Emma Segelov, EMEA Marketing Operations Manager at MK Electric, advises on the specification of safe, effective and hygienic wiring devices for educational settings.
In today’s digitally connected society, mobile devices are commonplace across schools and campuses for both academic and recreational purposes.
With an estimated 485,645 international students studying in the UK1, charging solutions are also needed beyond the conventional three-pin switchsocket outlet.
So, how can electricians provide a power and data distribution system to meet these needs?
Floorboxes provide access to the power and data distribution system without the restrictions of a wall mounted power or data outlet and are available in a range of configurations to suit raised or screed floor types.
For areas of high footfall, such as reception areas and corridors, a durable product is needed to withstand the pressure of thousands of students going to and from lectures each day. MK Electric floorboxes have a high load bearing performance tested to EN50085-2-2, and can handle a 5,000N load.
On safety, these floorboxes also have several features built in, such as self-closing lids, which help eliminate trip hazards and the risk of damage to the products. The use of tethered lids and robust cord caps ensures that the floorbox can withstand frequent usage and, as an assurance of quality and reliability, all MK Electric floorboxes also come with a reassuring five-year guarantee as standard.
For overseas students, MK Electric offers certain non-British standard switchsocket outlets and USB charging outlets. USB charging outlets offer the benefit of negating the use of adapters to charge devices in a conventional switchsocket outlet. They’re also convenient for all students who need power on the go, but don’t want to be restricted to carrying their bulky mains power chargers around.
Another consideration is how wiring devices can contribute to a hygienic environment. Educational institutions have a duty of care over their pupils, including ensuring that their classrooms and lecture theatres are clean and free from potentially harmful bacteria. This is primarily achieved with a robust cleaning regime and regular handwashing, but the use of antibacterial products also has an important part to play.
MK Electric’s Logic PlusT range is produced using urea formaldehyde; a high-grade thermoset material that has similar intrinsic properties to antimicrobial additives and kills up to 99.9% of certain bacteria, including MRSA, E. coli, salmonella and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In terms of cable management systems, MK Electric’s Prestige 3D Antibac Blue uses an antibacterial additive within the PVCu, which is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is compliant with the European Biocidal Products Directive (BPD)2.
This has over a 99.9% kill rate against MRSA, E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae as confirmed by independent laboratory testing collected over 24 hours, and can be specified alongside Logic Plus to provide a complete antibacterial solution.
There is no loss of effectiveness where the trunking lengths are cut on-site or if the surface becomes scuffed or scratched. It is also fluorescent under UV light for easy product identification and client confidence.
More than 80% of MK Electric’s products for the UK and Ireland are manufactured in the UK and distributed nationally, therefore, we can provide a level of certainty around product availability during periods of increased demand.
The education sector presents certain challenges for those responsible for meeting power distribution needs. However, MK Electric has responded with a number of innovative solutions that are flexible, easy to install and satisfy the requirements of both clients and end users.
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