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With class-leading noise rejection – twice that of most comparable instruments – and enhanced software filtering with four user-selectable options, Megger’s new S1 series 5 kV and 10 kV dc insulation resistance testers deliver dependable results in even the most severe electrical environments, including extra high-voltage substations.

• High performance, 8 mA noise rejection, with 4 digital filter
• High output current 6 mA for fast charging of capacitive loads
• Tough dual case design
• Rapid charge Li-ion battery – meets IEC62133
• Operate with flat battery from an AC source
• Remote control with indicator beacon

Noise and altitude not a challenge

Not only has the performance of these ground-breaking instruments been exhaustively proven in the laboratory, it has also been convincingly demonstrated in the field. Accurate and consistent results were, for example, obtained in a working 765 kV substation where no other dc insulation tester had been able to operate successfully.

Megger S1-series insulation testers are available in two models. The S1-568 tests at up to 5 kV and can measure insulation resistance up to 15 TO, while the S1-1068 operates at up to 10 kV and measures to 35 TO. Both models have a high short-circuit current of 6 mA to ensure rapid charging of items under test and both have a CAT IV 600 V safety rating at altitudes up to 3,000 m.

Remote control

Other innovative features include provision for remote control via a fully isolated USB port, which makes the instruments ideally suited for use in production environments, and internal storage for date- and time-stamped results. Stored results can be recalled to the display, downloaded via a Bluetooth wireless link or accessed via the USB port.

Won’t get caught out

To ensure that testing is never delayed through lack of power, S1 insulation testers incorporate rapid-charge Li-ion batteries that give up to 6 hours of continuous testing on a full charge for the 5 kV model and 4.5 hours for the 10 kV model. It takes just 2 hours to fully charge the battery and even on a 30 minute top up charge you can get in excess of an hour of continuous testing, or alternatively the instrument will operate from an AC supply even if the battery is completely flat.

Full suite of diagnostic tests

Compact and light, the S1 insulation resistance testers feature a tough dual-case design and, with the lid closed, they have an IP65 weatherproof protection rating to safeguard against dust and moisture ingress. They offer timed insulation resistance (IR), dielectric absorption ratio (DAR), polarisation index (PI), dielectric discharge (DD), step voltage (SV) and ramp diagnostic test modes, and also have a dedicated ac and dc voltmeter function.

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The Brick Development Association (BDA) announces the appointment of Michael Ankers OBE as its incoming Chairman. Michael, who served as the BDA’s Chief Executive from 1995 to 1998, will rejoin the Association in December of this year, following the retirement of Alan Baxter.

With over 40 years’ experience in various industry sectors, Michael most recently held the position of Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association which he established as a highly effective representative body for that £50 billion industry during his 13-year tenure. In the course of his career, he has held various positions within government departments as well as serving as Director of the Chartered Institute of Building.

Michael commented on his appointment: “I am honoured to have been invited to chair the Association. The brick industry has an important part to play in the recovery of the construction industry and particularly the creation of the additional housing that politicians in all the major political parties recognise the country urgently needs. These are exciting and challenging times for the brick industry, and the Brick Development Association has an important role to play. I am very much looking forward to playing my part in this”.

During his previous time with the BDA, Michael developed a new business strategy designed to raise the profile of the brick industry and the BDA’s role within the sector. He also strengthened links with the Government and the other main political parties, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Masonry Alliance, as well as the Better Brickwork Alliance which encourages closer ties between manufacturers and brickwork subcontractors.

Michael has represented the UK brick industry at European level, and is currently Chairman of the Considerate Constructors’ Scheme, and council member and trustee at the BRE. His non-executive positions include Director at the British Board of Agrement and Director of the CIC Approved Inspectors’ Register. He is also Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Constructors and Freeman of the City of London.

In 2009, Michael was awarded an OBE for services to the construction industry. Three years later, he received a Special Lifetime Award from the Chartered Institute of Marketing for services to marketing in the construction industry, and last year he was granted Honorary Life Membership of the Construction Industry Council.

Alan Baxter commented: “We are delighted with the appointment of Michael as our new chairman. Michael and I worked together previously when I was Chairman of the BDA in the late nineties, and his time at the CPA. We are confident with Michael’s invaluable experience the BDA will continue to provide exceptional service to its members”.

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Six individual ranges at astonishing published prices

Stelrad has launched a new series of six selected radiator ranges under the Stelrad Vita branding that includes an entry level Stelrad Vita Value range, right through to the beautifully designed Ultra product with colour options. The Vita series is set to revolutionise the radiator market.

Stelrad is dedicated to continually developing innovative products and widening the extensive range to offer the largest selection of technically-advanced and attractive steel panel radiator styles in the UK, but importantly at the best prices on the market. With the introduction of the Vita series, Stelrad has excelled itself again.

The Vita series is made up of six expertly selected ranges of radiators, offering value and design options to suit every budget and taste. It features simple and transparent pricing, using published trade prices so that installers can purchase the products and recommend the best quality solutions to their customers, at known, affordable prices.

“We’re conscious that some installers and plumbers are persuaded by the lower quality products available to them online and via non-specialist outlets,” says Stelrad’s Chris Harvey, “but now, with the Vita series you can have a market leading Stelrad branded radiator at market leading prices. You can now choose the best in terms of quality and value.”

The Stelrad Vita series comes in six selected ranges of radiators from the entry level Vita Value, through the Vita Compact, the Vita Eco for those wanting an energy saving option, Vita Deco for those wanting a designer radiator look, to Vita Plan – a flat faced, smooth fronted design and finally the designer look, Vita Ultra – with bespoke colour finishes available.

Prices start from as little as £14.63 for the Vita Value which compares favourably with any other radiators you can buy. And the designer versions start at £31.60 – which for radiators of this quality and appeal is astonishing value for customers.

Full details of the new Vita Series can be found on www.stelrad.com, you can call for brochures and information on 0844 543 6200 or email marketing@stelrad.com . You can follow Stelrad on Twitter @Stelrad or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StelradLimited.

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Saint-Gobain PAM UK has been awarded a major contract to supply more than 70km of its EN545 approved Natural ductile iron pipe range for a flagship project for Wessex Water.

The water company is constructing a number of schemes as part of its water supply grid project to help meet future demand without developing new sources. The project will allow Wessex Water to improve the security of supply for customers – even in the event of a catastrophic failure – and meet reductions in abstraction licences required by the Environment Agency to improve flows in some rivers and protect their ecology. It will also help deal with seasonal or occasional deteriorating raw water quality – particularly increasing concentrations of nitrates at some groundwater sources – as well as meeting future water supply demands. It includes the construction of a new water main to transfer water from the south of Wessex Water’s region, in Dorset, to Salisbury in Wiltshire via Blandford and Shaftesbury.

Due for completion by 2018, much of the pipeline route passes through the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has been designed to avoid environmentally sensitive areas.

The first order will see around 17km of DN350 pipe supplied for a twin main section between Sturminster Marshall and Snowsdown.

Wessex Water held a number of initial consultations with Saint-Gobain PAM UK to discuss the options for pipe materials. Ductile iron was ultimately selected by Wessex Water for the majority of the project for its strength. The design was able to achieve a bed and haunch to support the pipe, which has reduced the import and export of materials, lowering the impact on the environment. Ductile iron pipes also offer installation flexibility, with multiple pipes in a single trench, as well as a relatively short and discreet installation period, meaning trenches do not need to be left open for extended periods. With the native soils being primarily chalk, the ability to rapidly backfill trenches quickly is key, as chalk left at a trench side for long periods could be exposed to the effects of heavy rainfall, making it more difficult to reinstate.

The Natural range, available in diameters from DN350DN to DN600DN, offers strong corrosion resistance in soils with resistivity as low as 500ohm cm through its 400grm Zinc Aluminium alloy protection. The protective coating also eliminates the need to identify transition points between medium and low resistivity soils, where alternative systems may require a change from standard to supplementary protection.

Simon Cottingham, Director of Key Accounts and Major Projects at Saint-Gobain PAM UK, commented: “We worked closely with the Wessex Water team to define the scope of the project and recommend a solution which would allow the customer to benefit fully from the performance attributes offered by ductile iron pipes. We are very proud of taking part in this project and contributing to its success.”

Davin Eversett, Project Manager at Wessex Water commented: “Wessex Water’s project management team in conjunction with the internal design and procurement teams have worked with Saint-Gobain PAM UK in the development of this pipeline and concluded that ductile iron pipes will offer the lowest whole life cost as well as the flexibility to deliver what will be a challenging construction programme.”

Visit www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk for more information on the products and services offered by Saint-Gobain PAM UK.

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Iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of international materials company Saint-Gobain, has introduced new stainless steel grip collars into its acclaimed Ensign cast iron above ground drainage range.

The new grip collars, incorporating captive nut assembly, can be fitted over the ductile coupling either at the time of installation, or as an addition to existing stacks. The collar ensures the joint connection will perform up to 5 bar without the need for restraining brackets. This provides a more flexible and cost effective option to the installer, particularly in situations where space is limited and bracing becomes difficult.

Fully Kitemark accredited to BS EN 877, the Ensign system is easy to install with unrivalled strength and longevity, while boasting strong acoustic performance and fire resistance, as well as excellent sustainability credentials.

The stainless steel grip collars are available to suit 100, 150 and 200mm diameter pipes, with further diameter products to be introduced in 2014.

Mike Rawlings of Saint-Gobain PAM UK, said: “The Ensign range continues to grow through new innovations to simplify installation for today’s modern plumbers with speed of assembly and flexible solutions being key. With a 5 bar pressure capability, the new grip collars are the ideal solution for soil and rainwater stacks on tall buildings.”

For more information on the Ensign range, and other products and services offered by Saint-Gobain PAM UK, visit www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk.

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In response to demand from installers for an even more versatile electric shower for the replacement market, Mira Showers – the UK’s leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories – has launched the next generation of Jump Multi-fit: its ultimately flexible electric shower which offers best in class features, great value for money and superb ‘installability’.

By enhancing not only the shower ‘engine’ design, but also the casing and layout, Mira has produced a shower that is jam-packed with easy-to-fit features for installers; yet remains stylish, compact and rammed with appeal for consumers.

Installers will more than appreciate the ease of installation now that the Jump Multi-fit has dual terminal blocks, accepts both left and right hand water and cable entry as standard; and has much more internal space in which to work. As a result it can be configured to replace – for most practical purposes – any electric shower currently installed because it offers a staggering total of three dozen permutations of cable and water entry installation points, whether left, right, top, bottom or rear!

The high aesthetic, seamless cover is moulded in a single piece with space for piping and can be cut to achieve the perfect flush fit to wall. Details such as the top fixing screw being positioned outside the seal, and three easily-reached slotted fixing holes also speed up installation, while the adjustable slide bar mountings can cover screw holes left by previous installations.

Not only is the new Jump Multi-fit perfect for retrofit installations, it is also a fully-featured shower in its own right, providing the installer or consumer the chance to upgrade the showering experience. For the customer, the benefits of the upgraded

Jump include an affordable shower that will outlast lesser competitive products and deliver a powerful, drenching shower while incorporating the latest in contemporary styling. Jump Multi-fit also incorporates patented Clearscale™ technology which reduces limescale by up to 50%, and so prolongs shower life well beyond that of any opposition. The principle behind this is that the water is heated by two elements rather than one. These elements are twisted into a spiral so which gives the water has more space in which to circulate and leaves a larger gap between the element coils. As a result it is much, much harder for particles of limescale to settle and build up.

The fascia has ‘Select & Forget’ controls with a push button start/stop, an Eco energy-saving power setting and comes complete with a four-mode full rub clean handset. Covered by a two year guarantee, the Jump Multi-fit electric shower is available in three power ratings: 8.5kW, 9.5kW and 10.8kW.

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In response to feedback from over 400 international architects, VMZINC has once again pioneered a new development with AZENGAR®, the first rolled zinc facade and roofing material to be engraved. Its subtle yet distinctive surface has a matt appearance which is unaffected by fingerprints and therefore ideal for both exterior and interior use. AZENGAR is pigment-free and manufactured in 0.7mm, 0.8mm and 1.0mm thicknesses using an entirely new process. It is the lightest shade of zinc available and unlike uniform, pre-weathered shades such as QUARTZ-ZINC® and PIGMENTO, its engraving causes delicate variations in light refraction.

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