Faradite has unveiled the new TAP Volt Free range, a major enhancement of its modern capacitive touch switch launched with the company five years ago.
The Faradite TAP range was popular with installers due to its clean aesthetic, something that has remained with the new TAP Volt Free range.
The most notable change, hence the name, is the output type. Benefitting from volt free / dry contact outputs, the switch is now more widely compatible. Most control systems have input modules that can accommodate volt free / potential free / dry contact connections, making the new range available for more systems, including Crestron, Lutron, Loxone, Control4, Rako and Savant.
A visual update to the range, the TAP Volt Free line up now features a halo light to give the switch a crisp, clean line of illumination around the edge of the switch plate. Not only does it add to the aesthetic of the switch but it also offers additional feedback options to the user. The TAP switch can be configured so the halo light illuminates during a switch press to provide visual feedback, for example. The visual feedback function works seamlessly alongside the tactile verification that the haptic feedback engine provides.
Carrying various options depending on the users needs, the halo light can be switched off at all times or the brightness can be adjusted by pressing and holding a button on the coupler.
To lower install times and therefore costs, Faradite has added multiple pre-wired fly leads that are designed to work with a number of popular control system interfaces, reducing the amount of wiring time. This also means that the TAP Volt Free switch is virtually a plug and play solution when using control system pucks.
In addition, universal fly lead / push fit connector options are available to ensure that the TAP Volt Free range is compatible with almost all other control systems on the market.
Installers can choose the fly lead option they need for the project from a drop down list on the website when ordering. This is supplied with the selected front plate and the volt free coupler.
Alongside the hardware improvements, Faradite has also made significant updates to the TAP Volt Free firmware, including improved processing speeds to make the switch even more responsive and can easily handle double tap and triple tap functions.
The processor speed enhancements also mean the haptic feedback and the halo light feedback reaction time is instant and adds to the user experience.
A new modular product architecture also adds benefits. The couple has been separated from the front plate to allow the coupler to be terminated and installed on-site before the front plates are fitted. It also allows the front plate to be changed for various reasons, such as if there is a need to increase the functionality, the front plate could be changed from a TAP1 to a TAP5 for example and the extra buttons can then be programmed. Also, if interior design changes mean the current TAP finish looks out of place, the front plate can be swapped out for a different, more suitable finish.
Futureproofing the solution, the TAP Volt Free coupler now has six momentary outputs available, allowing Faradite to offer new gang variations and finish options in the future.
To improve ease and reliability of mouting, the mounting clips of the front plate have been moved towards the centre of the coupler. Another improvement is the addition of a metal plate to the coupler, increasing rigidity so the coupler and front plate marry up perfectly even if the wall is not 100% flat. The coupler is compatible with both UK and EU backboxes without any need for additional adaptor plates.
The final improvement is to the packaging, designed to securely and neatly hold the switch in place during transit. The same box design is also used for the coupler with slots next to the coupler to stow the mounting screws away from the components but easily accessible.