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SolarWorld UK has begun to use Wakaflex to provide a watertight seal between its panels and the roof. Wakaflex can be used with either PV or solar thermal systems, its exceptional stretchability making it ideal for use with even deeply profiled tiles.  Highly durable and available in four colours to blend with the roof covering, it can be stretched by up to 60%. A high-tack butylon backing not only provides immediate weatherproofing protection and wind uplift resistance but self-welds when used on laps.

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The FAKRO FGH-V Galeria Balcony Window provides a modern alternative to a dormer but its use is by no means restricted to contemporary designs. A Kent peg tile or plain tile roof with a 40° pitch is typical of those in which dormers are a common sight but the FGH-V is far lighter in weight, quicker to install and can normally be installed without planning consent. When closed it has the appearance of a standard roof window and its long glazing span enables a far higher amount of natural daylight to enter a room.

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RESIDENTS IN PICTURESQUE SNOWDONIA

Leading radiator manufacturer Stelrad has supplied 155 of its sector leading low surface temperature radiators to provide safe and controllable heat in a refurbished sheltered apartments scheme – Cysgod y Coleg – in beautiful Bala – in the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.

This scheme is just part of an overall £136 million refurbishment project being undertaken by Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd – CCG – and highlights the level of investment the social housing provider is prepared to make in its extensive portfolio of social and sheltered housing across the region.

The work in Bala is being undertaken by main contractor Lovell Partnership, with the help of specialist plumbing and heating installers Aspect Plumbing & Heating. The selection of the Stelrad LST standard radiators was made by Engineering Design Services in Chester and these high quality radiators will be the means of sharing heat throughout the 28 apartments over two floors of this scheme and in the communal areas for residents use as well.  The new heating system is driven by the latest condensing boilers and replaces an elderly and highly inefficient electric heating system that saw a large number of electric storage heaters throughout the premises.

LSTs are specially designed to provide comfortable heat, but in a radiator whose casing never exceeds 43 degrees centigrade. This makes them ‘safe to touch’. LST radiators are key where there is a need for special heat emitters that are ideal for safety critical environments – especially those that need to meet NHS Guidance for ‘Safe Hot Water and surface temperature’ – in hospitals, care and nursing homes, doctors and dentists surgeries as well as schools, nurseries and as in this case – sheltered accommodation. It’s a specification requirement of building designers and architects that the heat emitters in these buildings protect the young, the elderly and the vulnerable, who will live in or visit buildings such as these.

LST radiators negate the risk of in particular, older people falling and injuring themselves on a radiator along with potential dangers from those with a visual impairment bumping into or brushing against radiators. Some elderly people have a reduced sensitivity to high temperatures and others simply cannot react quickly enough to prevent injury from hot surfaces if they inadvertently touch and come into contact with a conventional radiator, where surface temperatures may be as high as 75°C. Older people and those suffering injuries have an increased susceptibility to losing their balance and falling, and the possibility of these people falling and becoming trapped against a conventional radiator brings the need for LST radiators sharply into focus. With Stelrad LST radiators, the casing also covers the incoming pipework making sure all the heated surfaces are concealed and that any exposed surfaces stay at a safe temperature of no more than 43°C.

“These LST radiators are simple to fit and offer quality heat emitters that are controllable and effective in a building such as this,” says Phil Houghton from Aspect Plumbing and Heating. “We have fitted these for many years and were happy to find they were specified by the architects for this job.”

“The safety and comfort of our tenants is the key consideration for us,” says Steve Williams, Contract Co-ordinator for CCG. “When looking at the refurbishment of Cysgod y Coleg, it was clear that these low surface temperature radiators were the answer for the apartments, the corridors and the extensive communal lounge areas within the newly revamped building. The new radiators combined with the condensing boilers, high levels of insulation and the new, precise heating controls installed will see far more effective heating and a much more cost effective heating system than the old building had. It’s a major investment but one that will pay back relatively quickly for us in lower energy bills.”

“We’re delighted that our LST radiators were selected for this particular sheltered scheme in Bala,” says Stelrad’s Marketing Communications Manager Sarah Baker. “Our LST range is the most popular range in the UK and contributes to the safety and comfort of huge numbers of elderly, young and vulnerable people in the country. Low surface temperature radiators are clearly a highly effective way of guarding hot surfaces and eliminating the dangers of burning people who are in the vicinity, whether in their homes or in a public building.”

Full details of the Stelrad LST range 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/StelradRadiators.

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Mike Nankivell, marketing director for the UK Daikin Distributor, Space Air Conditioning plc, comments on the latest VRV development from Daikin Europe. 

“The VRV IV heat recovery system makes huge advances in climate control efficiency. Not only is it up to 28% more efficient than the previous generation of VRV, it is more flexible and can be installed faster than any other heat recovery system available.”

“Daikin’s VRV IV heat recovery system is able to integrate heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water, recovering “free” heat from areas requiring cooling and using it to heat other areas and provide hot water. Daikin Europe calls it “The most Sustainable HVAC System in the World”.

Focus on Efficiency

Daikin Europe’s three-pipe VRV heat recovery systems were already considered the most energy efficient on the market but VRV’s fourth generation features important new innovations outlined below, which “fine tune” the focus on efficiency with remarkable results:

1. Variable Refrigerant Temperature technology
2. Continuous heating during defrost
3. The VRV configurator

1. Variable Refrigerant Temperature technology enables the refrigerant temperature to be adjusted to match heating or cooling demand and the outside temperature, reduced power consumption results in an improved operating efficiency of as much as 28%. Comfort is also enhanced because variable refrigerant technology enables cold draughts to be avoided,

2. The defrost cycle can result in reduced indoor temperatures at a time when this is undesirable. VRV IV’s continuous heating during defrost avoids this issue and maintains comfort levels when the defrost cycle is activated.

3. The VRV configurator software enables the system to be “set up” off site, saved to a USB and simply uploaded at the commissioning stage. This feature greatly simplifies both the installation and commissioning of Daikin VRV systems.

New Multi-Port BS Boxes

Daikin’s VRV systems are renowned for being the most flexible available. Modular by design, VRV be adapted to fit any can size of building and reconfigured easily if internal layouts change over time. To enhance this flexibility even further, Daikin has introduced new multi-port BS boxes. The new multi-port BS boxes have up to 16 ports and are the lightest and most compact on the market. These can greatly reduce installation times compared with installing single BS boxes. To complete the new VRV package, Daikin Europe’s Intelligent Touch Manager offers comprehensive climate control and mini BMS facilities whilst also being able to link with third party systems.”

Concluding Mike Nankivell observed. “As one of the oldest of Daikin Europe’s network of independent distributors, Space Air is accustomed to the continuous development of Daikin products, yet even we were impressed with the improvements that have been achieved with VRV IV. We are also delighted to see the key 4^th generation features being extended to the entire VRV portfolio at a time when operating efficiency is recognised as a critical factor in reducing the carbon footprint of our air conditioned buildings.”

For more information please call Marketing on 0333 0069 755 or email marketing@spaceair.co.uk.

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In line with the requirements of the new 3^rd amendment to the wiring regulations, Crabtree has launched a comprehensive range of Starbreaker consumer units, in all-metal, non-combustible enclosures. This means whether specifying or installing consumer units to comply with this new requirement, together we are ready.

Amendment 3 to BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations (published January 2015) requires that consumer units (and similar switchgear assemblies) for use in domestic household premises shall have their enclosures manufactured from non-combustible material (regulation 421.1.201). This UK regulation also gives an example of non-combustible material as ferrous metal. The intent is considered to be, as far as reasonably practicable, to contain any fire within the enclosure and to minimise flames from escaping.

Statistics maintained by London Fire Brigade show a significant increase in the number of domestic household fires involving consumer units as the source of ignition and this drove forward the amendment. These fires, involving plastic consumer units, have mainly been the result of poorly installed connections and the location of the enclosures themselves, often situated on escape routes, under stairs, and surrounded by other combustible materials.

The new Starbreaker range is all-metal and has a busbar system that contains socket apertures for plug-in devices (MCBs and RCBOs), providing instant, guaranteed factory quality connections as standard. This means there are no screws to tighten on the incoming side of the devices, assuring the connection and reducing the risk of an error being made during installation.

The range of consumer units includes all of the models necessary to meet the requirements of the 17^th Edition such as Main Switch, Split Load, Hi Integrity, and Dual RCD. Circuit protection and control devices include B & C Curve MCBs and 30mA RCBOs with ratings from 6A to 50A all 100% tested and all incorporating Siemens technology.

The latest range of Starbreaker AM3 all-metal circuit protection systems couples high levels of safety and ease of installation, with proven Crabtree quality and design. Crabtree have published a concise Starbreaker consumer unit catalogue detailing the whole of the new range, so together we are ready!

For further information about Crabtree and the new all-metal Starbreaker consumer unit range, contact Electrium Sales on 01543 455000 or go to www.electrium.co.uk/crabtree.

A list of ‘must haves’ when specifying a consumer unit for the new amendment:

• Full metal enclosure, no exposed plastic parts
• Low smoke and fume paint
• Self closing stay shut and metal hinges
• Cable entry knockouts on all sides and to rear
• Mains tails cable entry grommet extra insulation
• Non combustible cover blanks for unused ways
• RoHS compliant and UKAS certified to BS EN 61439-3
• Factory quality plug in instant connections
• 25% fewer manual connections
• Plug and DIN clip to give positive device location
• Raised busbar for easy routing of cables
• Permanent non-removable busbar insulation
• No need to cut busbar
• No exposed busbar prongs
• Less exposure to live parts (e.g. when testing etc.)
• Consistent levels of safety assured in all models

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Wylex have launched a new range of all-metal consumer units to help installers and specifiers conform to the latest requirements of the wiring regulations, as market leader, once again Wylex were first to market with a comprehensive range of Amendment 3 consumer units so that specifiers and installers can get an early start and comply with the new regulations without delay.

Amendment 3 to BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations (published January 2015) requires that consumer units (and similar switchgear assemblies) for use in domestic household premises shall have their enclosures manufactured from non-combustible material (regulation 421.1.201) gives as an example ferrous metal (steel).

Statistics from the London Fire Brigade show a significant increase in fires in plastic consumer units mainly as a result of poorly made electrical connections. The location of the units themselves e.g. under the stairs, on exit routes and surrounded by combustible materials was also of concern, hence the introduction of a new regulation. The intent of regulation 421.1.201 and the purpose of using all metal consumer units is to help contain any fire within the enclosure and thus minimise the chance of flames escaping.

Wylex NM consumer units provide a simple and safe method of conforming to the new amendment, helping installers who apply good workmanship and proper materials to ensure that the cable entry method, so far as is reasonably practicable, maintains the fire containment of the enclosure.

The new regulation applies to domestic household premises including the main building and all integral attached or detached garages and outbuildings.

Get an early start on compliance by discovering details of the products needed to comply with this important new safety standard, download the Wylex NM consumer unit range catalogue at
http://www.electrium.co.uk/downloads/Wylex_NM_Metal_CU_catalogue.pdf

or call Wylex sales on +44 1543 455000.

There is also a useful and informative Wylex video that can be viewed at

http://www.electrium.co.uk/wylex/amendment3.html

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We are pleased to announce the appointment of Precision Technology Supplies Ltd (PTS) as the UK wholesaler for BUMAX products to distribution.
Effective 1st May 2015, PTS will take over and supply BUMAX products to the distribution customer base.

We will have inventory available in our new warehouse for next day delivery service where possible. This is an improvement from your current supply of three to four days from Sweden with an applicable carriage charge. We have details of the last 12 months of UK purchases and will also enhance the range available ex-stock to serve new enquiries.

Precision Technology Supplies Ltd are specialists in supplying Stainless Steel Fasteners and Precision Turned Parts and BUMAX will enhance the product portfolio we currently offer.

A few quotes from BUFAB UK:

‘BUFAB UK wish PTS every success in this new venture and the improvements in technical support and delivery will ensure the growth of the BUMAX brand throughout the UK market.’

‘BUFAB UK would like to thank all the distributors that saw the benefits of BUMAX in the past and would encourage and support the new appointment of PTS in the UK market.’

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Clamp-on to a New smarter clamp-on solution to heat/energy metering from Micronics for significant installation savings and simple, accurate measurement from outside the pipe!

Measuring the heat/energy consumption of hot (LTHW) and chilled water services to monitor, control and manage energy consumption is a key area in building services and energy management. But the installation process including system drain down, pipe cutting etc has always been a significant cost and barrier to wider application of sub-metering. At last a solution has arrived from the longest established manufacturer of clamp-on, ultrasonic meters the U1000 HM heat/energy meter from Micronics. Building on their many years of experience and success in this area, Micronics has now developed a best value clamp-on heat/energy meter to compliment its successful U1000 clamp-on flow meter and facilitate the wider use of clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement for water sub-metering and heat/energy measurement.

The U1000 HM is a simple out of the box, onto the pipe heat/energy metering solution with no programming or specialist engineering required! All you have to do is clamp the unit to the pipe, select the pipe size, release the sensor clamps, secure the pre-wired, clamp-on PT100 flow and return temperature sensors and connect power to the pre-wired cable provided. Yes it really is that simple because Micronics have listened and simple installation is a key design feature. Another cost-effective alternative to expensive in-line meter installation from Micronics with no drain down or cutting of pipes required plus dry servicing, providing minimum downtime and maximum availability!

The U1000 HM is a clamp-on, transit time, ultrasonic flow meter plus PT100 temperature sensors designed to provide accurate measurement of liquid flowing within a closed pipe plus the flow and return temperature difference to calculate the heat/energy load, without the need for any mechanical parts to be inserted through the pipe wall or to protrude into the flow system. It takes just a few minutes to install and there is no need to shut down flow or drain the system! And its Modbus compatible, so it can be used as a standalone meter or an integrated part of your aM&T or BEM’s system.

So if you need to meter the heat/energy load of hot (LTHW) or chilled water services as part of your energy management strategy or building services, for retrofit or new build applications, the U1000 HM should be a must consider solution! For further information call: +44 (0)1628 810456 or visit www.micronicsflowmeters.com

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Fast and intuitive in operation, the innovative TDS NT provides users with a convenient way of determining comprehensive and reliable information about the quality and condition of their cable installations.

For cable testing and, when required, simultaneous PD (partial discharge) evaluation, the TDS NT uses Megger’s innovative 50 Hz Slope technology. This is a proven standards-compliant VLF (very low frequency) test technology that employs a test voltage with a 0.1 Hz cosine-rectangular waveform.

Crucially, the rising and falling slopes of this waveform are almost identical to the corresponding slopes of a 50 Hz sine wave and, as a result, the test data obtained accurately relates to the behaviour of the cable when energised at power frequency.

In addition the TDS NT provides damped AC (DAC) voltage testing. This allows detailed PD diagnostics to be performed and, because the test technique is inherently non-destructive, it is suitable for use not only on newly installed cables, but also as an aid to condition-based maintenance of older cable systems. Also test data obtained with the Damped AC voltage accurately relates to the behaviour of the cable when energised at power frequency.

The software supplied with the TDS NT features fully automatic calibration with display of signal-to-noise ratio, as well as live PD mapping, which allows reliable automatic detection and precise location of partial discharge events while the test is being performed. Immediately after a test has been completed, users can, with a simple mouse click, generate a report containing a structured summary of the most important measurements.

Designed from the outset with safety in mind, Megger’s TDS NT test sets incorporate an integrated discharge unit, earth loop monitoring and breakdown detection.

The test sets are available in 40 kV and 60 kV versions, and consist of two major components, – the voltage generator itself which has two parts and the partial discharge detector. This arrangement makes them particular easy to transport and convenient to use, even in challenging site locations.

For more information click here

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