WiFi Accessories

Smart WiFi tech – bridging the gap

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

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

The easy installs that pack extra punch

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

View the Timeguard entry on BPindex

Visit the Timeguard website

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