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Crabtree has just launched Weatherseal, a range of IP56 water and dust proof electrical accessories, but, unlike its competitors, the new range can maintain a full waterproof seal even on moulded plugs with rigid cable tails. As these plug types are becoming the most commonly used by outdoor equipment manufacturers, this benefit is most important. And of course alongside its unique overall design, the expected Crabtree quality is apparent throughout the Weatherseal range by application of a scientifically formulated seal.

Weatherseal socket outlets keep their full IP56 rating while in use, being impervious to external dust and water ingress even from strong water jets, making them ideal for use with high pressure washers. The sockets can accept any British standard 13A plug, with entry being via an easy-to-lift sealable lid that stays open while the user inserts the plug, making it easy to insert the most fiddly of plugs including Data connections. The housing and lid are made from ASA, which provides a very high level of impact and chemical resistance.

The seal between the lid and main body is made from a brand new, specially developed and highly effective material, differing from the gel-like substances used by other manufacturers. This helps the switch retain its IP 56 rating after repeated use, making it ideal for use in grimy or dirty manufacturing environments as well as the everyday domestic garden. In addition, a unique padlockable feature renders Weatherseal proof against unauthorised use.

Weatherseal offers one-gang un-switched and two gang switched sockets with RCD protection if required. The range also includes 10A retractive and 20A 1 and 2 gang switches, and data outlet modules are available for computer users who want to connect to the Internet while in areas that may be subject to hosing down for cleaning purposes. In common with other Crabtree products, all the multimedia outlets are configurable on site, making it easy for contractors to accommodate specific customer requirements, or even make last minute amendments. An extensive range of enclosures is also available.

Outside of the domestic market, Weatherseal is ideal for use in stables, abattoirs, factories, garages, tyre services, warehouses, loading bays, especially those in the food processing industry, and also in chemical disposal or processing plants.

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Beko, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of domestic appliances, has launched its new advertising campaign with a slot during The X Factor. The above-the-line campaign – the company’s biggest to date – promotes Beko’s growing range of built-in home appliances, with the TV advertisement focusing on the recently launched induction hob and multi-function pyrolitic oven.

The investment in prime-time advertising slots during such popular shows as The X Factor actively demonstrates Beko’s ongoing support of its growing number of customers in the housebuilding sector. The message is clear: Beko built-in appliances make life easier in the kitchen, as a couple are seen dancing the night away as the appliances do all the work cooking the food in the background.

Since launching its built-in range in April of last year, Beko has made major inroads into the housebuilding sector and continues to expand its national network of distributors and kitchen specialist dealers. The range offers builders, designers and contractors a wide choice of stylish built-in appliances that combine design, reliability and energy efficiency at an affordable price. The aim is to help builders maximise their profits without compromising on quality, design and innovation.

“Beko is already the UK brand leader in free-standing cooling and cooking, and the second largest appliance brand,” says Clayton Witter, managing director . “The aim of this new campaign is to build the same level of brand awareness of Beko’s built-in appliances that has already been achieved in free-standing. Stronger consumer awareness of and confidence in the brand will reassure builders and contractors that they are responding to increasingly discerning consumer demand when specifying Beko built-in appliances.”

The built-in range offers a choice of models in refrigeration, laundry, dishwashers and cookers. Quality control is ensured at all times: the company manufactures all products within its own factory network, with specialised factories dedicated to specific product categories.

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BT, one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services, has begun the rollout of Sabien’s M2G boiler load optimiser following extensive pilots. M2G will be installed, in a rolling program, to all suitable buildings within BT’s estate of 7,500 buildings.

Jeff Nash, Head of Sustainable Estates, BT noted; “BT has a clear focus to reduce its energy consumption and hence its CO2 emissions. It has plans to reduce its emissions by 80% by 2016 in the UK. To help it achieve this target it requires innovative solutions from suppliers to help save energy and Sabien delivered on our expectations and will have a continuing role to play in supporting BT in these plans.

“M2G’s ability to integrate with existing Building Management Systems and the vast range of single and multiple boiler applications regardless of size and age within the BT estate is a significant benefit,” he added.

Sabien worked closely with Monteray, BT’s FM provider, during the rollout, providing end to end project management and installation across the UK.

How M2G delivers CO2 savings

The M2G is an intelligent boiler load optimiser which improves the efficiency of each individual boiler regardless of age and size by removing ‘dry cycling’, an inherent problem found in over 80% of commercial boilers.

M2G is retro-fitted to each boiler and monitors the temperature of the water in the flow and return every 10 seconds, enabling the M2G to analyse the temperature losses from the boiler. The M2G calculates whether the temperature loss is caused by a genuine heating demand or from standing losses i.e. temperature losses through the boiler casing and flue. When the boiler tries to fire as a consequence of the standing losses the M2G will prevent the boiler from firing resulting in reduced energy consumption.

M2G’s ability to remove dry cycling within each boiler results in no changes to the boiler’s designed set points or impacts to ambient room temperatures. This approach eradicates previous control methods of using fixed time delays or predictive firing patterns.

M2G complements and integrates with existing building controls by identifying any changes to the boilers set point from building management systems or additional controls such as weather compensation.

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Over 200 George Barnsdale windows and doors have been fitted into new and existing buildings on the Gloucester Quays development in Gloucestershire. Glazed screens, casements, sliding sashs and pivot windows all have one thing in common – they are finished with Sikkens Joinery Coatings. Supplied fully factory finished, these bespoke timber components not only enhance the visual appearance of the multi million pound mixed use development, but with the Sikkens coatings, they are assured to be long lasting, durable and protective.

Architects, the Dyer Group specified a mixture of pine heartwood and sapele, with some components stained with the translucent Cetol system in walnut and others in a combination of off-white and light blue paint from the Rubbol opaque system. The result is a stunningly attractive and bright mix of fenestration, which met the criteria demanded by the client, Peel Holdings, to retain the colourful heritage and tradition of the quayside location, whilst bringing it into line with the modern, contemporary design of nearby buildings.

The task facing George Barnsdale was literally a tall order, as some of the windows and doors measured five metres in height. The company designed them with ornate timber frames and light panels to match the original look of the retained listed buildings within the development. Bastin Bloomfield, Architect, Dyer Group commented: “There were lots of specific requirements that had to be met with these windows and doors, such as fire standards, retail standards, loading standards and various thermal requirements, due to the nature of these buildings and their intended purpose. The windows and doors created by George Barnsdale successfully met all of these stringent standards.”

George Barnsdale has a long standing relationship with Sikkens Joinery and has been using the manufacturer’s products for its fully finished timber components for many years. The quality of finish and of customer service has led to many high profile projects being completed and this latest development reinforces the company’s dedication to the highest standards of workmanship and high performance for its windows and doors.

The Gloucester Quays development is now complete, with the 60 acre site comprising numerous facilities including a designer outlet, supermarket, hotel, bars and restaurants. The use of Sikkens Joinery Coatings for the fenestration has created a visual continuity throughout the development, bringing out the natural beauty of the timber joinery and protecting it long term from the elements.

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Come and visit Megger from the 20th to the 24th of April 2009 at Hannover Messe. The stand will show all the latest Megger and Programma products. The company will have 27 products that have been launched over the last 3 years on the stand and will premiere a new low reisistance ohmmeter.

Meet us in hall 12 on stand C34.

“The entire scope of innovative industrial technologies at a single event” is this year’s motto of Hannover Fair from 20th to 24th of April at the world’s largest and most important showcase for industrial technology.

Megger will have 27 of the newest and most innovative products in the field of test and measuring equipment on its stand.

Megger acquired Programma in 2007 and the company started to rebrand all its products to Megger earlier this year. Products from both brands will be available to view.

You will find us in hall 12 stand C34, entrance West 1.

The Hannover Messe/Laatzen station is approximately 400 m from the west 1 entrance to the grounds. You can reach the grounds on foot by walking over the covered Skywalk transport system, which connects the station with the exhibition grounds, or by shuttle buses.

Tram lines 8 and 18 (entrance nord 1+2), tram lines 6 and 16 (entrance east 3) as well as the bus stop lines 340 and 341 (entrance south and west 1) will allow you to reach Hannover exhibition grounds easily.

Hannover Fair will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Leading supplier of cast iron rainwater and gutter systems, Saint-Gobain PAM UK, has introduced a stylish new addition to its Classical range with Classical Royale, a decorative rainwater downpipe system.

With a unique ‘fish’ rainwater head and fluted pipe design, it is sure to add a regal touch to any property. Pipes and fittings are available in 75-100mm diameters, giving extra flexibility to the purchaser, while a simple push-fit jointing system means it is fast, clean and easy to install. What’s more, a hidden bracket system gives a discreet finish, adding to the aesthetic appeal.

Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager – Soil & Drain at Saint-Gobain PAM UK, explains: “We have a wide range of innovative products in the Classical range in both traditional and modern designs.

“Classical Royale is ideal for discerning customers looking to achieve a uniquely stylish finish to their property, with a quality rainwater downpipe system that is beautifully designed but is also sustainable and built to last. It’s the perfect combination of style and substance.”

Designed and developed using the very latest pipe manufacturing technology, Classical Royale, as with the entire range of products in the Classical range, incorporates all the proven benefits of cast iron over other materials such as plastic. This gives it the strength to withstand high winds, heavy snow, and vandalism. It also means it has a life expectancy of more than 100 years. And because the manufacturing process uses 97 per cent recycled material and cast iron is 100 per cent recyclable, Classical Royale is one of the most sustainable options available.

“Not only are purchasers choosing a product for its aesthetic charm – they are choosing an eco-friendly product that will last a lifetime”, adds Mike.

The Classical Royale system is supplied with a stone coloured, zinc-based primer coat ready for on-site painting to match any colour scheme, letting the purchaser choose a finish to suit the aesthetics of their home.

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The updated “Studio” dimming system from Eaton offers advanced lighting control for both residential and commercial environments, combining the aesthetic and practical features of Eaton’s stylish COPA (Clip-on plate) range of wiring accessories with the proven technical qualities of its successful Studio 3 commercial lighting controls. The system offers compact and versatile single-channel and multi-channel lighting controls with options for pre-programmed ‘scene’ selection and remote infra-red control. A wide range of light sources can be controlled including linear and compact fluorescent, tungsten halogen and LED lighting.

The stylish new COPA control plates are equally at home in residential and commercial settings such as bars, restaurants, hotels, reception areas, conference facilities, showrooms and places of worship. They offer a choice of ten different interchangeable plate styles, with no visible fixings, and suite with the modern COPA range of wiring accessories which includes switches, socket-outlets and communications outlets.

The modular system comprises two elements – the dimmer packs, which are available in single- and four-channel variants for a wide variety of lighting loads, and the control plates including the new COPA variants. These elements are then interconnected by safety extra low voltage (SELV) bus wiring.

The simplest of the new COPA control plates provides manual dimming of a single lighting channel; it also includes a ‘panic’ button, to turn the lights fully ‘On’, and a fully ‘Off’ button. A second unit can control up to four lighting channels and can be pre-programmed to store and recall up to four lighting scenes created over four channels of lighting. As with all Studio 3 control plates it also incorporates fully ‘On’ and fully ‘Off functions. A third plate offers simple scene recall of any of the scenes created on the programmable plate in addition to the standard fully ‘On’ and ‘Off’ capability.

All three plates are available with or without a built-in infra-red sensor for use with a hand-held remote controller, which can provide manual adjustment and scene recall without the need to access the control plate.

Two types of dimmer pack are available – The first type is a universal unit suitable for mains-voltage GLS tungsten and tungsten halogen lamps, GU10 low voltage tungsten halogen lamps and dimmable electronic compact fluorescent lamps, available in one or four channel variants. The second is a ballast interface unit typically for control of fluorescent lighting loads such as linear fluorescent, compact fluorescent, cold cathode or LED lighting, fed through suitable dimmable control gear. These units are also available with single or four channel output for driving 1-10V analogue or DSI control gear.

A typical domestic application for the programmable four-channel controller would be to provide different lighting scenes for reading, watching television, eating etc. as well as remote operation and adjustment. In a restaurant or bar it might be used to provide different lighting scenes for lunch-time, evenings, special functions, cleaning etc. as well as manual operation e.g. all ‘On’ panic or all ‘Off’ at the access points.

Eaton’s COPA system offers a choice of ten different plate finishes for each accessory. The clip-on plates have no visible screw fixings. The finishes include white, matt black, gold, silver, grey and blue metallic finishes, plus stainless steel, satin bronze, polished brass and a highly polished finish. The clip-on plates enable cover plates to be fitted separately from the basic accessory; this can help contractors’ cash flow and reduce the risk of theft or damage to the accessory during interior decoration work.

The established ‘Classic’ Studio 3 controllers for commercial applications are retained in the range. These have white moulded face plates and are all fully compatible with the new COPA plates.

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Jotun Paints (Europe) Ltd has consolidated its position as one of the leading paint manufacturers in the UK with a multi-million pound investment into its North Lincolnshire plant in Flixborurgh. The aim is to improve production within the factory by 25 per cent, not only boosting the local economy but creating new jobs.

The move was made on the back of the decision to move production of heavy duty coatings from the company’s Norwegian base to Flixborough. Managing director, Richard Chapman is delighted with the news, saying: “The decision to increase production and invest millions into the plant here at Flixborough is clearly good news. The group has recognised our expertise and capacity by shifting production to Flixborough cementing the long term future of the site in the process.”

Jotun Paints currently employs around 180 people in Lincolnshire, but with the aim of increasing production by an extra six million litres per annum, more employees will be taken on. The company’s coatings have been used on some of the most prestigious projects undertaken recently, including the Eiffel Tower and the Queen Mary II cruise ship.

“This investment allows us to expand our operations to other markets,” continued Mr Chapman. “We anticipate demand from new areas that we are now targeting to complement the European market, including Nigeria, Mexico and Ecuador. With an expected production output in excess of the 30 million litre mark, Jotun Paints is set to become one of the most significant paint manufacturers in the UK.”

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Guests at London’s new luxury Corinthia Hotel, due to open early next year, will benefit from air conditioning provided by fan coil units manufactured by Ability Projects Ltd. Soon to grace the Capital’s skyline, the £220 million 5 star landmark property is rapidly rising from the old Metropole Hotel and earlier MoD sites and occupies an enviably central position between Whitehall, Northumberland Avenue and Great Scotland Yard, overlooking the River Thames and London Eye.

Corinthia London comprises 300 elegant guest bedrooms and suites, restaurants and bars conceived by internationally renowned designers as well as the city’s largest spa and wellbeing centre. The 307 AC driven Ability ‘Trojan’ fan coil units, supplied with chilled and LPHW via central chiller and boiler plant, are located within bulkheads above the bedroom entrance lobbies and deliver conditioned air via spirally ducting to high level linear supply and extract grilles on the room walls.

Nominal capacities of the units vary from 1.07 to 2.69kW (sensible cooling) and 0.75 to 2.07kW (heating) at NR30 environment at 35 Pascals resistance sound ratings. All units are fitted with special rectangular discharge spigots, internally painted condensate trays and special electrical enclosures complete with 8M LSF lead and 12 way cable mounted receptacle containers.

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Leading European water treatment specialist Sentinel is offering a first class self-certification option to contractors that have until now, utilised an external water treatment company to undertake that side of their business. The offer to contractors is straightforward – clean and protect the heating systems you work on and self certify that work via Sentinel’s SystemCheck accredited laboratory analysis, for self-certification compliance. This service is proving to be an attractive option for many larger contractors looking to switch to self certification.

Sentinel System Check is a water analysis service which has been designed to provide the contractor, installer or system owner with a rapid service for validation of water quality in a central heating system. It can be used during system commissioning either after initial cleaning and flushing or after treatment with Sentinel X100 inhibitor. It can also be used on existing systems for a health check to ensure the system is working efficiently and to diagnose any potential long-term problems.

System Check is supplied in a returnable plastic box that contains two sample containers, one for the mains supply water and one for the system circulating water. Full instructions are supplied along with a pre-printed Freepost envelope for return of the samples to the laboratory.

Analyses are carried out by an independent, highly qualified laboratory that operates a quality system compliant to ISO 17025 and a full laboratory report is supplied that contains the results of all analyses undertaken, a full interpretation of these results and recommendations for any corrective action. The report can be sent by post or directly by e-mail.

The Sentinel SystemCheck facility offers a comprehensive response to the needs of self certification compliance and is already working well for a number of larger contractors using the service. It offers an affordable, cost effective alternative to employing sub-contract water treatment specialists to undertake the water treatment side of your installations, whilst you incur substantial cost by doing so.

And to help still further, the easily recognised Sentinel X-range of chemical water treatment products has just got bigger – literally. The leading water treatment and energy efficiency expert has just released its X400 heating system restorer, X300 system cleaner for new heating systems and its X200 noise reducer product, along with its X100 inhibitor and system protector, in 10 litre packs for use in light commercial projects.

The new size packs offer installers and contractors working in the light commercial sector the convenience of buying what they need when they need it, reducing visits to the merchants or their stores and making it easier to carry in their vans. And the Sentinel range has been endorsed by a range of leading commercial system manufacturers, keen to see quality water treatment products used in their products to ensure they continue to operate at optimum efficiency levels.

“We’re serious about offering a service second to none to the commercial sector and we believe that this development will allow many commercial contractors that have until now, looked for specialist support in this area to keep that work in-house and utilise the self-certification route to meet the legislative requirements,” says Sentinel’s Commercial Sector Manager, Mark Kelly.

“It’s also been suggested to us by commercial contractors that it would be helpful to have something between the usual 1 litre bottles and the 20 litre packs so we’ve responded by producing these 10 litre versions to widen our product offering,” says Sentinel’s Mark Kelly . “Systems still need to be dosed correctly – one litre for every 100 litres of the system water, and this new size will be particularly helpful when dosing systems in hotels and guest houses, offices and small industrial units and the like.”

Log in now at www.sentinel-solutions.net and click on ‘Light commercial’ to find out more about Sentinel’s role in this sector and to see examples of certification reports, dosage rates and product information.

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