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MK Electric, the UK’s leading manufacturer of wiring devices and accessories, has added dimmers suitable for use with dimmable Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) to its Logic Plus range. A response to changes in European legislation regarding lamps, the dimmers are primarily intended for use in domestic environments; but will similarly perform in small offices and commercial buildings.

The ability to dim CFLs not only provides the user with additional lighting flexibility within the home; but also assists in prolonging lamp life. MK claims that the dimmer is suitable for use with dimmable CFLs from a wide range of well-known manufacturers.

The company has also exploited commercial research that shows that dimmable CFLs should be initially switched on at maximum brightness in order to ensure optimum lamp life. Consequently, the new MK K1525 WHI dimmer has an integral function which causes the lamp to be switched on at its full rating and then dim down to the pre-set level after ‘warm up’.

While standard intelligent dimmers may well work with dimmable CFLs, there is – given the variety of individual manufacturers’ performance characteristics – no guarantee that optimum lifetimes will be maintained. For instance, when controls are set at minimum lamps may not come on or, if a lamp is already on and the control adjusted to minimum, could flicker or go out; while still consuming power. The MK K1525 WHI dimmer switch has the minimum output set at a level that means lamps should always remain on.

Similarly, dimmer switches typically have a minimum rating of 40W, while dimmable CFLs are generally available rated at 20W. The MK K1525 WHI dimmer switch, however, has a minimum output rating of 11W; meaning lamps will ramp up and down smoothly over the control’s full range without flicker.

The immensely popular Logic Plus range is designed to complement contemporary interiors and is probably the largest selection of wiring accessories available in any single range on the market today. Technically, they exceed British Standard requirements with patented features that make the products the most advanced and safest available.

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As we move towards zero carbon housing, learning how to construct 'airtight' roofs in relation to the use of roof windows, solar systems and other penetrations is proving to be increasingly valuable. Klober and Roto's newly announced joint training course has been designed to combine practical aspects of roof window, underlay and accessory installation as part of an overall airtightness strategy. The 2-day courses are scheduled to take place bi-monthly at Roto's premises in Rugby. The emphasis is very much 'hands-on', covering how to make all areas of the roof air and windtight and which products can be used to achieve this. Klober MD David Arendell commented, “With so many queries arising about warm roof construction and loft conversions in particular, training from two roofing specialists is an entirely new approach. Response from those who have attended has confirmed that we have tapped into a demand which has existed for some time. We were grateful for the encouragement we received from the NFRC to take the initiative.”

For further information on the next training course on 6th and 7th September and 8th & 9th November contact 0800 783 3216.

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At a series of free events being held throughout the UK, test equipment expert Megger is providing electrical contractors with information and novel ideas that will help them to expand the range of services they provide and generate more income.

• Free entry
• Ideas for making more money
• More than 80 events
• All round the country
• Programme runs through the year

Not just product – more the market The event – MoneyTalks! – is based on Megger’s recent hugely successful Business in a Box promotion, which has already helped dozens of contractors to substantially increase their profits. It will focus on alternative opportunities for electrical contractors and installers to get their business growing again. Rather than dwelling on the technicalities of the opportunities, the testing procedures and the available equipment, MoneyTalks! will discuss the market drivers, the alternatives, and how to reach and sell to potential customers.

Only 2 hours Lasting around two hours, MoneyTalks! will discuss potential business opportunities, including PAT testing, the law and an explanation of why every business in the UK must its assets tested regularly, before going on to describe how contractors can market their services effectively at very modest cost.

Finding your customers Tips for identifying potential customers are provided, along with valuable information about the best arguments to use when selling services to these customers. MoneyTalks! also considers the problem of pricing, which is always a challenging issue for those moving into a new area of business.

In addition to the main presentations, there will also be ample opportunities for those attending the event to discuss their own specific requirements in relation to testing with Megger’s experts, who will be pleased to deal with both business-related and technical issues.

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The Vaisala INTERCAP® Humidity and Temperature Transmitter Series HMW80 combines proven stability with easy installation and reliable operation. The HMW80 offers both combined relative humidity and temperature measurement, as well as temperature-only measurement for temperature control applications. Its unique design helps prevent the distortion of temperature and relative humidity measurements that often affects sensor performance.

Ready to use out of the box, the HMW80 requires no preconfiguration or adjustment, and is easy to install thanks to its simple two-piece construction: just complete the wiring to the terminal block on the bottom of the unit, then snap on the lid of the electronics enclosure to complete the installation. This quick and simple process means that the electronics are not subjected to the dusty conditions often present during the early phases of a building project.

The HMW80's enclosure is made of UL V0-approved materials and is IP30 protected. The new design in signal white (RAL9003) color, blends in well on most modern office walls. The transmitter is compatible with European, US, and Japanese junction boxes, and is covered by a two-year warranty.

The HMW80 is available in four different versions:

• MW82: 4–20mA (temperature only)
• TMW83: 0–10V (temperature only)
• HMW82: 2x 4–20mA (relative humidity and temperature)
• HMW83: 2x 0–10V (relative humidity and temperature)

The high power output required by the measurement signals often distorts temperature and relative humidity measurements in wall sensors. This self-heating increases the temperature reading and decreases the humidity reading. This problem has been minimized in the HMW80 by using thermal modeling and testing during the design phase.

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FAKRO's topSafe® roof window hinge and lock reinforcement system has won the 2011 Home Building & Renovating magazine 'Product Excellence Award' for 'Building Components'. TopSafe provides the highest standard of security currently available in a standard roof window, details of which were highlighted at the NEC National Homebuilding & Renovating Show. As a means of burglary deterrence, topSafe is now routinely used by FAKRO, and recent photographic evidence showed that, despite evident use of a crowbar, an attempted break-in via 3 FTP-V centre pivot windows was successfully thwarted.

Ascent Publishing's Mike Hughes is seen presenting the award to Fakro Sales Director Phil Adams at the NEC.

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MK Electric is enhancing the possibilities of wireless lighting control with the launch of astral™ – a ‘MESH’-based system that uses proven radio frequency (RF) technology to control lighting applications within residential, commercial or hospitality environments. The system offers significant benefits that will appeal to the installer, specifier and developer depending on requirements.

MESH networking is a way to route data between nodes (devices) using RF communication, making it suitable for any installation where flexibility and versatility are important. The technology’s flexibility is due to it not requiring ‘line-of-sight’ to successfully send operating instructions between devices or points. Instead all mains powered devices in the system are ‘linked’ together (the ‘MESH’), providing multiple and alternative routes through which the RF signals can travel. The more devices in the overall installation, the more robust the communication path becomes.

Astral devices – the initial range comprising controllers, dimmers and switches – have the capability to control lighting in one particular room, but also lighting throughout the entire property. Each device is effectively a transceiver – both receiving and transmitting RF signals. Signals are detected by all other astral devices within range, or any other device with Z-Wave™ as its inherent RF “language” and when programmed to do so, will control the lighting connected to them; or they will forward the signal to the desired destination device via the most effective and efficient route.

This means the user may control lighting anywhere in the building, either turning it on or off, dimming it up or down, or setting lighting scenes. The ability of the signal to ‘hop’ from device to device increases the distance over which the system can communicate, opening up more possibilities for larger installations than traditional RF based systems. A signal can hop up to five times between devices. There is no central hub – all intelligence is distributed between the devices, this offers maximum system range and flexibility

Most installations will have a remote control with the capability to control four preset scenes and groups. Each scene or group can theoretically control up to 64 switches and/or dimmers, instructing them how to respond. Other wall-mounted controllers are available that can be mains- or battery- powered. Battery-powered controllers can be portable and by their nature are extremely quick to install and ideal for system expansion

Furthermore, a switch directly connected to a lighting circuit is able to control, via its inherent RF capability, a number of other switches or dimmers in a group. Similarly, a dimmer can also control other switches or dimmers in a scene or group.

For the installer astral provides the following advantages:

• Easy to design and expand; simply requires the new device to be within range of existing mains powered device;
• Easy to retrofit; all mains powered devices can be installed in a 35mm back box and dependent upon the device and lighting connected can use just the existing 2 wires found within traditional wiring circuits
• Easy to configure, commission and programme.

For the specifier astral provides a number of benefits:

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Daikin Europe N.V. has introduced EWAD~CZ air-cooled inverter chiller range with the highest ESEER in the market – up to 6 (with optional fan speed regulation) making it a highly cost-effective solution for use in comfort cooling and other applications where a high quality chiller in terms of performance and reliability is needed.

Highest partial load efficiency: ESEER up to 6

The use of inverter driven screw compressors in the EWAD~CZ range allows units to achieve the highest partial load efficiency levels in their class, making them ideal for systems with variable load requirements such as comfort applications. The high partial load efficiency of these solutions allows substantially reduced CO2 emissions and decreased annual operating costs with attendant reductions in payback times.

The use of inverter technology also contributes to quieter sound levels and precise chiller water temperatures, as well as lower starting current requirements, optimum power factors (always above 0.95), a reduction of water tanks for the hydraulic system and increased reliability due to fewer compressor start-ups and shut-downs.

Innovative technology

Inverter control is complemented by a host of other advanced features such as a patented single screw compressor, and ultra efficient fans with a patented blade profile for quiet operation. Furthermore, the new Microtech III controller allows easy control of performance parameters, and a wide range of system integration solutions are supported including LonWorks and BACnet.

Wide range of options

Daikin EWAD~CZ chiller units can operate in ambient temperatures from -18°C to +50°C, with leaving water temperatures from -8°C to +15°C and are available in standard, low and reduced sound models. An extensive list of options includes heat recovery and fan speed regulation.

The addition of the new range makes the Daikin Europe screw inverter chiller portfolio the largest in the market, EWAD~CZ units filling in the top of the sector with capacities from 635 kW to 1.800 kW, the highest cooling capacity available in this market today.

Daikin Europe products are distributed in the UK by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd and Space Airconditioning plc.

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Daikin Europe has launched a new Sky Air® RZQG-L series of air conditioning units that pre-dates strict European Union imposed energy performance requirements and leads the way in seasonal efficiency.

The European Union’s 20/20/20 policy has set the energy performance bar high at 20% less CO2 emissions, 20% renewable energy and 20% reduction in primary energy use by 2020. Within this framework the EU Energy related Products Directive (Eco-design Directive) specifies minimum Eco-design requirements, such as improved energy efficiency, in energy using products. For air conditioning units below 12kW output, these requirements will be based on product seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER): a more realistic representation of performance than the current nominal energy efficiency (EER) rating method (**).

The Daikin name is synonymous with the introduction of high environmentally efficient equipment that pre-dates EU directives, bringing its Sky Air® Seasonal Inverter to the market in Spring of 2010. Daikin has now extended its market leading role in this respect by incorporating seasonal efficiency requirements into its new Sky Air® RZQG-L light commercial range. Sky Air® was chosen for this pioneering development because of its high potential environmental impact, since light commercial applications represent the greatest annual energy use due to their high sales volumes and high annual operating hours.

The new system delivers considerable improvements in terms of seasonal efficiency, optimised inverter control over the full temperature distribution curve providing optimum partial load performance, resulting in high ratings in ‘real-life’ operating conditions. Also, newly designed compressor, heat exchanger and improved auxiliary modes enhance its performance still further. As a result, optimised Sky Air® RZQG-L outdoor units deliver average seasonal efficiency improvements more than 20% greater than the current Sky Air® Seasonal Inverter in real life conditions and 50% greater than non-inverter systems.

Over and above its excellent seasonal performance the new Sky Air® series offers a wide operating range, the ability to re-use existing refrigerant piping, a ‘quiet night’ mode and is compatible with the newly designed seasonal Sky Air® indoor units, including the new FCQG round flow cassette and new FHQG ceiling suspended cassette.

Europe has for some time required objective measurements of equipment performance, which determine the minimum requirements that must be met by manufacturers and provide consumers with better information on air conditioner performance. The current measurement method – nominal efficiency – has limitations, resulting in a significant gap between announced performance and actual performance.

The more accurate measurement – seasonal efficiency – is determined by considering several rating temperatures for cooling and heating instead of just one and the integration into the calculation of operation at partial capacity instead of full capacity. Since most systems operate most of the time under a partial load, the new methodology gives a better indication of expected real-life performance. The new seasonal efficiency calculation will also take account of the power consumed by devices in auxiliary modes such as standby mode.

Daikin Europe products are distributed in the UK by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd and Space Airconditioning plc.

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The VMZINC 200 Overlapping Panel system provides the ideal alternative to conventional shiplap timber cladding, as zinc does not lose its colour, corrode or need regular maintenance. Panels are available in 2 and 3 metres lengths, are 200mm wide and can be used for installations of up to 30 metres in height. Available in distinctive pre-weathered colours such as ANTHRA-ZINC (black) and QUARTZ-ZINC (mid-grey), the system has been designed to be easy to install with panels simply fixed to either a metal or timber framework. Flashings come in standard 3 metre lengths and as with panels and accessories for standard details such as eaves apron strips, verge and corner profiles are made from solid zinc. Any cut edges will therefore not corrode as the metal develops a self-healing natural patina. Fixing is by means of a conventional Paslode or similar pneumatic air gun using ring-sharked stainless-steel nails.

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