No wires,
no batteries, no fuss
MK Electric’s Echo makes light switching ‘self-powered’
MK Electric, the UK’s leading as Part L by providing for localised control receiver. The receiver is installed at the
manufacturer of wiring devices and of lighting and integration with lighting lighting fixture and wired into to the
accessories, is transforming light operation management systems and other networks lighting circuit at the time of ceiling
Building Materials & Equipment
with the introduction of a range of covering areas such as heating and air- installation. The switch is then mounted,
innovative ‘self powered’ switches – called conditioning. They also help with meeting using either adhesive pads – for super-fast
Echo – that are entirely wireless and Part M requirements thanks to their fixing or onto awkward surfaces like
battery-free! MK is the first major UK immense flexibility when positioning marble or glass – or with screws if
manufacturer to incorporate this patented them, combined with their easy-to-operate additional security is necessary.
technology – so-called ‘enabled by wide rockers. The switch is simply ‘aligned’ to the
EnOcean’, after the German company that The wireless, battery free Echo range is receiver by setting it into ‘learn mode’ and
developed it – into switches; and the new suitable for a wide range of applications pressing the rocker. The switch is now
Echo range harvests tiny amounts of and installation environments: from office wirelessly dedicated to the fixture in
ambient energy to wirelessly operate new build and refurbishment which may question. One receiver can be
lighting at ranges of up to 30 metres have a need to re-arrange space programmed so it can be operated by up
within buildings. periodically, or glass partitions – preventing to 30 switches; while, conversely, any
The benefits of such technology – the use of wired devices – through to number of receivers can be activated by a
combined with MK Electric’s market- conservation or listed environments where single switch. Where signals may be
leading wiring devices and accessories – chasing wires is not possible. obstructed by impervious materials such
include almost instant switch installation; It also lends itself to domestic as granite or steel, repeater units are
total location flexibility of light switches extensions or conservatories where available which will divert and/ or extend
within buildings; and easy relocation, re- switch location may be an issue or – again transmissions around a building.
installation and considerable cost-savings – where areas of glass feature; and, finally, MK Electric’s first ‘enabled by
when ‘churning’ office and other one-off or ‘portable’ locations such as park EnOcean’ Echo switches will be from its
commercial spaces. The Echo range is homes, caravans, exhibition stands and immensely popular Logic Plus wiring
also incredibly low maintenance thanks to temporary buildings where a fast, flexible accessories range. Logic Plus has been
the lack of batteries (that would need solution is required. designed to complement contemporary
replacing) and lack of wiring in the wall. The MK Electric Echo lighting system interiors and is probably the largest
Furthermore, the switches aid essentially comprises two components: selection of wiring accessories available in
compliance with Building Regulations such the ‘self powered’ switch, and an RF any single range on the market today. The
Logic Plus Echo switches are available in
one or two gang variants; and readily
integrate with other accessories in the
Logic range – from socket outlets through
to Euro, LJU6C and MK modular data
frontplates. Other Echo range styles and
options will be added over the coming
months.
MK Electric’s new ‘enabled by
EnOcean’ Echo range of ‘self powered’
switches mean no wires, no batteries and
no fuss. They will radically revise the way
switching is treated within commercial
spaces; and deliver a host of benefits to
the specifier, installer and facilities
manager – whether seeking products
permitting super-fast installation; to mount
switches on glass; or total flexibility over
switch location in partitioned offices
subject to re-arrangement.
Low maintenance, sustainable and
highly accessible products; MK Electric’s
Echo range represents a new generation
of switching devices and helps take the
company’s renowned strength of product
in depth, quality and service to a new
level. Email: mk@facta.co.uk
22 feature :: building materials & equipment Building & Facilities Management – April 2008
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