Smarter & sleeker: 5 electrical products that are evolving with technology

Global specialists in products and systems for electrical installations and digital building infrastructures, Legrand has grown to employ more than 36,000 people in more than 90 countries. ArchiPro caught up with Legrand’s Angela Meekings to check out five electrical products sourced from all over the world at the cutting edge of technological evolution.

Type-A charging is set to become a thing of the past, with Type-C variations soon to become the standard charging option for all electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and headphones.

Angela says Legrand is one of the first electrical manufacturers to move away from Type-A charging mechanisms in line with the ‘common charger directive’ approved by The Council of European Union (EU). The move will see the USB-C port become mandatory in the EU for a whole range of electronic devices.

“This will give the convenience of one-size-fits-all chargers, faster-charging technology and a significant reduction in electronic waste,” says Angela. “It will become easier to connect and power devices without the need for additional adapters or cables.”

Legrand is doing away with Dual Type A charging mechanisms, but will keep its Type A&C alternative while introducing Dual Type C charging mechanism, 3AMP. Single Type C 60W mechanisms will remain to allow for more powerful charging, with the Excel Life (white, black and urban grey), Arteor (white and magnesium) and Excel and Linea ranges to move away from Type-A capability.

Legrand gateways are small power products that sit in electrical distribution boards. They connect any home network through Legrand connected products and apps, and align with Netatmo security products, to create a fully integrated smart home network.

Wide-spread adoption of standard wiring means any home can now be retro-fitted with the installation of the gateway, smart switches and sockets, allowing for the remote control of lighting, shutters, garage doors, gates, swimming pools, heating and more. 

Legrand’s three main switchgear ranges now have traditional and smart offerings, including Excel Life, Arteor and Living Now. Newer ranges integrate Alexa for next-level voice control, with the digital controls available among the smartest switches on the market.

Legrand offers two main smart home apps: Home + Control and Home + Security. The former is constantly evolving to include features such as Legrand EV chargers, and is used for controlling main switchgear ranges. The latter liaises with door entry sensors and smart cameras, remotely setting scenes and scenarios to suit any lifestyle. 

Angela says each option allows for the monitoring and control of power consumption, helping to shed loads at peak times. 

“Apps can allow for up to 40% reduction in energy consumption through the careful management of lighting, energy, temperature and air. All our research and development is in line with ambitious targets we’ve set ourselves with regards to sustainability and reducing emissions.”

Protecting privacy, along with the environment, is also key.

“Data protection and having data secure is growing increasingly important to consumers so Legrand has very secure and reliable networks, and is constantly reviewing data protection and privacy measures.”

Gifting ease and simplicity to homeowners with Excel Life, Arteor or Living Now, wireless switches are used to control switches and power outlets. They are extra-slim and can be repositioned, using adhesive pads provided, anywhere in the house without the need for additional wiring or an electrician.

Fully customised functionality can be expanded by adding frames as required, making wireless switches ideal for retirement villages, hospitals and rest homes where ageing populations seek greater control and independence from beds and wheelchairs. The integrated, inclusive nature of the technology means it also has numerous applications in the disability industry, or for busy parents with young children.

The new smart electrical panel products are constantly evolving in line with growing connected requirements for homes and businesses with high power consumption. They sit in the electrical distribution board’s din rail to further enhance basic smart home offerings. 

Have power-hungry central heating you want to automate, or a pool that you want to heat remotely? How about an EV you’d rather charge responsibly while you sleep to avoid peak times?

The installation of a connected latching relay or connected contactor can solve any and all of those problems for you.

Angela says Legrand is scouring the globe in a bid to grow and acquire businesses that sit sustainably within its strategy of creating connected homes and buildings. She adds Legrand’s scale and reach, allied with a natural curiosity for innovation, have combined to offer a range of systems even greater than the sum of their considerable parts.

“There are so many ‘smart products’ out there, but the true benefit comes when everything is connected together, and controlled centrally.”

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