Teddington to launch new gas-fire product at annual Hearth and Home Exhibition
Originally published in Fires & Fireplaces Magazineffff
Engineering specialist Teddington is set to launch a new deluxe version of its advanced remote-control system for domestic gas fires at Hearth And Home 2019
The annual exhibition, now in its 23rd year, brings together all sectors of the hearth industry – and the Cornwall-based manufacturer is showcasing the TFC Deluxe at the Harrogate Convention Centre event from 9-11 June (Stand A35).
The Deluxe version – an upgrade from the TFC Economy launched last summer and which continues to perform strongly in the UK marketplace – boasts a number of new features.
They include a 2.4in TFT LCD colour screen, a built-in thermostat, seven-day timer, electric LED under-bed lighting system, and an open-window alert to improve energy efficiency.
The TFC devices are installed by fireplace manufacturers into their own products and allow homeowners to control their gas fire from the comfort of their sofa.
Unlike most other gas-fire remote controls, which rely on infrared wireless (IR) technology and direct line-of-sight connections, the TFC range operates in the low-energy 2.4GHz spectrum, similar to Amazon Alexa and Apple Home. It means the devices are unaffected by positional constraints or obstacles, providing greater flexibility for the customer.
Kenneth Maxwell, Sales Manager at Teddington, said he expects the TFC Deluxe to be very well received in the market. He said: “I am really confident about the launch of the TFC Deluxe, designed, manufactured and supported at our factory in St Austell, Cornwall – it is a much-needed addition into a competitive market. Designed to be simple and intuitive to use, it can be easily adapted to suit a customer’s particular requirements if required, and we cannot wait to showcase the device, along with several other products, at the Hearth And Home Exhibition this month.
“A lot of effort has gone in to ensure the TFC Deluxe is intuitive and provides a much greater range of user-interface options. With the seven-day timer and the open-window alert system, which switches off the fire if it detects the temperature has dropped below a set number, the homeowner has an awful lot more control when the fire is in operation, while energy-efficiency ratings will also help to meet the Eco-design requirements for OEMs.”
Other features include a Wi-Fi mode to connect the TFC Deluxe to broadband routers, to increase the range of connection, an electric LED under-bed lighting system to increase the wood-burning effect, and a cycle mode to automatically raise and lower the flame effect.
The TFC devices are a combined gas-tap and flame-supervision device operated by a stepper motor. They consist of a motorised valve (BMVa), an electronic control board (ECB), and the remote control.
The devices maintain a single encrypted point-to-point connection with its remote, preventing connection with unauthorised devices. Teddington can also license the communication protocol to vendors and provide engineering services to create bespoke solutions to suit OEM’s specific requirements.
Meanwhile, Teddington will also showcase other products, including:
BMVa – the motorised gas valve supplied with the TFC. The BMVA provides a range of heat outputs from ‘high’ to an adjustable low rate (factory or OEM set) all selectable from the remote handset.
QW – a thermostatic air-inlet controlle which offers automatic temperature control and economy in the consumption of fuel, which can significantly reduce heating bills in any property using solid fuels.
QW2 – designed to enable Solid Fuel Stoves Manufacturers to comply with the EU Directive in 2020. By boosting the volume of air into the combustion chamber, rather than relying on the natural draft from the chimney, it enables a rapid temperature increase and a large reduction in emissions.
TESA – a linear slider type gas valve used for controlling the gas flow to an appliance such as a domestic gas fire.
The Hearth And Home Exhibition 2019 brings together all sectors of the hearth industry – allowing trade professionals to network and discover the latest innovations through product demonstrations. Teddington will be exhibiting at Stand A35.