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For situations where rooms or corridors are dark or perhaps only dimly lit, leading electrical accessory manufacturer Crabtree has introduced a new add-on called Seeklight, to help people find the light switch simply and effortlessly when illumination levels are low.

Seeklight is a clear moulded frame with integral LED that can easily be fitted with or indeed retrofitted to any wiring accessory including metal accessories. When the switch is in the ‘off’ position, the LED gives a concentrated light source at the plate edge making its location quick and straightforward in low visibility areas.

A Crabtree Seeklight can be an especially effective addition in installations where the requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations have to be considered, ensuring that entry to and use of all building structures is suitable for all people whether visiting, working or living in them. It will above all be particularly invaluable for the partially sighted.

Seeklights can also serve a dual role as unobtrusive night-lights in hotels, hospitals, nurseries, care homes, sheltered housing and hostels.

For further information about Crabtree products contact Electrium Sales Limited on 01543 455000.

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Aqualisa has launched a brand new range of thermostatic showers and bath/shower mixers. Combining smart, contemporary looks with outstanding performance, the installer-focused Midas range delivers an appealing package – reliability, cross system compatibility and a host of innovative extras – including a clever, easy-fit fixing bracket.

Both Midas 100 and 200 showers and bath/shower mixers feature a fully integrated, thermostatic valve built into a sleek, cylindrical body. Of a quality metal build and construction, there’s a Midas to suit every type of plumbing system. Midas 100 is suitable for combination boiler and high pressure systems, whilst Midas 200 is suitable for gravity-fed, combination boiler and high pressure systems.

But, whatever the plumbing system, a Midas shower or bath/shower mixer can be sure to deliver: When partnered with a low pressure gravity-fed plumbing system, Midas 200 provides an impressive 7 litres of water per minute* – that’s double the flow of some of its market contemporaries. Whilst install the high pressure variant of Midas 200 on a high pressure plumbing system and up to 18 litres** of water a minute will rain down.

However, whilst the Midas performance is unquestionably impressive, there’s also the option to keep an eye on water usage, as all variants feature a flow control knob. A clever eco stop – found on the control of Midas 200 high pressure showers and bath/shower mixers lets the user control the water’s flow rate and is great for anyone watching their water consumption.

All Midas showers and bath shower/mixers can be used with Aqualisa’s innovative fixing bracket. This enables showers and bath/shower mixers to be easily fitted onto a variety of surfaces – including solid wall, stud wall, very thin stud wall and even a panel; the 30mm deep bracket making light work of the installation procedure. Designed with the installer in mind, key features include multiple slotted fixing points to allow for a range of fitting options, 15mm Grip-tite push fit connectors – easier for fixing to both copper and plastic pipe – easy access large mesh filters, inlet flow regulators and, for pressure testing, a set of blanking caps, which will protect the threads during the ‘making good’ process.

Midas 100 showers and fixing brackets are available separately or fully contained within a clever ‘pop out’ section of the shower packaging. Aqualisa has thoughtfully ensured that everything required by the installer for the first fix stage of the product’s installation has been self-contained – the section is simply taken out of the boxing, leaving the remainder of the shower safely sealed. This is a huge advantage for shower installations, where there is often a time delay between first and second fix stages.

Midas 100 Showers and Bath/Shower Mixers

• Fully thermostatic, exposed shower or bath/shower mixer
• Easy selection between bath and shower on Midas 100 bath/shower mixer – lift and twist to shower, twist and release to bathe
• Maximum temperature override button
• Quality metal construction; smart chrome finish
• Innovative fixing bracket makes installation a doddle
• Design versatility – Midas 100 bath/shower mixers can be deck or wall mounted; Midas 100 showers can be fitted onto a solid wall, stud wall or panel
• Option of cleverly packaged version. Self-contained ‘first fix’ section of packaging contains bracket – allowing the installer to complete the first stage of fitting, without needing to break open the remainder of the shower’s packaging
• Combination boiler and high pressure system variants available
• 12 litre, 9 litre and 6 litre per minute flow regulators available
• Temperature selector with maximum temperature override button and flow control knob
• Comes complete with a height adjustable, multi-mode shower head with three spray patterns
• Co-ordinated monobloc basin mixer tap also available for high pressure water systems
• 5 year manufacturer’s guarantee

Midas 200 Showers and Bath/Shower Mixers

• Fully thermostatic, exposed shower or bath/shower mixer
• Easy selection between bath and shower on Midas 200 bath/shower mixer – lift and twist to shower, twist and release to bathe
• Maximum temperature override button and a flow control knob
• Eco stop flow control om high pressure Midas variants – keep an eye on water usage
• Luxury, all-metal build and construction; elegant styling and chrome finish
• Design versatility – Midas 200 bath/shower mixers can be deck or wall mounted; Midas 200 showers can be fitted onto a solid wall, stud wall or panel
• Innovative easy fit bracket makes installation a doddle
• Low pressure and high pressure variants available
• Comes complete with a height adjustable, multi-mode shower head with three spray patterns
• Co-ordinated monobloc basin mixer tap also available
• 5 year manufacturer’s guarantee

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A unique solution to managing “spaghetti” cables
Easily customised on site

Most multimedia accessory manufacturers have reacted to the fact that the average house needs TV / FM / Data / Audio / Phone / Satellite and power to be provided neatly to the home entertainment centre of the house – generally the lounge. However, every system is different, so it can become expensive and time consuming to order a custom made product for anything slightly out of the ordinary.

Volex, ever mindful of this problem, have just launched a simple, economical, yet decorative answer. Called a Multimedia Plate, it seems at first glance similar to other offerings on the market, but its major benefit provides the contractor and their customers with a much more elegant solution.

The standard back box for the Multimedia Plate has two segregated compartments to prevent interference between mains and the extra low voltages of the media components. But the real benefit of the Multimedia Plate is that in addition to the pair of twin switched power sockets, the data and media side of the outlet has two euro-slots to accommodate up to six euro-modules. This simple idea allows contractors to perfectly match the media system requirements of the customer by ‘customising’ the outlet on site. 15 different communication or data/coax modules are currently available to provide input and output facilities as required, with no compromises required.

The Multimedia Plate is the latest addition to the Volex range and is available in either polished steel, stainless steel or white finishes.

For further information about Volex contact Electrium Sales on 01543 455000.

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Developers, builders and installers wanting a quality water management system backed by market-leading performance and colour guarantees need look no further than the Universal system from Marshall-Tufflex.

Professionals familiar with the company will know that Marshall-Tufflex has, for many years, offered a well-respected range of guttering systems grouped together under the Universal brand – products include the Half Round and Square Line gutters and associated products.

Late last year this range was supplemented by the newly introduced Universal Soil & Waste system and now it has been completed with the addition of Universal Underground, allowing Marshall-Tufflex to offer the complete roofline to below ground system.

“Completing the triple – guttering, soil & waste and underground – is a really important step forward for us,” said Product Manager Chris Scott. “It enables our customers to order their entire requirement from one source and take advantage of a ‘whole system’ guarantee from Marshall-Tufflex. It gives installers one point of contact, one guarantee and, importantly, peace of mind that all the components are of the highest quality and designed to work perfectly together.”

Universal Underground is a strong, durable system that’s lightweight and straightforward to install and compatible with other existing systems and materials. The innovative seal and snap-cap system allows push-fit joints throughout. Its 110mm PVC-U pipes and fittings are manufactured to BS-EN1401-1:1998.

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Favoured residents of the penthouses and some of the apartments within the latest stunning St Georges Wharf luxury development on the south bank of the Thames can enjoy their fabulous views of the river in the comfort cooled environment provided by fan coil units manufactured by Ability Projects Ltd.

The 22 storey complex comprises as number of visually attractive gull wing roofed and terraced apartments blocks separated by thoughtfully laid out courtyards and fountains. The one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses are fitted with deluxe kitchens with integrated appliances and ultra modern bathrooms etc. All come complete with under floor heating with added comfort cooling in the ‘Elite’ units and penthouses.

In all, Ability supplied over 140 mixed 2 pipe Atlas, Titan and Zeus (vertical) horizontal fan coil units with capacities between 1.34 and 3.36kW (cooling) and 1.0 to 3.00kW (heating), installed by the Essex Electrical Group, Romford.

Designed to operate at rigid NR30 (day time) and NR25 (night time) at 20 Pascal resistance sound levels, each fan coil unit was supplied complete electric battery heater, condensate pump and condensate tray with high limit sensor. Atlas and Titan units, selected according to varying installation space availability, also feature shortened plenum rear electrical enclosure and condensate correction – the tall flat Zeus units were purpose designed to fit into vertical architectural enclosures in certain of the dining and living room areas.

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Robin Horton, Sales & Marketing Manager, Coltman Precast Concrete Ltd, Outlines Some Of The Benefits Of Precast Concrete Flooring.

Over the past 40 years or so there has been an increasing shift to concrete flooring – particularly in commercial and industrial buildings. Some of the key reasons for this continuing growth can be summed up as sustainability, innovation and health & safety.

Sustainability

Sustainability is in many ways an obvious feature since it is one of the principal features of concrete as a material. Its 'shelf life' can be measured in decades rather than years and, what’s more, it can be broken up when no longer required and recycled in a variety of ways; including use as an aggregate for new concrete.

Innovation

In terms of innovation, there are now many variations, each offering particular benefits for specific individual applications.

Health & Safety

Last, but certainly by no means least, there is health & safety – a vitally important area that is at the heart of the work of the Precast Flooring Federation (PFF – www.precastfloors.info), as well as being a critical consideration for us at Coltman Precast Concrete.

Whilst product developments and innovation still continue, there are currently three main generic types of precast concrete floor: hollowcore, beam & block and lattice girder.

Of these it is hollowcore which is proving the most popular for commercial buildings. Hollowcore flooring consists of concrete elements cored along their length, with units generally available as 1,200mm wide – although some manufacturers produce up to 1,500mm, or as narrower units of 600-750mm width. Depths are 100-400mm, depending on the span and loading conditions; providing efficient, flexible solutions across all markets for most building types.

An often over-looked benefit of concrete floors is the improved acoustic performance. With today's generally increasing environmental noise, any such improvements are most welcome.

Concrete floors are also more cost-effective than timber and enable thinner floor zones, as well as longer spans. In addition, they provide a safe working platform for ongoing construction work.

Add to that their intrinsic one hour minimum fire resistance and compatibility with other precast concrete components such as stairs and balconies and it is easy to see why the technique continues to gain ground.

Another more obvious plus for concrete floors is the ability to vary room layouts without worrying about floor loadings. This feature applies particularly at first floor level and above, avoiding any concern about the positions of supporting walls. For the designer this flexibility and adaptability provide yet more factors in favour of concrete.

Precast floors can normally span greater distances than timber or steel, supporting higher loads with reduced floor depths, and this impacts significantly on the overall design of supporting structures and foundations.

The use of precast flooring allows flexibility and choice in layout and adaptability. Members of the PFF, such as Coltman, can provide a complete service from the conceptual design stage through to on-site structural solutions – a package approach that is already commonly used in the commercial sector with great success.

Speed of supply and installation is another factor to be considered. Precast hollowcore flooring is, by definition, manufactured off site and delivered 'just in time'; with, typically, installations being undertaken within one day. Many floor specifications can be available within days rather than weeks and simple installation techniques enable up to 350 sq m of hollowcore to be installed in a day.

As the acknowledged leading force in the industry for health & safety, the PFF recognised the dangers of working at height very early in its existence and has for many years produced a regularly updated and revised Code of Practice For The Safe Erection Of Precast Concrete Flooring And Associated Components. This takes into account developments such as Work At Height Regulations 2005, CDM Regulations 2007, Health & Safety In Construction 2006, and Noise At Work Regulations 05 has recently been introduced.

Like its earlier editions, the latest revised Code of Practice is designed to be used as the basis for the training of erectors, foremen and supervisors to ensure that they all have the skills and competence to carry out their respective roles in a safe and efficient manner.

The revised Code has been some two years in preparation, assisted throughout by members of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Whilst primarily available as a download from the PFF website, a number of looseleaf ring-binder copies are being made available.

A recent £3.5 million project at Innova Park, Enfield, constructed by ROK on behalf of SDG Enfield Ltd, incorporates Coltman precast hollowcore units for the upper floors of two separate two-storey office buildings, and which comprise of ten individual units.

The overall floor area of the development is 28,636 sq ft, with car parking and associated access roads, paved areas, landscaping, incoming services and ancillary works. As the foundation is piled with ground beams, no deep excavations were required for the substructure. The incoming services include the provision of a new sub-station to service the site with capacity and cabling to supply a further development.

The design, manufacture and installation of approximately 1,270 sq m of 1,200 mm wide precast prestressed hollowcore flooring units – 150 mm and 200 mm deep – were carried out along with ten staircases.

One of the integral safety features adopted was the use of the Airtek TruckMat passive fall-arrest system, both on site and, when possible, around lorries. The system which is based on inflatable mattresses has been tested in conjunction with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and the British Safety Council (BSC), and is accredited by both.

Established in 1972, Coltman Precast Concrete's product range includes prestressed hollowcare wide slab and solid prestressed wide slab for flooring and roofing. Staircases, landings, balconies, terracing and wall units are also available as bespoke products.

As a major independent supplier to the housing, commercial, industrial, health and leisure sectors nationwide, Coltman produces in excess of 250,000 square metres of prestressed hollowcore flooring and 4,000 cubic metres of bespoke concrete products each year.

Customers include some of the leading names in architecture, construction, civil engineering, house building and property development. The company has been involved in numerous prestige projects, ranging from multi-million pound city centre redevelopments and quality housing, to civic cultural centres and premier sports arenas.

Coltman offers a complete supply and fix service, from initial design through to installation by its own CITB trained site teams, fully compliant with all the appropriate regulations and utilising the very latest safety equipment and procedures.

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The visually stunning Sofitel Hotel, Heathrow, opened recently and imaginatively connected by link-bridge directly to the new airport Terminal 5; is a £180 million joint venture between Sofitel and Arora Hotels, boasts 5 star status and is also the largest luxury airport hotel and convention centre in Europe.

All 600 of the superbly appointed hotel guest bedrooms, 41 meeting rooms, reception, conference hall, cinema and business centre etc, are supplied with air conditioning via 637 Athena and 160 Titan 4 pipe fan coil units, manufactured by Ability Projects Ltd, Wimborne, Dorset.

The Athena units are purpose designed for hotel installation and offer capacities of 2.3kW (cooling) and 1.5kW (heating). Located mainly within bulkheads above the room entry doors, they are fitted with stainless steel condensate trays, customised rearward facing coil tails, extended drip trays to shield valves during transportation and installation and supply and return air sensors. They also feature discharge plenums with foam acoustic baffles to limit fresh air inlet noise to NR29, 125mm fresh air spigots on the plenum side and flying power leads to assist installation.

The 1.2kW to 2.5kW nominal cooling and heating capacity Titan fan coil units, more or less standard and installed within the meeting rooms and other public areas, are designed to meet NR30 noise requirements, except in the bedroom floor corridors (NR35).

Installation of the Ability fan coil units was carried out by project mechanical and electrical contractors, Crown House Technologies, Dartford, Kent.

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Hamilton Litestat’s Hartland electrical accessory range has been utilised within the south coast’s newest marina development at The Cape, in Newhaven, East Sussex. This high quality suite of electrical accessories, which was supplied in a brush aluminium finish, was selected for its ability to satisfy all of the developer’s electrical and data requirements.

Located on the site of a major ferry route to Dieppe, France, this exciting new marina development has been built by Surrey based property developer, Oakdene Homes Plc. Rather than relying on a portfolio of standard house types, this company has instead built these new homes to a very high specification, reflecting the individual and natural character of this waterside development. Each of the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments has been built to address 21st Century living, with the very best in practical, flexible living space.

The high specification of the Hartland wiring accessory range, with its slim plate and superior quality finish, was chosen to complement the contemporary design of these stunning marina apartments. Having a family of wiring accessory products has allowed the electrical contractor, Chris Bartholomew Electrical Contractors Ltd, to match the cover plates across the whole scheme to ensure that the design styling remains intact throughout the project. The versatility of this range offers the freedom to choose whether to use the less expensive box fit items in low profile areas with grid fix plates being featured where more sophisticated wiring solutions are required.

To provide a neat and compact solution for data, communication and multi-media applications, Hamilton Litestat has manufactured special media plates which combine FM/TV/SAT outlets, coaxial and telecom outlets all on one plate. These plates were supplied to the electrical contractor, via electrical wholesaler, Rexel Senate of Eastbourne.

According to Chris Bartholomew, the MD of Chris Bartholomew Electrical Contractors Ltd, “We steered this client towards Hamilton’s Hartland range as we like using it and it is easy to get hold of. More importantly, it has a full range of products, in a wide range of finishes, with the option of box or grid fix. This enables us to get the job done without having to make any compromises. With most of the other manufacturers they don’t offer a complete range, which makes it much more complicated to achieve the client’s required wiring solution.

“Hamilton Litestat has also provided us with power centres for the kitchen areas. These feature switches and fuses for various pieces of kitchen equipment including: dishwashers, microwaves, washing machines, fridge freezers etc. Where required, these plates have been engraved with the appropriate product name for quick identification”.

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