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Mira Showers – the UK’s leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories – is taking showering technology to new heights with the introduction of its latest wireless digital shower. The Mira Platinum is bristling with innovations to make showering an even more pleasurable experience, literally at the touch of a button.

The Platinum can be programmed to allow a number of functions to be set including shower duration, maximum and minimum temperatures and flow rates, as well as a warm up mode and eco mode. There’s even a clock display to keep an eye on the time.

The new digital shower uses radio frequency (RF) communication between the interface and control valve. This makes installation simpler, provides the freedom to locate the interface almost anywhere and also permits the use of additional interfaces which can be mounted outside of the cubicle, allowing the user to ‘warm’ the shower to the desired temperature prior to entry.

Installation could not be simpler with either ceiling or rear fed fittings available, and a choice of valves – a high pressure valve for mains pressurised systems or combination boilers or a pumped valve for low pressure or gravity fed systems – to choose from. Such is the flexibility of Platinum that the valve can be sited somewhere discrete be it in the loft, under a bath or other convenient location up to 10 metres from the controller.

With the launch of Platinum, Mira has raised the bar in digital showering offering convenience and control for the consumer, while providing flexibility and ease of installation for the trade.

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Cuprinol Trade, the leading authority in high quality woodcare products, has launched its new website – www.cuprinoltrade.co.uk – to offer greater support and advice to professional tradesmen.

The new website is packed with useful information and helpful tools for woodcare professionals, including a handy 'Product Selector' to help make choosing the right product quick and simple. There's also a dedicated 'Advice and Support' page, containing information for appliers and specifiers, as well as a comprehensive woodcare FAQs section.

Visitors to the new website can access and download the very latest product literature and information, as well as get involved, with the opportunity to sign up and become a member of the online Cuprinol Trade woodcare community. Those who join will receive a free thermal travel mug, ideal for use when working long hours outdoors.

With extensive specialist experience in the preservation and transformation of landscape wood, Cuprinol Trade has built up a well-earned reputation for reliable products which deliver professional results every time and ultimately 'make wood look good'. The extensive range includes its recently reformulated range of wood preservers including Cuprinol Trade Exterior Wood Preserver, Decorative Preserver and Wood Preserver Clear, all of which now offer even better protection.

Richard Bradley, Marketing Manager, Trade Woodcare at ICI Paints AkzoNobel, comments: “We've designed the new website especially for woodcare professionals looking for advice and guidance when making a product selection. The website will also create a fantastic online community where they can get access to all the information about the latest innovations from Cuprinol Trade.”

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• The first high efficiency glanded pump
• New GIGA pump features Highly Efficient Drive concept (HED – High Efficiency Drive) and offers motor efficiencies above the new IE4 limit value*
• An exciting new opportunity for the building services and industrial sectors and up to 70% lower energy consumption compared to conventional, uncontrolled pumps

Wilo has launched the Wilo-Stratos GIGA here in the UK. It’s another highly efficient pump product – the first high efficiency glanded pump – and it’s targeted specifically at the building services and industry sectors.

The Wilo-Stratos GIGA offers building designers, specifiers and architects the chance to easily optimize the energy costs and environmental balance of a building or industrial complex. With its hydraulic output and specification, the new Wilo-Stratos GIGA is ideal for commercial, industrial and residential buildings. These include universities and colleges, schools, office blocks, hotels, conference centres, factories, prisons, hospitals, primary care centres – in essence, any new building where energy consumption and emissions need to be reduced and any existing building where the current pumps are elderly, uncontrolled pumps, consuming far more electricity than they should in the current energy climate.

It’s the first pump from Wilo’s new high-efficiency series for heating, cold-water and cooling applications, and it’s targeted at projects where energy saving pumps will pay significant dividends over a typically fifteen year lifecycle.

The figures associated with the new Wilo-Stratos GIGA are quite staggering.

Due to the combination of new hydraulics with a new highly efficient drive concept (HED – High Efficiency Drive) the Wilo-Stratos GIGA offers major energy saving benefits. Specifying the GIGA for your projects will result in a saving of emissions amounting to approximately 8,000 kg CO2 per year as well as saving up to £70,000 in electricity costs per pump installed over a 15 year lifecycle, compared to conventional uncontrolled pumps (based on the Blue Angel load profile). The new GIGA has a typical payback period of less than two years, which highlights the benefits and value of installing high efficiency Wilo pumps.

The new pump series that the GIGA leads is a completely new development. For the first time glanded pumps are driven by highly efficient energy-saving EC motors and the pumps' hydraulics are optimally adjusted to the motor technology. According to Wilo, GIGA pumps can claim particularly high total efficiency based on a motor efficiency of up to 94 per cent at a nominal motor power of 4.5 kW. The motor's energy efficiency is based on a new high-efficiency drive concept, the High Efficiency Drive (HED) from Wilo and even outclasses the limit of efficiency class IE4 (acc. to IEC TS 60034-31 Ed.1) outlined under the new and far reaching ErP Directive for energy related products. That’s impressive by any measure.

Thanks to the proven “red-button technology” and an easy to monitor display, the pump guarantees user-friendly operation. On the basis of optionally available IF-Modules that can be integrated, different interfaces for Bus communication can be utilized – including PLR, LON, Modbus, BACNet and CAN – making external devices redundant.

Earlier this year, just before its first unveiling at the ISH trade fair in Germany, the Wilo-Stratos GIGA was awarded the “iF product design award”. This sought-after design award honours design quality, as well as the degree of innovation, its environmental compatibility, functionality and ergonomics.

Wilo’s MD in the UK is Gary Mannus: “Wilo is taking huge strides in developing new products that respond directly to the requirements of the current environmental climate. But more than that, we’re offering equipment and expertise that will help the UK to meet its energy saving and emissions reduction targets. The potential for savings using these new pumps is staggering and when you consider that 85% of the lifecycle costs of a pump are the energy costs, being able to save up to 70% of those just by using a Wilo-Stratos GIGA is a very appealing argument for looking very closely at what Wilo has to offer.”

*according to IEC TS 60034-31 Ed.1

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In a significant move for the painting and decorating industry, Dulux Trade has launched a new range of solvent based gloss products which are its whitest ever . The improved portfolio includes Dulux Trade New Work Gloss, and Dulux Trade High Gloss in White and Pure Brilliant White, which have been shown in tests to be the company's whitest ever glosses, along with enhanced undercoats, which offer a flatter finish than previous versions. Importantly, this latest development means professional decorators and painting contractors can achieve a superb quality, high gloss finish.

As a result of changes in Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) legislation, which required all paint manufacturers to reformulate their solvent based trim paints, some professional tradesman have experienced increased yellowing in VOC compliant glosses, especially in new build environments. Understanding the challenges and issues this caused appliers and their customers, Dulux Trade has placed significant investment in improving its solvent-based gloss solutions so that decorators and contractors need not sacrifice ease of application over product performance.

The result of this extensive research and development is a new breed of solvent based trim paints that boast improved whiteness. In particular, the enhanced Dulux Trade Undercoat has been reformulated to provide the low sheen level experienced decorators prefer in an undercoat, and the glosses to deliver great whiteness, along with a high gloss finish and excellent opacity. What's more, by using these new coatings, customers can experience all the benefits of using solvent-based coatings such as exceptional application properties, easier flow out of brush marks, and durability against dirt pick up and grease.

“Since the reduction of VOCs, yellowing has been a key issue across the painting and decorating industry and one that leading manufacturers have looked to solve in various ways. While water-based glosses provide an alternative to traditional solvent borne paints, these coatings are not favoured by all professionals across all project types,” said Stephanie Brown, Brand Manager for Dulux Trade Core. “As we believe decorators and painting contractors shouldn't have to compromise or adapt their way of working, Dulux Trade has continued to innovate its traditional solvent borne glosses”.

“Through this research, Dulux Trade has created a new generation of trim paints. This move is key for professionals as it now means they can choose a product to suit, with the confidence that it will deliver on durability and performance.”

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Thorn’s Quattro LED luminaire brings the benefits of LED lighting to recessed ceiling grid installations. It has one of the most homogeneous colour temperatures in the industry, a high colour rendering index (CRI) of 92, efficacies of up to 66 luminaire lumens /circuit Watt – far exceeding the target value of Part L – and is designed to last at least 50,000 hours. Moreover, with a choice of opal or micro prism diffuser there are soft, low brightness solutions for offices, schools and retail environments. The product utilises a Cree 58W LED light engine, which generates white light in a new way: a row of fittings will have the same colour temperature of 3500K, whereas most other LED fittings will have variations.

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Thorn’s Planor SR now employs LED technology to guarantee lighting quality. The lay-in 600mm sq luminaire uses a dimmable Cree 58W LED module with active colour management and a micro prismatic lighting technique that regulates the light through pyramidal prisms. This ensures colour temperature stability of 3500K through life, a colour rendering index (CRI) of 92 and reduced glare. Elegant and technically sophisticated it solves one of those eternal problems – how to give even, yet ‘soft’ lighting over an entire desk surface.

The minimalist design of the semi-recessed silver-grey frame evokes association to flat panel displays, while the use of LEDs and aluminium ensures a long life (50,000 hours at 70% lumen output) and minimal environmental impact. This makes the Planor SR LED the perfect solution for tomorrow’s sports and leisure centres.

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Following on from last year's success, ICI Paints AkzoNobel will be showcasing its range of market-leading products on stand 25 at this year's National Painting and Decorating show.

On-stand there will be an assortment of giveaways and handy literature available for visitors to take away and what's more, the company has teamed up with the event organisers to give away iPads to four lucky visitors each day.

James Green, Communications Manager at ICI Paints AkzoNobel comments: “Last year's National Painting and Decorating show was one of the most successful to'date for ICI Paints AkzoNobel, with a fantastic buzz on-stand throughout the event.”

James continues: “With a bustling programme of activities planned for this year, we are confident that 2011 will be even better. Our expert support service and quality products ensure we can help professionals deliver cost-effective, premium results.”

The company's extensive portfolio of high profile brands includes Dulux Trade, Glidden Trade, Polycell Trade, Sikkens and Cuprinol Trade. On-stand, experts from the manufacturer will be on hand to deliver professional advice to visitors and provide guidance on its range of high performance trade paints.

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Demonstrating the benefits including improvements in the potential performance and energy savings from the retrofit installation of Sustainable Water Treatment to existing building services is a major factor in the take-up and case for investment. And being able to demonstrate what’s flowing where, not flowing or even flowing backwards can go a long way to establishing confidence with potential customers that your company knows what its doing!

Surveying existing large-scale heating and HWS installations to establish a basis for installing improvements can be a daunting task and Environmental Treatment Concepts (ETC) www.electronicdescaler.com have found that the PF330 portable clamp-on flow and heat-meter from Micronics www.micronicsflowmeters.com is an ideal tool for the job.

Established in 1989 ETC has helped many commercial and industrial clients save thousands of pounds with their Effective Physical Water Treatment. Water that is naturally hard, as in 70% of the UK contains dissolved calcium and other minerals and their effect on pipe work and water systems can be disastrous including reducing heat exchanger energy efficiency by up-to 40% due to lime scale build-up. The Micronics products are used to demonstrate how bad the performance is before installation and the improvements in efficiency following installation with LTHW pipe sizes ranging from circa 2 to 18 inches. The ETC products prevent new and reduce existing lime scale, water flow rate is a key factor in the process and the PF330 provides the essential information for assessment and timeframes for improvement.

Having considered various suppliers ETC selected the Micronics – PF330 – Time of Flight – portable flow instrument plus heat-meter data-logger. Portable Clamp-On Ultrasonic flow measurement has clear advantages for survey work and Micronics were selected as the supplier due to a combination of their long-term experience with non-invasive, Clamp-On technology, product performance and pre-order assistance.

ETC Technical Services Manager – Simon Elliot says “The PF330 has proved to be a great tool to undertake plant surveys including identification of circulation shortfalls, even pumps going backwards. It provides a real insight into what’s going on, like having X-ray vision. And it’s also a valuable tool for demonstrating how well our installations work to improve performance and reduce energy consumption. The Micronics website and pre-order support was good and the products are simple to use. We’ve got a lot of Public sector – MOD and Hospital installations with very old pipe work where we’ve been pleased with the product performance and the ongoing service support has been there when we’ve needed it.”

The potential for similar use is significant and ETC’s experience is an example of how Clamp-On – Ultrasonic technology can be successfully implemented to gather information on water services installations. For further information call +44(0)1628 810456, or visit www.micronicsflowmeters.com

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Housed in a rugged compact case that makes it ideal for use in the field, the MIT30 offers continuously variable output voltage from 0 to 30 kV with test currents up to 330 µA. The maximum output voltage and current can be achieved simultaneously, which allows fast charging of capacitive test pieces, thereby significantly reducing testing times.

• 30 kV d.c. insulation test
• Small and light, only 10 kg
• Rugged IP67 case
Multiple applications
In response to growing demand for a portable high accuracy, low current test set suitable for testing insulation at up to 30 kV, Megger has introduced the new MIT30 high voltage insulation tester.

Housed in a rugged compact case that makes it ideal for use in the field, the MIT30 offers continuously variable output voltage from 0 to 30 kV with test currents up to 330 µA. The maximum output voltage and current can be achieved simultaneously, which allows fast charging of capacitive test pieces, thereby significantly reducing testing times.

Typical applications of this innovative instrument include acceptance and maintenance testing of switchgear and transformers, as well as the testing of spark gaps used in radar installations, EMP suppression systems, and to provide back-up over-voltage protection for klystrons and BWOs (backward wave oscillators).
High level of accuracy
Digital readouts display the test voltage and current continuously during a test, with an accuracy of ± 1.5%. Resolution for the voltage readout is 10 V, and for the current readout 100 nA. To further enhance testing accuracy, the MIT30 incorporates a current guard circuit that allows the influence of external effects, such as surface leakage, to be minimised.
Protects the test piece
To protect the test piece from flashovers and possible damage, the MIT30 features a user adjustable current trip that can be set between 0 and 360 µA. Also incorporated is an ionisation detector that gives an audible indication of any electrical discharges that occur while the test is in progress.
Deisign with users in mind
The ergonomic design of the MIT30 ensures ease of use, and reduces the amount of training needed to familiarise new users with the instrument. Operator safety is enhanced by features that include a zero-start interlock, a cable interlock with a bright LED indicator and outputs that are protected for both short- and open-circuit conditions.

Also incorporated as standard is a heavy-duty discharge assembly that rapidly discharges not only the power supply but also the test piece, thereby minimising the risk of shock hazards.

Weighing just 10 kg, and with an IP67 ingress protection rating when closed (IP52 when in use), Megger’s MIT30 high-voltage low-current insulation tester operates from AC supplies from 85 V to 264 V with frequencies from 47 Hz to 440 Hz. Operation from DC supplies in the range 110 V to 350 V is also supported.

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