[ Spotlight: Member profi les ]
MURLEY SOLUTIONS
N
ow 66 years of age, Keith Murley, managing director of Murley Solutions, has been an electrical contractor for more than 50 years. Despite the length of time he has served in the industry, his
enthusiasm for technology and what it can achieve remains undiminished.
Light work Based in Hornchurch, Essex, and operating all over the south-east of England, as well as London, Murley Solutions has developed an enviable reputation for its work in the lighting controls sector. Murley says: ‘Alongside my son Barry and four
employed electricians, we carry out a variety of general electrical contracting work. However, most of our activity these days involves designing and installing lighting control systems in domestic and commercial buildings. It’s an area that I’ve been interested in for many years.’ His history with lighting controls goes back to
the very beginnings of this technology. ‘In the early 1990s I became aware of microprocessors and it struck me that they had huge potential,’ says Murley. ‘ We were installing controls systems in factories and this involved running separate cables via relays back to a control room, which often caused logistical problems and was very time consuming. As factories are often dusty and dirty environments, it would aff ect the operation of the relays – something that I felt could be avoided with a system that used solid state microprocessors connected via copper twisted pair data cable.’
Next stage After developing his ideas and installing a variety of building management systems (BMS), Murley teamed up with Focus SB, a UK manufacturer of electrical wiring accessories. Together they devised an innovative new lighting controls solution called Home Automated Lighting (HAL), which was launched in 2009. Manufactured and marketed by Focus SB, HAL has been designed with user-friendliness in mind and has been successfully installed into a number of prestigious properties. Murley says: ‘Clients want a sophisticated means of controlling a lighting system that has pre-set scenes, but they do not necessarily want complex control options. HAL fi ts the bill perfectly and we work closely with Focus SB as commissioning engineers. This involves system
58 ECA Today March 2014
We have only scratched the surface of what’s possible with building controls
design, technical specifi cation, pre-programming and on-site commissioning.’ HAL can be expanded from a simple switching and dimming operation to a control system that can operate all lighting circuits within a building (see box).
Standing out The ECA has been a big part of Murley’s life for more than two decades; as well as being chairman of the South West Essex branch, he is also on the London regional executive committee and a member of the ECA Council. Asked what motivated him to join, Murley says:
‘Initially, we just wanted a way to diff erentiate us from the competition and make people aware that we were a quality outfi t that works to the highest possible standards. While ECA membership certainly helped to achieve this, it has provided so much more.’ Murley adds: ‘We get the most relevant and
up-to-date information on what’s happening in the industry in terms of legislation, regulations, technology, standards and human resources. Through our quarterly regional branch meetings, we are able to share ideas and experience with other contractors whom we otherwise would not have the opportunity to engage with. We also invite experts in to speak to our members about issues that aff ect their businesses.’
Proof positive With a full order book, the future for his fi rm is positive and Murley concludes: ‘We have only really scratched the surface of what’s possible with building controls and, with greater demand for energy effi ciency and enhanced lifestyles, I can see a time when we will start to see small-scale BMS solutions being installed in domestic properties. Being part of this trend is extremely exciting and our intention is to stay on the cutting edge of developments in this market.’
Setting the scene
The Home Automated Lighting (HAL) system is manufactured by Focus SB, and was developed with the help of Keith Murley. It off ers a sophisticated means of controlling a lighting system. The system is suitable for controlling low- and mains-voltage fi lament lamps and compatible, dimmable, mains- voltage LED luminaires.
The HAL 4 600 DS control panel is networked to the wall-mounted
control plates using Category 5e or 6 data cable. Its simple design and self- commissioning capabilities not only make it easy to install and operate, but also enables the homeowner to alter it themselves, because no software knowledge is required to programme or change selected lighting scenes. Scenes can be programmed for a room, for example, ambience for
fi lm viewing or entertaining after dinner. HAL’s wall-mounted control plates can contain OLED display units that have an internal library of icons that relate to the selected scene. Its innovative design also facilitates the operation of devices such as blinds, curtains and roof lights, and can be used to reveal plasma screens in home cinema settings.
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