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MK Electric, the UK’s leading manufacturer of wiring devices and accessories, has expanded its Echo range of innovative ‘self powered’ wireless and battery-free switches with the addition of a variety of decorative and industrial finishes.

MK is the first major UK manufacturer to incorporate ‘enabled by EnOcean’ wireless, battery-free technology into switches. The range harvests tiny amounts of ambient energy to wirelessly operate lighting at ranges of up to 30 metres within buildings. The additional finishes now available within the Echo collection include Chroma, Albany, Aspect and Edge decorative styles; and Metalclad and Masterseal industrial accessories.

Echo’s benefits include almost instant switch installation; total location flexibility of light switches within buildings; and easy relocation, re-installation and considerable cost-savings when ‘churning’ office and other commercial spaces. The Echo range is also incredibly low maintenance thanks to the lack of batteries and lack of wiring in the wall.

The new options mean that Echo can be deployed in a far wider variety of interior schemes; providing the designer with enhanced style, function and technology opportunities.

Chroma, as the name suggests, has been designed to bring out the very best in chrome – with accessories produced to a superior mirror-like finish. Albany is coated with a special heat-cured powder lacquer; being highly scratch resistant and maintaining its satin, brass or matt chrome good looks for years. Aspect is very simple with a slim profile and flawless frontplate that ensures that it always looks extra special. It can also be mounted to walls adhesively, eliminating the need for fixing tools. Edge is smooth, clean and the products are very slim – just 1.5mm, in fact.

From the industrial perspective, Metalclad Plus is a comprehensive range of tough, impact resistant, surface mounted wiring devices, designed to suit a wide variety of applications from factories, workshops, plant rooms to warehouses, schools and hospitals. The award winning IP56 rated Masterseal range has been specifically designed for use either outdoors or indoors and in areas heavily exposed to dust and splashing water.

Echo switches further aid compliance with Building Regulations such as Part L by providing for localised control of lighting and integration with lighting management systems and other networks covering areas such as heating and air-conditioning. They also help with meeting Part M requirements thanks to their immense siting flexibility, combined with their easy-to-use wide rockers.

MK Electric’s ‘enabled by EnOcean’ Echo range of ‘self powered’ switches mean no wires, no batteries and no fuss. They radically revise the way switching is treated within commercial spaces; and deliver a host of benefits to the specifier, installer and facilities manager – whether seeking products permitting super-fast installation; to mount switches on glass; or total flexibility over switch location in partitioned offices subject to re-arrangement.

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Fan coil units manufactured by Ability Projects Ltd and supplied in a contract negotiated by Irish agents, Woodleigh Ventilation Ltd, Dublin, are installed in the chic new Gibson Hotel, Dublin – one of 7 Irish buildings short listed for a World Building of the Year 2010 award. Due to be judged at the World Architecture Festival, Barcelona, November 3 – 5, the competition represents a peer review of the year’s most acclaimed architectural projects.

The Gibson luxury Hotel, located in Point Square, in the city’s cultural hub and close to the O2 music Mecca, has around 250 guest bedrooms, all air conditioned by Ability Evolution EVO235, EVOZEUS (extra low fan speed) and EVOVERT, 4 pipe fan coil units. The EVO235 units are mounted horizontally in bulkheads above the room entry doors – the ECOVERT vertical units are installed in large penthouse suites on the top floor.

Capacities of the units vary from 2.7kW to 3.83kW (cooling) and 1.85kW to 2.90kW (heating) with a noise rating of NR30 at 10 Pascals resistance. Evolution fan coils are state of the art EC/DC units offering reductions of up to 89% (compared with equivalent AC units), infinite speed control and minimal motor heat generation.

In order to overcome space restriction problems on site, the bedroom units have shortened discharge plenums fitted to reduce overall unit length to 700mm and have rear mounted electrical enclosures to allow access from the rear. Also, units have rear facing coil connections with rear pipe entry for rear facing valves and a junction box at the back for access through a single hatch.

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MK Electric – the UK’s leading manufacturer of wiring devices and electrical accessories – has introduced a new range of multi-media devices designed to provide a complete solution for all residential television, radio and audio needs. The range consists of combination plates and audio-visual outlets which complement the company’s market-leading Logic Plus and other decorative collections.

The combination plates save installation time and space by providing a complete multi-media solution in one device. The four-gang large combination incorporates TV, FM/DAB, two Satellite, BT and four 13A switched socket outlets. Also fully compatible with Sky Plus, the plates feature space for four Euro modules for additional audio, data or power requirements.

The flexibility of the two-gang small combination plate makes it suitable for use in secondary locations, such as the kitchen and bedroom. Including two 13A switched socket outlets and space for four Euro modules, the plate can accommodate a significant number of TV, FM, Satellite, Audio, telephone and data combinations.

With more homeowners adopting increasingly sophisticated home cinema and hi-fi systems; the company’s new audio-visual modules ensure unsightly cables are hidden while providing excellent connectivity.

Audio modules are available in screw terminated RCA and gold plated binding posts. MK Electric also offers a HD15 module for transmitting VGA, XGA or VEASA analogue video signals making it suitable for plasma screens, video projectors and other similar systems. All the audio-visual modules fit in Euro plates across all MK’s accessory finishes.

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The prestigious Hamilton School in Aberdeen, Scotland is renowned as one of the leading and most innovative educational establishments in the country. A recent redecoration programme of the school has made use of SENS paints from Jotun Paints, a range which, in keeping with the individuality of the school, offers its own unique qualities.

The SENS range of paints has remarkable environmental credentials unlike any other comparable paint on the market. It is the only paint to fulfil the requirements of the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association, making the ideal specification for an environment where young children may be susceptible to infection.

The school was established in 1975 as a pre-school for 25 pupils and over the years, it has evolved to incorporate reception and primary school departments in purpose-built premises on the Queen’s Road. It also houses a training arm, the Children’s House, which has trained hundreds of childcare workers throughout the Grampian region and beyond.

With over 300 pupils and 90 full-time staff, it was essential that the painting would not only minimise disruption but would also meet the stringent environmental standards of the school. SENS contains no harmful substance and its 100% acrylic formulation offers the lower VOC emission rate of any other interior paint. Health-wise, it is ideal for use on high occupancy environments such as the Hamilton School, where young children are prone to early years’ allergies.

As Sean Taylor, Business Development Manager at the school explains, SENS fitted the specification perfectly. “The school is very discerning and there are some children with allergies,” he comments. “The qualities of the SES paint were truly unique in that it has an impeccable environmental and safety credentials and we specified it for the entire interior of the school in white.”

In addition, Jotun has supplied an exterior solution to repainting the external woodwork with its Demidekk Ultimate coating. This product is water-borne, presenting an opaque silk-like finish for enhanced decoration, formulated for UV resistance and long term colour durability.

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An electrical substation, built as a key part of the utilities infrastructure in the Olympic Park, has won the award for the best brickwork in Britain.

The external substation, hailed as a great success and an inspired piece of commissioning, beat off hundreds of competitors to take the prestigious Supreme Winner at the 2010 Brick Awards, held at the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel in London on 3rd November.

The Brick Awards is one of Britain’s most respected design competitions. Organised by the Brick Development Association, the annual contest provides the definitive showcase for what brick can do. This year, there were a record number of entries, with projects from right across the globe.

Bob Allies, Chairman of the Judging Panel and partner, Allies and Morrison, comments: “This remarkable building demonstrates many ways in which brick can be used. The precision and clarity of the expression persuaded the judging panel that it deserved the ‘best of the best’ award. It will provide an enduring legacy on the Olympic site.”

A clear emphasis was put on the architectural designs of the substation to ensure the structure fits in with the design of the wider Olympic Park. The use of more than 130,000 of Ibstock’s Aldridge Himley Ebony Black bricks in the design, also reflects the traditional use of dark brick stock as window and corner details on the former Kings Yard industrial buildings on the site where the new substation has been built.

With sustainability considerations at the heart of the substation design through the reuse of materials from the demolition of the former Kings Yard buildings, the judges were struck by the way the architects, NORD Architecture, managed to reduce the area of a standard substation by a third and within the cost limits.

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) and Design for London (DfL) went on to comment further: “We congratulate the client and architects for producing a real piece of architecture out of an everyday brief. We think this is an object lesson in how even relatively minor parts of the Olympic programme can benefit from committed design thinking.”

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Mitsubishi Electric has signed a five-year rolling contract with bespoke design and air conditioning supplier PACAIR following the company’s success as an official Value Added Reseller (VAR) of its comprehensive range of air conditioning, heating and ventilation products. The move comes after both companies enjoyed growth during one of the toughest periods for the industry for decades and reflects the investment that PACAIR has made which has seen the company grow its workforce and customer base. “Our sales have gone from strength to strength during an incredibly tough market and we put this down to our skills in giving customers the service levels they expect, combined with the excellent product line up that Mitsubishi Electric offers,” explained PACAIR Director, Nigel Palmer. Hertfordshire-based PACAIR supplies specialist independent support and has an experienced team covering all aspects of the supply chain from initial design to final commissioning; PACAIR staff have experience ranging from three to thirty years within the air conditioning industry. PACAIR complements Mitsubishi Electric’s nationwide sales network along with the company’s wholesalers, Dean & Wood, Air Creation and Kooltech, to offer the market a comprehensive choice in the provision of the company’s full range of air conditioning, heating and ventilation equipment. “Nigel and his team have developed an excellent reputation within the industry for delivering first-class customer service which matches the high standards that we demand and we are delighted to be able to demonstrate our faith in his approach with this new deal,” explained Deane Flint, Mitsubishi Electric’s Sales & Marketing Director. PACAIR was founded by Nigel Palmer, who has developed a team of key people to offer a full nationwide design service to customers in the commercial, leisure, retail and high-end residential sectors. The deal with PACAIR is a non-exclusive agreement, with the company also retaining its role as a sales channel for the Toshiba brand. “We have been delighted with how well the relationship with Mitsubishi Electric has progressed and see them as having a comprehensive range of the most innovative and energy efficient products available on the market today,” said Nigel Palmer. PACAIR would like to thank its supportive customers over the last few years and has stated: “This deal strengthens our ability to offer our customers a world-class brand enhanced by the bespoke design, sales, and technical expertise of our staff.”

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Building on their experience and success with the RCP 6B Wireless Fire Alarm system, detectomat has launched the new SRC 3000, which incorporates all the benefits of the earlier system but is faster and easier to install and service.

Housed in a small contemporary designed enclosure the new system utilises a new Fire Panel facia to provide simpler alarm management including faster alarm reset and a temporary “alarm silence” function plus an option of key-switch reset. The contemporary design aspect is also extended into the overall system with the continued use of detectomat’s “Designer Range” of self-contained alarms.

Easier installation and service functions include improved radio strength measurement to facilitate “one man” installation, radio strength measurement of installed devices and an “inspection/service mode”.

The system is suitable for retrofit as a complete system or as a radio gateway extension to existing Fire Alarm installations. If you have an existing building, which needs a Fire Alarm upgrade to comply with the RRO (Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order) or are simply looking for a cost-effective, stylish, no mess minimal disruption solution the SRC 3000 may be the answer. For further information call detectomat on 01579 321750 or visit www.detectomat.com.

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Beko, a leading UK appliance manufacturer, has expanded its range to include a new induction hob that complements the Beko Built-in range. Stylishly designed and packed with a range of functional features, the new induction hob offers a modern alternative to the gas hob, a high quality, affordable option for housebuilders and their potential buyers.

The induction hob complements the Beko Built-in range, with a combination of speed, controllability and economy. “The induction hob is a welcome addition to Beko’s selection of built-in appliances and represents a continuation of our commitment to offering high quality, affordable products packed with usable features that match today’s consumers requirements says ” Les Wicks, Head of Product and Buying, Beko plc:

With nine cooking levels per zone, the induction hob cooks food quickly and efficiently, saving time and energy. It is simple to use with touch controls, LED power level indicators, and individual time controls on each of the four zones with an end time buzzer. The unique induction operation ensures that all the energy is used to heat the pan; speed and controllability are the essence of hob cooking and the Beko induction hob gives you this – and makes cleaning up after cooking easier. The lower surface temperature of the ceramic glass and its frameless black ceramic surface ensures easy cleaning and maintenance. A child lock adds to the safety features.

“The new induction hob includes many additional touches designed to appeal to housebuilders, designers, contractors and homebuyers alike,” says Wicks.

“Consumers will appreciate the efficient heating method, stylish black design and easy-to-clean ceramic surface, while housebuilders, kitchen designers and installers will recognise the competitive affordability that will help them keep costs down and profits up in this challenging commercial market.”

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An innovative approach to the design of building services has won national acclaim for J&B Hopkins of Fareham, Hampshire with short listing in two prestigious awards.

The mechanical and electrical contracting engineers firm is a finalist in the ‘Innovation’ category of the Retrofit Awards and in the ‘Industrial & Commercial Project’ and ‘Small End User’ categories of the RAC Cooling Industry Awards.

J&B Hopkins entered both awards with a case study showing how it is possible to deliver a highly energy efficient way of controlling the temperature within buildings using low temperature heating and high temperature cooling.

“There is a real focus on minimising energy use in buildings and we have found a way of providing a comfortable internal environment by using the best design and the best equipment,” explains Managing Director, Paul Hopkins.

The company has used its headquarters in Concorde Way, Fareham to demonstrate that this approach can be replicated in almost any commercial building. J&B Hopkins is a Business Solutions Partner with Mitsubishi Electric and offers its services across the UK.

Where Hopkins and his team have been truly innovative is in installing underfloor heating on both floors and also including overhead piping to allow for cooling or heating via the ceiling or floors.

The ground and first floor are designed to accommodate the underfloor heating and the ceilings in both the ground and first floor are a mix of over-ceiling piping in perforated light-weight aluminium panels or pipe work embedded in plasterboard. The combination of underfloor and over-ceiling systems radiates heat from both the ceiling and floor and in summer, the large cooler surface area of both the floors and the ceilings allow both surfaces to absorb heat emitted either through a person’s body temperature or equipment such as computers, giving a steady level of comfort to the occupants.

This enables the building to benefit from what Hopkins calls the ‘Cathedral Effect’ where heat from the occupants and electrical equipment is absorbed by the cooler ceiling and floors.

“It means that the cooling can be provided at much higher temperatures or heating at lower temperatures, we are also only dealing with the sensible heat and not latent heat, saving overall energy,” adds Hopkins. “What we are simply doing is providing a suitable constant internal temperature all year round, rather than continuously trying to combat the different outdoor temperatures.

“We know that we have developed an effective system and it is great to make the shortlist. We are now looking forward to the two finals in September and October,” ended Hopkins.

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Estimation has launched DATAbank, an innovative automatic data backup system that enables users to back up and protect their valuable files and data to a remote, secure storage area. Included in the company’s comprehensive ProCover support package, DATAbank is the latest in a raft of added-value services that Estimation’s parent company AMTECH Group has recently introduced for customers.

Losing valuable data can be catastrophic for any business and when people are focused on their work they may forget to carry out routine backups. DATAbank operates in the background, automatically copying selected files to secure storage on the internet as frequently as the customer requires. This also means that, in the event of any major disruption or downtime at the customer’s premises, the data is safe and can be accessed and restored from an alternative location.

Fully password protected, DATAbank has been tried and tested with hundreds of AMTECH Group customers and is offered at no extra charge to Estimation customers with ProCover support contracts.

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