Choice or efficiency? We learn more about how Niglon is solving this particular dilemma with the launch of its new surge device.
Selecting the right circuit protection solution isn’t always easy – and the product choice available can prompt many questions.
How many ways in a board? Does that include the incomer? Is that the same as the number of modules? Is a split board needed? What ampage should the incomer be? Is an RCBO loaded board better than an RCD or MCB? Single phase or three phase? What about surge protection?
It’s hardly a surprise that the technical department at UK-supplier Niglon receives more queries about circuit protection than almost any other type of product in its 4,500-strong range. Surge arrestors in particular are a source of many incoming enquiries.
The rules
New guidance was provided on when and where surge protection should be fitted when the 18th Edition wiring regulations were issued. And this was further refined and (arguably) simplified by the second amendments, introduced last year. Many installers are opting to fit surge protection, although there will be some who don’t deem it to be necessary under the guidelines, and other installations where the owner of the property is happy to confirm in writing that they don’t want protection fitted.
A trend that the Niglon team is noticing, however, is that many contractors are using surge protection as standard – and there’s been a significant lift in demand for consumer units fitted with surge.
The conundrum
Wholesalers that stock units that have no surge protection incorporated, alongside those that do, are giving installers the chance to choose which they’d prefer when making purchases. This does, however, mean double-stocking a range of popular board types (straight, high integrity, split load) and sizes (from 4W up to 19W), which can be costly, reduce stock turnover, and take up a lot of space. Not ideal.
The answer
In a bid to keep both installers and wholesalers happy, Niglon got to work on developing a solution.
The result is a new domestic surge protection device (NSA2-240) which is suitable for the most popular applications (type 1 and 2), meaning wholesalers can offer a range of boards with the easy addition of surge protection if and where required, and contractors can easily carry the device in their van to be used when needed.
But what about the faff of wiring surge devices up? Time is money after all!
The development team was keen to offer a product which could be installed efficiently and effectively – meaning the new device comes with 6mm2 tail leads and easy-to-follow instructions as well as the live being located at the bottom, so connections can be made to the main switch with a piece of busbar.
It’s also rated with an Imax of 40kA meaning no MCB is required (providing the main board fuse is 125A or under), saving more time and expense and providing an extra way in the board.
Talking about the launch, Niglon Director, Oliver Hinley, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer this new device to the market, as we believe it offers significant advantages to wholesalers – minimising the need for double-stocking – without disadvantaging contractors who want to have a choice of boards to purchase.
“We’ve focused on the features of the device to ensure it is quick and simple to install, because we know from our long experience in the industry that this is essential for contractors.”
Browse the latest Niglon product catalogue here
