Tips & advice

The world of switches is evolving rapidly, with new options, finishes, materials, and Smart features becoming available. It's time to step up your game and ensure that you not only meet but exceed your customers' expectations. Let's dive in and find ways to make the most of your next switch installation by finding products that optimise your workflow and paint you as the switch expert your clients never knew they needed!

Convenient Switches: Saving Time

Most of your clients want slimline switches these days. While they look great, you know very well how difficult most of them are to mount, thanks to those fiddly cutouts you have to get just right. Depending on how long you’ve been on the tools, you might remember those good old days when every switch was nearly as deep as it was wide - not great aesthetically, but so simple to mount. Most of the new slimline switches require a little more work. The smallest design feature, like cutting a simple rectangle into plasterboard instead of an intricate shape, can make a significant difference in the time it takes to complete a project. When you come across a new brand or model of switches, what's the first thing you do? You turn it over, right? We know - you’re looking to see how easy it’s going to be to install, and we hear you. Easy switch installs streamline your workflow and save you valuable time, so it pays to have an inventory of easy-to-install switches in the back of your ute. Let's take a look at some time-saving options.

Vynco Urban and Vynco Metro

Vynco brand understands the needs of sparkies. They’re a New Zealand family-owned company, and they’ve been in the electrical industry for over 70 years - they know what’s going to make your job easier. Both the upscale Urban and economical Metro ranges are incredibly easy to mount thanks to their simple rectangle cutout shape. No notches or odd shapes to deal with.

Installing Vynco switches is as straightforward as installing those old-fashioned boxy switches. It comes with a template, requiring only a single rectangle to be cut out, so you can get the sleek look of slimline switches with the easy installation of boxier models. The cutout doesn't need to be perfect, making it ideal for installations in awkward places like cupboards and under sinks. But the real benefit of these switches is that because they're so easy to put in, you can streamline your inventory. Instead of holding onto multiple models, you can rely on one versatile model that suits a range of applications.

Urban vs Metro

Vynco has two ranges of switches - the more economical Metro and the more upscale Urban. Here’s what you need to know: the differences between the ranges are primarily customer-facing, like the look, feel, style, and quality of the surface materials. However, the mechs are the same, so the installation process is consistent across the board.

In short, Vynco switches are designed with electricians in mind.

Lucci Power Gravity

But Vynco isn’t the only one thinking of sparkies. Lucci Power Gravity are sturdy, modern, and so simple to install. With a 13mm depth face plate and 84mm screw centres, they're great for installing on tile, timber, concrete, or brick. And let's not forget about the sleek black and white matte finishes made from UV-stable and scratch-durable plastics, so you know they'll look great anywhere for years to come. Plus, we back them with a 25-year warranty!Lucci Power - they've been designed to make switch installs as simple as possible.

Getting Familiar With Smart Switches

Customers increasingly want the convenience of Smart technology and want Smart switches in their homes and offices. While the installation process is often the same as for an ordinary switch, you’ve also got to take the time to then link them to either your client's phone or Smart home hub, depending on their setup. Handy tip: take the time to guide your clients through the setup process and showcase the capabilities of the Smart switch. When you do that, you position yourself as an electrician who goes above and beyond by not only installing the product but also educating your clients about its potential!

Streamlining a Smart switch install comes in two parts: finding Smart switches that are easy enough for you to install is one aspect - the other is finding a range that will be easy for your customers to use ongoing, reducing your need to revisit the job time and time again.

Powermesh

Powermesh has a range of Smart switches that are easy to install and simple to set up with the Zimi app, making handing the reins over to the client a pretty quick task.

Powermesh is perfect for retrofit applications, so there's no need to worry about adding extra cables. Plus, with the behaviour link feature, you can establish a two-way connection without the hassle of running additional cables. And to top it all off, it's compatible with popular devices like Google Home and Alexa. It’s a great option for customers who want full Smart home

Lucci Connect

Not all customers want a full Smart home setup - some might just want Smart switches in their living rooms or bedrooms, and this is a great job for Lucci Connect switches. These switches are also great for retrofit applications. Your customers can control them via the Lucci Connect app, or a Smart speaker like Google Home or Amazon Alexa.

Stylish Switches: Elevate Customer Satisfaction And Showcase Versatility

You'll encounter customers who are looking for something out of the ordinary, and they often rely on you for guidance in finding unique solutions. This is an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and expertise.

While some upscale and intricate switches may require extra care during installation, embracing these switches places you as an electrician capable of working with sophisticated and elegant products. Adding fashionable switches to your projects can make them look better and impress your clients. It also gives you more options for design-oriented projects and helps you attract a wider variety of customers.

Buster + Punch

For example, consider the range from Buster + Punch. Have you ever held one of their switches in your hand? They feel amazing to touch and look absolutely incredible. Customers who have the chance to try them out on one of our switch walls often gravitate towards them due to their distinct industrial look and unique toggles.

Even though installing some of these switches may need extra care, they offer more than just good looks. By using these stylish switches, you can show that you're a skilled electrician who can handle classy and sophisticated solutions.

We Can Help Educate Your Customers About Switches

We've got a great solution to save you time and impress your clients - send them to us! Instead of spending hours explaining switch capabilities, simply send your customers to our stores. They can try out our switch wall, and our knowledgeable staff can guide them through each switch's features and benefits. Our team knows all the technical details, so you don't have to worry about showcasing your expertise - we'll make you look like a pro.We can:

• demonstrate how Smart switches work

• suggest complementary products

• offer advice on energy-saving features.

We're here to make your customers' experience exceptional. Remember, it's not just about installing switches; it's about creating amazing experiences for your customers while establishing yourself as an expert.