Replaceable screw outs a welcome selling feature for outdoor power sockets, says Timeguard…
So when you’ve already got a distinctive design lead in a market sector with innovation that others only play “me too” with, how do you go one step better? And why bother?
That was the position Timeguard was in as its Weathersafe Vision range continued to be a top seller year after year. Introduced back in 2008, the Vision range with its large, clear windows showing exactly what the switching status is, promised that the covers would not only stay the course and remain clear for years but that the patented seals would keep the weatherproofing intact… and that’s just what they have done. But continuing improvement is what Timeguard does, and the best place to look for that improvement was to provide for even easier installation: enter the replaceable screw-fitting cable entries.
Every installer will admit to getting the cable knock out wrong from time to time – who doesn’t? – so they’ll like this latest refinement to Timeguard’s top-selling range of IP66 Weathersafe outdoor power sockets and switches! They’ve done away with old-school cable knock outs and introduced replaceable M20 threaded screw outs.
So, if they do make a mistake, you can simply screw it back in. They won’t lose the unit’s impressive IP66 rating either, which is more than enough for even the British climate, and can get straight on with the job. In the past, the options after making a mistake were to have to wire a device in awkwardly, accept that its weather proofing integrity was lost, or scrap it and buy another one. So this simple addition of screw-outs instead of knock outs will make life a lot easier and reduce your wastage and costs.
It is a pretty obvious feature for an outside socket you might think, but changes like these cost a lot to develop, test and then introduce on the production line, and various other manufacturers have not yet been willing to invest. No doubt they will soon, as the market usually follows Timeguard as best it can.
One thing no one else has been able to emulate is the superb appearance and ease of use of the Vision range. Timeguard’s mouldings allow for full sized polycarbonate windows that stay clear for years; while its patented neoprene seals that withstand opening and closing time and time again without compromising the IP66 rating when in use.
The clear windows of the Weathersafe Vision models mean that users can see at a glance what the on/off status of an appliance plugged into an outdoor socket is, and this is clearly an added safety benefit. Naturally, the option of opaque covers is offered as well.
Another refinement to the new models is the improved and even smarter latching design for quicker and easier opening and closing of the IP66 lids, ideal when you’re in a hurry to get on with the job at hand.
British Standard compliance is of course a given with Timeguard; in this case BS7288 and BS1363 for socket outlets incorporating residual current devices. Extra-fast action typically cuts the current in 40 milliseconds, with a rated trip current of 30 mA.
The new product options cover all your customers’ core requirements with single and double gang switched sockets, with neon on/off indicators, RCD’s sockets and fused spur RCDs.
IP68 Connectors
Also new this summer is a selection of IP68 outdoor power connectors designed to connect cable runs safely in outdoor installations. Ideal for extending cable runs when installing Weathersafe power sockets, the range includes in-line connectors, ‘T’ connector and junction box, supplied with various seal sizes for differing cable entry. The additional protection afforded by the IP68 rating means these connectors are tested to withstand continuous immersion and can be safely used outdoors at ground level.
Weathersafe range
The new Weathersafe range features in the latest Timeguard catalogue, and is available for delivery to wholesalers now. If you haven’t got your order in yet, email csc@timeguiard.com or check out the specifications on the web site at www.timeguard.com.
