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Iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of leading international materials company Saint-Gobain, has launched a new online training module for its acclaimed Classical range of cast iron rainwater and gutter systems.

The module covers a range of topics including the different markets for cast iron rainwater systems, the complete Classical, Classical Plus and Classical Express product ranges, and installation and maintenance of the products.

It also highlights the benefits of cast iron over plastic-based alternatives, including authentic appearance, longevity, acoustic qualities, ease of installation, and sustainability, with Classical products being made from 97 per cent recycled material.

Participants are invited to take a short test at the beginning and then again after taking the course to see how much they have learned.

Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager – Soil & Drain at Saint-Gobain PAM UK, explained: “We believe it is vital to promote the many benefits of cast iron the marketplace. This easily accessible training module provides an overview of the Classical range and its key attributes, enabling merchants, specifiers, contractors and users to be fully informed when helping customers make specification choices.”

The training module can be accessed, along with further information on the Classical range, at http://www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk/training/index-classical.cfm or by emailing mike.rawlings@saint-gobain.com

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REHAU’s PROFILA data cable management system has been installed throughout many of the classroom areas at the newly built Ark Academy in Wembley.

The 180 x 65mm system was chosen by outsourcing company MITIE for the power and data cabling on the basis of its quality, durability and ease of installation.

John Eagan, Project Manager at MITIE, said: “We were very impressed with the REHAU product, particularly the ease and speed of fitting. Features such as flexible internal and external corners meant an excellent quality of finish could be achieved in much less time than with other similar systems.

“We also liked the simple solution for achieving Part M compliance on the project using high visibility modular inserts around the socket outlets.”

2,640m of PROFILA data trunking has been installed in classroom areas in both the 2 storey primary school and the 3-4 storey secondary school built on the same site in the shadow of Wembley Stadium.

The trunking was supplied via REHAU distributor Edmundson Electrical in Chelmsford who worked alongside the team at REHAU’s regional sales office in Slough to provide fast and efficient deliveries and expert advice on fitting and handling.

The Ark Academy is a non selective, non denominational all-through school, with separate primary and secondary school facilities. It is part of the ARK schools network, an educational charity.

The architects on the project were Studio E and consultants were Arup.

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Dulux Trade coatings have been used in a pioneering project for Interserve Construction Limited at Watermead Business Park, Leicestershire. A range of high performance paints, including Dulux Trade Diamond Matt Light & Space and Diamond Eggshell, were used on the interior of the building, which is one of only three Passivhaus offices in the country.

Interserve's new regional £1.5 million office was designed by CPMG architects of Nottingham, and constructed by Interserve in partnership with the park developer, Raynsway Properties. As part of the Passivhaus standard, a number of specific measures were included in the design of the project, such as earth tubes, increased levels of insulation and airtightness and an ultra-efficient Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery plant, all of which help contribute to the building's overall Zero Carbon energy performance. To complement these elements, the project team also required a range of paints that would further boost the environmental credentials of the office space.

Jason Smith from paint contractors, Swirlforce, who worked on the Interserve office, explains: “Working in partnership with the Dulux Trade Specification Account Manager, Janet Robertson and Interserve, we developed a bespoke collection of coatings to meet the exacting needs of the project. One specific requirement, for example, was to maximise natural light within the building, so it was a natural choice to recommend the Dulux Trade Light & Space colour range.”

The first of its kind, the Dulux Trade Light & Space colour range is created through a unique combination of innovative optical brighteners, highly reflective paint components and cleaner tinting recipes. In comparison to conventional emulsion paints, the collection absorbs an average of 50 per cent less light, enhancing luminance and making rooms feel bigger, brighter and less gloomy. For the Interserve project, Dulux Trade Light & Space was used in White.

“To ensure the benefits of Light & Space were realised for as long as possible, we used the Diamond Matt formulation, meaning it can be cleaned and scrubbed without burnishing, it looks good for longer,” added Jason.

As it is up to ten times more durable and ten times more stain resistant than standard vinyl silk emulsions, Dulux Trade Light & Space Diamond Matt can help increase maintenance cycles and ensure a strong return on investment.

Alongside maximising natural light within the office environment, a further necessity was to ensure safety and security within the building. Jason continues: “As the building plant areas are exposed steel work and timber, the project team wanted to build in extra fire protection measures into the heat recovery plant room. As such, we used Dulux Trade Pyroshield Durable Matt.”

Pyroshield Durable Matt is a water-based finish, specially formulated to inhibit the spread of flames on previously painted surfaces. Using Pyroshield, substrates can be upgraded to achieve Class 0 rating (as defined by British Standard BS476).

Further Dulux Trade coatings were also used throughout the landmark project, including the Dulux Trade Metalshield range for the office's exposed steel roof trusses and Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood for all trims, including skirting and architraves.

Concluding, Gordon Kew, Director, Regional Building at Interserve, who led the project, said: “Our previous offices were becoming increasingly outdated and were also performing poorly on energy usage. As such, when we came to designing our new facilities, sustainability was a primary focus. We are delighted with the finished building, and the Dulux Trade coatings have played a part in us achieving our overall vision of a modern, bright and energy efficient office.”

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Iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of leading international materials company Saint-Gobain, has unveiled its new YouTube channel, a dedicated online platform designed to showcase the capabilities of its cast iron drainage, rainwater and guttering solutions through informative video packages.

Visitors to Saint-Gobain PAM UK’s bespoke YouTube channel can access a number of helpful videos, which illustrate why the company’s drainage solutions are among the safest on the market in terms of fire resistance, the benefits and principles of siphonic drainage and a step-by-step guide to the company’s Ensign EEZI-FIT push fit above ground drainage system, highlighting why these systems are faster to install than others on the market.

Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager – Soil and Drain at Saint-Gobain PAM UK, commented: “Optimising our online presence is key to our business development strategy. As the market leader in cast iron drainage, we are dedicated to providing an optimised online experience for specifiers, contractors and installers. We believe visitors to our YouTube channel will find the videos both enlightening and practical.”

Saint-Gobain PAM UK’s new YouTube channel is available at www.youtube.com/user/SaintGobainPAMUK

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Installers can now offer customers the opportunity to enjoy power shower performance even in areas of low water pressure with the latest range of pumps from Mira Showers – the UK’s leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories.

The advantage to the user is plain: installing a pump is cheaper and less disruptive than upgrading the entire water system to high pressure; and the pumps will work with any make of shower mixer, not just Mira. The pumps also provide an opportunity to both the installer and stockist: a single quality manufacturer and a single source of stock.

The pumps’ performance can boost even the lowest water pressure to luxury standards. The 3.0 bar model produces up to 60 litres per minute, the 2.0 bar model up to 35 litres per minute and even the smallest, the 1.5 bar pump, pushes water flow up to 32 litres a minute – enough water to fill an average bath in three minutes.

This range of pumps also answers the three most common drawbacks to installing a pump – noise, size and duty cycles. Many householders complain that entry-level pumps create unacceptable levels of noise, but Mira’s have been engineered to cut this out with quiet motors, anti-vibration hoses and rubber feet that stop noise transferring to floorboards. The design also prevents air getting stuck in the system.

The pumps are also among the smallest on the market and so can be discreetly housed in an airing cupboard, under the bath or in any other suitable space. The 1.5 bar and 2.0 bar models measure only 300mm (L) x 160mm (W) x 205 mm (H).

Many budget pumps need a rest period after they have been used for certain time –this is known as the duty cycle. One competing brand, for instance, has to be switched off for 60 minutes after being on for 15 minutes – enough to cause early morning rows as the family tries to get ready. But the two smaller pumps in the Mira range – 1.5 bar and 2.0 bar – only need 30 minutes off after every 30 minutes, while the 3.0 bar model is continuously rated with no rest period required at all!

For ease of installation the pumps will come with four flexible hoses and are ‘push-fit’, so joining them to the pipe work is simple while integral isolating valves ensure that any maintenance can be done without flooding the bathroom.

For peace of mind, the guarantee for the 1.5 and 2.0 bar models are guaranteed for two years, while that for the 3.0 bar models is guaranteed for three years; and . This covers parts and labour with work being carried out by Mira’s team of highly professional service engineers.

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As industry leaders of Test & Inspection software it’s no surprise that AMTECH has updated its latest FastTest range to reflect the needs of its customers, in response to an ever changing industry. Now more competitive than ever, these latest changes include key functionality and much lower prices.

FastTest offers a fast, professional solution that is used by more electrical contractors than any other software! Quick to set up and easy to use, FastTest has been specifically designed to help electrical contractors increase their productivity in everyday tasks. Packed with an impressive list of time saving features you begin to realise how FastTest really got its name!

The latest FastTest range comprises three core packages – FastTest, FastTest Plus and FastTest Pro. Backed by first class customer care and technical support, it’s clear to see why FastTest is the number one choice.

If you want to know why so many electrical contractors choose FastTest, visit AMTECH’s brand new Test & Inspection microsite www.electrical-certification.co.uk

Leading the way with the 17th Edition Amendment 1, AMTECH is now offering free webinar places with all purchases of its latest range. Seminar bookings will be also be available shortly to ensure you get up to speed with the latest developments!

AMTECH also offers a vast range of integrated electrical software including electrical design, cable calculations and protection co-ordination – all scalable to all sizes of company.

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Product developments in the roof window sector continue to influence style and functionality in equal measure. In addition to setting new standards of thermal efficiency and airtightness, however, FAKRO has launched the FTP-V P2 Secure roof window to provide a previously unseen level of burglary protection. It not only utilises the company’s unique topSafe system of hinge and lock reinforcement but Class P2A laminated anti-burglary glass, a system to prevent the glazing unit from being broken and an additional safety lock. 13 sizes are available in both standard and conservation style, with all having an automatic vent to prevent unnecessary heat loss.

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Triton’s T80 electric shower range has proved a winner for installers wanting an easy to fit, reliable, problem-solving shower for over three decades – now, with the addition of the T80Z thermostatic and T80Z Slimline models to the eighth generation ‘Z’ family, installers can be sure there is a T80Z for all electric jobs.

Incorporating easy-fit features for which Triton’s T80’s are renowned, installers can now turn to just this one electric range to tackle all site issues and customer requests faced on a daily basis. The thermostatic model gives extra safety assurance, the Slimline is ideal where a smaller footprint or slimmer look is needed and the original T80Z provides trouble-shooting options for quick replacements. Including the only eco flow capped electric showers on the market, the range also gives scope for customers wanting to go ‘green’ and cut water consumption.

All models follow a stylish modern look in chrome or white completed with a popular chrome riser and showerhead, so suit a wide range of customers’ bathrooms. Separate power and temperature controls, and a start/stop button make the showers simple to operate which undoubtedly has extra appeal to the end user.

So which T80Z works where?

Safety and Style: T80Z thermostatic
Although the temperature stability of electric showers are ideal for a majority of jobs, thermostatic control becomes a must for installers faced with a customer wanting a stylish shower with added safety – particularly where young or elderly family members need to be taken into account.

The T80Z thermostatic brings a really affordable thermostatic electric shower to the market and combines all important temperature assurance with style and ease of installation. Using Triton’s innovative wax capsule technology seen in its advanced Safeguard Care showers, they remain the quickest and easiest thermostatic models to fit and can be commissioned in just two minutes.

Seven water and five electrical entry points give installers the flexibility to use existing wiring and position the shower for a neat finish, especially when replacing an existing model.

Available in 8.5kW and 9.5kW White/Chrome finishes and 9.5kW and 10.5kW Chrome versions mean there is a T80Z thermostatic that can be chosen to work with the majority of existing cabling.

Style and Affordability: T80Z Slimline
For jobs where space is limited or the customer just wants a discrete final look, the slim depth and width of the T80Z Slimline fits the bill without losing the ease of installation.

The most slender shower available and boasting a significantly smaller footprint, the Slimline models include Triton’s popular SwivletTM reversible water inlet to keep installation and flexibility as straightforward as possible. Pipework can still be positioned from the left or right as needed and the casing has been designed to allow easy access and working room.

Available in sleek Chrome 9.5kW and 10.5kW options, White 8.5kW, 9.5kW and 10.5kW versions and a topical 8.5kW Eco model, there is plenty of scope for installers faced with new and replacement projects.

Easy Retro-fit: T80Z
The original T80Z still remains the shower to have in the van for a fast, problem-solving retro-fit option to easily replace most makes or models of existing electric shower.

The first to incorporate features such as the Swiv-letTM reversible water inlet to allow pipework to be fitted from either side, multiple electrical and water entry points to give the extra flexibility to position the shower neatly over existing holes and the unique BEAB approved Z Uni-fit to save hours on a job where wiring needs extending. Installers can be confident they can ‘fit and forget’ and get on with the next job without hassle.

The T80Z is available in popular Chrome, Satin/Chrome and White in 7.5kW to 10.5kW models to suit all style and power needs, plus an 8.5kW white Eco model.

Going Green: T80Z Eco and T80Z Slimline Eco
As eco showerheads cannot be recommended to fit to an electric shower, the original T80Z and T80Z Slimline models include Eco options that work for customers wanting to cut water consumption or comply with the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Both cut water usage to a maximum of 6 litres per minute, reducing bills and satisfying requirements for the Code whilst maintaining the same ease of installation seen with the traditional models. Available in 8.5kW models in white, they have the flexibility to suit a range of bathroom looks and work with existing cabling without the need for rewiring.

Lorna Fellowes, managing director at Triton said:

“When developing the T80Z we wanted to make life easier for installers, providing easy to install, affordable solutions that work for the issues faced on a daily basis. Now the new additions to the T80Z range mean installers can confidently rely on a T80Z model for all new and retro-fit installations – from problematic replacements to safety or design led projects, to ensure they can meet and exceed customer expectation. All safe in the knowledge ease of installation and an attractive price point is at each shower range’s core.”

The complete T80Z family has a two year guarantee and forms part of Triton’s next day rapid replenishment service if ordered before 5pm.

For further information on the complete T80Z family of showers visit www.tritonshowers.co.uk or call 02476 324458.

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Beko, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of kitchen appliances, returns to UK TV screens this autumn with a new Ad campaign designed to boost brand awareness for its built-in range and promote sales for the company’s many trade partners. Due to launch on ITV during X Factor, this latest creative will again feature the popular ‘Billy’ character and his mum.

With a voice over by the popular Caroline Quentin, the ad shows Billy and his mum playing a game of make believe in which they are running an imaginary restaurant. Billy’s mum is calm and in control, easily juggling preparing the family meal whilst keeping Billy entertained, thanks to her Beko built-in induction hob, multifunction oven and integrated dishwasher.

The Ad promotes the fact that all Beko built-in appliances come with a two year warranty covering parts and labour, another reason why Beko is the number one MDA supplier in the UK.

Teresa Arbuckle, Marketing Director at Beko Plc, comments: “This new campaign is the latest in a series of highly successful TV spots for Beko. The 9kg ‘Excellence’ washing machine ad which aired earlier this year resulted in a 65 per cent volume sales uplift of Beko large capacity washing machines. The spot was seen at least once by 9.4 million women in the UK, which meant we reached approximately 70% of our target female ABC1 market.

“Our latest creative provides us with the opportunity to build upon the success of the previous TV campaigns while focusing on the Beko built-in range. This is a portfolio of products that we are extremely proud of. They not only look great, but genuinely make life easier for consumers with innovative, time-saving features. As with all of our ranges, the Beko built-in offering highlights our intuitive and helpful appliance solutions.

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Europe’s influence is never far away from us and for those of us who manufacture, specify or install pumps in the buildings and projects on which we work, there’s a series of major changes coming up that start with effect from 1st January 2013 – and that’s not far away.

2013 will effectively see the start of a pumping revolution.

And although a pumping revolution sounds a bit grand, it’s every bit as important as that statement sounds. The European Union has recognised that in order to achieve anywhere near its requirements for carbon emission reductions, and to see significant reductions in the energy needed to power heating and hot water systems across the twenty seven member states, it has to lay down the law.

Clearly one of the key components of a heating or cooling system that currently uses too much energy – although quite small in size and overlooked by many as a key user of electricity – is the pump.

The total electricity consumption of all glandless circulating pumps operated in the European Union for heating and air conditioning – which includes the normal small circulating pumps – has to be halved by 2020. This is the objective of an EU ordinance under the European ErP (Eco-Design) Directive which will regulate the energy efficiency of this type of pump, from 1 January 2013 onwards, with a further tightening of requirements planned for 1 August 2015. Overall, these changes are thought to be likely to provide an energy saving that equates to the electricity generated by about six medium-sized coal-fired power stations, or a reduction in EU-wide carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of about 11 million tonnes per year.

In order to achieve this goal set by the European Commission, the EU ordinance prohibits the sale of technically outmoded, inefficient pump models from 2013 onwards. This will mean a ban on sales of about 90% of the glandless circulating pumps that were on the market in 2009. The reality is that the new efficiency requirements will be practically impossible to achieve without using high-efficiency pumps with EC – electronically commutated – motor technology.

The important new yardstick for determining which pump models can continue to be used in future is referred to as the energy efficiency index (EEI). From January 2013, the limit EEI value of glandless circulating pumps installed outside the heat generator – external pumps – not those incorporated in combi or system boilers at this stage – will be defined as 0.27. The energy efficiency classes specified at present will then become superfluous, because as a rule, pumps will be better than the minimum requirements of the current A rated pumps. From August 2015, the EEI limit value will be reduced to 0.23. This will also apply to glandless circulation pumps, designed to operate in newly installed heat generators or solar thermal systems (integrated pumps). In the last implementation stage, the regulations starting from 2020 will also apply to the replacement of integrated pumps in existing heat generators. The regulations apply to all glandless circulating pumps in heating and air conditioning applications with the exception of drinking water circulation pumps.

As an example of what is possible, the “Wilo-Stratos” and “Wilo-Stratos PICO” series of single pumps offer potential electricity savings of up to 90% compared to standard pumps without speed control. They already comply not just with the first stage requirements for 2013 but with the limit values of the second stage of the glandless circulating pump ordinance due for 2015. The electronically controlled glandless circulation pumps with maintenance-free frequency converters automatically adjust their power to the changing operating status of the heating system. Especially in the partial load range, which makes up as much as 94% of the operating time of a heating pump, a considerable reduction in power consumption can be achieved compared to an uncontrolled pump. In addition, they have electronically commutated motors (ECMs). These make it possible to double the efficiency compared to electronically controlled pumps with conventional drives.

The new regulation on circulators will shift the market towards the intelligent high efficiency circulators that Wilo has been championing for several years, capable of adjusting their performance to meet the specific needs of the heating system.

There are currently about 140 million small circulators in Europe running constantly, whether they are needed or not. It simply makes sense that all small circulators should respond to the needs of the heating or cooling system they are part of, using the minimum necessary energy to run them – and none at all when they aren’t required to operate.

The EU Commission estimates that inefficient circulators are responsible for about a 20% share of household energy bills and removing them and replacing them with intelligent circulators could save as much as €2.2 billion by 2020 across the 27 European member states – equivalent to the total annual electricity consumption of Ireland!

For more information, have a look at the brand new Wilo web site at www.wilo.co.uk.

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