nir-vana innovation network

This award winning Northern Ireland (UK) company has developed and brought to market an innovative insulated cable staple for use when fixing up to 240 volt electrical cables to wooden joists.

They are seeking a versatile manufacturer in Europe who can produce plastic staples, which comprises a strip of 20 plastic bodies and 40 plastic nails.

The clip is patented. It is a fully insulated cable staple
which works with a specially designed, battery powered stapler to secure cables to wooden joists and structures.
The nails and bodies of the staples are made from plastic so they do not conduct electricity which makes them safe to use on a 240v cable.
The clip body is made of one plastic material; it needs to be flexible. The nails are made out of a different type of plastic; they need to penetrate hard construction timber. It is not possible to overfire them as they cannot be driven any further than the body of the staples, so it cannot crush the cable.

The clips are moulded specifically to fit the shape of the cable which means they hold the cable perfectly.

The strip should be manufactured and assembled, ready for insertion into a battery-powered staple gun, thereby allowing an electrician to quickly secure an electrical cable to timber
Like the clips, the stapler has been designed by an electrician for an electrician. This tool is made to fit between joists and into awkward spaces. It is compact, well balanced and light, ensuring ease of use when being used repeatedly overhead. With the battery stapler, a simple press of the button fires the clip over the cable

The sturdy design of the clips mean they fit together like a glove so it is easy to store 200 clips comfortably in work trouser pockets.
There are no other products like this available for the 240-volt market other than in America where they can use a partially insulated metal staple for 110 volts.
The product can also be sold into the lower-voltage market, for 110-volt markets and also for audio, coaxial and data cables.

This is the first product the company has brought to market.
The company would like a long-term relationship with a partner who will be able to grow with the company and assist in the development of further associated products.

Advantages & innovations

The advantages and innovation aspects of this product should ensure multiple orders. The staple clip and stapler has been designed by an electrician for an electrician. The clip is patented with no direct comparator on the market. The company have won national awards already for this plastic clip and featured on BBC Dragons’ Den March 2020 No more hammering needed, simply load our strip of 20 clips into the stapler and press the button. Quick, easy and safe! Suitable for use on both 110v and 240v cables. This process is at least 5 times faster than using a cable clip with a hammer and nail. Now the 3-handed operation can be done with 2 hands! The electrician has to simply hold the cable with one hand and fire the staple gun with the other. The staple is shaped to fit over each cable, the fully insulated clip protects and secures the cable. There is no need to set down the stapler between clips. It has health and safety implications eliminating incidents of dropped hammers or repetitive strain injuries. Due to the design of these clips, it is not possible to over-fire them meaning there is no risk of squashing or damaging the cable. The non-conductive material ensures there is no risk of electric shock in the event of a fault.

Stage of development

Prototype available for demonstration

Partner sought

Potential partners should be actively engaged in the production of plastic cable clips or staples. Samples will be provided to establish standards. An initial meeting should be accommodated to discuss possible terms of a contract for manufacturing and endorsements from satisfied customers should be available. Production quantities will grow as sales levels grow. Potential partners are expected to share relevant information with the UK company regarding safety/quality certificates and EU regulations. Sample products will be ordered for testing and evaluation.