PE talks to a former electrician about the inspiration behind the new Socket & Wall Cover Plate, and why its journey from concept to reality hasn’t been without its challenges.
The origins of the Socket & Wall Cover Plate can be first traced back over a decade ago, when self-employed electrician, Mark Watson, became so fed up with measuring and marking the correct height and level for double socket installations on a massive luxury apartment conversion, that he decided to do something about it himself.
Mark set about making a prototype of the product out of a piece of cardboard which he used to mark out all of his new sockets, all of which were now perfectly level and the correct regulation height from the floor.
Common scenario
After weeks of chiselling and chasing out walls and socket backs, Mark wondered if there was a way that could help an electrician avoid the all too common scenario of waiting for the plasterer to arrive, then the plaster to dry or wallpaper to be replaced, before the electrician can then return to undertake the second fix and finish the sockets.
With his prototype in hand, Mark realised that if he could create something that was light, strong, thin and decorative, it could make a really good solution as a protective cover plate for the cables, negating the need for a plasterer or replaced wallpaper.
His next step was to conduct a worldwide patent search and, after discovering there was nothing else currently like it, he contacted a number of companies in China and had a few prototypes made that were sent to him at home.
At this point Mark hit a proverbial wall – he could not afford to manufacture the products himself and had no idea about how to generate interest and potential investment in the product.
It was at this point that he turned to the popular TV show Dragon’s Den, where he was asked to submit a video and create a website. After submitting his application, he was then invited to conduct a filmed presentation for the ‘Dragons’.
A DUAL- PURPOSE TOOL
1. A marking out tool
Stand the unit against the wall on a flat level floor and you simply draw round the inside of the rectangle. This gives you the correct level and provides you with the perfect height from the floor to the new double socket.
2. A cover plate
After you’ve fitted your back box (into any kind of wall) you would normally have to plaster the cables into the wall. With this tool you can trim it off at the same level as any skirting board, then peel off the backing tape and simply stick it over the cables to the wall, protecting the cables. Because the design is childproof, when the socket face is fitted the whole thing is mechanically locked in place. And, as it is only 4mm thick, it isn’t intrusive like trunking or surface mounted sockets.
Unfortunately, and as many who have been in the same situation will sympathise, the nerves ended up getting the better of Mark and he decided against attending the filming.
Following a bout of serious illness, which arrived straight after, Mark’s journey came to a grinding halt, with the invention sadly gathering dust in the garden shed. Until now!
Rising from the ashes
After a chance conversation with a patent expert at the beginning of last year, Mark decided to have another crack at rekindling the Socket & Wall Cover Plate flame.
With production in place and a little bit of help from his new acquaintance, he registered the design with the IPO near the end of last year. Although the patent is currently pending, this hasn’t stopped the product’s progress and Mark has managed to secure distribution agreements with both electrical wholesalers and specialist DIY stores.
Mark believes that the product will be a useful aid for electricians and trade professionals working in private rental properties, council properties or Housing Associations, who require quick and consistent installation of sockets without the inconvenience of plastering and redecorating the wall afterwards. Its use as a cover plate is an extra bonus, providing a neat and tidy aesthetic for customers.
Mark’s story is proof alone, that if you’re passionate about bringing an idea or invention to market, it can see the light of day – regardless of the many obstacles you might face along the way.
The Socket & Wall Cover Plate is now available from authorised stockists nationwide.
Get more details about the Socket & Wall Cover Plate here
