Reorientation: Berker Business Solutions at Caravan Salon 2012

Berker has successfully participated in the Caravan Salon trade show in Düsseldorf since 2005. Being part of the Hager Group has opened up new opportunities and led to the reorientation of Berker’s sales division, which works closely with recreational vehicle manufacturers as well as the furniture and automotive industries. In doing so, Berker further underlines its leading position in the area of switches and systems and is breaking new ground in order to offer its customers an even wider range of solutions.

‘For many years, we have successfully worked with manufacturing companies from a variety of industries who use products such as our modular Integro built-in range to increase the value of their finished products. We cater for the specific requirements of different customer groups at home and abroad. This excludes electrical retailers who, in the Hager Group, of which Berker has been a member since 2010, continue to be supplied exclusively through electrical wholesalers,’ explains Thorsten Wolff, Head of Sales.

The area of electrical installations, in particular, requires innovative, but above all safe and durable solutions. Here, Berker Business Solutions can now benefit from Berker’s product range and its many years of experience combined with the expertise of the Hager Group as market leader in the areas of energy distribution, meter panel systems, cable management and room connection systems. ‘Our reorientation also goes hand in hand with an even greater adaptation of products to individual customer needs. We work in close partnership with our customers to develop solutions that offer added value. The new Berker Business Solutions division was created to communicate these fundamental changes more effectively. In this way, we would like to manifest our claim to become the solution provider for manufacturing companies,’ Thorsten Wolff summarizes.

Multimedia connection technology for better media use

Integro Flow, Integro Classic and Integro Pure: these are the names of the frame designs of Berker’s successful switch range that has secured the pole position in the recreational vehicle sector. The frame designs can be combined with many standard colours and surface finishes, a wide range of functional inserts and all conventional national and international socket systems. This gives manufacturers a multitude of design options and planning certainty for the international business division. However, Integro does not just score points with its many design options. The extensive range also impresses, among others, recreational vehicle manufacturers, who are responding to the growing demands from end users regarding media use. Berker has expanded its portfolio in this particular area and offers new solutions in the form of a functional unit consisting of a 12V socket with an SAT connection. Furthermore, the product range was expanded to include HDMI and USB connection technology plus a 3.5 mm audio socket. As with the entire Integro modular series, the new modular inserts can be integrated into the three Berker Integro design ranges: Flow, Classic and Pure. And if there is no room for electrical installations, Berker offers a solution with its range of energy boxes.

New from Berker Business Solutions: distribution boards

Every recreational vehicle needs a distribution board to protect the electrical equipment. From now on, these are part of our product range. ‘The reason for this portfolio expansion is that we are part of the Hager Group, which makes it possible to extend the product mix without any problems,’ explains Bernhard Gros, Product Management Enclosures.

Berker is showing three models with different properties at Caravan Salon. These include

- a distribution board, ready for installation, with Wago connectors for quick connection and stable contact reliability plus long life,

- a waterproof, UV-resistant and robust distribution board with cable glands for special requirements,

- and a new distribution board developed by Hager specifically for the caravanning industry with patented, flexible connection technology (with optional push terminal, screw terminal or tab terminal).

All models can be individually equipped with various DIN-rail mounted devices (FI and LS switches) from Hager’s extensive standard range. This way, manufacturers and end users can, for the first time, enjoy the same high standard for distribution boards to which they are used to at home.

Simply indispensable: cable ducts

Cable ducts are indispensable in recreational vehicles when laying cables according to standard practice. For the first time, the market leader for home and building services is exhibiting possible solutions at Caravan Salon for installing cables neatly in recreational vehicles.

In addition to the classic trunking all-rounder, which is displayed in various designs, ‘trunking on a roll’ is also exhibited. ‘The flexible design of this coiled trunking means that it can be cut to length, is easy to store and makes the best economic and environmental use of the installation material,’ is how Product Manager Richard Schnurr describes the advantages of trunking on a roll. A self-adhesive, coiled, flexible wiring channel for simple insertion of cables. Sections are joined by push-fit connectors.

A real eye-catcher on the Berker stand is the illuminated skirting trunking system equipped with an LED rope. It comes with accessory boxes to accommodate motion detectors, transformers and sockets. Thanks to its attractive aluminium finish, the trunking is impressive in terms of its design, too.

Welcome to individuality

In order to show the selection of materials available, Berker presents different surface finishes as design options, based on the Integro switch range. On display are materials such as slate, Plexiglas, brushed stainless steel, anodized aluminium and leather, as well as ‘specialities’ such as cowhide and bog oak. ‘The extensive choice of materials is meant to make customers curious and encourage creative discussions,’ says Stephan Heskamp, Key Account Manager for the caravanning sector with certainty. Berker has once again demonstrated that it is committed to high standards in design.

Both the company’s organizational reorientation as well as the increased product range are featured in the brand new B. Business Solutions catalogue, which will be available in time for Caravan Salon and can be requested at www.berker-business-solutions.de.

Berker can be found at Caravan Salon at Stand 13 B10 in Hall 13.

At the Light+Building fair, Berker conducted some material research

Aside from design and functionality, materiality is an important factor for Berker when it comes to developing new switch programmes. Glass, stainless steel, aluminium, brass and copper are typical materials that Berker uses to great effect in their overall design. At Light+Building 2012, Berker wanted customer feedback about various possible switch materials, so they asked visitors to the company’s stand to touch samples of these materials – ranging from felt to concrete – to experience them in use and to evaluate them. Now the results are in: the switches of the future may be made of slate!

The survey received a very favourable response from fair visitors and soon became a highlight of the Berker stand to rival the new products! A lot of pushing and shoving went on in front of the wall where 22 sample switches in the new R.1 design were displayed. ‘Visitors felt they were being consulted as experts. Often, the simple questioning sessions developed into long, serious discussions,’ remembers product manager Michele Rao.

Clear results

About 1,000 visitors to the fair took part in the survey. The international participants consisted primarily of electricians, specialist wholesalers and architects. ‘Some of the results are astonishingly clear, but at the same time surprising. Slate was by far the favourite material, followed by concrete, then the other materials,’ explains market manager Oliver Brüggemann. A switch frame made of cowhide came under intense discussion; some visitors loved it and wanted to buy it straight away, but the majority rejected the cowhide design out of hand.

Berker switches of the future

What conclusions can Berker draw from the results of the survey? The way things look, Berker switches with new surfaces will soon be available. ‘We will have to conduct further evaluations and extensive tests before we can come to a definite decision. After all, Berker switches don’t just look good. They function effectively and fulfil all VDE safety standards,’ summed up Pierre Jeunesse, Head of Product Management.

Hager and Berker are members of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB)

An official ceremony was held at this year’s Light+Building exhibition on 17 April, when Hager and Berker both became members of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). ‘As technology leaders in the electrical industry, we wanted to use this opportunity to make an active contribution to the quality of sustainable construction. After all, it is something we consider to be vital for the construction and property industry,’ said Achim Jungfleisch, Marketing Manager of the Hager sales company and Berker Germany.

DGNB is Germany’s central platform for sustainable construction. The DGNB Certificate is the first second generation certification system, whereby assessments are based not only on environmental considerations, but – far more widely – on the entire lifecycle of a building. Using a catalogue of some 60 criteria, it makes the sustainability of a building visible, measurable and thus open to potential improvement. Moreover, as well as covering environmental, economic and functional qualities, the catalogue of criteria also comprises an assessment of the technical and process qualities of the building as well as the quality of its location.

Systems from Hager and Berker provide effective solutions to address the first five of these areas. The Hager range includes:

Energy distribution and meter board systems, including energy measuring devices and infrastructural solutions for networks within buildings and thus for safe and efficient electrical installations.

A future task will be the integration of electric mobility and energy storage into facility management systems.

Cable entries and room connection systems for the realisation of flexible infrastructures to supply electric power and internet facilities within buildings.

Building control systems and switches designed to ensure convenience, safety, user control, energy efficiency and flexibility.

This is an area where the systems of the two manufacturers complement each other perfectly. As a leading supplier of high-quality electrical installations, Berker offers a broad spectrum of excellent switch designs right down to intelligent facility management systems.

This highly comprehensive product range enables Hager and Berker to support investors, architects and planners at the ideas and planning stage, offering solutions for both functional and residential buildings. Moreover, with a nationwide distribution network, Hager and Berker can provide direct, personal support anywhere within Germany.

Using their traditionally close partnership with the electrical trade, the two companies work with those partners to ensure a high standard of quality during the construction phase and also in the subsequent management of a building. ‘Our decision to join DGNB was therefore a logical step,’ says Achim Jungfleisch.

About DNGB

The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) was founded in Stuttgart in 2007. To support sustainable construction, this non-profit organisation has developed a certification system for the rating of buildings that are especially eco-friendly, resource-saving and economically efficient and which have been optimised for greater user convenience: the DGNB Certificate.

DGNB has a membership of about 1,100 from all sectors of the construction and property industry in Germany. A network of partner organisations in many countries makes the certification system adaptable and applicable on an international scale.

Berker Integro built-in system now available with 3gang frame

For several years the Integro built-in system from Berker has offered an enormous variety of surface-mounted installations. Now all the products in the entire Integro range can be delivered with 3gang frames.

Available in three different designs – Integro Flow, Integro Classic and Integro Pure – these frames harmoniously complement all other product lines at Berker. They form part of a modular system – Integro – which has proved its worth over the last few years and is in great demand. Thanks to its minimal installation depth, it can easily fit into small spaces and integrate into furniture, lights or supply pillars.

The frames are available in 14 different colours and finishes and can be combined with a wide range of modular applications. This provides a broad spectrum of design options with low inventory costs for industry, wholesale and trade. If a customer wants to change a design or colour at a later stage, then this can easily be done, as the centre plate is always the same. As well as plastic finishes in matt and gloss, there are galvanised finishes in matt and gloss chrome, enamelled stainless steel finishes and soft-touch finishes in granite black. Another argument for Integro is its wide range of modular applications. These include international sockets as well as covers for data sockets and for USB charger sockets.

Complete continuity

Until recently the Integro Pure has only been available in 1gang and 2gang frames. Now all six Integro Pure colours are available in 3gang frames as well, which means that all models are now suitable for applications with up to three functions.  ‘This gives us continuity in all three lines – Flow, Classic and Pure. ‘Customers can now choose between the three design lines without any limitations’, enthused Sven Werdes, Head of Electromechanical Product Management.

Berker sockets with LED power indicator for use in hospitals

Berker has completely redesigned its sockets with power indicators. From now on all Berker sockets that include a function display will be converted to LED. Especially in hospitals and doctors’ surgeries it is vital that users can see at a glance whether the connected device is continually supplied with power.

SCHUKO sockets and earthpin sockets from Berker now come with long-lasting green LEDs. With a service life of over 50,000 hours, the LED ensures excellent visibility from all directions and reduces maintenance costs for the customer. The circuit board of the LED prevents any apparent voltages up to approx. 50 V from activating the LED. This ensures a safe and reliable voltage display.

All sockets now have greater protection against accidental contact

The sockets are attached with screw-in lift terminals. All SCHUKO sockets have labelling fields to allow customised markings. Moreover, they also have greater protection against accidental contact.

‘The clear, permanent marking and voltage display make Berker sockets suitable for wider use, so that they can also be installed in the sensitive environment of a hospital,’ says Oliver Brüggemann, Marketing Manager at Berker Germany.

Sockets with control LEDs are available in the design lines Modul 2, S.1, B.3, B.7, Q.1, K.1 and Arsys.

Berker reaffirms its claim to design leadership

At this year’s Light+Building, Berker was exhibiting its wide range of switches and focusing on form, material and design. Especially in the round switch segment, Berker continued its tradition with the R.1, R.3 and R.classic programmes, offering a contemporary interpretation of the theme for the 21st century. With B.IOS and mobile access options for building control systems, Berker presents an interesting technological innovation in the area of building automation, which is ideal for both retrofitting and new-build projects.

Berker’s extended range of tried and tested programmes emphasizes the diversity of the company’s switches. Once again the brand succeeds in setting new benchmarks in design. Berker shows the materials used to make the switches and sockets of the future. With selected product enhancements and its ground-breaking approach to harmonizing materials within existing switch ranges, the manufacturer now offers a multitude of possible combinations. Here, the current product expansion is clearly aimed at the existing portfolio of switch ranges. Well-known lines like B. and K. have been expanded, in response to customer expectations. Special programmes such as the KNX push button B.IQ have been updated with new material options.

New round switch ranges: Berker R.1, R.3 and Series R.classic

Almost a century since Berker produced the first switch with a circular profile, the time has now come to embark on a new chapter. With the R.1, R.3 and Series R.classic switch ranges, which Berker has developed in collaboration with the designer Werner Aisslinger, the tradition of round switches will be carried forward to the future. The new programmes, which Berker was exhibiting at Light+Building, put a completely new interpretation on the theme of ‘round’. Just right for the switch programmes in the R.-Design is the Berker Touch Sensor – now in a soft and cornered contour as well as in the glass surfaces black and polar white. The Touch Sensor KNX has the same installation height as the switches in the R.-Design. With its integrated bus connec-tion, a variety of building functions can be read and controlled through it.

Additional programme and new colours for the Q. family

The Berker Q.1 is widely known as the switch programme with the unmistakable surface. Its velvety feel makes switching a unique experience every time you touch it. Berker now offers the Q.1, which has only been available in polar white until now, in anthracite matt. In addition, the company has ex-tended the successful product family to include the Berker Q.3 angular switch range, which is perfectly suited for installation on cable ducts.

Switching and dimming in a new dimension

In a few months, Berker will start with a completely new electronic-platform. It also incorporates a powerfull, bidirectional radio system, which allows completely new applications and is KNX compatible as well. The platform offers unique products with unique features, e. g. 4-gang push button inserts, solar-powered radio wall transmitters, wireless timers as well as dimmers for dimming ESL and LED.

The Berker emergency set can save lives

It can happen so quickly: a person slips in the WC or bathroom and is unable to get up on his own. His calls go unheard. In such cases, the new Berker emergency set comes in handy. It proves to be a saving grace, for example in public buildings, care homes and homes for the disabled.

The complete set consists of a pull-cord button, switch-off button, visual and acoustic light signal and a power supply unit. The carefully matched components meet all the requirements of DIN 18040-1 for accessibility in public buildings.

Intelligent building control now also available via iPad app

Everyone is talking about the intelligent house, but only a few home owners actually make use of what is technically possible within their own four walls. For some months now, Berker IOS, B.IOS for short, has been setting new standards in the field of intelligent building control systems. B.IOS has made visualization considerably easier, particularly for those new to KNX. Now an intuitive app for iPad* also allows mobile access to building control sys-tems in this manner.

*iPad is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Berker sockets now also with LED orientation lighting

Berker was introducing socket outlets with LED orientation lighting at Light+Building. The small, yet important addition to the socket creates lighting accents exactly where they are needed. Even a little light in dark hallways or on stairs provides greater security and orientation.

Berker socket outlets with LED power indicator for use in hospitals

Berker has completely redesigned its sockets with power indicators. From now on all Berker sockets that include a function display will be converted to LED. Especially in hospitals and doctors’ surgeries it is vital that users can see at a glance whether the connected device is continually supplied with power.

Berker Integro built-in system now available with 3gang frame

For several years, the Integro built-in system by Berker has offered great versatility for surface mounting. The design options Integro Flow, Integro Classic and Integro Pure are a consistent addition to the other Berker ranges. They are part of the modular Integro system. Thanks to its minimal installation depth, it can easily fit into small spaces and integrate into furniture, lights or supply pillars. Up to now, the Integro Pure frame design has only been available with 1gang and 2gang frames. Integro Pure now also comes as a 3gang frame in all six Integro Pure colours.

The Berker emergency set can save lives

It can happen so quickly: a person slips in the WC or bathroom and is unable to get up on his own. His calls go unheard. In such cases, the new Berker emergency set comes in handy. It proves to be a saving grace, for example in public buildings, care homes and homes for the disabled.

The complete set consists of a pull-cord button, switch-off button, visual and acoustic light signal and a power supply unit. The carefully matched components meet all the requirements specified by experts for barrier-free access to public buildings.

It’s good to be on the safe side…

The pull-cord button with its distinctive red handle and a two-metre retractable cord triggers an emergency call. It must be installed in such a way that the cord can easily be pulled by someone who has just had a fall and is lying on the ground. The switch-off button is installed in the same room, preferably near the door. Rescuers can therefore conveniently and quickly turn off the alarm. To provide additional safety and to attract attention, there is a visual and acoustic light signal which is installed next to the bathroom or toilet. A power unit that supplies all components with the required output voltage of 24 V completes the set. This basic package can be expanded to include a call button and a switch-off/presence button. The call button – installed, for instance, next to the washbasin – provides even greater safety. For external rooms, such as duty rooms, receptions, caretakers’ offices, there is a two-colour signal and switch-off unit. The green button is pressed when help has arrived, while the yellow button suppresses the alarm for about 20 seconds, so that help can be provided.

The emergency set is both functional and attractive, thus meeting the demands of electrical planners and interior designers alike. It is available in the Berker design lines S.1, K.1 (white and polar white) and Q.1 (polar white). All three lines are reassuringly robust.

What does barrier-free actually mean?

Standards for barrier-free workplaces and housing have risen considerably over the last few years. We live in an ageing society, and there is an increasing need to integrate people with disabilities. For several years now Berker has been working with architects and disabled organisations in an endeavour to find solutions for the special needs of the elderly and the disabled. The new emergency set is another important electronic step towards barrier-free living.

The Berker emergency set is particularly suitable for use in public buildings where special facilities are provided for elderly and disabled persons. These include day care centres, schools, nurseries, doctors’ surgeries, rehabilitation and aftercare facilities, as well as shopping centres, post offices, banks, museums, airports and swimming pools.

Although the Berker emergency set is not intended as a full-scale emergency call system for hospitals, it is ideally suited for ‘small-scale solutions’ in a wide range of public buildings.

Agreement with specialist for communications systems and entryway design signed

Hager Group, Blieskastel, has acquired ELCOM, Neckarsulm. The signing of the purchase agreement took place on 20 December 2011, at Blieskastel, in the presence of Daniel Hager, Chief Executive Officer of Hager Group and the associates of ELCOM.

The acquisition of one of the leading German manufacturers of building communication and security systems is a further strategic addition to Hager Group, advancing its development as a provider of complete electrical installation systems. In future, Hager will be able to offer its customers, professional electricians, and its partners from Electrical wholesale, a broader range of solutions from a single supplier. The company culture and tradition of both these family-owned businesses provide a firm common basis for a successful future under the Hager Group umbrella.

About Hager Group

Hager Group is an independent, family-owned company and a leading supplier of systems, solutions and services for electrical installations. The range of solutions and services runs from energy distribution through wiring accessories to building automation and security systems - the field of application ranges from residential through commercial real estate to industrial plants. Hager Group has a total of 11,200 employees, has sales offices in more than 55 countries and has 20 production sites worldwide. In 2010 the group generated a turnover of 1.42 billion euros.

About ELCOM GmbH & Co. KG

Founded in 1976, this German company is today renowned as a specialist for modern communications systems and creative entryway design. This includes professional intercoms, door communication systems and letter boxes for architects, installers and building owners. From single and multi-family houses, offices, commercial buildings and housing complexes to retirement homes, ELCOM offers appropriate solutions of all sizes. Today, ELCOM GmbH & Co. KG, with approx. 70 employees at its locations in Neckarsulm, Bitterfeld and India, generates an annual turnover of 10 million euros.

Further information www.hagergroup.net

Berker KNX presence detector for installation in buildings

The efficient use of energy is becoming increasingly vital, not only in business premises and public buildings, but also in private homes. By installing presence detectors, it is possible to achieve a noticeable reduction in the power consumption of lighting systems. The new KNX presence detector from Berker comes with a built-in KNX or DALI outlet.

Both versions respond to the smallest movement. Depending on the device, they either switch off or dim lights as soon as there is sufficient daylight. The detectors have a range of 360° within a radius of up to 7 metres. They are highly sensitive and ideally suited for convenient and economic lighting control in offices.

Presence detectors with integrated KNX output can turn lights on and off directly. The most suitable place for installation is directly next to the relevant light source. Output can also be controlled via a bus, which then serves as universal output for controlling charges of any kind.

Highly sensitive dimming control

Used in conjunction with up to 24 DALI or DSI ballasts, this detector can take direct control over the lighting, without DALI gateways. For instance, it can use the highly sensitive dimming control options of DALI technology. However, constant dimmable light control can also be realised via the bus without the use of DALI components.

Both presence detectors are very easy to use in their two operating modes. In automatic mode lighting is controlled by movement and brightness within the room. In semi-automatic mode the detector is activated via a button or remote control. This is especially useful in rooms that are used only occasionally.

A potentiometer serves to set the required brightness value of 5 to 1,000 lux, as predefined for corridors, passages or offices. Alternatively, brightness can also be set by remote control.

Thanks to a flat design, the housing of the detector barely protrudes at all and is therefore very discreet – an aspect which is very important in a modern office and in rooms with customer or client contact. In cases where flush mounting is not feasible, Berker provides the option of surface mounting. The fittings are simply screwed into the ceiling or wall, and the presence detector is locked into the fittings in a rotary movement.

Berker KNX IR Presence detector
Berker KNX DALI IR Presence detector

Berker Blueprint B.09 on Soho House in Central Berlin

The latest issue of the Berker architectural magazine Blueprint B.09 is devoted to Soho House, an unusual hotel based on an unusual idea. Berker puts the focus on a building with a varied history and a highly interesting use. Switches in the Berker Serie 1930 serve a wide range of purposes at Soho House.

Situated in the centre of Berlin, Soho House is a boutique-style hotel and private club with some 2,000 members from the worlds of the media, music, art and other creative disciplines. Nick Jones first founded a hotel of this kind in London in 1995, wanting to create a rather more relaxed countermodel to the stiff British concept of a club. This ‘new’ club soon became a hit which was exported to other countries – first to the United States (New York, West Hollywood, Miami and Somerset) and, in 2010, to Berlin where it now provides a relaxed club atmosphere for the city’s urban nomads. ‘Soho House,’ says the German daily Süddeutsche Zeitung, ‘is a bit like Facebook, except that it’s analogue, it’s exclusive and it has a menu.’

The architect, Alex Michaelis (Michaelis Boyd Associates, London), carefully revitalised the building with an eye to its architectural roots, which can be traced back to the 1920s. In his search for a suitable line of switches, Michaelis opted for the Berker Serie 1930: Like Soho House itself, this range is unmistakably rooted in the Bauhaus era. The switches are used not only for lighting, but also for underfloor, towel rail and mirror heating.

Berker Blueprint

Berker intermittently features extraordinary architectural projects in its large-format Blueprint magazine. The iF award-winning magazine, published in English and German, highlights both architectural classics and visions for the work and residential spaces of the future.

To order a free copy of the magazine, ring +49 2355 905-0 or write to info(at)berker.de

Published so far:
Blueprint B.01: Bauhaus, Dessau
Blueprint B.02: Haus der Gegenwart, Munich
Blueprint B.03: Federal Assembly Building (Bundesabgeordnetenhaus), Bonn
Blueprint B.04: Lloyd Hotel, Amsterdam
Blueprint B.05: Hugo Boss Development Centre, Chiasso
Blueprint B.06: Loftcube by Werner Aisslinger
Blueprint B.07: Herzogin-Anna-Amalia-Bibliothek (library), Weimar
Blueprint B.08: Cologne Oval Offices, Cologne
Blueprint B.09: Soho House, Berlin