OPEN FORUM Anti-bacterial and self-disinfecting electric fittings – the new normal? Saurabh Goel, President, Havells India Ltd The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has brought the significance of hygiene and infections control to the fore. With customer centricity at the core, we at Havells have constantly been working towards building products for the most topical customer needs. Based on our brand philosophy of ‘making a difference’, we are delighted to introduce Crabtree’s new anti-bacterial range that will find an essential place with the health conscious users. --------------------------------------------------------------- Sunil Narula, Vice President- Marketing, Panasonic Life Solutions India Pvt Ltd The world is moving to touchless AI-based experiences. However, till the time people upgrade to these experiences they would like to be safe. The antibacterial switches, plates, and accessories give people an opportunity to implement such safe products without changing their base infrastructure. Frequently touched places in hospitals, hotels, laboratories can implement these solutions, apart from residential applications. Our antimicrobial solution is completely integrated into our switches’ manufacturing mix, unlike coating-based solutions, which may wither away once the product gets scratches or with regular wear and tear. The Silver ions (Ag+ ions), which form the part of the solution are active for at least 5 years, prevent bacteria from growing on switches, while making them durable for a long time. All our antibacterial products are tested as per JIS Z 2801, which is an internationally recognised method for testing antimicrobial activities on plastic surfaces. In these challenging times, antimicrobial/antibacterial products are a definitive upgrade. --------------------------------------------------------------- Srinivas Shanbhogue, VP, Home and Distribution, Schneider Electric India During the pandemic, the fear of contagion became very real. Hygiene and safety became a key tool in the hands of individuals to keep themselves protected-and this has now become central to well-being. It is clear that the transmission cycle can be broken if the touch points around us are free of contamination. One of our recent internal surveys shows that electrical switches are touched 20+ times in day by different people including , home delivery executives, neighbours, kids, visitors, garbage collectors, apartment security guards and home support staff etc. along with switches getting touched by different people at home. So, to break this chain of transmission, anti-bacterial and self-disinfecting electric switches and sockets are the best solution. These switches follow global safety standards and can cause 99.9 percent reduction in bacteria, creating a germ free environment. Hence, yes, this should be the new normal as these products can be fit into, new, old and existing houses, commercial spaces and residents. Our latest launch at Schneider Electric offers the complete range with all colours, sockets, cover frames, fan regulators etc We are offering several superior technical advantages equipped with low maintenance, ease of installation, durable, safe & reliable along with not charging any premium on the product. --------------------------------------------------------------- CP Vyas, President- Electrification business, ABB India In the current climate, health and safety is incredibly important to us all. The inadvertent spread of infections and bacteria remains a constant concern and we all tend to look at technology to safeguard us. The ABB Tvisha anti-bacterial range of modular switches is an innovative solution that helps users keep bacteria at bay. Designed for both commercial and residential use, this product range includes switches and sockets that have been developed with anti-bacterial properties, keeping their surfaces free from bacteria. As hospitals, laboratories, and homes prioritize cleanliness and hygiene more than ever, we believe this product will serve a much-needed purpose to keep people safe.