P18 Wiring Accessories ERF:Layout 1 28/01/2021 14:34 Page 18 WiringAccessories
Demand for antimicrobial products remains high
While we are yet to discover a viable way of eradicating the transmission of coronavirus, there are a number of key precautions we can all take to help limit the spread of the COVID-19. One slightly lesser known but extremely effective way of doing this is to invest in antimicrobial products which prevent viruses and bacteria building up on commonly touched surfaces including light switches and plug sockets. Alex Baker, head of operations at electrical wholesaler ERF, discusses the different types of antimicrobial products available on the market, and how they help to stop the build-up of bacteria and viruses.
covered plates also provide extra safety from hazards like shocks and electrocutions. While good hand hygiene and social distancing remains of critical importance, there is no doubting antimicrobial products have the ability to provide that additional layer of protection for us all. With or without a vaccine in the next six months, we’ll all need to continue to take greater care of our cleanliness and well- being moving forwards. With products like facemasks and hand sanitiser here to stay, it is likely consumers, installers, and project managers alike, will all continue to look for additional ways to keep everybody safe. If you could choose between an electrical
wiring accessory which helped to fight against viruses and bacteria and one which did not, it would seem like the most sensible option to pick the one with the increased protection. For us, it’s similar to choosing between a car with an airbag and one without.
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hen we entered the first lockdown in March, there was a 203 per cent surge in people searching for
‘antimicrobial products’, compared to the month before, and while searches have steadily dropped off over the last few months, the demand for these products remains high. So what exactly are are antimicrobial products, and how do they work? Antimicrobial products kill or slow the spread
of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, protozoans and fungi. They work at a cellular level to continually disrupt and prevent the growth of microorganisms. By creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria and viruses, antimicrobials form a protection around surfaces people regularly touch. At a time when infection control must be a
priority in all settings, antimicrobial products are an extremely effective way of reducing the risk of virus transmission. While it is not yet fully known how successfully antimicrobial products can kill coronavirus, what is apparent is that they will certainly help to reduce the spread of a whole host of other bacteria and viruses. For example, kill rates of 99.9 per cent have been achieved
18 | electrical wholesalerFebruary 2021
across four types of the strains of bacteria MRSA, E-Coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Pneumonia and enveloped viruses, offering a high protection level to those who touch the surface.
A closer look Two of the most popular products found in both business and domestic settings are antimicrobial sockets and switches. They are made from treated plastic that contains silver ions which act as a barrier stopping microorganisms from growing and spreading. While in most antimicrobial products the protection is offered as an additional coating over the original materials, in switches and sockets this is inbuilt. As a result, antimicrobial switches and sockets reduce transmission from humans, animals and insects. As technology around these products has
developed in recent years, a number of manufacturers now offer antimicrobial sockets and switches which come with additional child safety features. By adding an extra layer of protection, these materials ensure the developing immune systems of children are exposed to as few threatening viruses and bacteria as possible. The shuttered sockets and
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