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| EMagazine Volume 6 Issue 2 Apr/May 2001 |
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Toys Interview - April 2001 - [Home Page] |
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HomeToys Interview -
Robert J. Sexton FlatWire Ready wiring and interconnect devices work with existing wiring in new or older structures for virtually any type of wiring application. DeCorp has engineered connectors and adapters that make it easy for professionals and do-it-yourselfers to install anything requiring wiring, from traditional electrical products to the newest high-technology devices safely, easily and cost-effectively. |
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Question 1. How are the DeCorp products different from traditional wiring?
DeCorp's FlatWire Ready™ products represent a completely new market segment apart from the 100-year-old wiring and interconnect industry. The company's patented products utilize ultra-thin parallel conductors, insulated on each side by polyester film. The wires are designed to be installed directly on the surface of walls and/or ceilings, without the need for in-wall installation. A proper installation is virtually invisible once painted or wallpapered.
Question 2. What kinds of home applications can you use this wire for?
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Examples of specific applications include audio surround sound, ceiling fans, ceiling/wall/art lighting, intercoms and "smart home" products and low voltage solutions from security systems to thermostats. See http://www.decorp.com/deProducts.shtml for a complete rundown of FlatWire Ready products and their applications.
Although FlatWire Ready technology can be applied in many types of environments, it should be especially appealing to the remodeling market -- for people wanting to wire older environments that are impractical from cost, materials and logistics standpoints.
Question 3. Do I have to tear out my existing wiring, or is FlatWire Ready wiring compatible with my existing wiring?
FlatWire Ready wiring and interconnect devices work with existing wiring in new or older structures for virtually any type of wiring application. DeCorp has engineered connectors and adapters that make it easy for professionals and do-it-yourselfers to install anything requiring wiring, from traditional electrical products to the newest high-technology devices safely, easily and cost-effectively.
Question 4. What is required to install this wiring in terms of time, equipment and supplies?
Both contractors and do-it-yourselfers can install the FlatWire Ready wiring and interconnect devices quickly with basic redecorating techniques and a minimal understanding of wiring.
It attaches quickly and easily to the wall with two adhesive options depending upon the installation and installer preference. One adhesive option is similar to double-sided tape; the other is a liquid product similar to wallpaper paste. First, you apply the adhesive to the wall, then attach the wire to the adhesive. Both adhesives are tacky enough to provide 10 to 20 minutes of readjustment time, if necessary. A professional installation would include standard wall or joint compounds and techniques to blend the minor thickness differential into the wall.
Question 5. How can the wiring be "invisible" if installed directly on a surface?
FlatWire Ready wire products are so thin that they are almost impossible to detect by sight and feel if installed properly. The wire is 8/1000 of an inch thin - thinner than a business card. Once attached to the wall, the product is painted or wallpapered to become virtually invisible. Before painting, DeCorp recommends that installers use a traditional "blending" compound over the wire to blend it into the wall.
Question 6. How do my existing electrical products plug into this wire?
DeCorp's FlatWire Ready wire products plug into traditional outlet components with an adapter, which when properly installed and covered with paint or wallpaper, will make the outlet virtually invisible upon installation. What's more, the receptacles are located on the side of the adapters, so furniture can be placed close to the wall without fear of damaging cords.
Question 7. Is FlatWire Ready wire safer than traditional round wire? Is it approved by the electrical code everywhere?
It is safer than round wire because every AC electrical installation of a FlatWire Ready product has an integrated ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) embedded. DeCorp's FlatWire Ready products currently meet and/or exceed standards set forth by the Underwriters Laboratories. The company is also in the process of getting the products ETL and UL approved.
Question 8. Are there DeCorp FlatWire Ready versions of RG-6 and CAT-5 wire for home network cabling situations?
DeCorp will offer FlatWire Ready wire and interconnect devices for both RG-6 and CAT-5. The company also plans to announce enhanced versions of these wire types.
Question 9. When will DeCorp's FlatWire products be available in the U.S. and what will the cost be relative to traditional wiring products?
The first products are expected to be available in 2001 and will accommodate audio and loudspeaker needs. Additional products are expected to follow in 2002 to accommodate voice/data, electrical, cable television (CATV) and low-voltage applications.
While the cost of the wiring itself is competitive, DeCorp's FlatWire Ready products are much cheaper if you consider installation. Because DeCorp's wire is installed on the surface of walls and/or ceilings instead of behind the walls, there is no cost associated with drywall or plaster repairs - and no mess, either.
Robert J. Sexton
President and CEO DeCorp Americas Inc.
info@decorp.com
Robert
Sexton serves as president, CEO and chairman for DeCorp Americas, Inc., a
privately-funded company founded in 1995 to commercialize and patent a
technology that will help revolutionize the residential and commercial wiring
industry.
In addition to serving as the company’s highest officer, Sexton invented and holds patents for the FlatWire Ready™ technologies licensed to DeCorp. These technologies provide contractors and do-it-yourselfers with alternative means for installing wires for electricity, cable television (CATV), audio/loud speakers, voice and data, low voltage applications and fiber optics without traditional “in-wall” installation.
Sexton first cultivated his knowledge of engineering as an area manager at Beacon Electronics, a full-service electronics industry design and sales company. He was also a founder and vice president of sales and marketing at Symmetrical Technologies, a computer mass storage company. Symmetrical developed the first open system architecture utilizing NFS (network file system) for optic storage devices. Network Imaging Corporation acquired Symmetrical in 1992 as a strategic part of its initial public offering.
Prior to DeCorp, he founded New Millen Group, a multi-industry development company that created new products in the automotive, insurance, apparel, home improvement, publishing and music industries.
Sexton has an extensive management background in all phases of technology. After working as a general manager for Circuit City Stores, Inc., he led new product start-up programs for two technology companies, Symmetrical and Perceptics, both of which introduced new products that became leaders in their respective marketplaces. Sexton was also a founder and president of Xistar, Inc., which created one of the first accurate “wrist based” blood-pressure measuring devices.
A native of Washington, D.C., Sexton attended Daytona Beach Community College for two years before leaving to help with the family business. He relocated DeCorp from Ashburn, Va. to the Nashville, Tenn. area based on favorable business and quality of life factors.
