http://www.elkay.co.uk/ Elkay Electrical Manufacturing Co. Ltd On the Elkay Technical helpline we get asked a variety of questions in relation to energy management switches and controls. One question that is often asked is ‘What is the difference between 2 wire and 3 wire products? Essentially when we talk about 2 or 3 wire we are referring to the master unit only in the Energysense, Energystyle and Energyoutdoor ranges. The Master is the unit that is positioned where the switch live is connected to the load. On a 3 wire master there is a live (live in), a switch live (live out) and a neutral connection. There is also a blank terminal which is the trigger line and is for use with the slaves. A slave must be connected to a master unit with a three core connection utilizing the live, switch live and trigger terminals. The master unit receives its own power because it is connected to the mains power and is therefore the easiest to set up. At Elkay we recommend that where possible the 3 wire master is chosen especially if it is possible to get a neutral to the switch position. In contrast, the 2 wire master have a live and switch live connection only and is also used with slaves. These are perfect for retro-fitting where there is no possibility of getting a neutral to the switch position. However they must also utilize a three core connection between the master and slave units to work effectively. This often creates a common problem as people think that they can connect the whole system via 2 wires only so causing issues down the line. Another issue that crops up with the Energysense, Energystyle and Energyoutdoor ranges is linking 2 wire masters together. This does not work as the masters will send signals to each other and therefore causing the load to be permanently on, in this situation slaves masters must be used. Finally for those of you that have parallel wiring and only 2 cores between switches i.e. you are wishing to replace parallel wired Columbus pneumatic timers then visit your local wholesaler and ask for Elkay Energybasics which is an all in one masters and slave. Each timer acts as its own stand alone timer and is also available as 2 wire and 3 wire master. If you have any further questions, please contact Elkay Technical Helpline on 01675 468222. http://www.elkay.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=332 09/02/2010 For many years now we have seen the growth of the Low Energy light bulb and high frequency (HF) fluorescent fittings in domestic homes, shops and commercial premises. This was because it has been seen as a quick way of reducing energy consumption without the need for electricians. Elkay however sees things different; after all changing a light bulb only reduces the wattage power consumption and is no real consolation if lights or appliances are still being left on for unnecessary periods of time. A far easier way of controlling costs is to control the amount of time lights are actually on. This can be achieved by using energy management devices such as PIR or Microwave timers from Elkay. These devices control the length of time which a light can be on so achieving even bigger savings and be environmentally friendly into the bargain. Taking offices and shops, as an example, these have areas which have lights controlled by simple on/off switches. In the morning when premises are entered these lights are switched on by the arrival of the first person and it is often left to security staff or cleaners to turn these circuits off at night. In some cases it is not just the lights that are left on, as air conditioning and heating is also left on as well, resulting in unnecessary energy usage and costs. PIR timers from Elkay are designed to detect movement an if none is detected will turn off the load after a set period of time for example 10 minutes ensuring lights and other loads are not left on unnecessarily. Elkay’s PIRswitches and controls also have the added benefit of a lux level adjustment that stops lights being on if there is sufficient ambient light, this is particularly useful for lights that are situated next to south facing windows. For more information on how Elkay energy management switches and controls can help you contact us on 01675 468222 or visit our website www.elkay.co.uk. http://www.elkay.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=331 08/19/2010 Elkay has now extended its energysense range to include a microwave sensor which further enhances its reputation as a leading authority in energy saving products. The new Microwave Sensor works by constantly sending out a signal that bounces back to the controller, if this signal changes in anyway then light or load is switched on. This technology allows for large areas to be covered of upto 30 metres. This makes the Elkay Microwave Sensor ideal for use in education or commercial properties which normally include; long corridors, sports halls, classrooms/ meeting rooms. The Microwave Sensor if utilised in this environment can reduce lighting cost by upto 70%. The new energysense Microwave Sensor takes many of the unique features and benefits from the energysense range including: • 16amp switching regardless of load type • Timing from 2 minutes to 2 hours • Lux level / Daylight adjustment • Clip on front cover to conceal screws As well as offering new additional features such as • Adjustment on the sensitivity • Option to retrofit into existing systems If you would like to find out more about Elkay’s new Microwave Sensor or any of our other controls and switches please contact us on 01675 468222 or email sales@elkay.co.uk http://www.elkay.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=330 05/18/2010 Using ceiling mount PIR timers offers a highly cost-effective way of reducing wasted electricity in the school/college environment. In fact a very simple area to look at in a school or college is the toilets as the lights are generally switched on by cleaners in a morning and left on all day. A typical example is shown below Typical Toilet 4 lights with 2x40watt tubes in each Switched on at 7am switched off 5pm Number of days in a year 185 Power usage in 12 months = 608Kwh Cost per year = £60.80 So by using ceiling mount PIR’s that are easy to install into existing buildings or new build schemes, an energy saving can be shown After a Ceiling mounted PIR is fitted Power usage in 12 months 152Kwh Cost per year £15.20 From this simple example it can be seen that using PIR’s can help reduce costs significantly. So Electronic ceiling mount PIR timers eliminate the need for a light switch, providing instant energy saving. They are fully automatic device which controls various power loads by means of a passive infra red movement sensor. Most units have detection areas of approximately 7 metres and some will even switch up to 16amp, which allows them to be used to switch lighting, heating, ventilation or air conditioning loads. Other features included on some of these devices include Lux level adjustment stopping lights coming on when the ambient light is of a sufficiently high level not to need the lights on. Plus being able to time them so that the lights can be set to switch of after a set period of time without detection this makes them ideal for a variety of areas within a school or college that are only used in general for set periods of time. So in normal operation these units are activated by the detection of moving body heat and once this is no longer detected it switches off the load once the set time period has elapsed. Should body heat be detected again during the timing period the sequence restarts. This makes products like these ideal for toilets, corridors, storerooms and even classrooms. http://www.elkay.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=329 05/18/2010 In addition to demonstrating products from their energy management range on stand at Interbuild, Elkay played a key role in the Eco House, one of the star attractions at this year’s Interbuild. The Eco House is a sustainable, three storey home constructed to meet low carbon build requirements. The timber frame structure is partly furnished to enable visitors to appreciate key structural elements of the build and at the close of the show, the design will be rolled out across a new development in Devon, which is striving for ‘Eco Village’ status. When it comes to showing how houses of the future can look stylish and save energy, the energy management range of switches and sensors from Elkay is an obvious choice and is found throughout the house. A welcomelight in the entrance hall automatically turns on when visitors come in and switches off again once the hall has been vacated, while the kitchen and living room both feature customlight, a stylish and highly versatile lighting control with functions including dimmer switch, dusk and dawn simulation and advance settings for up to five different time periods to give the impression of occupancy. A ceiling PIR sensor in the bathroom is activated by the detection of moving body heat and provides variable timing selection from two minutes to two hours, while the second toilet features a touch timer, a highly stylish switch providing feather light touch activation. Outside an energyoutdoor PIRtimer sensor in the car port activates the light on detection of moving body heat while the outside stairs are fitted with an energyoutdoor touchtimer, a stylish touch timer which is robust enough for outdoor use. “We were delighted to be featured so prominently in what was undoubtedly a major attraction at the show,” commented Paul Gretton, Group Product Manager of Cable Management Group. “The Eco House is the perfect opportunity for the industry to see that not only are these products energy saving, but are stylish enough to be installed into any contemporary home. http://www.elkay.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=328 05/18/2010 Elkay launches a new addition to its energystyle range at EcoBuild with the introduction of moodlighting, a highly versatile lighting system to set the mood in any environment. At the heart of moodlighting is an intelligent, dedicated and stylish controller - no larger than a standard light switch - that changes the mood of the high powered, low energy LED downlighters that make up the system. Whether the requirement is for white, red, pink, green or blue light the mood can be altered at the touch of a button, with details displayed on the screen of the controller. What’s more, moodlighting can introduce other colour sequences gently scrolling through the warm colours of a sunrise or the complete rainbow. Or even generate a timed sequence colour sequence to set the scene at any venue. Suitable for domestic installations through to hotels, pubs, clubs, concert and exhibition venues, a single moodlighting controller can run up to 500 LED downlighters to create the most startling lighting effects. Because the standard 70 mm diameter downlighters have an IP68 ingress protection rating they can be used inside or outside and are suitable for use in bathrooms, wet rooms, patios or even in pools. The moodlightering system is available in white, chrome or brushed stainless finish and, as standard, a kit of four down lighters complete with mood controller, two LED drivers, two Cat 5 cables and splitters and full instructions for use. Dual kits, single down lighters and individual controllers can also be purchased to allow the standard kit to be built on depending on the environment. “The introduction of moodlighting to the Elkay range is a natural development of the intelligent operation of the energymanagement range, and showcases Elkay’s commitment in developing new and exciting products for the energy saving market” explained John Hollingworth of Elkay Electrical. “It brings together the technology we have developed with the energystyle range and expands its use based on energy saving designs and bringing greater functionality to a compact and stylish controller. “Elkay moodlighting not only sets the scene for lighting development it does so by setting the standard for energy efficient operation for the maximum effect. No matter the size of the installation it can transform a home just as easily as a convention centre with stunning mood lighting.” For more information on any of the Elkay products call 01675 468222 or visit the company website: www.elkay.co.uk . - Ends - http://www.elkay.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=327 03/16/2009 Elkay are offering consumers the opportunity to determine their own energy output by using the highly successful battery powered assessment tool – carboncalc, recent winner of the coveted Electrical Product of the Year award for innovative test and measurement product of the year. Some people believe that energy management products are unnecessary and costly, however the easy-to-use portable carboncalc gives users the opportunity to see for themselves just how much could be saved in monetary and energy terms. The pocket sized device instantly calculates total usage and emission values for entire buildings, by using the aggregated data from individual rooms. The data is established by the user providing some simple answers to specified questions – such as the wattage of lights in a given room. With the answers to its questions – the carboncalc is capable of assessing the building’s current electricity usage, annual emissions and annual cost, then providing the differences in these values with the potential use of Elkay energy management products. This allows the consumer to make an informed assessment as to the short term investment required to achieve long term savings, both in terms of money and energy. Carboncalc has been particularly well received, as it underlines its value during capital investment decisions and helps meet the requirements for the Part L Regulations. These relate to the calculation of the energy performance of a building. Assessing personal or company energy usage has never been easier or more worthwhile. Carboncalc is the ideal tool to help demonstrate how much of a difference some simple changes can make. Carboncalc may just be the best investment you ever make. For more information on the carboncalc or any of Elkay's products call on 01675 468222. - Ends - http://www.elkay.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=326 01/22/2009 Elkay Electrical shows its award winning products at Ecobuild 2009 See us on Stand No: 1514 Winners of two Electrical Industry Awards in 2008 for its welcomelight and carboncalc – Elkay Electrical, will be displaying their innovative and efficient range of energy management products, on stand 1514 at Ecobuild 2009. The popular show is taking place at Earls Court in London, 3rd – 5th March 2009. Offering over 65 switches, timers and detectors, Elkay are market leaders in effective energy control and management for commercial and industrial properties, as well as the home. Comprising of energysense, energystyle and energyoutdoor products – the energy management range offers complete control of personal energy, lighting, heating and ventilation, as well as offering increased safety and security reassurance. The different ranges encompass advanced electronic push button, touch, PIR and remote timers. With unique control panels and stylish features that can be easily retrofitted, Elkay provide the perfect opportunity to upgrade any lighting system. Elkay’s energystyle range offers standard white, chrome and steel choices across the differing panels. The range also includes the option for both welcomelight and customlight functions. These incorporate multi functionality from timer to PIR sensor through to dimmer and child night light function, dawn simulation as well as security light control. The intelligent electronics, including LED indicators, have an intelligent power search facility that eliminates the need for re-setting in the event of a power cut. Elkay’s established and proven range offers stylish, innovative and affordable energy saving solutions. Elkay’s energyoutdoor range is the perfect solution for exterior energy needs. Using timing and presence lighting offers increased security and can also produce aesthetic benefits. In difficult economic times people are more conscious than ever about reducing their outgoings. Elkay’s carboncalc allows individuals to accurately access their energy consumption and expenditure, and then compare this against the impact installing Elkay products could have on their costs and carbon emissions. The carboncalc show the significant savings that could be achieved long term by making a short term investment. Elkay’s energy products are reliable, efficient and offer energy savings across domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. As leaders in design styling and technology innovation, Elkay products ensure functionality, comfort and security. For more information on any of their products visit their stand, access their website www.elkay.co.uk or call Elkay on 01675 468 222. - Ends - http://www.elkay.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=325 01/16/2009 Welcomelight from energy management specialists, Elkay, has already captured the attention of the industry, having been named Innovative Lighting Product of the Year at this year’s Electrical Industry Awards. A retrofit PIR and security light which fits behind an existing light switch, welcomelight immediately converts it into a movement sensor. It automatically turns on the lights when a room is entered and turns them off after a set time period once the room has been vacated. Set in security mode, it will switch lights on when darkness falls to simulate occupancy, and, providing additional flexibility, can be overridden and used in normal operation as a standard light switch. With an adjustable time delay of one to 20 minutes when in PIR mode and one minute to four hours in security mode, welcomelight, which also permits lux level adjustment, enables the user to customise it entirely to their own requirements. And with no neutral required, the real bonus is that it can be quickly and easily installed over any existing standard light switch, with no need for complicated system installations. Welcomelight is part of Elkay’s energy style range of timers and sensors which are designed to save energy and cost whilst complementing any domestic or business setting. As well as being easily installed into new builds or existing systems, all products in the range also boast a unique method of switching 16 amp current regardless of load type – a market first for time delay switches. “We’re delighted but not surprised that welcomelight is already an award-winner” commented Elkay’s John Hollingworth. “Quickly and easily installed into any existing system, it provides the end user with obvious security advantages and enables them to make instant savings whilst being aesthetically pleasing.” Established over 80 years ago, Elkay boasts unrivalled experience at the forefront of electrical manufacturing. Like all the energy style range, welcomelight is tested and certified to BSEN60669 and its launch marks the culmination of extensive research into new technologies and consumer requirements. Welcomelight is available now from electrical wholesalers nationwide. For more information call Elkay on 01675 468222 or visit www.elkay.co.uk. - Ends - http://www.elkay.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=324 12/24/2008 Elkay Electrical has successfully introduced an innovative range of intelligent energy management products. In the midst of increasing energy costs for all, Elkay hope to help save the consumer money and contribute towards environmental “green” initiatives. Their popular energyrange is designed to give a greater saving on lighting, heating and other load applications, whilst also enhancing safety and security. The Elkay product range includes three separate categories – energysense, energystyle and energyoutdoor. Each of these is uniquely designed to specifically meet the demands of the consumer market, which is currently facing very high energy costs. Consisting of intelligent switches and controls, the “energysense” products provide a simple and highly cost-effective way of reducing wasted electricity. The kitchen and bathroom are prime examples of rooms where little time is spent, but a great deal of energy is wasted, usually as a result of lights being left on when the room is empty. With options for PIR (heat detection), touch and push button timers the emphasis, with “energysense”, is very much placed on artificially intelligent efficiency. “Energystyle” simply reflects Elkay’s modern, advanced and stylish solutions to everyday energy management. Offering contemporary brushed stainless steel faceplates and innovative technology, Elkay are at the forefront of energy saving in style. With an ever growing demand for ambient and security lighting to outdoor environments, such as parking areas and gardens, Elkay provide a range of “energyoutdoor” products, which offer energy saving, cost-effective energy solutions. All the products are designed to give IP66 waterproof rating to the intelligent system. The key to the success of Elkay’s range of products is that they reduce energy consumption and cost long-term, with a simple short-term consumer investment. This initial outlay is easily recouped in reduced energy costs and also, importantly, it goes some way to helping in the fight against climate change. Despite the innovative nature of Elkay’s work, all of their products can easily be retrofit to existing homes, making them an ideal solution for forward-thinking individuals wishing to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. For more information on any of the Elkay energy management products call 01675 468222. - Ends - http://www.elkay.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=323 11/28/2008