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Based on a century of experience in wood floor treatment, Bona’s revolutionary new floor care program for both wood and resilient sets a new paradigm in floor care. This new program offers much more than just great detergents; it provides floor care professionals with expert guidance, sustainable products and solutions required to protect and maintain floors, ensuring they remain beautiful for longer.

Developed for professional cleaners, caretakers, building service contractors and traditional wood floor contractors, this innovative program enables the floor owner to more effectively protect their investments, revitalizing the floor surfaces with new, revolutionary methods.

From oiled to finished floors, Bona offers high performing, fast and time saving care and maintenance solutions. A FIBA approved range of products, uniquely designed for sport floors is also included in the program.

As part of the Bona Care Program, Bona offers a unique possibility to restore or redesign worn and damaged rubber, PVC, PU, vinyl and linoleum floors, eliminating the need for full floor replacement. This reduces downtime by an impressive 50%, resulting in considerable savings for the floor owners.

“The new Bona Care Program for wood and resilient floors provides effective processes and professional support, enabling the building service contractors to offer optimal service and care that extends the life of floors and retains their original appearance for longer. We strongly believe that this will be a real game-changer for the industry,” said Davide Cavalleri, Sales Manager Jan San & Rental EMEA/APAC.

The Bona Care Program includes processes and products allowing everything from full renovation and recoating to daily cleaning resulting in a prolonged life of the floor and fresh looks. The program can be used in all types of environments – commercial areas as offices and hotels, to sports halls and airports.

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Triton has introduced Cemflex VB Steel Waterbar, a fully weatherproof BBA certified waterbar that doesn’t need to be protected from rain prior to the concrete pour. It addresses a key challenge in below ground basement construction for installers of quality ICF systems and pre-cast concrete twin wall systems, who need to form a good watertight seal between the ICF blocks or the twin wall panels and the basement slab.

Traditional hydrophilic waterstops have been around for many years and can be used successfully in most applications. However when the blocks forming the structure are not in-filled with concrete for some time, and the waterstop is exposed to rain within the open blocks, this will cause it to start swelling prematurely and result in subsequent underperformance in a very critical location. Attempting to remedy this by the removal of the waterstop is usually impossible due to its location inside the ICF blocks or twin wall panels.

BBA certified Cemflex VB Steel Waterbar is a galvanised steel plate encapsulated in a special patented coating that reacts only with the water within the concrete to provide a watertight joint. It’s designed for use in all non-movement construction joints in reinforced concrete – and is especially suited to ICF or twin wall installations.

Quick and easy to install with no sticky tape to remove prior to use, it can be installed before the concrete is poured by positioning to steelwork, or directly into the fresh concrete after pouring. Cemflex VB Steel Waterbar is 1.25mm thick and supplied in two metre lengths in a choice of 100mm or 150mm widths. Find out more at tritonsystems.co.uk or speak to your local Triton technical manager.

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Podcast Now Available: BNE Product News – BBA – ‘Special Edition’ Interview

In this BNE Product News ‘Brand Leader’ podcast, Alvaro Enguita-Gonzalez – Head of Test at the BBA discusses the BBA Product Excellence Programme (PEP). The interviewer for BusinessNet Explorer is Mick de Leiburne.

Click to play interview on YouTube:

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Months of anticipation and speculation has come to an end as the 18th Edition of the IET wiring regulations has now been published.

BS7671:2018 was released on the 1st July 2018 and will become effective from 1st January 2019, but the new edition can be used immediately.

There are lots of changes in the 18th Edition. These include new and revised regulations, new chapters and restructured sections.

So with the big blue book now available where do you look to discover these changes? Hopefully these headlines will make your task a little easier.

(This is for information only. For the full details designers & installers should purchase a copy of BS 7671:2018 IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition and follow the requirements & recommendations therein, this information does not constitute design advice)

Extended Scope

The scope has been extended to include an extra category (section 730 catering for electrical shore connections & inland navigation vessels). Section 730 contains the particular requirements for this added special location.

Chapter Changes

Chapter 46 is new and Chapter 53 has been rewritten. Part 6 is restructured & the regulations for inspection & testing move to new chapters and get new regulation numbers.

Definitions

There are several new definitions, and a few existing definitions that have been amended. For example, “Departure” is a new definition.

Departure is explained as an intentional decision to not fully comply with BS7671.This must be accompanied by a declaration from the designer that the safety levels achieved are not less than full compliance with BS7671 would provide.

Energy Efficiency

A new appendix on energy efficiency is included within the 18th edition. Appendix 17 makes recommendations for the design construction & assembly of the installation for optimising efficiencies in the use of electricity.

Only Use Approved Parts

Devices & components used in low voltage assemblies e.g. Consumer Units, Distribution Boards etc. shall only be those that have been declared suitable for that purpose by the manufacturer of the assembly.

If in doubt ask the manufacturer of the assembly to confirm compatibilities.

Note; if a deviation from manufacturer instructions is introduced then the person introducing the deviation becomes the manufacturer.

Arc Fault Detection Devices

AFDDs have been included in Chapter 42. These devices provide additional protection against fires that are caused by arc faults in AC final circuits.

Arc fault detection devices (when used) should be installed at the origin of each final circuit that is are being protected, AFDDS should be installed in consumer units and/ or distribution boards.

Appendix 6

In the schedule of inspections, under the section dealing with consumer units & distribution boards there is a reference to check for the AFDD six monthly test notice, similar to the requirements for RCDs & RCBOs.

Also in the schedule of test results form there is a new tick box for AFDDs which allows the installer to record operation of the manual test button on the AFDDs, again this is similar to RCDs & RCBOs.

Surge Protection

Within the 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations, the requirements of surge protection were determined through risk assessment methods. Now, overvoltage protection is required in certain circumstances.

For example, where there is risk of serious injury or of loss of life, where many co-located people are affected, where there is an interruption to public services, or commercial / industrial activity. Other requirements are contained in 443.4.

For circumstances where overvoltage protection is not required, a risk assessment can be carried out. If a risk assessment is not carried out, overvoltage protection must be provided.

Before and After

Looking to get more pointers on the 18th Edition?

We have created a few ‘Before and After’ slides to show you how the 18th Edition might affect what you do.

Visit our 18th Edition Area and check them out.

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Well known for its market-leading range of pumps and macerators for bathroom scenarios, Saniflo also leads the way in grey water pumping solutions for kitchen, utility and laundry environments. Whether a pump is required for domestic premises or for a commercial application, there is a choice of units that can be used when mains drainage connection isn’t an option.

The Sanivite + is one of Saniflo’s best-selling pumps for grey waste water. Ideally suited to a domestic kitchen or utility room, the powerful pump has four inlets for connection to a sink and other appliances including washing machines, dishwashers, ice machines; even a bath. The unit handles hot, soapy water with ease up to a maximum temperature of 60°C while the quiet pump has a low activation level of just 95mm to ensure water is promptly cleared from the unit. It can be installed in a kitchen unit or concealed behind a demountable panel so that it is out of sight, but easily accessible for service and maintenance.

For light commercial applications, the Sanispeed + features a robust motor to discharge waste from up to four appliances. The product is widely used in cafes, bars and shops particularly those that have undergone a change of use and didn’t have the appropriate drainage in close proximity for the discharge of water. The Sanispeed has also made its mark in offices, hairdressers, dental surgeries, laboratories and an array of situations where water needs to be pumped away. The unit has a carbon filter included as standard to ensure neutralisation of odours and can handle water temperature of 75°C for short periods of time.

As with its domestic stablemate, the Sanivite +, it carries a 5-year warranty once a registration card has been submitted.

The Sanicom 1 and 2 are powerful, automatic lifting stations suitable for busy commercial applications. With a choice of 1 or 2 heavy duty, reliable pumps both units start automatically to pump waste water from a selection of appliances. With two 40mm inlet pipes and an air vent the pumps can also be routed via a grease filter when they are used in busy kitchens. The Sanicom 2 has a back-up motor to provide continuity of service should one fail. It also has a hardwired alarm that emits a continuous beep for quick identification of problems.

These four powerful products from Saniflo each ensure that additional facilities can be installed in places not served by mains drainage. Whether it’s a kitchen, laundry, cleaners’ cupboard, utility room in the basement or the loft, there’s an option from Saniflo that will avoid the cost of expensive civils work.

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Saniflo UK – the country’s leading designer and manufacturer of macerators, pumps and shower cubicles – has launched a new website available at saniflo.co.uk, offering access to a a raft of information for homeowners wishing to find out more and upgrade their homes using a Saniflo product. Live from mid-October, the new website makes it easy for homeowners to search and find the products they need.

Selecting the right product can be achieved in a number of ways. The ‘Our Products’ tab enables a search via conversion type or product group. ‘Your Project’ takes the user through a selector tool that highlights the Saniflo products relevant to the job the customer wishes to carry out.

A range of installation videos are available on the home page. Aimed at highlighting the ease of installation of Saniflo products these videos are useful for plumbers, installers and DIY’er’s alike. Brochures can be downloaded from the customer service section and customers can also register purchase details here too to ensure they benefit from the generous 5-year warranty protection on the domestic product range.

The Pro site has an added link to the installation instructions for the full range of Saniflo products and has been designed for the addition of future content. In due course more product and instructional videos will be added along with educational assets.

Of course the Saniflo technical team is just a phone call away if any further information is required.

The best way to find out more about the new site is to try it at www.saniflo.co.uk

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Condair has appointed Julien Taschot as Business Development Manager for its range of industrial and commercial dehumidifiers. Julien’s role will be to develop sales of Condair’s dehumidification systems across the UK and Ireland.

Julien has 11 years’ experience in humidity control having been with Condair in various sales positions across both the UK and French Condair offices. His previous role within Condair was to support international sales of adiabatic humidification systems manufactured in the UK but sold internationally throughout the Condair Group.

Julien comments, “I am delighted to be joining Condair’s UK Sales team and to be playing a central part in Condair’s focus on dehumidification systems. Condair is largely known for adding moisture to the atmosphere with its range of humidifiers so this newly created role within the company highlights Condair’s commitment to this sector.”

Condair’s range of dehumidifiers incorporates both desiccant and condensing technologies and is suitable for any commercial or industrial drying application. Standard capacities range from 0.5-182kg/h extraction rates, -30°C to 40°C operating conditions and dry air volumes from 120 to 25,000 m³/h.

The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair plc, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.

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On November 27 and 28, the decorating trade will convene at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena for the 2018 National Painting and Decorating Show.

For professional decorators, contractors, merchants and stockists, this is the annual trade event that has the entire decorating sector covered. Paint and wallpaper, preparation tools and applicators, colour trends and time-saving techniques – show visitors will see the latest in product innovation as well as plenty of trusted best sellers.

From Dulux, PlastiKote, tesa and Wagner to Brewers, Crown, 3M, Graco and Benjamin Moore, the 2018 show will again feature hundreds of products, brands and suppliers revealing the latest trends and textures making news across the decorating market.

Every year this show buzzes with product launches, hands-on demos, theatre sessions, show-only deals, free samples, how-to information, competitions, raffles, prize draws, sporting challenges and celebrity guests.

Several special features also help visitors make the most of their time at the show. Making its debut at the 2018 event is SprayZone, designed to take the mystery out of spraying. Visitors will have a hands-on opportunity to hone their paint spraying skills, instructed by experts in the proper and safe use of several different types of equipment.

In the two MasterClass theatres, sponsored by Packexe, again this year industry experts will present practical information and demonstrations, and reveal tricks and techniques of the trade every 30 minutes throughout the two-day show.

The popular Lucky Dip will be back again, making everyone a winner of useful gifts, product samples and promotional items.

The CoffeeZone, sponsored by Crown Decorating Centres, will provide visitors with a welcome break as they shop the show. And each day the first 1000 pre-registered visitors to arrive at the event will receive a complimentary product-packed DecoBag.

The show venue, complete with on-site hotel, parking, restaurants and bars, is easily accessible by road, rail and air. It’s just a two-hour drive from 75% of the country, Birmingham Airport is a short drive away, and an on-site train station provides an hourly service between Coventry City station and Ricoh Arena.

The National Painting and Decorating Show provides visitors with a valuable networking opportunity to meet exhibitors face-to-face, find out who’s doing what in the decorating industry, and exchange ideas and solutions with like-minded decorating professionals.

For FREE tickets, visit www.paintshow.co.uk

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Can one component really make testing easier, safer and faster? Dave Enefer, Devices Product Manager at Crabtree, one of Electrium’s leading brands in electrical components, talks about achieving time and cost savings in periodic circuit testing.

Testing is an essential activity, yet it can often be a time consuming one, whether it has to be repeated annually or more or less frequently at regular intervals.

Obviously, this means that there’s a cost to be budgeted for, with time and labour being the most expensive part. So, if there’s a product on the market that can make testing easier, safer and faster why wouldn’t you use or recommend it?

Responsible social landlords, for example, will have a programme of periodic testing of the electrical installations in the dwellings that they own and rent out. T

hey do this not only because it’s recommended in the IET wiring regulations, regulation 135.1 and Chapter 65, but also to ensure that their tenants have a safe environment in which to live.

In social housing situations periodic testing is often carried out more frequently than other types of installation because every time there is a change of tenant, the housing authority or association will check the electrical installation before the next tenant moves in.

Ordinarily when this involves insulation resistance (IR) testing on circuits that are protected by RCBOs, the circuit cables on the RCBO circuits need to be disconnected.

This is so that the IR tester does not damage the electronic components inside the RCBO, but that slows down the testing process, adds cost and introduces risk.

It takes time to disconnect the live and neutral cables, and attach the test leads to each core in turn in order to carry out the test.

It then takes more time to put those cables back into the terminations on the RCBO and make a secure connection again so that the installation can be put back into use.

However, making that secure connection might mean stripping the cable insulation back a little further to find fresh undamaged conductor cores to put into the terminals (It’s a fact that copper cables can’t be repeatedly disconnected and reconnected without getting damaged from the screw biting into the cable core).

However, all of that can be avoided with Crabtree Miniature RCBOs, as they are two-pole switching devices.

The only thing that has to be done to get a circuit ready for an insulation resistance test is to switch the device off. This saves time and money from your annual budget on essential testing, and provides higher levels of protection for all who interact with it.

In a single second the circuit is ready to test. There’s no need to disconnect the circuit cables, no need to attach test leads, and no need to be concerned about reconnecting cables either. All of which makes this testing process easier, faster, safer and cheaper too.

By taking some of the cost burden away from the regular testing of circuits, it not only makes it more competitive for contractors quoting for ongoing periodic testing but it also then enables the property management company or social landlord to invest more of their increasingly tight budgets into the upgrade of old systems and the implementation of new ones.

Crabtree Miniature RCBOs are just one module wide and the same height as an MCB, so they provide lots of extra wiring space during the installation and test process. Regular maintenance is made safer by the two pole switching capability of the device.

The device also totally isolates any faulty circuit or faulty appliance and provides a much safer environment while waiting for the emergency electrician.

When they arrive, having the faulty circuit fully isolated by a two pole device provides a safe working environment for the task of maintenance or and repair as necessary.

By the way, it’s not just new installations that can benefit from these new and innovative miniature RCBOs.

Crabtree Miniature RCBOs are designed to fit into all Crabtree Starbreaker consumer units, whatever the age of that consumer unit might be.

Crabtree Miniature RCBOs are fully retrofit / backward compatible and can be simply plugged into the fully insulated plug self-connecting busbar system for an easy upgrade from single pole to two pole protection – making the ongoing time and cost benefits from testing readily accessible.

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A cladding system based on a unique safety glass has achieved an outstanding A2 fire-resistance accreditation and is now available to architects and specifiers looking for product re-assurance in the post-Grenfell environment.

Chromatics safety glass has undergone extensive testing by Exova Warringtonfire who awarded it an A2-s1-d0 ‘reaction to fire’ classification. Class A2 means the product is non-combustible as no flashover occurs; s1 is the lowest level of smoke generation and d0 the lowest level for production of flaming droplets or particles.

The system is also lightweight, being up to half the weight of traditional glass cladding solutions.

Not a toughened glass, Chromatics is extraordinarily resilient as a result of bonding together, at a molecular level, glass, organic colour process and metal. This results in a laminate that is visually stunning, durable and opaque and when encapsulated between annealed glass and aluminium gives world’s first optically flat, shatterproof, bomb blast resistant, thermally safe and impact resistant laminate that can be cut, edge worked and drilled after processing.

A full range of RAL colours is available. As an alternative, high definition imagery may be specified.

Products are produced by glass industry specialists Klöpper Maschinentechnik of Dortmund, Germany for UK company Chromatics Glass Ltd
 
 
 
 

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