The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is not typically an event that draws electrical contractor interest, but this year’s show raised some eyebrows in the low-voltage market. An influx of products demonstrated that ECs could be pulled further into the high-end consumer market.


The “Internet of Things” is a term that is often thrown around in the consumer electronics market, but it’s also an idea that can be inescapably vague. Essentially, the idea is all of the products people use on a daily basis in their homes and offices will become networked together in a complex system that seamlessly makes their lives simpler.


Internet-connected TVs aren’t a foreign concept these days, but CES showcased more to come. On display this year at CES were networked refrigerators, dishwashers, wearable technology and even beds. Media coverage was bullish about the possibilities of such a new wave of products. However, critics were quick to point out consumers don’t adopt new appliances, such as dishwashers, often, and an Internet of Things boom may still be a long way off.


However, it may be interesting to some ECs to consider the possibilities presented at this year’s CES. For instance, on display were networkable lamps (see New Products, page 40).