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FAKRO roof windows for security and sustainability For those seeking roof windows which combine good eco-credentials with added security, FAKRO was the first company to introduce a full range which meets a minimum of EN13049 Class 3. Its topSafe® system set a new standard for roof windows by providing the durability to withstand the weight of an individual standing on the sash. Its specially strengthened construction prevents hinges from being ruptured while additional steel reinforcement built into the lower part of the sash which provides improved lock security. U.K. Managing Director Noel Shanahan commented, “topSafe is not used by any other manufacturer and the fact that a number of our windows achieve EN13049 Class 4 adds further emphasis to the system's quality”.

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Daikin Europe N.V. announces the expansion of its Daikin Altherma heat pump range to cover large-scale commercial applications in which space heating and hot water production are a priority. Due to the use of Daikin Altherma cascade technology, large volumes of hot water (with temperatures up to 80°C) can be produced efficiently, making the system ideal for applications with a high demand for space heating and/or hot water heating.

Large capacity hot water production for the commercial market
The optimised Daikin Altherma Flex Type series produces leaving water temperatures from 25° to 80°C, making it suitable for all types of radiators, under floor heating, fan coil units, heat pump convectors as well as hot water production. Typical applications include hotels, fitness centres, spa facilities, hospitals, libraries and schools. The high leaving water temperatures also make it ideal for upgrading existing heating systems, allowing retention of existing high temperature radiators.

The use of Daikin Altherma cascade technology: two refrigerants – R-410A and R-134a – in a cascade configuration, enables the system's high leaving water temperatures to be produced without an electric heater. The outdoor unit elevates the temperature and pressure level of the first refrigerant cycle (R-410A) and the indoor units raise this to even higher levels with the second refrigerant cycle (R-134a), resulting in water temperatures up to 80°C using only heat pump technology.

Hot water temperatures up to 75°C result in highly efficient hot water production with rapid heat-up times and the system can be connected to Daikin hot water tanks as well as to (existing) 3rd party tanks. Daikin solar heating can also be integrated for even greater efficiency.

Low running costs
Daikin Altherma cascade technology, in combination with inverter controlled compressors and weather dependant temperature control, results in extremely efficient operation. Running costs can be up to 36% less than comparable oil or gas installations, with up to 35% less primary energy use and up to 71% less CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, optimal dimensioning further enhances efficiency, the system's modular construction and several different capacity classes of indoor and outdoor units allowing precise configuration for specific needs. The indoor and outdoor units are compact and lightweight, for quick, flexible installation.

The Daikin Altherma Flex Type units extend the existing Daikin Altherma range of low temperature and high temperature systems intended for individual houses and apartment blocks.

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

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Polypipe TDI , the UK’s leading provider of cavity closers, is seeing massive interest from new homes builders and self-builders in its 0.25 range that has been designed to achieve energy savings required under Building Regulations Part L and the Code for Sustainable Homes. Specifiers and architects need to include 0.25 specification cavity closures to meet Building Regulations and Polypipe TDI can offer the support, advice and the products to ensure that their plans comply .

The company has been manufacturing a comprehensive range of products designed to provide economical solutions for cold bridging and other insulation problems for many years, with a range of insulated DPCs and Thermal Insulation Systems designed to meet the increasing thermal and acoustic requirements in construction today. Where required, the products are tested for fire integrity by Warrington Fire Research.

As well as a range of standard products, Polypipe TDI has the specialist knowledge that allows it to manufacture bespoke products to meet very particular requirements from housebuilders and construction companies.

The new 0.25 range allows the products to achieve ‘u’ values of 0.25 or better and responds to the July 2007 Government Policy Statement “Building a Greener Future” which proposed a carbon improvement compared to Building Regulations Part L 2006 of 25% by 2010. An energy saving of 25% would achieve Code level 3 and 5.8 energy points in the Code for Sustainable Homes.

This new 0.25 range includes, non-combustible insulated cavity closers, non-combustible insulated DPCs, non-combustible insulated cavity barriers, insulated cavity closer sub-frame kits and fire resistant and insulated loft hatches. They also supply fire and acoustic DPM cavity sock barriers to restrict the spread of fire and smoke in concealed cavities, particularly within external masonry and timber framed walls, providing two hours fire integrity.

The new range meets all the current requirements of Building Regulations and offers new homes builders the most flexible option available in today’s market: Polypipe’s Rob Nolan says: “These cavity closures offer energy and heat saving and are vital in saving heat loss from new homes and stop condensation by bridging the gap between the outer wall and the inner wall. We can offer next day delivery and in-house training to help educate and advise our customer base. We’re happy to share our expertise with architects and specifiers to ensure that their plans meet Building Regulations – we offer a complete service in this small but technically specific and very important area of housebuilding construction.”

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Ability Projects Ltd, Wimborne, Dorset, has successfully partnered with trading desk designer and supplier, DAS Business Furniture to supply trading desks with integral cooling capability to one of the largest trading floors to be fitted out to date at Number I, Angel Lane, London for Nomura.

Ability supplied 985 cooling modules serving nearly 2000 trading desk pairs. The chilled water for the desk cooling modules flows around a secondary circuit linked to the primary air conditioning chilled water circuit via heat exchangers, this enables the transfer of cooling energy from the main air conditioning system to the desk air conditioners. It also allows the desk air conditioners to operate at a raised water flow temperature of 160C in order to obviate any risk of condensation affecting the computers. All the modules are linked together by flexible hoses and quick release connectors.

Each module is fitted with EC fans, providing 2.3kW (cooling) at full speed with 155lit/sec air volume, also at full speed, although the air volume varies according to cooling demand from the desk computers. An integral BACnet controller on each module allows inter module networking and connection to the building management system, if required. The BACnet controller strategy, written entirely by Ability, also modulates fan speed based on heat gain beneath the desk and can initiate an alarm, if necessary.

The fundamental problem associated with cooling the trading desks was the lack of space in which to fit the cooling unit. Although the desks themselves are of a fairly standard dimension every trader needs between 1 and 4 computer units beneath the desk or, in other words, up to 8 computers beneath each pair of opposing desks. In addition, power and communications wiring plus a bank of up to 8 flat screens per trader also had to be taken into account.

Ability's solution utilises a variable speed strategy driven by cooling demand. Thus, when the trader or traders are away from their desks and computer heat output is low, the fans automatically adopt a set-back fan speed condition, thereby saving energy and reducing noise. Conversely, when the trader returns, the fans speed up to deal with the higher level of demand. Furthermore, as the air velocity increases the cooled air stream driven up between the opposing banks of trading screens induces air away from the trader's face, picking up heat as it passes over the screens and delivering it unobtrusively into the ambient space.

Some contemporary dealer CPU cooling solutions are 'sealed' in that they enclose the CPU area and deal with the heat from the CPUs alone while being isolated from the general space. The 'open' cooling solution adopted by Ability however, is able to work alongside the installed conventional air conditioning. In the event that a single 'closed solution' trading desk cooling unit fails, the CPUs inside the desk are isolated from any form of support and so the temperature rises rapidly. If an 'open' solution desk is struggling however, the fan coils in the adjacent desks plus the normal air conditioning help out so that the impact on the affected CPUs is barely noticeable.

Should the need arise, the flexible hose connection kit and its associated quick release pipe fittings, allow rapid disconnection of the cooling module from the adjoining desks and its replacement. The brief called for this procedure to be carried out in less than 30 minutes during trading hours but as the 'open' nature of the Ability module has the built in margin of safety afforded by the support of its neighbours, any servicing or replacement of an Ability product can in practice wait until the trading day is over.

Following the success of the Number 1, Angel Lane project, DAS and Ability are currently supplying and installing numerous cooled trading desk solutions throughout the world.

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With the new and patented GOOSE Message Interface from Megger, it is now possible to use existing conventional test sets for testing protective relays and other items of substation equipment that communicate via the IEC 61850 networking protocol. The new interface makes possible big savings, as there is no longer a need to purchase costly new test equipment for networked substations.

• Translates GOOSE messages to binary
• Fast and effective
• Avoid early obsolescence
• Secure

Avoid early obsolescence

The key benefit of the GOOSE Message Interface is that it allows engineers and technicians to continue using equipment with which they are familiar, and also that it avoids the early obsolescence of test sets that are not IEC 61850 compatible, many thousands of which are currently in use.

Translates GOOSE messages to binary

In substations where IEC 61850 is used, relays, circuit breakers and other devices communicate with each other by means of GOOSE (Generic Object Oriented Substation Event) messages transmitted via the network. Megger’s innovative GOOSE Message Interface intercepts these messages and translates them into binary (on/off) signals that are compatible with conventional test sets. Likewise, the unit translates binary signals from the test set into GOOSE messages.

Fast and effective

All messages are processed by the interface in less than 0.5 mS, which means that no noticeable time delays are introduced into test sequences.

The GOOSE Message Interface has ten binary inputs and ten binary outputs, and a port for connecting it to the IEC 61850 substation network. The relationship between the inputs, outputs and the GOOSE messages is freely programmable by the user. The GOOSE Message Interface therefore acts as a universal adaptor that can be used with any type of relay test set – it is not limited to test sets from a specific manufacturer.

As the binary outputs of the GOOSE Message Interface provide sufficient power to drive external electromechanical relays directly, the unit is also an invaluable aid in the testing of substation control and interlocking systems and, in this application, it can be used as a standalone device, without the need for a relay test set.

Further security

A further advantage of the new unit is that it provides a complete solution to network security problems related to the testing of substations, as it does not require a PC to be connected to the substation network. It can even be used as a GOOSE firewall, allowing standard network analysis software running on a PC to be used to analyse traffic on the substation network.

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Machine quality, cost-effectiveness, security and the high standard of after-care available from its distributor were instrumental in the decision of Clements Plant & Tool Hire Ltd to upgrade its equipment fleet with a move to market-leading Kubota mini excavators.

Coventry-based Clements (www.clementsplant.co.uk) is one of the West Midlands' largest independent plant hire firms, with over 40 years' experience in the hire business. With mini excavators forming an increasingly popular part of the company™s portfolio, and a growing business base, Clements needed to expand its machine fleet but was faced with a difficult decision.

Issues relating to its existing mini excavator brands and suppliers “ including manufacturing faults, after-care problems and pricing factors “ led Clements managing director Jim Longstaff to research other machine options available on the market. Top of the list was Kubota, whose reputation Jim was well aware of given his long-term association with Ben Elliott, boss of local Kubota distributor BTE Plant Sales Ltd.

“I've known Ben for last 25 years, and we™ve worked together in the past, but until recently we've had no need to employ BTE™s services,” explained Jim. “Failures elsewhere in our supply chain opened the door, and BTE underlined its excellent reputation by helping us out.” BTE provided Clements with a trial machine, which proved to be ideal for the firm™s purposes. In particular, Clements valued Kubota's commitment to integrating customer-friendly features into its range, perhaps most notably the extra machine security and peace of mind provided by its unique 'ANTI-THEFT' system and their industry-leading three year warranty as standard.

Fitted as standard equipment, the Kubota 'ANTI-THEFT' device uses encoded keys to ensure that only authorised drivers can access and operate the vehicle. Having suffered incidents of theft in the past, Clements is well aware of the inconvenience and cost of having to replace stolen equipment. “It might seem a small thing, but the fact that this is a supplier trying to do things for the benefit of its customers is something in Kubota's favour. It™d be easy to have the attitude that, if the machine was stolen, we™d have to buy another “ but Kubota want us to get long-term usage, and that's a really attractive quality in a manufacturer.”

Clements purchased five Kubota machines initially, comprising three 1.5 tonne KX36-3 models and two 2.5 tonne U25-3 machines. The compact KX36-3 model has been developed to deliver efficient handling and performance over the broadest range of jobs. Versatility across all construction applications is achieved via a powerful bucket digging force, a long arm for increased dig depth and digging radius, and a well-protected boom cylinder.

For bigger jobs, the powerful U25-3 model adds further power with a travelling system designed for rough terrain, zero tail swing for working in even the tightest situations, and simultaneous operation of boom, arm, bucket and swivel.

Clements has been so impressed with the performance of the Kubota minis that it has since acquired a fourth KX36-3. Between them, the six models now account for around 25% of Clements™ mini excavator fleet.

“There™s a good reason why Kubota is No.1 in the market,” confirmed Jim Longstaff. “Overall, this was the best deal, both in terms of machine quality, cost-effectiveness and standard of after-sales service. Their machines tick all the boxes.”

Jim was also keen to underline the exceptional service it received from BTE. “Ben delivered everything he said they would and more. When we needed to make a small warranty claim, it was resolved immediately.

“It has been an extremely positive decision to opt for BTE. Subsequently, we™ve bought several other machines from BTE in classes not available from Kubota and they are now a preferred supplier.”

BTE, (www.bteplantsales.com), with its headquarters in Markfield, Leicester, prides itself on the quality and reliability of brands offered, together with unbeatable customer service. The official Kubota distributor for Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Lincolnshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Wirral and South/West/North Yorkshire, BTE won the Kubota Gold Service Award in 2008-9.

“I've been telling Jim how good we were for years, and I'm delighted he™s given us the opportunity to prove it!” stated Ben Elliott. “We look forward to a long and successful partnership between BTE and Clements.”

Richard Harrison, Kubota (UK) Ltd “ Construction Equipment sales & marketing manager, said: “This deal underlines the importance of providing mini excavator solutions that represents exceptional value for money. There must be a balance between the initial purchase and subsequent residual costs, long-term machine performance and reliability, and a robust after-care service and support package.

“BTE's reputation for taking care of its customers complements Kubota's own commitment to providing world-beating machines and offering added value to customers with standard features such as the ?ANTI-THEFT™ system and our three year warranty,” he added.

The UK, European and world leader in mini excavators, with 19 models spanning the weight range from 980kg to 8 tonnes, Kubota provides the widest choice of machines from a single manufacturer and the largest selection of increasingly popular zero tail swing minis.

Kubota excavators are well known and respected for their quality, performance, versatility, excellent residual values and exceptional dealer support, together with legendary reliability and durability

.

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There has been a lot of discussion recently in the press and on-line about RCBOs and, in particular, about the separate earth connection that is used by some of these devices. Unfortunately, a lot of the information that has appeared has been misleading and, in some cases, it is simply wrong. Given that the recent introduction of the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations is resulting in a big increase in the usage of RCBOs, it is important to clarify the situation.

One of the most misleading statements, but one that seems to be repeated time and again, is that in order to comply with BS EN 61009, RCBOs must have a separate earth connection. This is not true. Certainly, the standard specifies that an RCBO that does have a separate earth connection must behave in a certain way, but nowhere does it state or imply that a separate earth connection is mandatory.

In fact, RCBOs are currently available that have no separate earth connection, yet they achieve full compliance with the standard, supported with declaration of conformity documents.

Another often-made point is that, without a separate earth connection, an RCBO cannot detect an earth fault if the neutral becomes disconnected. This is true, but in reality it is not an issue worthy of consideration.

Losing the neutral connection is a rare event in itself, especially in the TN-C and TN-C-S systems that are almost invariably used today. The probability of losing the neutral and having an earth fault at the same time, a double fault condition, is vanishingly small – certainly so small that there is no reason to take it into account when specifying protection devices.

In spite of this, there are those who claim that it’s still better to use an RCBO with a separate earth connection, “just to be on the safe side”. This is not necessarily a good judgement call. The extra connection means that consumer units and distribution boards take longer to wire, which pushes up costs. Even worse, many contractors don’t seem to know what to do with the earth connection, as a search of the on-line electrical forums will quickly reveal. In fact, there have been suggestions that some contractors have actually been cutting off the earth wires, which has to be very bad practice for an RCBO that’s been designed and tested on the basis that it will be earthed.

Finally, there’s the thorny issue of testing. Most if not all manufacturers of RCBOs with earth connections insist that these connections are removed during insulation testing to avoid possible damage to the RCBO, and during loop testing to eliminate the possibility of misleading test results. Removing and replacing the connections adds more time and cost, of course, but there are also other concerns.

First, there is always the possibility that the contractor will forget to reconnect the earth wires, leaving the RCBO operating under conditions different from those for which it was designed. Second, disconnecting the earth wires goes against one of the basic principles of installation testing, which is that installations should in exactly the same state when they are tested as they will be when they are in service.

Claiming that a separate earth connection is essential on RCBOs is not only wrong, it also makes life unnecessarily complicated for contractors, while trying to protect against a risk that’s theoretical rather than real. Protection products should always be selected with care, but they should be selected on the basis of performance and reliability rather than on the basis of some invented and imaginary criterion.

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Evolving in tune with modern tastes, the Aqualux bathroom range can fulfill even the most demanding of requirements and this is certainly true of the Organic Walk-In shower enclosure, part of the popular AquaSpace collection.

The enclosure measures an impressive 1400mm x 1000mm and 1900mm high. Light and capacious, the Organic Walk-In features a minimal silver effect frame and 6mm clear toughened glass. The trays for the conjoined bathing and drying areas are available in right or left hand options and come complete with a bamboo footboard. If a wet room look is preferred, the enclosure can be fitted to a pre-tanked floor with an easy fit wet floor conversion kit.

The enclosure features Aqualux's easy clean 'Aquagleam' coating, a special environmentally friendly coating which resists limescale and soap scum, which keeps maintenance to a minimum. Appreciated by the user, there is never any need to laboriously scrub the shower with chemical agents, as a simple, quick wipe of the panels after showering reduces bacteria and always leaves a sparkly, shiny finish.

The Organic Walk-In provides a luxurious and indulgent bathing experience, bringing a sense of warmth to the bathroom, providing a spacious setting for washing away the stresses of the day. The tone is set by the beautiful bamboo footboard and the unusual shower design is characterized by gentle flowing curves.

The Aqualux AquaSpace Organic Walk-In shower enclosure comes with a lifetime guarantee.

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Permo® air, the most breathable air-open roofing underlay available, has been used in the refurbishment of Islington Arts and Media School. The late Victorian building had been in poor internal condition and in need of complete refurbishment and the target was set to achieve a BREEAM 'Very good' rating. Mark Walker of BDP Architects commented, “We needed an air open roofing underlay to solve the problems posed by the existing roof construction and Permo air's performance met our requirements. We also found that Klober's technical support set it apart from other roofing manufacturers, not least because they provided us with U-value calculations and a condensation risk analysis”. The project was undertaken as part of Islington Council's redevelopment work under the Labour Government's 'Building Schools for the Future' initiative. The work was protected from cuts as it was contracted before policy reversals in mid-2010.

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Wilo’s new Stratos PICO and Wilo-Smart A small circulators are proving to be the stars of the Wilo range in 2011.

The Wilo Stratos-PICO – the most energy efficient small pump you can buy, offering up to 90% energy savings over a standard pump – and the new Wilo-Smart A energy saving pump, offering up to 80% energy savings over a standard pump have captured the imagination, especially as low efficiency, uncontrolled pumps will be banned in the EU from the end of 2012. From 2013, low efficiency and standard stand-alone circulators will be banned from the marketplace. As of 2015 the minimum requirements will be tightened further and their scope extended to include boiler integrated circulators as well – those sold as part of a combi or system boiler set up.

This regulation on circulators will shift the market towards the intelligent, high efficiency circulators that Wilo has been championing for years, capable of adjusting their performance to meet the specific needs of the heating system. There are about 140 million small circulators in Europe running constantly, whether they are needed or not, resulting in a huge waste of energy and massive and unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions, generated for no good reason.

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