You may have noticed that, though we’re not writing too much here on this blog, there’s much activity on the blog at sparksdirect.co.uk. The articles we post there are not as short as the ones you can find via the NewLights blog: they are quite comprehensive, worthy of study and reference. Let’s take the Manrose extractor fans for example -  recently there have been at least 3 articles posted online, with solid information inspired by what the manufacturer put out in the user manuals / website, like:

Problems caused by poor ventilation and their solution(Manrose extractor fans)

Being inspired by what Manrose advises regarding the siting of the fans and the problems created by the lack of ventilation, we have compiled some ideas and listed them below(the source can be found at the Manrose Fan Selection page). Read more in this article about: The problems that can appear due to poor ventilation; Help – solving the lack of ventilation in the homes; Locate/site your fan correctly in the home; Choosing the proper / perfect fan for the best ventilation.

Shower fan and bathroom extractor fan, the Showerlite range from Manrose

The Manrose Showerlite range of bathroom extractor fans is a distinctive Showerlite which is incorporated into a circular diffuser, suitable for showers and bathrooms. This range is available in the 100mm (4″), 120mm (5″) and 150mm (6″) versions. The Manrose Showerlite can be used within the splash area of the shower or bath and is powered by a S.E.L.V. remote safety isolating transformer. The Showerlite extractor fans is suitable for any 100mm (4″), 120mm (5″) and 150mm (6″) in-line system such as the Manrose SF/ID range of in-line axial fans or the CFD/MAN range of in-line centrifugal fans.

The Manrose Centrifugal Fans for domestic and commercial applications: powerful ventilation

The Manrose CF100, CF200 and CF400 centrifugal fans use the latest technology to provide extremely powerful, yet very quiet and vibration free ventilation – they are some of the best-seller Centrifugal Fans in the market! The Manrose CF100/200 ranges are especially designed for bathrooms, toilets, cloakrooms, utility rooms, and Manrose CF400 is designed mainly for kitchens and commercial applications, such as restaurants, hotels and offices. The Centrifugal Fans from Manrose are designed to move air over long distances; all these units will give a maximum performance even against pressures(caused by long lengths of ducting) and resistance(caused by the grilles). All the Manrose Centrifugal fan models are fitted with a built-in spring operated non-return flap into the discharge spigot to stop any backdraughts. Read more in this article online about the features of the Manrose Centrifugal Fans, the available models and ranges, notes about installation / electrical data, and some additional data(including the dimensions).

If you want to find out more about the Manrose fans, follow the Manrose Ventilation Fan / Manrose extractor fans tags on our website. To buy it online, visit the Manrose Extractor Fans and choose the one you need.

can be found via our website and our blog – recently we started a series of articles about this series, the Hager Invicta 3 Type B, Distribution Boards (industrial consumer units), where we describe them and list their features as specified by the manufacturer, Hager. Here’s what you can find out about them until now:

The Hager Type B Distribution Boards – the Invicta 3 range – meets the 17th Edition needs

This article is introducing the new Hager Type B Distribution Boards – meeting the needs of the 17th Edition – part of the Industrial Distribution Boards; the Invicta 3 range: decisions, features (like: The Ease of metering, The Simple cable entry, The Neutral bars, The Earth terminal cabling, The Simple extensions, The Tap off board extension, and The Clear Labeling), and benefits.

This new range of Type B boards from Hager makes it easier for you to design and install electrical distribution systems that meet the needs of today and the future. Read more…

At least 4 reasons for choosing the Invicta 3 Type B Distribution Boards from Hager

Why should one specify the Hager Invicta 3 Type B boards? Read more in this article about some of the benefits brought by the Invicta 3 range, and then at least 4 reasons for which the Hager Invicta 3 Distribution Boards should be used where the need is(The Trunking Cable Entry, The Earth and Neutral Bars, The Metering, and The Glazed Door). Read more…

The new features and design of the Invicta 3 range of Type B Distribution Boards from Hager

The Invicta 3 range of Type B boards from Hager has been manufactured and designed to meet with the new IEE Wiring Regulations. Have a sneak preview in this article – see all of the new features that Hager has designed in and how this is going to make installing a distribution board so much easier(this guide is also online via Hager).

If you want to read more about these guides, you can find them online via Hager – Invicta 3 Distribution Boards Hager. On the other hand, if you want to purchase this range of Type B Distribution Boards(the Hager Invicta 3), visit our website – Industrial Consumer Units.

Not very much related to the electrical products online store – yet very much related to a certain kind of feedback that “Will the shopper” gives to each one of the online stores – and in particular to google. You can download the Make Your Website Work ebook from google, and then fill in the survey they made & placed online. Below we just want to list some of the main points / ideas from the book – especially the ones related to online stores – and some observations….

1. Bring me to the right page
   Whether clicking on the ads or in the search results, you want to be taken directly to where it says it takes you. Here, it is recommended that the title of the page(on the top of the browser) and the main heading of the page would correspond. Also, point out what are the selling points: sale price, special price, delivery options, stock, etc.
2. Make your homepage useful
   The homepage is like the front of the shop: should be clear, shows who you are and what you sell. Here, it is recommended to show info / logo of the company, about us, the optimal layout, some promoted products, and a good menu for people to continue.
3. Help me navigate
   Clean layout with visible categories, main menu – and a solid structure(visible) of the website. And the terms should be easy to understand(not technical or jargon).
4. Give me the right results when I search
   Many times there’s a need to search a certain product/model, so a good search engine is very useful. And make it visible + advanced searches available. It is also recommended to have a comparing of the listings, sorting of the listings, categorizing…
5. Display groups of products clearly
   Get the right combination of images, prices and description text – which should work together with the layout so that the visitor gets the main points. Comparison among products/categories and a grouping/categorizing of the items helps.
6. Give me the product details I need
   List/summarize the key/main details about the products, including the price. Images: clear, large, zoom-able, more angles on them. Call to action button: either a Buy Now or More details/Get a quote.
7. Make registration optional
   Many customers don’t want to register AGAIN for ANOTHER website – it’s good to offer them the option of registering, post-sale. And if registration is mandatory, it should be easy(not too many steps) and the benefits of registering should be underlined.
8. Make it easy to buy or enquire
   No one likes filling in form after form: don’t ask for too many details, unnecessary ones, show the registration/enquiry progress bar, help with auto-fill the form(based on his previous entered-in info), and… no adds on that page!
9. Reassure me
   Transparent about cancellations and returns, prices and VAT, delivery and stock, and…. what happens now, after he purchased something! Also: offer security.
10. Find this useful? Let me help!
    Ask for feedback from customers – and offer them help in their decision. There needs to be a mutual help: the online store offering good info + helpful links, and the customer having a way to give a feedback.

Interesting, and helpful. Thanks, google

It’s all new – we have been working hard this past week to put out many many new things and items, like – new light fittings, a new blog, and a new whole house ventilation system.

New Lights for indoors and outdoors

• New outdoor wall lights, exterior light fixtures, lamps and eyelids, LEDS-C4 made;
• New Outdoor Wall Lights and Spotlights, single or twin wall lamps, LEDS-C4 made, part 2;
• New Outdoor Ceiling Lights, Exterior Pendants and Flush Fittings, LEDS-C4 made;
• Momo Swing Arm Wall Light, switched wall mounted lamp with white/black shade;
• Indoor and outdoor lights – the new additions at SparksDirect;

A new blog – with New Lights from Sparks & Lights

• There are many different kinds of light fittings you can purchase via Sparks & Lights;
• New blog: Introducing the new lights for interior and/or exterior found at SparksDirect;
• New Bathroom Light: Palermo 1200, Longer Over-mirror Strip Light;

New Whole House Ventilation System – the AiroVent

• Not a simple, common system, but a Whole House Ventilation – Extractor Fan;
• The Airovent WHV-8 and WHV 8-14 – extracting the stale air from the whole house;
• More details and technical specs from the manufacturer(Airflow) – about the Airovent;

We have started introducing a series of track spotlights from Illuma, which can be followed by the tags Illuma Track Lights and Track Systems. Here are some of the more important ranges, all of them available via the Track Lights – Illuma Track Spotlights.

The Illuma Rocket Track Lights

The Rocket range of Track Lights from Illuma is an essential range of compact spotlights for mains operated PAR halogen reflector lamps. They are specifically designed for universal applications. Available with the normal lamp version and with the cone lamps, this series of Spotlights is for the 1-circuit track. As to the usage, the Illuma Rocket is ideal for highlighting and general lighting in retail, commercial and domestic applications, particularly where unobtrusive miniature fittings are required. Read more in this article about the general features of this range of Illuma Rocket Track Lights, some technical data, the materials used for its construction, and the available models (T325WH, T326WH, T327WH and T328WH)- buy online the Illuma Rocket Spotlights via Sparksdirect – the best price online!

Illuma Electrostar, Lightweight Track Spotlights

Part of the Illuma Track Lights, the 1-circuit track lighting systems, the Illuma Electrostar range is a series of compact, lightweight spotlights for mains track or surface mounting. They are ideal for both highlighting and general lighting in retail, commercial and leisure environments. Read more in this article online about the Illuma Electrostar’s features, the lamp data & the materials used for this series of spotlights.

Illuma Lumapar, Discreet Track Spotlights

The Illuma Lumapar range of track spotlights belongs to a flexible range of discreet spotlights for mains tungsten halogen lamps not requiring a transformer. They are ideal for highlighting and general lighting in retail, commercial and domestic applications, particularly where unobtrusive miniature fittings are required. The Illuma Lumapar range has twelve styles in white, black or silver-grey (all) or chrome finish (TM3210/S, TM3220/S, TM3410/S and TM3420/S only); the standard track versions are for use with Illuma 1-circuit track; all can be also used as surface-mounting versions. Read more in this article online about some of the features of the Lumapar range, the lamp details, technical data, and the materials used for this range.

Illuma Electrospot, Highlighting Track lights

The Illuma ElectroSpot range of track lights has a timeless design for use on mains track or surface mounting. This range is ideal for both highlighting and general lighting. The quality of lighting is given also by the new illumaled lamp technology.

Read more in this article online about the features of the Electrospot range, the ease of installation, the lamp description, some technical data, the materials used, and the Illuma Electrospot versions available.

Illuma Topspot, Surface or Track Light

One of the most popular track light fitting range from Illuma, the Illuma Topspot T310 / T410 is a simple yet versatile range of spotlights for mounting on a 1-circuit track, accepting reflector, PAR and GLS lamps. The Topspot T310 range is a track mounted spotlight, and the Topspot T410 is a surface mounted spotlight – whether you need the spot light to be surface or track mounted, we have the right solution for you! Read more in this article online about the Topspot features, details about the installation, lamp features, some technical data, and the materials used.

Illuma Concepta Robust diecast tracklights

One of the most popular and much appreciated ranges from Illuma, the Illuma Concepta range of track lights, is a robust, diecast aluminium range of spotlights, with fully adjustable body and head. These track light fittings are ideal for accent lighting in retail, commercial and leisure environments. This article introduces the Illuma Concepta range(especially the Concepta TH3111X series) – Find out more about the technical specs of this track light fitting, details about the 2 series in this range, and more about the Concepta TH3111X – features, installation, lamp description, the materials used, and some technical data.

We would like to thank all our customers that visited us yesterday morning, when the sales team from Lutron was here in our Sparks & Lights showroom(Archway, North London), for the Lutron Breakfast Morning. Some of you have seen the showcase from Lutron, with all their dimming system simulations, introducing the new systems and also speaking about the older/best selling models. Below you can find some pictures that are more representative of the event(don’t worry, we have tried not to post pictures of our customers necessarily, but mainly of the equipment and the showcase).

Welcome to the Lutron Breakfast Morning – this is part of the gear that the Lutron Sales Team brought to show us the new models(the Lutron GRX-QS series).

Lutron dimming systems showcase – these are some of the many devices that compose the Lutron Grafik 3000 system, ideal for total home dimming systems.

One of the Lutron’s representatives explaining the new Grafik system – the Lutron GRX-QS – to some of the visitors and customers. QS – total lighting control.

A closer look at the Lutron GRX-QS system, customisable preset light and blind control system, the new Grafik dimming system from Lutron(the full system includes more devices, like the remote control, the wall-mounted dimmers, the control panel, etc) – fully customisable, 16 zones!

The Lutron GRX-QS Control Panel, incorporated with the new Lutron QS technology(intuitive control of both electric light and daylight) – precision control of daylight and also energy saving!

We don’t have it yet on our website – the Lutron GRX-QS system – because Lutron just put this series out, but it will soon be online both on our blog and on our website – Lutron Grafik Systems.

]]> http://sparksdirect.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/lutron-breakfast-at-sparks-and-lights-showroom-new-lutron-grafik-grx-qs/feed/ 0 sparksdirect Welcome to the Lutron Breakfast Morning - this is part of the gear that the Lutron Sales Team brought to show us the new models(the Lutron GRX-QS series) Lutron dimming systems showcase - these are some of the many devices that compose the Lutron Grafik 3000 system, ideal for total home dimming systems One of the Lutron's representatives explaining the new Grafik system - the Lutron GRX-QS - to some of the visitors and customers. QS - total lighting control A closer look at the Lutron GRX-QS, customisable preset light and blind control system, the new Grafik dimming system from Lutron(the full system includes more devices, like the remote control, the wall-mounted dimmers, the control panel, etc) - fully customisable, 16 zones! The Lutron GRX-QS Control Panel, with the new Lutron QS technology(intuitive control of both electric light and daylight) - precision control of daylight and also energy saving! http://sparksdirect.wordpress.com/2009/10/20/excellent-lights-one-of-a-kind-10-amazing-light-fittings-for-the-first-to-grab-them/ http://sparksdirect.wordpress.com/2009/10/20/excellent-lights-one-of-a-kind-10-amazing-light-fittings-for-the-first-to-grab-them/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:46:42 +0000 sparksdirect http://sparksdirect.wordpress.com/?p=630 ]]>

We go through our Lights collection periodically, and the ones that are no longer manufactured, but we have them on display in stock, we list them at Ex-Display, Collection Only section. These are “One Of a Kind – Unique Light Fittings” – for in-store pick-up only. Being EOL(End Of Line) does not mean that they are not nice – check out below this list of 10 amazing light fittings available for the first one to come and get them!

Left: Laser arrow step light in pressed steel case with arrow cut out design. Requires 12V 60VA transformer which will run up to 12 fittings. Lamp included. Price: £20.00 (Save: 38% off, was: £32)
Right: Walkie Talkie Square waterproof recessed downlight for floor or solid wall. Optional housing for concrete(see below). Also suitable for external use. Price: £75.00 (Save: 50% off, was: £150).

Left: Murano Onda 30P satin-finish, curved and silk-screened glass with chromed detail wall light. Can be mounted adjacent to each other for effective. Price: £68.00 (Save: 55% off; was £152.00).
Right: Nemo Auriga square opal white glass wall light with blue glass inner circle. Lamp not included. Price: £48.00 (Save: 71% off; was: £165.00).

Left: Ferrara matt nickel wall light with five opal white glass shades. Low voltage fitting with integral transformer. Lamps included. Price: £65.00 (Save: 58% off; was: £156)
Right: Sestri ceramic square wall light. Lamp not included. Sestri Wall Light. Price: £10.00 (Save: 69% off; was: £32.00)

Left: Nemo Jupiter halogen wall light in polished aluminium provided with red light filters. Halogen lamp gives warm light and excellent colour rendering. Price: £20.00 (Save: 67% off; was: £60.00)
Right: Madrid brushed steel wall light with acid etched glass allowing light to diffuse both upwards and downwards. Lamp included. Price: £30.00 (Save: 56% off; was: £68.00)

Left: Garden pedestal lantern in silver grey finish. For external use. Lamp not included. Price: £13.00 (Save: 66% off; was: £39.97)
Right: Murano VIP semi-recessed low voltage downlight with large crystal sphere in cast glass with air bubble effect on chromed metal fitting. Price: £70(Save: 63% off; was: £188.00)

And this is just a small selection of the many modern light fittings for indoor / outdoor you will find at Sparks & Lights Showroom – located in Archway, North London!

We have started for a while now to go through the many ranges of Track Lights, Spotlights, Ceiling Lights, Wall Lights, etc – manufactured by Illuma, on our main blog – reviewing Illuma Lights. Here are the main ranges of wall lights and ceiling lights we covered so far:

Illuma Lumaseal – IP65 semi-flush wall/ceiling light

The Illuma Lumaseal range is a tough contender for numerous general and ambient lighting solutions. Its IP65 rated construction makes it suitable for interior wet environments as well as exterior usage. The Lumaseal range is represented on our site by DL3TD428 – Illuma Lumaseal IP65 semi-recessed light 28W – but if you require any other models, please let us know. Read more + view applications of the Lumaseal range of Lights.

Illuma Project 95 – Interior Classic Downlights

These nice small downlights from Illuma, the Project 95 range, are a series of classic, shallow-depth downlights. Ideal for both highlighting and general lighting in retail, commercial and general interior applications. Particularly, they are suitable where the ceiling void is shallow. Flexible recessed lights – the direction of the light can be modified as needed. Read more about the Illuma Project 95 range(including dimensions, applications, the full range, etc).

Illuma Proseal IP65 Die-Cast Downlights

Usage: This Illuma Proseal IP65 ceiling light is ideal for damp and humid environments, such as kitchens, bathrooms, showers and exterior soffits. The front glass pulls down easily for a quick lamp change. This range of downlights are either with a clear or with a frosted glass. Read more on our blog about some of the features of this downlight, the lamp features, some technical data, and the materials used for the Illuma Proseal IP rated downlight – see available models.

Read more about these ranges, and also about the other Illuma manufactured light fittings(like the spotlights and the tracklights) via our blog – Lights Reviews Online.

The Grafik 3000 series of dimming systems from Lutron do not just dim the light – they create a mood at the simple touch of a button. With GRAFIK Eye and GRAFIK Integrale, each zone in a space is set at the appropriate level for the activity and saved together as one scene, retrievable later at the touch of a button. We have introduced the Lutron Dimmers and recommendations, a visual guide of the applications of the Lutron dimmers, and the Grafik 3000 + Grafik Integrale range via our blog. Yet there is more to say about these Lutron Dimming Systems, like:

• One stylish control replaces multiple switches and dimmers;
• Eliminate the guesswork of setting separate switches and dimmers every time;
• Slowly fade between lighting scenes — eyes have time to comfortably adjust;
• Add accessory wallstations to recall preset scenes from additional locations;
• Add interfaces for integration with AV systems and other equipment.

Some of the Lutron Grafik Eye 3000 applications – the difference

• Home cinema – The movie cannot begin until the lights dim.
• Lounges – Entertain guests, spend time with family, or watch TV.
• Dining room – Create the right lighting for intimate dining, family occasions, cocktail parties.
• conference room – Instantly transform a room for a general meeting, set up, AV presentation, or video conference.
• café – Create the perfect ambience for lunch meetings, cocktail hour, elegant dinners and clean-up.
• executive office – Create dynamic work spaces, reduce computer screen glare, and add infrared remote dimming  – with Lutron Grafik 3000 series.

Don’t just dim the light – create the desired mood with the touch of a button!

Set the scene(A scene is a programmed lighting environment designed to enhance a particular activity)

residential applications for the Grafik 3000 from Lutron - The Entertain Scene and the Movie Scene, with the Lighting Zone Levels

• The secret to great lighting is being able to control it.
• Match your activity or mood to your visual environment.
• Set the lights as you need them and the setting is automatically saved as one of your custom scenes.
• Retrieve it later at the touch of a button; no individual switches or dimmers to adjust again and again.

Commercial Applications of the Grafik 3000 from Lutron - the Special Event Scene and the All-On Scene, with the Lighting Zones Levels

More details with more models are listed on our website – Dimming Systems, Lutron Dimmers, Grafik Eye 3000 series. Buy online Lutron Grafik 3000 and Lutron Dimmers via SparksDirect – the best price online!

On the one hand, we are much helped by being listed on different websites, having a good profile and some of our products / categories placed on the same page(our rankings go up, people find about us, we have a good representation online, we can reach more people, there is a certain appreciation for the brand, google loves us more, etc). On the other hand, these websites “feed on this”, or “live because of this” – all they do is list in a proper category the companies that belong to that particular field, and then optimize a certain page/s for these companies, so that eventually they may also benefit from this(they increase their visitors by attracting some who are looking for that particular company, their page ranking is going up, their rank for the website goes up by having this pertinent and sought-for content, by optimizing this page they can be number 1 for several vital keywords for that industry, they can demand some sums of money for different services in this last case, etc). This being said, here is where you can find Sparks Electrical Wholesaler online (the order has no preference necessarily, and the order in google changes as new sites come up…):

• Sparks Electrical Wholesaler – the homepage, the online store, contact Sparks;
• Sparks Electrical Wholesaler profile on Marketing Services Talk, including a listing on the Suppliers page;
• SparksDirect Blog – especially the Forbes and Lomax invisible switches and sockets page;
• Sparks Electrical Wholesalers Ltd – profile on applegate, with details about the company;
• Sparks Electrical Wholesalers Ltd company profile on findtheneedle, with pressreleases(0) and products(0);
• Lighting Products Retailers – Sparks Electrical Wholesalers Ltd on yell.com, the yellow pages website;
• Contact SparksDirect, Sparks Electrical Wholesalers – profile on fire-detect.co.uk;
• Profile on touchlondon – Sparks Electrical Wholesalers Ltd – lighting specialists in Archway;
• qype London – find it. share it – Sparks Electrical Wholesalers in Archway, London, see map;
• Contact SparksDirect – Sparks Electrical Wholesalers, via Gilga.co.uk – magnetic downlights;
• Welcome to Sparks Electrical Store – thebestof in London Islington business directory;
• Alexa.com profile(LAME!) of sparksdirect.co.uk, site owned by Sparks Electrical Wholesalers;
• London | Shopping | Electrical goods – london.enquira profile of Sparks Electrical Wholesalers;
• SparksDirect on twitter – Sparks&Lights, Electrical Wholesaler in Archway, N London;
• Contact 1sparks.co.uk – lights presentation website, beloging to Sparks Electrical Wholesalers;
• UK Small Business Directory in N19 5SE, Sparks Electrical – Lighting, London, Archway;
• Sparks Direct Electrical on facebook – fan page and info about the company on Facebook;
• Sparks Direct, Lighting and Electrical Wholesaler – Lighting – on londinium, London Business Directory;
• twibs – sparksdirect on twitter, business tweets, compiled, electrical wholesaler;
• Via SheriffRating – Electrical Wholesaler London, Sparks Electrical Wholesalers Ltd;
• Electrical Wholesalers in London – listing of the Electrical Wholesalers, Sparks Electrical listing;
• In the DMOZ, Business: Construction and Maintenance: Materials and Supplies: Electrical: Wholesale and Distribution, Sparks Electrical Wholesalers is listed;
• Electronics and Electrical – Electrical Wholesale, on LondonOnline – Sparks Electrical Wholesalers;

and on many other pages / directories / websites online. If there are any other more niche websites that deal either with Electrical Wholesalers, Electrical Items, Lighting Equipment, Fire Alarms, Switches and Sockets, Lamps and tubes, Heaters, Fans, etc – let us know(drop us a line/a comment with a link). Our intention (as everyone’s is as they get online and offer some services/products) is to meet people where they are at.