Sentry box

MK Electric is a major player in the domestic circuit protection market. It is also conspicuous as the only manufacturer in this market that doesn't offer circuit protection devices and systems for commercial and light industrial applications. This will change later this year with the launch of a range of three phase distribution boards, panels and accessories under the Sentry banner.

Commercial and light industrial circuit protection markets are intensely competitive and mature, with a number of high profile players. As such, MK is pulling out all the stops to provide a serious challenge. "The boards and panels are intended to appeal to specifiers, contractors and wholesalers alike, as well as end-users," explains Steven Bennett, product marketing manager with MK parent Novar.

The new three-phase range is aimed at the 'secondary circuit protection' market, which within the power distribution market covers circuits below substations. The A and B distribution boards within the range are rated, respectively, at 125 and 250 A and the panel boards at 400 and 800 A. "These will satisfy the requirements for circuit protection in small to medium-sized premises in the commercial sector and small premises in the industrial sector," says Bennett.

Benefiting as a latecomer into the market, MK has been able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of existing products. "From this, a list of essential design features were unearthed and incorporated into the Sentry three-phase distribution boards, thus ensuring the highest quality, safety, and ease of installation, while not compromising the compact nature and aesthetically pleasing design," explains Bennett.

A feature of the Sentry 125 A-rated, A distribution boards, which MK claims makes it different from other boards of this rating, is the 'floating' busbar – in others the busbar is fixed. The 'floating' busbar provides the opportunity to accommodate, in the same enclosure, a wide range of configuration devices and accessories for split-load and multi-incomer arrangements and dual tariff applications.

The design and manufacture of enclosures for distribution boards and panels has also come under close scrutiny. "MK has identified several features as being crucial to the robustness, security, access and fixing of enclosures. All of these features will be incorporated into the Sentry products – surpassing any other single distribution or panel board on the market," claims Bennett.

MK believes that the new range will be well received by electrical contractors. "Not only for the ease and speed with which they can be installed, but because they can be confident that they are fitting safe and reliable products, supported by an MK guarantee," says Bennett.

The aesthetics of the board and panel enclosures, with their smooth contours and one-piece door and inlay, are expected to appeal particularly to specifiers. Also, the fact that one manufacturer can ensure circuit discrimination for all circuits within the consumer units, through distribution boards and up to panel board systems, will be an additional benefit to specifiers.

This new range of products will be made accessible through a strong distribution network. "Because the product range is modular, distributors will not need to stock anywhere near as many separate items as is the case with some brands of three-phase products," explains Bennett. Also, with the addition of Sentry three-phase, wholesalers who currently stock domestic and commercial circuit protection from different manufacturers will be able to source both from MK Electric.

A key element in the success of MK's new range will be the dedicated sales and technical support team, which will be able to offer specifiers and contractors two important services. The first of these is a technical/design service; the second is a factory-built assembly service, which will deliver pre-assembled units with outgoing devices fitted. "The excellent working relationship with distributors, contractors and specifiers, competitive pricing and above all, the breadth of the product range, will ensure that Sentry three-phase secures the position as the 'ultimate in three-phase protection' within commercial and light industrial markets," expects Bennett.