Hager’s new range of sollysta wiring accessories and consumer units have been specified by McGaw Electrical for the electrical refurbishment of 2000 Edinburgh council homes.

Says John McGaw, managing director of McGaw Electrical: “Not only are we bringing the homes up to current standards, but using Hager products has minimised disruption for the tenant during installation and provides a safer and lower maintenance solution in the future."

“We have found the new sollysta range of wiring accessories easier and faster to fit than alternatives. In particular the loop in neutral connection in the wall switch means that we don’t need to fit a separate connector block in the back box like we do with all other ranges."

“Pushing a connector block into the back box behind the switch compresses the cables putting extra strain on the terminations, so having a loop in neutral terminal in the accessory is far preferable. It also means that we don’t need to retrofit deeper back boxes.”

The contractors are also using Hager consumer units with each circuit protected by individual RCBOs.
Says Mcgaw: “Using RCBOs is a preferred solution since if a circuit trips due to earth leakage, only one circuit is affected. If two or even three RCDs are used to protect more than one circuit in a split load board then you multiply the inconvenience."

“This solution will also save the council future maintenance costs. If only one circuit trips rather than several, then it is more likely that the council can plan a maintenance visit rather than respond to the call as an emergency. In fact they can often help the tenant to solve the problem themselves over the telephone because such tripping is generally due to a faulty appliance being plugged in.”

McGaw Electrical has also fitted a DIN rail mounted emergency lighting module in each consumer unit. This lamp will light automatically in the event of a power failure and can be withdrawn from its base and used as a mini torch for up to one and a half hours.

Says McGaw: “The emergency lighting module is a nice touch, both for a visiting electrician trying to fault find and also for the tenant in the event of a complete power failure."

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