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AMTECH 2011 is the latest generation of electrical design and certification software. Full of brand new features, this software enables users to achieve much more in less time, delivering a real boost to efficiency and productivity.

New features in FastTest 2011 include improved Validation which highlights any unpopulated fields and checks that data inserted meets governing body standards in both BS and AMTECH certificates, saving time and improving accuracy. Also new, are the AMTECH Standard Fire Detection and Alarm System Design Certificates, for design work on both new and modified systems. FastTest also integrates with Estimation’s Service and Maintenance package (SM), offering complete control of work scheduling.

New tools in ProDesign 2011 include the enhanced Data Entry module, enabling better management of load data, including motor loads. This is combined with the new Motor Fault Contribution feature that avoids critical fault implications.

Another major new development is the Zbus Calculation Engine which delivers multiple Zbus mathematical matrices for handling the network impedances for all fault calculations. Zbus functionality also enables multiple active sources to be connected to the same switchboard, including parallel supplies.

All AMTECH software now has a direct link to LUCKINSlive.com, offering fast access to a wide range of industry information.

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Though dry fixing has become an accepted part of roofing practice, it has never replaced traditional mortar fixing to the extent that many forecast when the concept was introduced. A succession of relatively mild winters has in some respects masked the potential for frost-associated mortar problems, prompting many house builders to maintain that dry fixing has, until now, been an unnecessary additional cost. However, the past two years have seen consistently severe weather conditions throughout the country and as a result claims to the NHBC under its 10-year warranty scheme have risen steeply.

The highest proportion of these claims have been roofing related with the most common being linked to mortar and condensation issues. This had already prompted the NHBC to issue a directive requiring vapour permeable underlays in cold roofs to be supported by high level ventilation. In November, this was followed by another which required dry fixing of ridges, hips and eaves for all home starts after 1st January. The decision was based on sound statistical information as it had become clear that dry fix was already in more widespread use in areas which face the most severe weather conditions. In some regions, the level had reached over 80% of new builds and where this was the case there were correspondingly fewer claims resulting from storm damage. Despite long periods of sub-zero weather in 2010 and 2011 the trend remained constant. For homes built outside the NHBC warranty, there is also a higher incidence of dry fixing. Housing associations in particular see it as a means of avoiding the risk of unforeseen and premature refurbishment costs while providing scope for more accurate long-term maintenance forecasts.

Klober was among the first dry fix product manufacturers and has consistently drawn attention to the potential pitfalls of mortar fixing. However, Technical Manager Graham Copson added, “Some early dry fix products were not designed with the installer in mind so though they provided a more consistent standard of workmanship they were not always popular. Other criticisms levelled against them were that joints were unsightly and that they were difficult to align. Mortar is always needed on site so many builders allowed the supposed drawbacks to outweigh the benefits of being able to undertake work in wet conditions and eradicating incidences of snagging. Klober manufactures products for universal use and so have to ensure they are easy to install. We welcome comparison against other dry fix and ventilation materials.”

It is a touch ironic that the two NHBC guidelines mentioned should have combined to work in favour of dry fixing. Products such as Klober’s Roll-Fix and Uni-Dry Ventilating Ridge have provided universal ventilating dry ridge and hip options for some years. Both are suitable for use with the majority of concrete interlocking tiles and plain tiles as well as natural and fibre-cement slates. Their value has grown as standards of loft insulation in cold roofs and the consequent risk of condensation have increased. This has increased further as ridge and hip tiles bedded on mortar should now be ‘mechanically fixed with self sealing non-ferrous fixings into timber battens’.

In addition to dry fixing of ridges and hips, use of the Klober Uni-Dry Verge is just as straightforward as it is suitable for most concrete interlocking tiles with a 280mm – 345mm batten gauge. Verges are highly susceptible to wind uplift and even before mortar replacement becomes necessary, the initial signs of failure are often unsightly. Few now argue that dry verge performance is matched by better overall appearance, to such an extent that many house builders insist on dry fixed verges while continuing to mortar-fix ridges and hips. No specific skills or tools are required and all that needs to be remembered is that the ridge batten must overhang the gable wall by 35mm to allow the Ridge End Cap to be fixed. No overhang is required if using a block end ridge.

Dry fixing is unaffected by settlement or movement and its use on pitches from 12.5° – 90° makes it suitable for most housing styles and designs. For the contractor, such ‘universal’ products can be used regardless of which manufacturer’s roof covering is supplied while the real value of dry fixing at the ridge has increased still further as a result of the two NHBC directives. The problem of unsightly mortar runs in mid-winter will at last be a thing of the past.

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With the rising cost of gas and electricity hitting the headlines once again, and many suppliers increasing customers’ energy tariffs, installers need to ensure they are equipped to advise their customers on the most energy and cost efficient heating solutions. Uponor applications manager, Neil Young believes this is where underfloor heating, combined with air source heat pumps can offer an effective holistic solution.

Underfloor heating offers a radiant heat that occupies the entire floor surface area, which in itself offers several benefits.

First of all, it results in a healthy environment. Hardly raising any dust, underfloor heating is perfect for people suffering from allergies. Secondly, the gentle radiant heat acts directly on the body without the process of having to heat the air in the room first. This means that thermal heat can be achieved at lower temperatures compared to more concentrated heat sources such as radiators.

The even floor surface temperature ensures a comfortable energy spread meaning the room temperature can be set to up to 2 degrees Celsius lower than radiators. This can equate to more than 12 per cent in energy savings.

Additional energy savings are offered through the lower water temperature that are required to efficiently heat a home using an underfloor heating system compared to a complete radiator installation. This lower operating temperature means underfloor heating systems are particularly suited to installations where an air source heat pump is the primary heat source.

Rising demand

The market for heat pumps is growing at a staggering rate with estimated sales growing from 8,000 units in 2011 to 100,000 in 2020. By 2050 there will be more than 20 million air source heat pumps in the UK.

The popularity of air source heat pumps is due to their most attractive benefit, which is that they are a renewable energy source. Taking thermal energy from the outside air, heat pumps convert the energy to heat to produce hot water for heating systems and domestic hot water in the home.

The result is a low carbon energy source and a low cost hot water generator – perfect for combining with efficient underfloor heating systems.

Aesthetically, underfloor heating and air source heat pump combinations are also attractive. As the heat source is underneath the floor covering there is no visible heat emitter. Internal wall space is not taken up by radiators and complete freedom is offered when considering room layouts and interior design.

Combined underfloor heating and air source heat pump systems are particularly suited to new build properties, self build project or renovations. They can be retro fitted to existing properties with some level of disruption as floors will need to be taken up or the system installed on top of the existing floor which will result in the finished floor being raised.

But whilst the benefits seem to be a ‘no-brainer’ there are a number of things to consider when specifying underfloor heating and air source heat pumps. Most importantly, it must be a system solution. It is advisable to choose a supply solution where both the heat pump manufacturer and underfloor heating supplier have a proven track record and can demonstrate both knowledge and experience of the system they are specifying working together.

There must be one design strategy and product selection based on the total system performance.

For more information about Uponor’s family of plumbing and climate control solutions, click on www.uponor.co.uk

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The FAKRO FTT U8 Thermo® quadruple-glazed roof window has a U-value of 0.58 W/m2K, making it the most energy-efficient standard product currently available and ideal for energy-efficient buildings such as those designed to Passivhaus standards. It is supplied complete with external thermal flashing, vapour permeable underlay collar and airtight interior flashing.

The FTT U8 has a raised pivot point situated in the top third of the frame for added user convenience. Its glazing unit is set in a specially designed sash frame that reduces potential for thermal bridging and provides a 38 dB acoustic performance. A quadruple-seal system uses flexible thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that does not harden.

Other FTT products include the triple-glazed FTT U6, the 52mm thick glazing unit of which can also be adapted for use with thermal flashing. Its U-value is 0.81 W/m2K while the triple-glazed U5 is 0.94.

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The UK’s underfloor heating market leader, Uponor, has unveiled a brand new installation concept that can cut the time taken to install underfloor heating systems by fifty per cent, drastically reducing installers’ overheads.

Uponor’s brand new Self Attaching System offers a tool-free and hassle-free approach to underfloor heating allowing one individual installer to lay a complete system from start to finish in half the time of traditional systems.

The key element to the Self Attaching System is a unique band which is wound in a spiral around Uponor’s oxygen tight PEX pipe. This band allows one installer to quickly, safely and securely fix the pipe to laminated installation boards which are also quick and easy to position.

The new system offers complete flexibility in terms of pipe laying patterns and complete security and peace of mind. The result is a sophisticated underfloor heating system that is fast, easy to lay and modify and can be installed from start to finish by just one person saving labour time and money.

Neil Young, Uponor’s indoor climate applications manager, explains: “The innovative self attaching system is remarkably easy to install. There are no specialist tools or equipment and it is a one-person job.

“The self attaching technology removes any stress from installation as the pipe position can be repeatedly adjusted without damaging the insulation. There are no extra components such as clips, rails or staples and no fixing holes are required meaning the membrane completely retains its integrity.”

Installation of the simple yet sophisticated system starts with the fixing panels which form the membrane and are quickly unrolled and sealed. The unique PEX pipe, covered with the Self Attaching System band, fixes very simply and securely to the panel and can be removed and relayed as many times as desired.

Neil adds: “The Self Attaching System allows Uponor to offer a full suite of underfloor heating solutions. It complements the existing market-leading range of solutions and works with the full suite of Uponor’s water heating and energy control units.

“We are confident that the new system will be well received by the market as it offers the ideal combination of both time and cost savings and productivity.”

Installers can view a short video of the Self Attaching System being installed to see for themselves how fast and flexible it really is. To view the film visit www.youtube.com

For more information about Uponor click on www.uponor.co.uk , email enquiries.uk@uponor.com or call 01455 550355.

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Estimation 2011 is our latest generation of software, with new features and functionality across the board to help users reduce costs and save time on routine tasks in key areas of their business. These include winning work, running contracts, managing the finances and service & maintenance operations.

Our Estimating module, for example, now offers even faster take-off, with quicker access to key information, so that more tenders are completed in less time. There is also closer integration to our financial modules.

Job Costing and Accounts modules have also been upgraded with over 50 new features, bringing higher functionality to key aspects of managing the financial health of each contract – and the company as a whole. With the use of Microsoft SQL server databases, users will also benefit from improved data integrity and faster access to highly configurable databases.

In addition, Service Manager Plus module has been enriched with new features to make planning of all maintenance tasks easier and more efficient – with improved visibility of all resources, including their status, assigned work and skill sets.

Estimation’s 2011 software is also optimised for use with LUCKINS product and pricing information services. Furthermore, it is LUCKINSlive.com enabled, providing one-click access to information on over 750,000 electrical, mechanical and plumbing products – all directly from within the software.

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New Look, one of the nation’s hottest fashion chains, has taken the lead on sustainability at its new flagship Oxford Circus store on London’s Oxford Street and its popular Marble Arch premises, by installing revolutionary AC Series air curtains from Airbloc.

The energy efficient Airbloc air curtains will slash the energy consumption of the two stores. Situated above the main entrances, they will reduce the demands of air conditioning by preventing heat loss from the building by 80% – whilst ensuring superb comfort for shoppers.

The AC Series air curtains from Airbloc were the perfect solution for New Look’s stores. They create a high velocity air wall, which ensures that external climates do not penetrate into the carefully controlled atmospheres of New Look’s shops, reducing the energy consumption of air conditioning and heating systems.

AC Series air curtains also offer supreme energy efficiency themselves. Featuring a SmartElec energy saving control, they minimise energy usage to optimise their contribution to sustainability.

The significant green benefits of installing AC Series units are matched by their other performance qualities. CE Approved, the versatile and hardwearing system can be installed either vertically or horizontally at doorways and entrances to meet any need.

At New Look’s Oxford Circus store, the main entrance featured overhead High Capacity ACR Series air curtains for additional power. Their outlet was provided by one continuous grille recessed into the ceiling for an unobtrusive, sleek effect in line with the fashion chain’s stylish aspirations.

The stunning new store spans an impressive 26,000 sq ft, over four floors housing the latest New Look summer 2010 fashion in womenswear and menswear. With a towering four floors dedicated to keeping your wardrobes up to date, New Look will be your first stop on the Oxford Street trail.

For the Marble Arch store building, bespoke AC Series units were supplied. A corner entrance, it was specially designed to create an impressive effect for customers. As such, it was essential that the air curtains fitted the design seamlessly. AirBloc provided High Capacity AC Series units coloured in grey and featuring special grilles to match door fixtures and the ceiling perfectly.

For nationally prominent brands such as New Look, sustainable practice is of the utmost importance. By specifying Airbloc’s leading technology, the company will be able to reduce its carbon emissions considerably and ensure excellent climate comfort for its crowds of busy shoppers.

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FAKRO FTT U5 Thermo triple glazed roof windows have been used in Associated Architects’ ground breaking designs for eco-vicarages at Kingswinford and Webheath in the Diocese of Worcester. Believed to be England’s first ever homes to achieve both Code 6 PassivHaus and Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6 the FTT U5 provides a U-value of 0.94W/m2K and was chosen as part of the overall airtightness strategy. Heat loss will be less than one tenth that of an average home, earning the title of zero carbon ‘passive house’. John Christophers of Associated Architects commented, “Energy demand is reduced to an absolute minimum with super insulation, triple glazing and super air-tight construction”. There are thought to be only around 20,000 buildings in the world which meet the same 'green' criteria.

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Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation has announced that it now offers a comprehensive family of medium voltage products for use in distribution networks, infrastructure and industrial applications at up to 24 kV. The announcement follows the launch of three new products in Eaton’s Electrical Sector’s Medium Voltage range – FMX single-busbar switchgear, W-VACi vacuum circuit breakers and Unitole UX withdrawable switchgear. The new products build on Eaton’s long and proven experience in the MV sector and complement the organisation’s existing MV switchgear products. Many of these, including the recently introduced Xiria 24kV ring main units, were formerly supplied in the UK under the Holec product series.

The core technologies that underpin Eaton’s MV products include vacuum switching, which offers reliable maintenance-free operation over a long working life, and cast resin insulation, which provides excellent control of electric fields and eliminates the risk of open arcs. The products provide an attractive and viable alternative to SF6 switchgear and, by eliminating the high maintenance requirements of SF6 equipment as well as the environmental issues associated with use and ultimate disposal of SF6 gas, they offer significantly reduced life-time costs.

A key addition to the Eaton family of MV products, the FMX units offer metal-enclosed single-busbar solid- and air-insulated switchgear for use at up to 24 kV and 2,000 A. Tested in accordance with the latest IEC 62271 standard, the FMX range is based on vacuum switching technology. It provides compact, environmentally friendly solutions with low total cost of ownership for applications in main feeder stations and substations, as well as in industrial and infrastructure projects.

For applications where withdrawable switchgear is preferred, Eaton will be launching the Unitole UX range of switchgear with ratings up to 4,000 A. This is also fully compliant with IEC 62271 and offers full segregation by earthed metal partitions of all major compartments. Products in the Unitole UX range, which will be available for delivery in the near future, have been specifically designed for ease of installation, to minimise maintenance requirements and to offer low environmental impact.

Unitole UX switchgear incorporates the new W-VACi vacuum circuit breakers, but these can also be supplied separately for use in other equipment. Compact and cost-effective, they are available in IEC 12 kV, 17.5 kV and 24 kV versions. The breakers are offered in fixed and withdrawable configurations, with all types using a universal mechanism assembly that combines reliability with long life and virtually maintenance-free operation.

These new products join the new Xiria 24 kV ring main units, which are a recent addition to the Eaton MV product family. Xiria units are offered in two-, three-, four- or five-panel versions with the primary parts of the units and the mechanisms fully enclosed. Xiria units are among the smallest of their type currently available and are supplied, as standard, ready for use in fully automated networks.

Other products that make up the complete and comprehensive Eaton MV product family include Magnefix insulation-enclosed 3.6 kV to 1 5kV ring main units, over 200,000 of which are already in use around the world; SVS/08 and SVS/12 modular switchgear, a fully enclosed epoxy-resin insulated system with integral vacuum interrupters; and the MMS compact double busbar switchgear system for use where providing the highest levels of supply availability is a key requirement.

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Featuring tough yet lightweight construction and designed to work reliably in high-interference areas like substation switchyards, Megger’s new DELTA4000 series insulation diagnostic test sets offer time saving fully automatic power factor/tan delta measurement and tip-up testing. Also provided are facilities for full manual control – including the ability to vary the applied voltage up to 12 kV during testing – to cater for special testing requirements.

• Automatic and manual operation
• Accurate and repeatable measurement results with high noise suppression
• Lightweight, rugged two-piece design
• Built-in intelligent temperature correction
• Automatic voltage dependence detection

Intelligent temperature correction

Accurate and dependable temperature correction, based on the actual condition of the test object, can be applied to results using a novel and patented technique, which works with data acquired from a separate dynamic frequency response (DFR) test. Automatic detection of non-linear response, which suggests the need for further (tip-up) testing and which is often a useful indicator of incipient insulation problems, is also provided.

Versatile

Despite their small size and low weight, Megger’s DELTA4000 series test sets offer comprehensive facilities for assessing the condition of electrical insulation in all types of high-voltage equipment, including transformers, bushings, circuit breakers, cables, lightning arrestors and rotating machinery. They can also be used for measuring the excitation current of transformer windings.

To ensure that accurate results are obtained even when the instrument is powered from a supply with poor voltage and frequency stability, the test sets generate their own test voltage, which is independent of supply quality. A further benefit of this approach is that it allows the test voltage to be varied in frequency from 1 Hz to 500 Hz, making the instruments even more versatile.

Designed for the user

DELTA4000 series instruments show test results on a large bright built-in colour display. Measured quantities include voltage, current, power loss, tan delta, power factor and capacitance. Test results are automatically stored in the unit and can be downloaded directly to a PC or to a USB memory stick. The results can also be sent directly to a printer via the instrument’s USB port, without the need to use a separate computer.

To further increase their usefulness and convenience, DELTA4000 series instruments are supplied with Megger’s versatile PowerDB Lite software. This allows the operator to run standard automatic tests and to program specific customised test routines in advance.

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