Steve Kaye, Marketing & Sales Manager at Forum, looks at some of the reasons behind the rising popularity of the brand’s Kinetic lighting controls.
In an industry driven by efficiency and innovation, Forum’s Kinetic lighting controls stand out as a game-changing solution for electricians. These wireless, battery-free switches combine faster installations and reduced costs for domestic and commercial use.
Designed for versatility, they remove the challenges of rewiring, making them ideal for retrofits, new builds, and hard-to-reach spaces. For electricians, this means fewer labour-intensive projects, reduced material costs and the ability to offer clients a modern, eco-friendly lighting option that integrates seamlessly with smart home systems such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
Loved by electricians in the know
Ricky Byrne from Byrne Electrical in Bedfordshire (pictured below) has more than 20 years’ experience in the electrical field and frequently recommends the Forum brand, including the Kinetic range, to customers.
He says: “A recent customer of mine wanted a chandelier fitting in their dining room. The room had recently been decorated so chasing the wall for additional switch wires wasn’t an option. That is where the Kinetic modules were the perfect solution as they cause no damage to the walls.
“We’ve been using Forum’s Kinetic products for a number of years because they’re very easy to use and pair and are extremely reliable. I can also get them super quick through my local wholesaler.”
We love hearing feedback like this from electricians who are using our products. It backs up what we already know – that they’re looking for aesthetically pleasing, trendy lighting controls which are easy to fit, cost-effective, reliable and compatible with modern smart home technologies.
Our Kinetic range comes in different finishes, with a variety of switches. They’re also extremely easy to install. We offer systems where one light can be controlled by multiple Kinetic switches up to a maximum of 10, through to multiple lights which can be controlled from the TUYA App.
Upsurge in popularity
Kinetic lighting controls are steadily gaining popularity among consumers due to their convenience, lack of décor damage and compatibility with modern smart home technologies.
There are two steps to getting the right product for your customer: a) choosing the switch, whether that’s a one-, two- or three-gang, and b) choosing the receiver. From a decorative perspective, the switches come in black chrome, satin brass and satin nickel. Dimmable switches are also particularly popular with this Kinetic technology.
This technology can be as simple or advanced as homeowners want it to be – from the basic on/off RF function with a wireless connection between the switch and receiver through to an on/off RF, Wi-Fi and dimmable functions with a wireless connection between the switch and receiver, which can be controlled through the TUYA App.
Unlimited combinations and possibilities
Because the Kinetic switch doesn’t require wiring, batteries, or channelling into walls it can essentially be installed anywhere. This technology is ideal for high traffic areas of a home such as hallways and staircases. Electricians are also utilising it in older homes where rewiring is impractical or expensive.
Kinetic works well in lofts and attics. Homeowners can have the switch on the landing, rather than having to climb into the attic to put the light on. It’s also ideal for outdoor lights like porch or garden lighting, where power sources may not be easily accessible.
It’s equally helpful for powering the garage or shed. Kinetic removes the need to have cables running down the garden, channelled under the grass, as the switch can be situated inside the house or on a portable fob switch.
Another popular way this technology is being used is to control outdoor security or to put the outside lights on. As a person approaches their drive, they can operate their welcome lights from their pocket via their fob switch.
The switch can even be installed in the bathroom due to its IP65 rating. There’s no need to drill into expensive tiles, as these switches can be screwed to the surface or stuck on with adhesive pads.
Ricky Byrne believes that Kinetic is a ‘game changer’ for many of his customers, stating: “When you explain the ability to be able to use Kinetic with their smart devices, smart speakers, TVs and home automations, with minimal mess to the home, customers seem surprised at what we can accomplish with hardly any damage and at a reasonable cost.
“Many also appreciate being able to set timers. This gives our customers an extra layer of security when they’re away from the home.”
Kinetic for business
Kinetic isn’t just a domestic application, as it’s also being used in commercial settings. Indeed, Forum’s Kinetic selection of commercial grid switches are compatible with industry-leading commercial grid systems.
They’re being used in meeting rooms, toilets and shared spaces in offices to improve energy efficiency without complex wiring or maintenance.
Retailers use Kinetic systems for window displays or showroom lighting that may change frequently, allowing for easy customisation without rewiring.
A revolutionary shift in lighting
In conclusion, Kinetic lighting controls represent a revolutionary shift in how lighting systems are designed, installed and used.
For electricians, these systems offer numerous benefits, from simplifying installations and improving safety to aligning with sustainability and smart home trends.
As the market for smart and sustainable technologies continues to grow, electricians who embrace Kinetic lighting controls will be well-positioned to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Browse Forum’s full range of Kinetic lighting controls and solutions here
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