Emma Segelov, Director of Marketing Operations EMEA at MK Electric, offers tips on how to choose affordable wiring devices that will delight customers and end users alike. When budgets are scaled back and value projects are designed, how can electricians select products so that standards are supported, and customers remain happy? Here are some important tips that can help you in the decision-making process: 1. Reputation Matters Choosing a valuable range from a well-respected manufacturer is a great way to meet more cost-conscious budgets, reducing concern about product quality. Choosing an established brand enables installers, contractors and end customers to benefit from proven engineering expertise, along with strong product warranties, regardless of whether it is a premium value or product group. For example, the MK base scope is backed by a 20-year warranty, plus the reassurance that the scope is 100% electrically and optically tested at the point of manufacture, allowing users to spend with discretion without compromising on reliable reliability. 2. Beyond that, look for features that provide peace of mind to customers and building occupants. Products with great specifications, not usually found in value-designed ranges, provide a surefire way to over-meet customer expectations. For example, in the current climate where hygiene is of paramount importance, there is a huge demand for products with inherent antibacterial and antiviral properties that have been tested in line with the latest industry standards. The new MK Base range, for example, is made using urea-formaldehyde, a high-quality thermoplastic material with antibacterial and antiviral properties inherent in the actual compound of the product. Together with the Logic Plus range, the tests are performed by an independent, certified laboratory according to the latest antibacterial measurement standard for plastics – ISO 22196: 2011. It has 24-hour effective kill rates for MRSA (99.98%), E. coli (99.99%), Salmonella (99.98%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (99.78%), Staphylococcus Aureus 6538p, (99.99%) that can be resistant to antibiotics, as well as Listeria (99.97%). This range has also been shown to have a 99.99% kill rate on the Phi-X174 virus – one of the smallest known non-enveloped viruses making it difficult to detect and kill. Antiviral protection is used as a recognized standard in antiviral tests to analyze the resistance of personal protective equipment and air purification systems to bloodborne viruses. 3. A full range of solutions Working within budget can mean that you are limited in the type of solutions you can offer to the end user. Where some value offerings have a limited product range, the MK Base range is designed to provide a wide range of practical products that installers need to meet the needs of building owners and occupants, including integrated USB sockets and LED backlight dimmers. It also features front grille panels and Euro panels compatible with MK Electric’s Grid Plus and Euro range units, further expanding the range to better meet project needs. Aesthetics is another feature that can sometimes suffer with low budgets. Looking for nifty design features, such as the curved edges seen on the MK Base, can help elevate the look and feel of finishes and complement any interior. There are always projects where some areas will be “on display”. An alternative way to reduce costs is to identify more premium products to provide priority areas in the building and to use more affordable options for back areas of the home that are not visible to customers or residents. For example, upgrading to a decorative finish such as MK Dimensions in Matt Black will have an impact on the facade of the house and linking this with MK Base for other areas means you can maintain the quality and functionality customers need and expect, without losing margins. 4. Ease of installation In addition to meeting budgets, the scope of value should help the contractor meet construction schedules and customer expectations. Low quality wiring hardware often means giving up on features that allow for easy installation and an attractive finish. Check to make sure the cost-effective products you select include features such as bolstered and captive end screws, both of which can be seen in the new MK Base range. Limited budgets do not mean low customer expectations. It is important to find a group that can offer a complete product range that is uniform in composition and aesthetics, without eating into the margins. The MK Base range can help your project stay within budget without compromising on quality or key product solutions. With the support and reassurance that comes with choosing a well-established brand, it will make the job smoother in all respects. View the MK Base group brochure by clicking here
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