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The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has entered into an exclusive agreement with AMTECH Group to provide CIBSE members with access to the new LUCKINSlive.com directory of building services products and services.

LUCKINSlive.com is the first online information centre for the UK building services industry that provides a single source of comprehensive, accurate and up to date information for hundreds and thousands of products. The centre boasts a clear, easy-to-use design, with consistent product presentation, is accessible to all as no log-in is required and includes regular newsletters which are sent to subscribers.

CIBSE Chief Executive, Stephen Matthews commented: “CIBSE members are becoming more and more focused on the need to provide building users with buildings which are as excellent in operation as they are on the drawing board. The only way they can achieve this is to ensure that they specify the right products and that they are competently installed.

“I believe LUCKINSlive.com, which will be accessible via the CIBSE website, will be a resource to which industry professionals will turn on an almost daily basis.”

AMTECH Group Managing Director Mark Tindall added: “LUCKINSlive.com is set to revolutionise the way that building services specifiers and installers access product and industry information. CIBSE’s endorsement is the latest development in a relationship between our organisations that continues to facilitate the work of building services engineers and enhance the service they provide to their clients.”

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Orbis Premier stainless steel handles and door furniture from Laidlaw Solutions have been used in DWA Architects' design of Warren Lodge, a new, purpose-built BUPA care home in Ashford, Kent. Built to provide specialist dementia care facilities, Orbis Premier has been used on all interior doors including those of the 64 en suite rooms. Laidlaw was also briefed to supply newly designed matching rails with concealed fittings and scheduled door signage, fire door bar, tape barrier and bathroom fittings such as grab rails, toilet roll and brush holders, coat hooks and soap dishes.

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Mitsubishi Electric has launched two new air conditioning controllers to strengthen their market leading controls product range and provide advanced control options via newly designed and simplified high resolution user interfaces. The new controllers allow more users to benefit from the latest developments in easy-to-use controls for energy saving features as well as for the more standard controller operations.

The AT50 is Mitsubishi Electric’s new MNET centralised controller which offers the ability to control and monitor 50 indoor units via a compact user-friendly touch screen interface. The AT50 controller adds to the company’s existing AG150 centralised controller offering and provides many of the same features.

“We have designed and positioned the new AT50 controller to answer the market demand for increased functions at a very cost-effective price, delivering a unique new solution for both installers and operators,” explains Martin Fahey, Mitsubishi Electric’s Product Marketing Manager.

The compact and well-designed new AT50 is only 18cm wide by 3cm deep and can be mounted directly onto the wall, making it easy to install without the need for an indent or back box. This also gives installers the option of retro-fitting the new controller to bring advanced functionality and ease of use to existing installed systems.

Installation becomes even easier and more cost-effective if the unit is used to control just one City Multi VRF air conditioning system, as the AT50 can be installed onto the indoor unit MNET line and takes its power from here. With more than one City Multi system, a separate additional power pack is required by the controller.

M Series and Mr Slim air conditioning systems are also connectable via the relevant MNET adapters.

In addition, Mitsubishi Electric has designed the controller to allow Lossnay heat recovery ventilation units to interlock with the AT50 meaning that energy can be saved when Lossnay heat recovery ventilation is in operation.

For operators, the AT50 comes with physical buttons to make the operation of basic functions quick and effective. The collective ON/OFF button will turn off all indoor units connected to the controller and the two dedicated function buttons can be assigned to a pre-programmed operation to allow control from a single touch.

These can be programmed to offer a selection of tasks to perform a collective operation of all indoor units, such as setting the mode, prohibiting the remote controllers or setting all units to night setback mode.

“Within the controller menus there are also several levels of user access, including a home screen, menu and service screens, so we provide the operator with the ability to monitor and control the air conditioning or third party equipment in a simple, easy-to-read layout whilst enforcing relevant password security where required,” adds Fahey.

The controller has several energy saving functions which can be used to centrally control and reduce energy usage across the whole system. The AT50 has set point limit function which can be used to restrict users from selecting very high or very low heating or cooling set points.

The unit also has two weekly schedules, allowing the controller to be set up for both a summer and winter operating pattern providing the ability for annual scheduling. Night set back control is also possible on the AT50 which can be used to dramatically reduce energy consumption during low demand periods.

Also new to the market is Mitsubishi Electric’s PAR-30MAA local controller, which provides all standard control functions but also offers advanced functions that are ideal for installers or contractors commissioning a system, performing maintenance checks or looking for errors.

The PAR-30MAA is the latest in the range of re-designed controls and provides a new clearer higher resolution LCD backlit screen. The user interface has been completely overhauled from the previous generation, simplifying the operation, setup and navigation through the menus and options.

The PAR-30MAA controller now only has four main buttons with four dynamically changing function buttons directly underneath the impressive new screen.

A completely new option for the PAR-30MAA is the ability to configure the controller in either a simplified mode (mode, set point and fan speed control only) or in advanced mode providing full access to all of the controller functionality.

Accessed via the maintenance password on the PAR-30MAA is a new ‘smooth maintenance’ function which is available when the controller is connected to any Mr Slim outdoor unit. When initiated, this function can be targeted to any connected outdoor unit to obtain detailed service and operational data.

“This provides maintenance engineers with a quick and simple way to monitor the system and gather all the essential running data necessary to make inspection, maintenance and diagnostics much easier,” explains Fahey.

Again, the new PAR-30MAA local controller comes with a range of built in energy saving functions, such as set point limitation, auto set point return and weekly scheduling.

Also provided by the controller is the option to set up a Duty Standby system controlling two Mr Slim systems, enabling them to work together as one to provide continuous operation in critical applications such as server rooms.

“These two new controllers extend the comprehensive range available to our customers and bring advanced functionality to make the installation, operation and maintenance of our equipment even easier and more efficient,” adds Fahey.

“At Mitsubishi Electric we are determined to develop products that help customers reduce their energy consumption, and by introducing these simple to use controllers with added, advanced energy saving functions, operators will be able to lower their carbon footprint,” he ends.

Further details on the new controllers and the complete range of advanced air conditioning solutions can be found at www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/aircon.

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The VRV®III Heating Only system introduced by Daikin Europe, uses renewable energy from outdoor air to drive the heating process, generating 4 kW of usable heat for every 1 kW of electricity consumed. It is therefore considerably more efficient than heating systems that burn fossil fuels, reducing both energy consumption and CO2 emissions of a building. Even when the electricity consumed comes from non-renewable sources, CO2 emissions are still much lower than fuel oil or natural gas burning boilers. VRV®III Heating Only therefore reduces a building’s heating costs and its environmental footprint.

The variable refrigerant flow concept inherent in behind VRV® technology was developed by Daikin and has been updated continuously over the past 25 years to a point where it represents an ideal solution for buildings, which have separate zones with individual heating requirements.

VRV®III Heating Only uses inverters to dynamically adapt compressor speed – and thus heating output – to actual building demand. Full capacity provides rapid warm up times and once rooms reach their optimum temperature, the system throttles back, generating just enough heat to maintain comfort levels at optimum efficiency. VRV®III Heating Only also responds quickly to changes in outdoor and indoor temperatures. Furthermore, each indoor zone can be controlled individually, enabling room occupants to enjoy optimum temperatures, ventilation and humidity, while the system operates at peak efficiency.

VRV®III Heating Only is designed for buildings of all sizes with diverse heating needs but is particularly suitable for installation in public buildings in climates where summer cooling is not required. Outdoor units from 25 to 170 kW support up to 64 separate indoor units, with each indoor unit receiving precisely the heat it needs. Long piping runs are possible and the system’s modular construction promotes quick and easy installation. Start-up costs can be spread with phased installation and there is no need for fuel storage tanks and pumps.

Fifteen different model indoor units are supported, including ceiling mounted, floor-standing and wall mounted types. Fresh air ventilation and Biddle air curtains can be integrated with the system, which also supports a wide range of control possibilities, including multiple building monitoring from a central location via Internet.

VRV®III Heating Only offers top efficiency, low operating costs and reduced CO2 emissions, whilst retaining optimum comfort throughout the building.

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

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Decorative electrical wiring accessories manufacturer, Hamilton Litestat, has announced that it is expanding and strengthening its sales team with a number of new faces coming on board and a restructure of the existing sales team.

Sarah Cox has joined Hamilton as South Western Sales Representative. Julian Churchill, who previously held this position, will now head up Hamilton’s lighting controls department at the head office in Wiltshire. Julian has been designing lighting control systems for many years and adds his considerable expertise to this key area of Hamilton’s business.

Another new face at Hamilton is Jerry Kelly, who has been appointed Southern Specification Representative. Jerry has vast experience gained from over 40 years in the electrical industry and has been bought into this new position to support Hamilton’s growth in the specifier market.

Andrew Partington, who has been with the company for two years in roles as Northern Regional Manager and UK Specification Manager, will shortly take up the position of UK Field Sales and Specification Manager, heading up the entire UK sales team. Andy’s previous sales roles in the North of England have been taken over by newcomers Lisa Brown, North Western Sales Representative, and Ian Tweedly, North Eastern Sales Representative.

All these new appointments come as Bill Milne, Hamilton’s long serving Sales Director, retires after 12 years with the firm.

“We’re sad to see Bill go as he’s given us 12 years of invaluable service and he will be greatly missed,” said Rod Hamilton, Chairman of Hamilton Litestat. “However, it’s exciting for us to be welcoming so many new faces and expanding our team in this way. We supply quality electrical wiring accessories and lighting controls throughout the UK and further afield, and our sales teams have a pivotal role to play in growing our business. We’re sure that the newly restructured and larger team will offer an even better quality of service to our customers.”

T: 01747 860088
E: web@hamilton-litestat.com
www.hamilton-litestat.com

Picture caption: Andrew Partington, UK Field Sales and Specification Manager

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Creating a zoned heating system in any home is easy and affordable using Timeguard’s new Programastat electronic heating programmers with options for independent control of up to four separate zones for heating and hot water.

All of these multi-channel programmers are suitable for pump or gravity fed systems, offer the option of having different programs for weekdays and weekends and have as standard a range of features such as automatic summer/winter change, boost buttons and attractive LEDs giving a clear indiction of status at any time. Installation of all the products in the Programastat range is simplified with Timeguard’s universal wiring centre box. 16 terminal block circuits and four earth terminals are provided, as are a range of wiring diagrams, including S and Y plans.

The new programmers are available through wholesalers now. More information is available at www.timeguard.com. Alternatively call customer services on 020 8452 1112 or email them at csc@timeguard.com.

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…save more than £850 over the next ten years, just by replacing your heating system pump!

A quick look at the level of energy bills today compared with those ten years ago, would probably have you gasping in disbelief. The occasional lower tariff that catches the headlines can appear to reduce energy bills for a while, but they are usually used by energy companies as means to capture 'conquest business' from other suppliers. The lower prices seldom last long. Consumer Associations recommend that British customers that have a reputation for sticking with suppliers for decades rather than switching, change their ways and their suppliers – but this usually only leads to short-term savings – until the next price increase.

So it is more than annoying that in many households in the UK, at a time when we're all looking for ways of saving money, electricity consumption – and the resulting bills that thump onto the door mat – are unnecessarily high.

When you're looking for the culprits, one of the often undetected “energy guzzlers” in the home can be found as part of the heating system. It's the heating pump which is needed in central heating systems to distribute the heat from the boiler to the radiators or in renewable systems from the heat source to the heat emitters – whether radiators or underfloor heating. An old, uncontrolled pump – of which there are still millions operating in the UK – can contribute up to £130 on the annual electricity bill for a standard family house. An elderly heating pump can consume more energy than other big energy consumers in the house, including the electric cooker, cooling devices and refrigerators. These elderly pumps can be running non-stop – whether they need to or not, constantly using electricity and constantly racking up electricity bills – without the consumer knowing it!

Anyone with an old pump on their heating system shouldn't wait a minute longer than they have to. A relatively minor investment can reduce their electricity consumption quickly and sustainably. The “minor heating system modernisation” required is quite simply the replacement of an old, uncontrolled pump by a high-efficiency pump. A competent heating engineer or installer can make the switch in less than an hour. From the moment the new high efficiency pump is installed, annual electricity costs for operating that heating pump can be reduced by as much as 90 per cent.

A new high efficiency small circulator from pump manufacturer Wilo is incredibly economical. Independent testing has certified that the Wilo-Stratos-PICO model consumes only 46.5 kWh/a for a typical family home according to the standard Europump Commitment measurement procedure – the official EU body that measures these things. That's around 90% energy saving over an old uncontrolled pump and only 50% of the electricity demanded by what was previously the best energy efficiency class 'A' pump – and it is more economical than any other A-class pump you can buy. In fact – it uses less electricity in a year than a stand by light on a TV or DVD player! And the Wilo Smart A pump offers similar benefits – offering around 80% energy saving over an old uncontrolled pump.

Consumers who replace their old heating system pump before it breaks down save the most. Wilo says that the purchase of a new Wilo-Stratos PICO pump will have paid for itself in just a few years – as little as two or three years in some cases – just as a result of the saved electricity costs. And then it's all about further savings. Ten years down the line, they will have saved more than £850 that otherwise would have gone to their electricity supplier through regular bills, that's remained in their household budget to spend on more important things.

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Cromar LEAD-FREE is a high performance, low cost aluminium flashing suitable for use as an alternative to traditional lead in both flat and pitched roof applications. It has a durable, polyurethane outer coating and a polyisobutylene backing adhesive which ensures a strong, permanent, watertight bond, in most cases without priming. Its light weight and flexibility make it ideal for details such as abutments, chimneys, dormers, soakers, valleys and roof windows. LEAD-FREE can be cut and shaped with either a knife or scissors without producing sharp edges and worked in any direction using a mallet, roller or by hand. It has a 15 year guarantee and a life expectancy in excess of 20 years.

LEAD-FREE is available in 5 metre rolls and widths of 150, 300 and 450mm. The largest weighs just 4.5 kilos

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Timeguard has done it again, with a new product range that will boost your business and give your customers better service and performance.

The Programastat range of electronic room thermostats and heating programmers includes everything from simple roomstats controllers to multi-channel (multi zone) heating controllers and the increasingly popular wire free RF technology. This covers all the options you will need to improve energy efficiency in your customer’s homes and, as you will have come to expect from Timeguard, the range combines superior, guaranteed performance with remarkably competitive pricing.

Behind the sleek exteriors of the range are sophisticated electronic controls that react immediately to changes in temperature, minimising the over- and under-shoots (saw-toothing) of traditional thermostats. Even the simple room thermostats in the range, with adjustable dials, are electronically controlled. The precise control these products exert can quickly add up to big energy savings.

Wireless RF Programatats

Wire free installation is ideal where it is impractical to run wires between a room thermostat and other central heating controls, and this new device can be relied on to transmit time and temperature programmes to its wall-mounted receiver box up to 60m away.

Multi zone contol

The Programastat range also meets the steadily growing demand for mutli zone control. The range includes products are programmers with seven-day or 24 hour options and with as many as four independently-controlled channels. These will cover, say, hot water and three heating zones in the home.

The range also includes wall.-mounted room thermostats with adjustable digital control and cylinder/pipe thermostats. There’s even a wireless option for installations where it is impractical to run wires between room thermostats and heating controllers.

Installation of all the products in the Programastat range is kept simple with Timeguard’s universal wiring centre box. 16 terminal block circuits and four earth terminals are provided, as are wiring diagrams for S plan and Y plan installations.

Available now. More information is available at www.timeguard.com. Alternatively call customer services o 020 8452 1112 or email them at csc@Timeguard.com

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