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MK Electric has recently compiled a collection of wiring accessories ideally suited to the demanding needs of the healthcare sector – whether they be safety, security, and hygiene. The collection encompasses anti-bacterial switches and sockets; lockable and surge-protected devices and accessories dedicated for those with disabilities.

MK Electric’s Logic Plus wiring accessories range has now been demonstrated to possess significant anti-microbial properties. The Logic Plus range is 99.9% lethal to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), compared to 86.4% for similar competitive products; 98.9% lethal to Klebsiella Pneumoniae – compared to 95.4% for other non-MK offerings – and is also 99.9% fatal to E-Coli and Salmonella.

The Logic Plus range is produced using Urea Formaldehyde, a high-grade thermoset material; which has similar inherent properties to anti-microbial additives which inhibit the growth of the four infectious diseases identified. In addition, Logic Plus products are also produced scratch-free – thanks to highly-engineered moulding tools – obviating the occurrence of dirt traps in which harmful bacteria may lodge.

The company’s Masterseal, Metalclad Plus, Edge and Albany Plus products are now also all available with key-operated locks to prevent unauthorised tampering of the power supply. The 20A double pole key operated switch and 13A double pole key operated socket feature printed terminal markings and universal lock. The key can be removed from the lock in both the ON or OFF position, so ensuring that power is either maintained or withheld according to need. The universal lock allows one key to operate a number of devices, simplifying the security process.

MK Electric also offers Isolated Power Supply (IPS) sockets that are double pole or un-switched; are ‘Clean Earth’ and are colour-coded blue with engraved white lettering stating ‘Medical Equipment Only’. Where white outlets are preferred; they can should be mounted on a blue background, with the socket engraved ‘Medical Equipment Only’ in blue lettering.

An IPS increases the supply resilience by reducing the impact of first fault conditions downstream of the IPS. The IPS is usually combined with an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) that prevents disruption of the supply owing to problems upstream of the UPS.

Other product’s in MK Electric’s very comprehensive range that lend themselves to healthcare environments include: lighting control sensors for better management of energy consumption; colour-contrasted, large rockered and pull-cord operated switches to assist the less able; and a extensive series of data and power cable management systems.

Backed by MK’s unrivalled quality, reliability and service; the ranges – outlined in the new eight-page MK publication Healthcare Sector Products – are guaranteed for between 10 and an impressive 20 years, depending on product.

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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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"Wilo-Stratos" series extended for commercial buildings

Full functional range also for small performance ranges / Universal high-efficiency pumps for heating as well as for cooling and air-conditioning / Integration into building automation possible

Leading pump and pumping system expert WILO has introduced an extended range  of its new high-efficiency Wilo-Stratos series. The Stratos range has been extended by adding seven further models for connections ranging from DN25 to DN50. The Wilo-Stratos series offers power-saving, high-efficiency pumping with a range of control options and interfaces to building automation systems, but can also be used for smaller performance ranges, up to a delivery head of 4 m. They are ideal for smaller heating and cooling circuits in commercial buildings. This latest range extension allows for easier replacement of old, uncontrolled pumps by new generation, high-efficiency pumps.

Supplied with an IF-Module, all Wilo-Stratos pumps are suitable for integration into building automation systems. Pumps can be made bus-capable in line with today’s standards –  LON, CAN, BACnet or Modbus. In addition, these high-efficiency pumps have an infrared interface for pump monitoring. This interface enables wireless reading of all relevant pump data over several metres distance to the pump, through the use of a Wilo-IR-Monitor remote enquiry device, or a Wilo-IR-Module for pocket PCs. The Wilo-Stratos high-efficiency series offers a power saving potential of 80% compared to uncontrolled pumps and has been the reference standard for Class A energy efficiency heating pumps since 2001.

The pumps can be applied universally. For load adjustment, they can be pre-set to the control modes constant differential pressure (Δp-c), variable differential pressure (Δp-v) and temperature-controlled differential pressure (Δp-T). Due to the wide fluid temperature range from -10°C to +110°C they are not only optimally suitable for heating systems, but also for the use in cooling and air-conditioning. For this purpose, all Wilo-Stratos pumps have a cataphoretic coating as standard. In addition, accumulating condensate can be safely discharged via a drain labyrinth.

The Wilo-ClimaForm cold water insulation shell is available as a recommended accessory for all Wilo-Stratos series high-efficiency pumps. This is made of a flexible elastomer material – AF/Armaflex – which offers high water vapour diffusion resistance and low heat conductivity. The shell system is a precision made, pre-fabricated unit and fits the pump housing very accurately without affecting the function of the condensate drain system. Time-consuming modifications are no longer necessary, and installation takes only a few minutes even in the most complex installations.

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MK Electric – the UK’s leading manufacturer of wiring devices and electrical accessories – has launched a unique Fire Alarm Isolator to ensure that systems comply with the requirements of BS 5839: Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings, Part 1.

The Standard requires double pole isolation of alarm systems, stating: “To facilitate local isolation during maintenance, suitable means should be provided for double pole isolation of the low voltage supply circuit that serves the power supply and control equipment”. The standard also requires the isolator be lockable in the on and off position; meaning a traditionally-switched isolator will not comply.

MK Electric’s lockable isolator provides a robust, durable and ultimately safe solution to the challenges of BS 5839; and is available in the company’s popular Logic Plus, Aspect, Edge and Albany Plus ranges of accessories. Further finishes are available on a bespoke basis from the MK Electric Design Service.

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• Copley Decor

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Micronics Ltd will be exhibiting their comprehensive range of “Clamp-On” ultrasonic Liquid flow, Heat and Energy flow meters for industry and commerce including the new U4000 fixed range of “Clamp-On” flow meters providing – simple to install and accurate flow measurement from outside the pipe and the market leading, simple to operate PF330/220 portable range.

Following its launch in 2009 the PF330/220 portable range has reaffirmed Micronics position as the leading UK manufacturer of portable “Clamp-On” instruments. Micronics portables have always been regarded as the simplest to set-up and operate and this essential feature for portable instruments has been carried through into the PF330/220 with great success.  

The new U4000 replaces the successful UF2000 fixed meter series incorporating the latest digital ultrasonic measurement technology to provide easier set-up and commissioning with enhanced accuracy and reliability in operation. Savings of up to 90% have been established for fixed meter installations in comparison to traditional in-line meter installations! So if you need to know what's happening through investigation with a temporary, portable solution or need a permanent flow or heat measurement/metering solution a “Clamp-On” alternative is a must consider option! And the first step is to visit Micronics on Stand No 50.

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The Voyager Sigma emergency lighting exit sign is the first product to be designed and manufactured at Thorn’s new plant in Spennymoor, near Durham.

Designed for wall mounting each single-sided sign complies with BS 5266 and is visible at up to 30 metres. Fittings take LEDs or fluorescent sources. All are similar in design, having a polycarbonate body finished in white or silver with a choice of EU or ISO legend panel, though the LED versions have superior NiMH batteries. Voyager Sigma gives excellent uniformity and provides 3 hour maintained operation with options for manual, self and addressable test. A hinged gear tray makes installation and maintenance easy.

One of the guiding principles of the new factory is sustainability and the new generation range doesn’t disappoint. It uses 20% less components and 73% less steel than its predecessor. Recycling potential is 97% compared with 78% previously.

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Polypipe – the UK’s leading domestic underfloor heating specialist – has issued an invitation to all dedicated UK underfloor heating installers to become Polypipe Underfloor Heating Registered Installers.
Dave Raynor heads up the Polypipe Underfloor Heating business and says the current members are finding membership useful and most importantly, lucrative: “We aim to recruit installers to receive regular information from us and importantly for them, leads for new business that we generate through our marketing activity and provide to registered installers in the areas where those leads come from.

“Our key role in setting up the Registered Installer Scheme was to help raise the level of professionalism for the installers, to help them to impress the customers with the way in which they dealt with the enquiries and the way in which they were able to respond to that customer’s very specific requirements.”

A newly registered installer receives an impressive and very professional folder full of helpful ‘tools of the trade’ that will help him to raise his game significantly. These include items such as a highly professional customer presentation pack that they can show to any potential customer, highlighting who Polypipe are and their track record in underfloor heating, the different underfloor heating options available, how underfloor heating works, the process that Polypipe goes through to ensure that the customers get exactly what they want, the benefits they can expect from their underfloor heating and details about the warranties they get – for example, the pipework comes with a 50 year guarantee!

The folder includes pre-printed and impressive Customer Enquiry pads, checklists, proposal forms and contract forms. It also includes useful postcards that the installer can put through neighbours doors saying “I’m installing underfloor heating for your neighbour – if you want to know more, give me a call”. It includes the latest brochures and price lists as well so there is always an impressive piece of literature for the installer to take out and go through with a prospective customer.

“We’ve put a lot of thought into the pack,” says Polypipe’s Martin Dootson.  “It’s a very impressive package to sell a very impressive product and we’re looking for more very impressive installers to join the Registered Installer Scheme and benefit from the package we can offer. Membership is free but we do ask installers to demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills required to install underfloor heating.”

Polypipe is the leading domestic underfloor heating specialist in the UK exactly because of the care it puts into selling these products. For full details visit the Polypipe underfloor heating website at www.ufch.com. Alternatively call Polypipe on 01709 770 000 or visit its stands at the many exhibitions they will be at during 2010.

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Ancon AMR is a fabricated steel reinforcement that locates in bed joints to strengthen masonry panels without thickening the wall. The longitudinal wires are flattened to less than 3mm to ensure good mortar cover is achieved, even when the product is lapped.

Ancon Masonry Reinforcement (AMR) is manufactured in five wire diameters and four widths. It suits a wide range of structural load conditions and wall widths up to 215mm.

It is manufactured in stainless steel and galvanised steel and supplied in a standard length of 2700mm. Stainless steel provides the greatest corrosion resistance, life-cycle costing benefits and is 100% recyclable.

New to the range is AMR-CJ, which can be used in the construction of collar-jointed walls. The product consists of flat ties welded to flattened longitudinal wires and is supplied in a standard width of 175mm to suit a wall width of 215mm comprising of either standard bricks or 100mm blocks.

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Twinfix aluminium framed canopies continue to be the product of choice at many schools. Nurseries, in particular find that a canopy situated adjacent to a classroom enables small children quick and easy access to sand and water play, a vital part of early years’ learning.

The complete process of design, manufacture and installation is undertaken by Twinfix with each canopy being designed to suit the needs of the individual school. Canopies can incorporate pitched or curved roof glazing, vertical side screens and colourful padded post protectors. Where required, roller shutter doors can be fitted, enabling toys to be safely locked away when the building is not in use.

Canopies can be ordered with a selection of tints and grades of polycarbonate roof glazing. The photo shows opal multiwall polycarbonate glazing complementing an aluminium powder coated turquoise structure that wont rust or require future repainting, helping to cut down on maintenance costs. Where clear visibility is required through the roof glazing clear solid polycarbonate can be fitted.

The roof glazing panels are a Twinfix patented design that conform to the Health & Safety Executive’s recommended drop test for ‘Safe’ roofing assemblies. This means that should anyone gain access on to a canopy roof they will not harm themselves by falling through the glazing.

These canopies require little in the way of maintenance apart from an occasional wash down and will look good for years to come. They are fully recyclable at the end of their long life span.

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