FEATURE BATTERIES & CHARGERS CHARGING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
According to recent figures published by Ofcom, 66 per cent of UK adults now own a smartphone or mobile device. As ownership has increased, so has our reliance upon these devices for work and play. Here, Emma Segelov from MK Electric discusses how specifiers can take advantage of this movement by using the latest in USB charging technology
W
ith easy access to a wealth of information in such compact
devices, it’s no surprise that UK adults now spend almost twice as long surfing the Internet on smartphones than on laptops and personal computers. This increasingly frequent and extended use is a substantial drain on the limited capacity of smartphone batteries, leaving many people anxious to find a power source to recharge when they are out and about. This has become such a phenomenon that psychologists have even coined the term ‘nomophobia’ – the feeling of anxiety when people are without their mobiles. This phenomenon has led to a
significant rise in demand for power on the go, and many forward-thinking organisations and businesses are already working on ways to keep their visitors and customers fully charged. Potentially, offering free mobile device charging points will have the same impact as offering free Wi-Fi to customers – it all adds to the user experience, getting people through the door and keeping them there for longer, while also helping to secure loyalty and repeat business. Business travellers in particular stand to benefit from an easy access to charge as frequent spells away from home, or office, make it more difficult to keep mobile devices topped up. Important documents such as train tickets, boarding passes and hotel reservations are increasingly being held on mobile devices – meaning that a lack of charge could cause significant problems at the check-in desk. For electrical specifiers and contractors, the requirement for power on the go has great potential, not only for new builds but also to upgrade existing installations. Offering a USB charging option is an opportunity to upsell, demonstrates a real understanding of a client’s needs and offers a real value added service to stand out from competitors. It also drives loyalty from customers who have had a positive user experience. At the moment, USB integrated sockets have proven to be particularly popular in environments such as
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universities and colleges. Students today are part of the ‘tech-savvy’ millennial generation that has grown up with mobile phones and other devices, and these digital natives have a significant demand for charging points for their mobile technology. For universities with a high proportion
of international students, USB charging points offer an additional benefit of negating the use of adapters to charge devices in a conventional switchsocket, vastly improving safety and ease of use. USB charging also eliminates the need for PAT testing.
The scope for USB charging points goes
well beyond colleges and universities, and many other commercial environments such as coffee shops, hotels and airport terminals are now beginning to realise the potential these power points can offer to entice customers. It is simple and relatively inexpensive to install a USB charging switch socket or module as part of a replacement of existing wiring devices, or in new installations, so it should be a relatively straightforward upsell for specifiers in the know. In 2013, MK Electric was one of the first UK manufacturers to introduce a range of USB charging modules, and now this technology is being integrated into the twin socket. USB charging capability is now available within six MK Electric wiring device ranges – Logic Plus, Metalclad Plus, Albany Plus, Edge, Aspect and Elements, offering the choice and flexibility to suit any application. Importantly, like all MK Electric’s
switch sockets outlets, the USB integrated socket features a three pin child resistant shutter system as a safety measure designed to prevent access to the electricity supply unless all three pins of a standard British plug are in position. Additionally, MK Electric’s offering features dynamic device recognition (DDR), which is specifically designed to detect charging configurations from a range of manufacturers, and react accordingly for optimal charging. Charging devices via a USB socket can
come with potential problems because varying devices draw charge in different ways. This technology ensures that
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
whatever device you use, it recognises the socket as it would its own charger, drawing current from the USB integrated socket in the most efficient way. DDR helps the MK Electric
switchsockets to become a true game- changer in USB charging, with the potential to provide a powerful competitive advantage for businesses open to embracing it. So now we have a better idea of the kind of products which can supply USB charging solutions, let’s look at installation options. Switchsockets are a simple way of incorporating USB charge points into an existing wiring installation, as they can be easily replaced like for like. In an office environment, for example, where twin switchsockets are located on dado trunking, this is an easy switch and it is also often the optimum height for mobile devices (which normally have quite short USB charging leads), depending on where the trunking is located. MK Electric recently worked on a
project with United Airlines to provide charging points for their premium traveller lounges. As well as UK and US sockets, United Airlines wanted USB charging units due to the number of passengers wishing to charge devices, such as mobiles and laptops, whilst waiting in the lounge. The MK Edge was chosen in a bronze finish for the United First lounge, and a chrome finish for the United Club. With a range of finishes available, it was easy to match the power sockets to the bespoke décor of the space, providing a practical yet aesthetically-pleasing product. The proliferation of smart technology and mobile devices has created substantial business opportunities for specifiers. As well as the ability to increase the value of installations by adding USB charging points, specifiers can showcase to potential clients that they are staying on top of market trends, and able to satisfy the demands of both customers and end user. The digital revolution shows no signs of stopping and those who embrace this fact will reap the rewards.
MK Electric
www.mkelectric.co.uk
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