The Wiring Accessories Sector

25-11-2015

Marie Parry, Group Marketing Manager for Scolmore takes a look at the current state of the wiring accessories sector, the latest developments driving sales and what the future holds.

According to AMA research, current forecasts indicate annual growth rates of 5-6% from 2015 as the economy improves and house building activity increases.  It is expected that the market value will be around £1.8bn in 2018.  However, this will depend on the speed of economic recovery and any fluctuations in raw material prices.

The current focus on solutions and systems within the electrical products market will continue to lead to demand for integrated systems in both the domestic and commercial sectors in the medium term, as well as an increased use of pre-fabricated wiring and wireless switches. 

Energy efficiency

The demand for environmentally friendly products continues to be a major issue and this is a factor which is likely to be more influential in future years, as homeowners and business operators alike, use whatever means they can to improve the environmental credentials of their properties.  This will lead to increased use of individual and central controls for lighting and other electrical products, creating demand in the electrical accessories sector.  Even in the domestic sector, where take up for new technology is traditionally slower, controls will become even more mainstream, particularly with development of easy to install RMI products.

Product development will continue to focus on environmental efficiency, wireless systems, integrated controls, reduced space and impact, quick installation such as prefabricated units and low installation application such as plug and play connections to reduce time on site and cut down time during RMI situations.  The skills shortage within the market place will also remain for some time and lead to greater use of products that are quicker and easier to install, requiring less skilled labour.

Smart homes

Home automation technology has been available for many years but demand for systems in the UK has until recently been largely limited to luxury homes and specialist projects.  However, with declining costs and complexity, plus greater awareness of system benefits and the development of the smart phone, industry experts predict that home automation is set to become one of the fastest growing markets in the UK.

Forecasts indicate that the pace of growth will increase over the next five years as the UK home automation market becomes more established.  This can be partly attributed to the advancements in smart phone technology and growing concerns about energy efficiency and the environment.

Wireless control

By intelligent controlling of the lighting and heating throughout a home it is possible to make significant cost and energy savings and this is the case with wired and wireless automation.  For instance central heating systems, rather than heating the whole house, can be split into different zones so that rooms or areas are warmed as and when they are required.  In the same way lighting systems can be controlled so that the right light output is delivered when and where it is needed.  With its ease of installation into an existing dwelling and with minimum cost and disruption involved, The INELS wireless RF system  from Scolmore offers an ideal solution to enter the home automation market. The benefits of modular wiring systems - flexibility, cost-efficiency and time saving – means even the most complex installations can be completed more quickly and more efficiently than ever before. 

‘Smart’ wiring accessories

This has huge potential for the future. There will be continual development and increased range for integrated systems meaning products will need to become ‘smart’ for information to flow. Environmentally friendly products will continue to rise so increased micromanagement and control over energy usage will fuel the ‘smart’ wiring accessories.

The huge growth in ownership of portable electronic devices - smart phones, tablets and E-readers - and the plethora of leads and adaptors required to keep these devices charged means that today’s technology is reliant on USB charging.  This has led to demand for neat and easy-to-install solutions and the development of USB Charging Modules.  These are ideal retrofit products, which have enormous application potential for homes, offices, schools, hotels, education, leisure outlets and transport interchanges.  Of course housebuilders and developers are now fitting these as standard in all new builds.

Mobile technology such as smartphones and tablets have had an impact on the way wiring accessories are designed and used and this will continue to be a key driver, due to the ‘single product’ control that is available via smartphones. Integration with wiring accessories, i.e. to allow for lighting control over mobile applications will affect their initial usage.  

Fashion or function?

Functionality and aesthetics are factors that are equally important for homeowners.  Whether they are matching the decoration of the room or the period/style of the house, wiring accessories continue to be used to enhance the style of the home, and have been for years.  The difference today is the increase in choice available – we have moved on considerably from the simple white plastic boxes to a host of finishes including glass and ceramic.  The latest new product development at Scolmore has seen the launch of the Mode Locating Plug Socket, which features a contoured front plate to help guide the plug into place.  Developed primarily for the assisted living sector, the scope for this type of product is much more widespread as it lends itself for use where a socket isn’t easily accessible.

With the developments in the home automation sector, we believe that functionality and the perceived benefits that the product can offer will become the deciding factor over the aesthetics. The successful manufacturers will be able to combine the two elements to produce products that tick both boxes.

Selling up products

By looking to develop their awareness of the new technologies and products that are available, electrical wholesalers and contractors can maximise any potential for additional business. People are no longer satisfied with basic technology and the contractors that can offer on-site solutions to problems and provide security and energy saving options will benefit from this. Manufactures are keen to offer training on their products to ensure that the electrical contractors are confident in putting forward their products for consideration.

The future

The smart home market is undoubtedly on the rise in the UK, with 47% of UK homeowners considering investing in smart home technology. Rapidly growing and in high demand, smart technology is becoming a common part of our everyday lives.  One of the most important ways to harness the power of a connected home is to enhance assisted living.   The assisted living market is estimated to be worth £10.1 billion – a figure that demonstrates the potential for the electrical contracting and wholesaling industry to work towards designing, supplying and installing products which will facilitate the continued independence of the growing aged population. 

The drive for efficient environments will push connected devices and integrated systems, as well as smart standalone products.  Cost and time reduction through prefabricated units and plug and play will also see increased development.