these days. For most people, it is the heating that they want to manage, usually turning it on ahead of schedule if they are heading home earlier or delaying it if they’ve decided to stay out. There are many devices on the market to do this but perhaps the least expensive and simplest approach is adding WiFi functionality to the devices end users are going to need anyway: the fused spur timers, hard-wired time switches and thermostats. Again, the market will get more crowded but, coming back to what we said at the very start of this article, an installer relies on satisfied customers and word-of-mouth recommendations. Whatever they fit has to be reliable. The hardware is one thing – and branded quality will rarely let you down – but don’t forget the importance of the software Apps that control WiFi devices. An App needs constant reviewing debugging and updating. Without that, customer satisfaction soon goes out the window, and returns pile up on your counter.

And look out for a new range of WiFi Accessories with the Timeguard difference coming this Summer.

Do encourage installers to take advantage of these nice little earners, but make sure you have their backs by supplying great products for them.

automatic lighting outdoor lighting remote RF control time switches Timeguard WiFi Accessories

All present and correct

Building Products Index Ltd November 26, 2019 PIR Detection Leave a Comment

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PIRs are everywhere, but they should not be thought of as basic, commodity items. Opting for the cheapest off-the-shelf PIR is never wise because replacing faulty devices is never easy just because of where they are likely to be mounted.

What, then, if you have invested in branded quality but the lights still aren’t working s expected? Here the problems are more likely to arise from having specified the wrong PIR for the job or getting the set up wrong.

The Tech Team at Timeguard are always happy to advise, and there’s no premium charge for calling them. There’s also plenty of information on the company website and product packaging and instruction leaflets. All the same, we asked them what you should be asking yourself before you choose a motion or presence detector.

What type of lights and what load?

Be sure to pick a PIR detector that is specifically tested with and rated for LED loads if that’s what you need to control.

You shouldn’t need to do the maths yourself: the specification on the box should already state what LED loading is acceptable – if not steer clear. Timeguard thinks it’s always wise to add at least 10% for good measure.

There’s a huge difference between ratings for the same PIR detector for halogen and LED. For instance, while Timeguard’s mini linkable PIR foris rated for 1000W max. halogen, the LED rating is 250W max. LED. That’s because the LED rating allows for the strong inrush current on switching, not the subsequent low running current. That said, 250W is usually enough for these PIRs with the option of up to five pre-wired RJ11 plug-in slave units per master, allowing for quick installation for corridor and multi-zone use.

Will there be lots of luminaries?

Take care if the total LED load is getting near the limit of the PIR’s specification, especially when controlling small luminaries. Due to their physical size, lower wattage LED lamps (GU10 type lamps) commonly have very simple circuitry with surge protection and power factor correction omitted. That puts a massive strain on whatever is switching/controlling them.

So, for instance, the Timeguard SLW360^oceiling-mounted and flush-mounted detectors have a maximum LED load of 150W but are rated for a maximum of 10 separate LED10W lamps (ie only 100W). Yet the firm rates – and guarantees – them for LED lamps above 10W, right up to the 150W limit.

Where’s it going?

Most good PIRs now offer more sensitive presence detection. Remember, PIRs are often installed so that lights or fans turn off when a space is empty, so more often than not they do need to be able to detect the difference between an empty room and people sitting quietly at a desk.

You don’t have to spend £100s for a single detector that offers presence detection. Presence detection is standard on most Timeguard PIR detectors.

Will the detector be surface or flush mounted in a standard ceiling aperture? Most people prefer flush mounting if practicable, but Timeguard has proved that surface mount doesn’t have to mean clunky looking if the manufacturer has put the effort into design.

As a rule, a ceiling height of 2.5m will give optimum coverage but be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions. You also need to be aware that highly reflective surfaces and heat sources like extractor fans nearby can interfere with sensitivity. Remember, too, that sensitivity is greatest for movement across the field, rather than directly towards it when choosing locations. It may be useful to mask part of the detector to avoid nuisance switching, and unnecessary call backs form disgruntled customers.

Choose products that make installation and setting up straightforward, because it’s usually done at the top of a ladder! Big wiring terminals and simple adjustment controls should be at the top of your wish list.

The bottom line, as ever, is branded quality assurance – good products, good information and good, free tech desk back up for installers.

ceiling-mounted PIR detector flush-mounted PIR detectors mini linkable PIR foris PIR Detector Timeguard

Are you ready to offer daylight harvesting – with or without DALI control?

Building Products Index Ltd September 27, 2019 LED Lighting, lighting, PIR Detection Leave a Comment

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You will undoubtedly have come across DALI in the course of your work, but maybe thought it was only for the big contractors on the big jobs? That may have been the case in the past, but DALI controls and devices are finding their way into the mainstream. Now PIR leader Timeguard has released a line-up of DALI-compatible PIR switches. With POR switch, power supply and remote IR control all provided, you have everything you need to get started from a brand you know you can trust. After all, as installers you are used to providing homeowners and businesses with zoned lighting and scene setting – why not take it to the next level?

And if you’re not ready, or the project doesn’t warrant DALI scene setting, then you can use these new PIRs as standalone detectors and still offer your customers daylight harvesting. That’s just another way of saying that lights will turn on and off in response to changes in the natural light, as the sun goes in and out, as well according to the time of day. You may also have heard this referred to as constant light control that, in the past, has been the preserve of PIR detectors designed – and priced – for the top end of the market.

Why bother?

There are clearly cases and places where ordinary lighting is fine: if the application is simple and doesn’t require daylight harvesting (an important energy saving feature now specified in Building Regulations) , dimming, occupancy control or individual user control, DALI isn’t the answer. But when you do need to design in or add any of these functions, then it is worth thinking about.

A DALI system just needs a DALI bus for communication between different points on the system such as the controller and a PIR. So, an extra pair of cables between devices and control points of the system is needed : standard 2-core, minimum 1.5mm is sufficient. A DALI loop can contain up to 64 devices – typically LED drivers or PIRs – with multiple loops linked for larger projects.

What is it?

The Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) is a standard that enables different devices on a system to talk to each other – they don’t even need to come from the same manufacturer. It’s an international standard, specifically created for lighting, for a two-way communication system that gives easy control and versatility. In a traditional system, control signals are one-way. In a DALI system, signal traffic is two-way, meaning LEDs can be commanded to perform requested actions, such as switch ON/OFF or DIM, but they can also be asked to provide information. The LED driver or switch can provide, for instance, information about intensity and energy consumption, or it can simply verify that it is working.

A DALI network consists of a controller, a power supply (which may be built into the controller) and one or more slave devices (eg ballasts, drivers, dimmers and PIR detectors) that have DALI interfaces. The controller can address devices individually or by multicast. Each device can be assigned to up to/any of 16 groups and can store up to 16 scenes that can be controlled by a single command

DALI sends messages around, and just like computer networks, the ballast with the right address picks the message up and follows the instruction: it might be ‘turn all the lights in the corridor on’, or it could be ‘switch to the theatre lighting scene in the conference room’.

Now that you know the basics, the decision may be a little more straightforward. Do you want to light several multi-function rooms that require different lighting options depending on time of day, usage etc. If so, think about DALI control with the new Timeguard range.

DALI Daylight harvesting LED lighting PIR Detector PIR switches Timeguard

Is your RCD protection up to standard?

Building Products Index Ltd May 30, 2019 RCD Switched sockets, Socket Leave a Comment

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The latest British Standard for RCD protection has been in force for over 2 years and it really is time to give your customers all the benefits of the latest thinking on their safety.

That’s where the new Timeguard Valiance+ range of RCD-protected switched sockets and spurs comes in. As usual, this trusted supplier has gone the extra mile and, as well as upgrading features to meet the new British Standard BS7288:2016, it has undertaken a complete redesign and upgraded to the latest generation of componentry throughout. So, both end-user safety and long-term reliability are improved.

The Valiance+ range of 1-gang and 2-gang RCD switched sockets in both active and passive versions is fully compliant with the new BS 7288:2016: Specification for residual current devices. This latest standard replaces BS 7288:1990.

The comprehensive range of RCD wiring accessories covers all you’ll need including white plastic and rugged metal clad variants in both 1 gang and 2 gang and a choice of 3 styles of RCD switched fuse spurs.

www.timeguard.com

RCD switched fuse spurs RCD-protected switched sockets switched sockets Timeguard Timeguard Valiance+ range

Timeguard brings all your existing appliances into the Internet of Things

Building Products Index Ltd February 28, 2019 controls, Heating Leave a Comment

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At its core, the Internet of Things (IoT) is simply about connecting devices over the internet and letting them talk to each other. You can install expensive smart home controllers, as long as your customers are keen to buy all the compatible devices to go with them…

It’s not surprising that where the IoT is most common, in Britain at least, is home heating and energy use, but do not confuse the roll out of free smart meters that just let people watch how fast they are burning their money with IoT devices that help them to do something about it.

Timeguard has changed that. Appliances don’t need to be “WiFi ready” to be controlled from a phone any more. All you need to do is replace a fused spur or switch with one of Timeguard’s new FST WiFi units, and pair it with the home WiFi using the free Timeguard App. Then any space or water heater can become part of the Internet of Things. There’s even a weatherproof option to control outdoor heaters and lights.

The new devices put your customers in remote control of the biggest energy guzzlers, be it in their home, a shop or office, a rental property or a whole accommodation block with shared WiFi access.

The App enables them to set on and off times, add an extra ‘boost’ hour if needed, and just to check at-a-glance whether or not something is on or off. They can control multiple FST WiFi units from the App and allocate limited control over specific appliances to sub users such as family members, colleagues tenants etc.

And, of course, this ingenious unit also provides essential fused spur protection for each appliance.

And, for you, its an easy fox because the Timeguard Fused Spur Timer WiFi is just a direct replacement for the old spur or switch.

www.timeguard.com

FST WiFi units Heating controls Internet of Things IoT remote heating controls Timeguard

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