antimicrobial equipment switches

Arcolectric partners with BioCote Ltd to develop

News Release from: Arcolectric
24/10/2011

Elektron Technology plc, owner of the Arcolectric brand, has signed a partnership agreement with BioCoteLtd to develop what are believed to be the world's first antimicrobial equipment switches. BioCote's silver ion technology will be incorporated into Arcolectric's switch products at the time of manufacture to provide proven, built-in antimicrobial protection against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, mould, and viruses for the expected lifetime of the product. Initially Arcolectric will focus on incorporating the technology into five of its most popular switches and switch covers, with the potential to expand usage across its full product range and other Elektron Technology plc branded products going forward.

The BioCote antimicrobial protection reduces levels of microbes on surfaces by up to 99.99%. Laboratory tests have also repeatedly demonstrated the ability of BioCote protected surfaces to inhibit the growth and formation of moulds and yeast. Arcolectric’s switches are already sold into a wide range of industries including healthcare, laboratory science, education, catering, leisure and other ‘high traffic’ public places.

“Component parts, such as a switch, are often the first contact point for a user when they interact with a product,” comments Stuart Hutchings, Marketing Manager, Arcolectric. “More and more of our component parts are now being used for ‘high traffic’ applications where bacteria management becomes an issue. BioCote’s innovative technology helps us to overcome this issue, and offer our customers a new advance in switches.”

Graham Harvey from BioCote said: “We’re pleased to partner with Arcolectric to pioneer a new application for our proven silver ion technology. Coupled with good user hygiene practices, such as hand washing and cleaning routines, Arcolectric’s unique antimicrobial components will deliver highly effective, safe, long lasting product protection.”

Arcolectric has undergone a rigorous R&D and testing process. All BioCote protected products are regularly validated and quality control tested to ISO 22196 where applicable, in an independent laboratory. Only products that demonstrate over a 95% reduction in bacteria are allowed to use the BioCote brand as a guarantee of superior antimicrobial performance.

BioCote Ltd has carried out a number of environmental trials in hospitals, food processing and care homes to scientifically prove BioCote protected products are as effective in situ as in laboratory testing, consistently reducing levels of microbial contamination in the environment by over 95%.