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Stelrad Radiators is celebrating definitive confirmation that it does indeed produce installers’ favourite radiators here in the UK. The result of research carried out earlier this year by a leading sector publication with a random sample of nearly 150 installers came up with some very positive results that seem to suggest that pretty much every installer has installed Stelrad radiators at some stage in their careers – and most of them found it a pleasurable experience! So pleasurable indeed, that they have continued to do so ever since.

The results of the survey were very revealing and supported Stelrad’s four key values in its business. Asked what the most important influencers were on their choice of radiator brand to install in the private replacement market, 42% said that availability from merchant stock was the most important factor, followed by 37% who said that access to a wide range of sizes was important. Only 22% said that price was the key deciding factor and 20% said product design was key. Perhaps most worryingly for the Government, only 11% said that environmental benefits came into play when deciding on the radiators they wanted to install.

Asked if they offered their customers a choice of radiator designs, a perhaps surprising 76% said they did, whilst 24% admitted they didn’t and installed what they thought would be best for that customer.

93% of installers consider the age and condition of the radiators when replacing a boiler and if appropriate recommend replacing them according to the survey.

Asked to list the brand of radiator products they trusted most, 78% mentioned Stelrad, and invited to name five brands, 17% actually mentioned only Stelrad by name. Nearly 90% mentioned Stelrad or an Ideal Stelrad Group brand of radiators in their answers.

“These results are very satisfying,” said Stelrad’s Marketing Director Anna Burns. “We know we’re the UK’s number one which suggests we’re getting something right, but direct responses like this from a decent sized, statistically valid sample, do help us to recognise what is important to our customers and gives us a ‘checkpoint’ to ensure we’re actually responding to what installers out there want, rather than what we think they might want. It’s very pleasing to see that availability and range are the two most important influencers on selection in the merchants. We have instigated a new strategy that sees us with four core values at Stelrad – reliability, availability, range and value for money – and between them they account for the majority of reasons why installers choose a given brand of radiators.

“In addition, the recent launch of ‘The Radiator Book’ – our comprehensive new catalogue of all our products, but with a huge amount of technical information as well, will, we hope, help those installers to have an even better insight into what we offer and the options available to them and their customers, and see us converting even more installers to think ‘Stelrad’ when they walk into their merchant.”

Full details of the exciting Stelrad Radiator range can be found on their website at www.stelrad.com where you can download a pdf of “The Radiator Book”, or of course by calling on 0870 849 8058. You can also request your own printed copy of ‘The Radiator Book’ from the website, from their stands at upcoming heating and plumbing shows or by calling Stelrad.

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Bradford-based construction, civil engineering and groundworks contractor Moortown (www.moortowngroup.com) has enhanced its equipment fleet with the purchase of six more market-leading Kubota mini excavators, in a deal that now takes the total number of Kubota models used by the company well into double figures.

Three KX080-3 and three KX057-4 machines – the two highest capacity models in the Kubota mini excavator range – have been selected to provide Moortown with a hard-working and versatile solution; ideal for its extensive school and hospital building programme, as well as other construction and civil engineering projects.

Half of the new vehicles are traded-in replacements for another manufacturer's models, while the rest are additions to support the rapid growth of Moortown, a leading construction and civil engineering specialist operating throughout the North of England.

“Work demand has been increasing to such an extent that it made commercial sense to invest long-term by purchasing six machines rather than hiring several mini excavators to augment our existing fleet,” explains Moortown plant manager Pat Stapleton.

“Kubota was the natural choice based on the quality of their mini excavators which we’ve used in the past. By upgrading to some of the latest models, we are future-proofed against the huge amount of excavation work anticipated.”

The high-performance models chosen by Moortown meet the company’s requirement for productivity, reliability and durability. Ideal for heavy-duty construction applications, the KX080-3 can handle up to 8 tonnes, while the new KX057-4 hits the 5.5 tonne mark.

The KX080-3 features a versatile 2-piece boom, whose long reach and close retraction make the levelling of large areas more efficient and productive, even in narrow environments. Innovative hydraulics enable the operator to complete smooth simultaneous operation of arm, boom, bucket and swivel, all controlled by a user-friendly 2-piece pedal. It also benefits from the CESAR© registration and security initiative.

The KX057-4 delivers an impressive bucket digging force of 4,315 kgf, with a powerful and well-balanced arm and bucket enabling the operator to dig faster and more efficiently even in the toughest conditions.

Both machines benefit from Kubota’s unique, Thatcham approved, key-based 'ANTI-THEFT' system and a three year warranty as standard, alongside a host of easy-to-use features and unrivalled user comfort. There is better visibility and an intuitive digital panel display, which indicates fuel level, engine temperature, service intervals, auxiliary circuit oil flow settings and even the machine’s operational history.

Each has a new load-sensing hydraulic system which provides optimum oil flow to each cylinder, offering smooth operation and enhanced fuel economy, as well as an auto-shift system which enables automatic travel shift from high to low, depending on traction effort and terrain.

The use of Kubota Original Direct Injection Engines, meanwhile, includes a fuel-saving Auto-Idle function, while bonnet placement is optimised for ease of maintenance.

Richard Harrison, Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment sales & marketing manager, said: “We are delighted that Moortown continues to hold faith in the quality of Kubota engineering and this further purchase is testament to the exceptional build quality, superior performance and outstanding reliability of our mini excavators, which continue to prove, time and time again, that they are undoubtedly the best machines of their type on the market.

“By enhancing their fleet with some of our most powerful machines, we are sure that these latest additions will have a really positive impact on Moortown’s rapidly growing business.”

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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Reliable humidity and temperature controls are essential in ensuring the high performance of many building automation applications. To ensure accurate and stable measurement data, Vaisala introduces two new humidity and temperature transmitters, designed for use in cleanrooms and demanding HVAC applications specifically.

The new Vaisala HUMICAP® Humidity and Temperature Transmitters HMT120 and HMT130 complement Vaisala’s existing offering of relative humidity measurement instruments that covers all applications from ventilation to process control.

In addition to delivering accurate and reliable long term measurement data, the new transmitters are durable, easy-to-use and easy-to-install. In addition, their smooth enclosure finish is resistant to dust and most chemical cleaning agents, which means that the transmitters are ideal for installation in critical environments with very high level of air quality requirements.

“The HMT120/130 are ideal in more demanding HVAC applications, such as outdoor and high humidity environments. They incorporate Vaisala's state-of-the-art HUMICAP® humidity sensor technology with guaranteed high measurement performance, which for the user means less maintenance and trouble free operation”, says Ulla Mattila, Regional Market Manager for Vaisala's Building Automation business.

Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, the transmitters can be either wall-mounted or used with a remote probe for installations inside air handling units, air ducts, and difficult to reach places. Calibration and maintenance are made simple, quick and cost-effective by making the transmitters' relative humidity probes fully interchangeable. As a result, the probes can be replaced without having to remove and re-adjust the transmitter.

For further information and detailed product specifications, please go to www.vaisala.com/hmt120.

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Megger’s SVERKER 760 protection relay test set can now optionally be ordered with a rugged protective case that makes it even easier and more convenient to store, transport and use. The case, which is constructed entirely from non-conductive materials, incorporates a robust hinged carrying handle, and is also fitted with an second extendable handle and wheels, allowing it to be moved around easily and with a minimum of effort.

• More portable
• More manouverable
• Better protected
• Easy to move

To allow unimpeded access to the instrument, the lid of the case can be removed completely and, as a further aid to convenience, provision is made within the case for the storage of test leads. When closed, the new case has an IP67 ingress protection rating to safeguard the instrument against damage by water, dust or other contaminants while it is being stored or transported.

Efficient testing

The SVERKER 760 single-phase protective relay test set for which the new case is suitable are designed to maximise testing efficiency while minimising complexity. It features logical front panel layouts that make setting up straight forward, and it has easy to read displays that can be used to show Z, R, X, S, P, Q, phase angle etc., as well as time, voltage and current.

As a further aid to testing efficiency, the voltmeter function of the instruments can be configured as a second ammeter, which is particularly useful when testing differential relays, and the display incorporates a freeze function for capturing short duration voltage and current transients.

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Eaton’s Electrical Sector has announced that its versatile xEnergy modular switchboard system has been verified by testing as fully meeting the requirements of BS EN 61439-1 and BS EN 61439-2, the new UK standards for low voltage switchgear assemblies, which were published in January 2010. This provides specifiers and users of xEnergy products with the highest level of confidence in their performance and safety, as well as invaluable future proofing.

The xEnergy system is also compliant with the older and now obsolescent standard, BS EN 60439-1, which specifiers may continue to use until November 2014, should they choose to do so. The xEnergy modular switchboard system has been designed to allow users maximum flexibility in configuration, so that they can easily build assemblies that accurately meet their own particular requirements. The system is made up of fully tested function modules, which have internal separation up to Form 4.

xEnergy switchboards can accommodate incomers and bus-section switches with ratings up to 4,000A and outgoing sections with switching and protective devices rated up to 630A. The system supports three-pole, four-pole and three-pole-plus-neutral configurations, making it suitable for all normal industrial and commercial applications.

In addition to the power sections, control sections can also be provided as required to accommodate, for example, motor starters, power factor correction modules, variable speed drives, soft starters and automation solutions. Empty sections can readily be incorporated in the assemblies to allow for easy future expansion. The xEnergy system has been developed from the outset to satisfy today’s requirements for detailed monitoring of energy usage. It offers extensive provision for the inclusion of metering and sub-metering, making it easy for users to comply with Part L2 of the Building Regulations and similar legislation. Eaton offers its Moeller xEnergy switchboards in flat-packed versions that make storage and handling easy, or in partially assembled versions that reduce the assembly time needed after delivery. The boards can be arranged to comply with specific national requirements, such as DIN, VDE, CEI, NF and UNE, allowing them to be used as the basis for customised solutions for many different markets around the world.

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Introducing Low-Build UFH from Thermoboard. It’s a slim, energy-efficient, plumbed system that can be installed quickly and safely. It’s designed to fit onto existing floors with minimum build-up and no major disruption.

Low-Build plumbed UFH vs Electric mat UFH

Until recently, an electric mat system was the usual solution for adding UFH to existing floors. However, the high running costs of electric UFH have always been a drawback.

Like all plumbed UFH systems, Low-Build UFH is less costly in service than electric systems. In fact, when compared with Low-Build UFH, an electric system can cost up to 3 times as much to run.

Low-Build UFH is based on ultra-slim polystyrene panels with pre-routed channels for 10mm polybutylene pipe. The installed height is just 15mm. That’s actually less than the diameter of a UK 5p coin. Each panel has a thin aluminium diffuser layer as a built-in heat reflector. A 6mm ply load-bearing layer may be added if required.

Key benefits

• No digging or dismantling of existing floors to accommodate UFH.
• No significant rise in floor level necessary.
• No separate end-return panels needed.
• Less disruption to doors and skirting.
• No special tools required.
• Panels easy to handle and trim to size.
• No assistance required to lay panels and pipe.

Applications: for existing floors

Low-Build can be installed directly onto any flat and level existing floor, whether solid or timber-based. It’s perfect when renovating:

• Kitchens
• Conservatories
• Bathrooms
• Newly-separated en-suites for bedrooms
• Garage conversions

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Hambleside Danelaw, the UK market leader for GRP mortarless flashing products, is urging builders to follow a new NHBC recommendation that they should seriously consider opting for dry systems on pitched roofs to reduce their risk of incurring remedial works due to mortar failure.

The NHBC has just reported that 60% of claims handled in 2010 related to pitch roofs and half of these claims were due to mortar issues. The Council’s latest Technical Extra guidelines ask, “When was the last time you considered the latest dry systems available?”

Availability is easily found within one of the most comprehensive ‘dry roof’ ranges offered by a British manufacturer. The range includes Dry Fix valley troughs, ridge and hip systems, soakers, verges and bonding gutters. Some of these Danelaw products are listed in the WRAP procurement guide because they contain up to 50% recyclable content.

Scotland leads the way

The NHBC says that almost all of its insured sites in Scotland are now being built with dry systems for ridges, verges and hips. Claims figures appear to support this move to dry systems, with Scotland experiencing a smaller proportion of pitched roof claims per property covered.

Since the start of 2011, Project Managers for three local authorities in Scotland and the Glasgow Housing Association have specified Hambleside Danelaw’s Dry Fix Bonding Gutters and HD TV15 Tile Vents.

Dry verges reduce claims

Verges are also reported by the NHBC to be a common feature of pitched roof claims and can require complicated and expensive scaffold access to facilitate repairs. Hambleside Danelaw supplies GRP Dry Verges in an attractive slate grey colour for batten and sark boards or face fixing which are suitable for all natural and man-made slates.

Chris Avery, Hambleside Danelaw’s managing director, comments: “Repairs directly undertaken by builders add to the £11m bill which the NHBC faces for pitch roof claims, so it really makes sense for specifiers and contractors to look at the Dry Fix option. And if you choose Hambleside Danelaw, you are buying products designed and made in Britain.”

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Mira Showers – the UK’s leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories – has compiled a comprehensive collection of showering and bathroom products from both its own range and from Rada’s commercial range that particularly suit the demands of the social housing sector. Each element combines safety and security for the user, together with water efficiency, ease of installation and low maintenance.

The collection includes showering, bathing and hand washing products as well as adaptation products that enable less-able tenants to wash and shower independently. Among the impressive accreditations that many of the products have been awarded are TMV2, TMV3, BEAB Care, Waterwise and endorsement from the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB).

The showering range offers a choice of products to suit every type of UK domestic water system whether it be low or high pressure, hot and cold water or cold water alone.

Contemporary mixers incorporate the latest ‘Eco’ water efficiency technology and electric showers feature thermostatic control for safer showering.

Among the products included are the Mira Excel EV, the UK’s best-selling thermostatic mixer which is suitable for all pressures, and the Mira Sport. One of the UK’s best-selling slimline electric showers, the Mira Sport features Sensi-flo™, which prevents scalding if there is any loss in water pressure or any blockage in the hose. Sport also features Opti-flo™, which ensures optimum flow performance throughout the year.

The breadth of technology-led products from Mira and Rada provides a range of products that can adapt conventional fittings so they can be used by the less able, such as long lever taps, non-touch digital showers and infra-red operated non-touch taps. For instance the Mira Advance ATL Flex is not only one of the few electric showers to be awarded the BEAB Care mark for safety, it is also endorsed by the RNIB thanks to its user friendly features designed specifically for blind and visually impaired users.

Each year around 20 people die and nearly 600 are seriously injured by scalding, an issue addressed by Part G of the Building Regulations which highlights the importance of thermostatic controls in safeguarding children and the elderly. Rada and Mira are leaders in the development of thermostatic controls, so their combined range of TMV2 and TMV3 products makes compliance with these regulations straightforward.

The range is competed by shower trays, wall panels and accessories that can be employed to adapt and upgrade existing fittings. Mira Flight trays and panels, already specified in the healthcare sector, incorporate BioCote® antibacterial protection which reduces bacteria and mould by 99.9% and are easily installed: the panels are up to 75% faster to install than conventional tiles.

The accessories in the range are selected to meet the demands of community housing developments and special needs adaptations and include showerheads that limit water usage and lime scale, corner-mounted slide bars that save space and shower seats. All these products are detailed in the latest publication from Mira, Showering and Bathroom Products for Housing Communities.

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Daikin Europe has launched the latest in its series of advanced air purifiers – the MC70L – combining re engineered Daikin ‘Flash Streamer’ technology, improved performance and ultra quiet operation.

Suitable for use in rooms of up to 46m2, the new air purifier operates quietly (16dBA in ‘silent mode), blends unobtrusively with any form of interior décor and offers substantial air flows of 420m3/h (in turbo mode). The unit is also compact, portable and features an easy to read and understand function display panel.

Employing a multi-layer filtering system and re engineered Daikin ‘Flash Streamer’ technology, which captures removes and decomposes allergens, bacteria, dust particles, odours, pet hairs, moulds, pollen and mites, MC70L has a filter life of 2 years and comes supplied with 5 additional filters to provide 10 years of high quality air purification at normal activity levels.

The high energy efficiency and functionality of the unit is enhanced by an advanced hand-held remote controller, which enables the user to programme the air purifier to supply treated air rapidly and whenever required.

Sleek, stylish and ideally suited for use in residential and light commercial applications such as hotels, restaurants, libraries and canteens and small offices, MC70L incorporates a ‘sleep mode’ for increased night time comfort, a ‘turbo mode’ for rapid operation and an ‘auto mode’ that senses air quality and adjusts operation accordingly.

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As part of a major digital update and to offer further support to professional tradesmen, Polycell Trade has launched a new and improved website.

Packed full of useful information on high performance fillers, adhesives and decorating aids, the new website – www.polycelltrade.co.uk – is designed to support professionals at any stage of their career in selecting the correct product for domestic and commercial projects.

It's quick and simple to use, and has a particular focus on product quality and performance, including a section containing details of the brand's 'Best Performer' range. At the click of a button, visitors will find up-to-date product information, as well as a 'Tips and Support' section which offers answers to frequently asked questions.

With the aid of an easy to use search tool bar, users will also discover a range of support tools designed to help them achieve an excellent finish, including details of alternative decorating aids.

“We're always looking for ways to help our customers and the new website has been created to do just this, by making information and advice readily and easily available to them online,” said Nick Watson, Polycell Trade, Brand Manager. “It contains a wealth of information, and its user-friendly feel means professionals can access the information they need quickly and conveniently.”

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