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The UK’s number one underfloor heating specialist has introduced a range of air to water heat pumps for the first time, as it looks to broaden its domestic heating solutions.

Uponor has entered the heat pump market after identifying a high demand for the energy efficient product, which is seen as an ideal accompaniment to its existing underfloor heating and plumbing systems.

Uponor is working alongside Toshiba Carrier to offer complete system solutions,, which are expected to significantly penetrate a market growth of around 100,000 units per year over the next 10 years.

It is hoped that the partnership will lead to a seamless heating provision from Uponor, both from an installation and aftersales perspective.

Uponor’s applications manager Neil Young said discussions had been taking place for around 12 months to add heat pump systems to the brand’s portfolio.

He said: “Uponor has always placed a huge emphasis on its ‘family of products‘ which offer a variety of different solutions and a number of advantages over our competitors.

“Our portfolio of heat pumps are a welcome addition and represent the start of an exciting new chapter for Uponor.

“Heat pumps and underfloor heating systems have always been very closely aligned, operating most efficiently at very similar low water temperatures.

“The decision to expand into this market will offer installers a fully integrated system and a peace of mind for the end user.”

Neil added that while there was a lot of competition in the heat pump market, Uponor’s ‘philosophy of plumbing’ would ensure lasting success for the business.

“A lot of companies sell heat pumps. What we want to do is to look at each individual project and offer more in terms of the finished solution. We will assess each project individually and see what is the best way forward. If heat pumps are suitable we can specify the right one together with the most appropriate underfloor heating package.

“If heat pumps are not a suitable option, then we will be able to say why not and find a solution that works.”

All Uponor staff will be fully trained at the company’s Lutterworth based training academy with representatives from Toshiba Carrier.

Each product will also boast a three year guarantee as standard, which to our knowledge is the longest agreement of its kind in the market.

Neil said that the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive was also great news for the industry and could not be underestimated.

“Last year, figures revealed around 4,000 heat pump sales – a figure that will grow considerably over the coming years.

“With the Government’s commitment to its Renewable Heat Incentive as well, we see air source heat pumps as a significant addition to our range of domestic heating solutions.”

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Klober has added to its specialist roofing airtightness range with the introduction of Butylon® double-sided tape. Butylon has been designed specifically for use below battens or counterbattens to seal nail penetrations and create an airtight and watertight seal in underlays, air barriers or vapour control layers. It is equally effective on rough or smooth surfaces, is highly durable and can be used both internally and externally in temperatures from minus 40°C to 80°C. Butylon is available in 25 metre rolls of 20mm and 50mm width.

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'The Rock' in Bury, designed by Building Design Partnership, has already become one of the northwest's prime retail, leisure and residential hubs. VMZINC's 0.8mm standing seam vertical panel façade system in subtle PIGMENTO® Red not only gives the development visual distinctiveness but provides the ideal accompaniment to the expansively glazed retail shopfronts. The pre-weathered façades will retain their colour while developing a natural self-protecting patina, so maintenance requirements for the £ 350M development and 397 new apartments will be minimal. Other PIGMENTO shades include green and blue.

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The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide and Temperature Transmitter GMW116 is a compact wall-mounted transmitter that helps save energy by providing accurate carbon dioxide measurement in demand-controlled ventilation. The transmitter incorporates Vaisala’s innovative silicon-based CARBOCAP ® technology for excellent long-term measurement stability.

The GMW116 enables efficient and economical ventilation control by using actual carbon dioxide measurements – rather than assumed fresh air requirement based on the number of people in a space – to determine ventilation demand. This improves the accuracy of ventilation control, resulting in improved air quality and lower energy consumption.

CARBOCAP ® technology enables excellent long-term accuracy and eliminates the need for self-calibration by using alternating dual wavelengths – one to measure CO2 and a second reference wavelength. Because the GMW116 also measures temperature, there is no need for separate temperature compensation in CO2 measurement.

Because it requires no self-calibration, the GMW116 can be used in all types of occupied spaces. It’s ideal for spaces that are occupied around the clock, such as hospitals, residential buildings, and homes for the elderly. The transmitter’s excellent temperature tolerance means it is also suitable for refrigeration applications.

The GMW116 is easy to install thanks to its simple two-piece construction: just complete the wiring to the terminal block on the bottom of the unit, then snap on the lid of the electronics enclosure to complete the installation. This quick and simple process means that the electronics are not subjected to the dusty conditions often present during the early phases of a building project.

The new design, in signal white (RAL9003) color, blends in well on most modern office walls. The GMW116’s enclosure is made of UL V0-approved materials and is IP30 protected. The transmitter is compatible with European, US, and Japanese junction boxes, and is covered by a two-year warranty.

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“Wet Chemical” portable fire extinguishers have been specified and installed at The Crown Hotel, in the historic town of Stamford, by Newflame Fire Equipment. This type of extinguisher is designed to deliver the best possible chance of extinguishing fires involving hot cooking oils and fats.

The 17th Century hotel has a very busy kitchen area and Manager Tim Pratt said, “We are very impressed with the capabilities of the Class F fire extinguisher and, whilst we haven’t had to use it in anger yet, the training given to our team by Newflame has let us experience what it can do.”

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The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has entered into an exclusive agreement with AMTECH Group to provide CIBSE members with access to the new LUCKINSlive.com directory of building services products and services.

LUCKINSlive.com is the first online information centre for the UK building services industry that provides a single source of comprehensive, accurate and up to date information for hundreds and thousands of products. The centre boasts a clear, easy-to-use design, with consistent product presentation, is accessible to all as no log-in is required and includes regular newsletters which are sent to subscribers.

CIBSE Chief Executive, Stephen Matthews commented: “CIBSE members are becoming more and more focused on the need to provide building users with buildings which are as excellent in operation as they are on the drawing board. The only way they can achieve this is to ensure that they specify the right products and that they are competently installed.

“I believe LUCKINSlive.com, which will be accessible via the CIBSE website, will be a resource to which industry professionals will turn on an almost daily basis.”

AMTECH Group Managing Director Mark Tindall added: “LUCKINSlive.com is set to revolutionise the way that building services specifiers and installers access product and industry information. CIBSE’s endorsement is the latest development in a relationship between our organisations that continues to facilitate the work of building services engineers and enhance the service they provide to their clients.”

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Mitsubishi Electric has launched two new air conditioning controllers to strengthen their market leading controls product range and provide advanced control options via newly designed and simplified high resolution user interfaces. The new controllers allow more users to benefit from the latest developments in easy-to-use controls for energy saving features as well as for the more standard controller operations.

The AT50 is Mitsubishi Electric’s new MNET centralised controller which offers the ability to control and monitor 50 indoor units via a compact user-friendly touch screen interface. The AT50 controller adds to the company’s existing AG150 centralised controller offering and provides many of the same features.

“We have designed and positioned the new AT50 controller to answer the market demand for increased functions at a very cost-effective price, delivering a unique new solution for both installers and operators,” explains Martin Fahey, Mitsubishi Electric’s Product Marketing Manager.

The compact and well-designed new AT50 is only 18cm wide by 3cm deep and can be mounted directly onto the wall, making it easy to install without the need for an indent or back box. This also gives installers the option of retro-fitting the new controller to bring advanced functionality and ease of use to existing installed systems.

Installation becomes even easier and more cost-effective if the unit is used to control just one City Multi VRF air conditioning system, as the AT50 can be installed onto the indoor unit MNET line and takes its power from here. With more than one City Multi system, a separate additional power pack is required by the controller.

M Series and Mr Slim air conditioning systems are also connectable via the relevant MNET adapters.

In addition, Mitsubishi Electric has designed the controller to allow Lossnay heat recovery ventilation units to interlock with the AT50 meaning that energy can be saved when Lossnay heat recovery ventilation is in operation.

For operators, the AT50 comes with physical buttons to make the operation of basic functions quick and effective. The collective ON/OFF button will turn off all indoor units connected to the controller and the two dedicated function buttons can be assigned to a pre-programmed operation to allow control from a single touch.

These can be programmed to offer a selection of tasks to perform a collective operation of all indoor units, such as setting the mode, prohibiting the remote controllers or setting all units to night setback mode.

“Within the controller menus there are also several levels of user access, including a home screen, menu and service screens, so we provide the operator with the ability to monitor and control the air conditioning or third party equipment in a simple, easy-to-read layout whilst enforcing relevant password security where required,” adds Fahey.

The controller has several energy saving functions which can be used to centrally control and reduce energy usage across the whole system. The AT50 has set point limit function which can be used to restrict users from selecting very high or very low heating or cooling set points.

The unit also has two weekly schedules, allowing the controller to be set up for both a summer and winter operating pattern providing the ability for annual scheduling. Night set back control is also possible on the AT50 which can be used to dramatically reduce energy consumption during low demand periods.

Also new to the market is Mitsubishi Electric’s PAR-30MAA local controller, which provides all standard control functions but also offers advanced functions that are ideal for installers or contractors commissioning a system, performing maintenance checks or looking for errors.

The PAR-30MAA is the latest in the range of re-designed controls and provides a new clearer higher resolution LCD backlit screen. The user interface has been completely overhauled from the previous generation, simplifying the operation, setup and navigation through the menus and options.

The PAR-30MAA controller now only has four main buttons with four dynamically changing function buttons directly underneath the impressive new screen.

A completely new option for the PAR-30MAA is the ability to configure the controller in either a simplified mode (mode, set point and fan speed control only) or in advanced mode providing full access to all of the controller functionality.

Accessed via the maintenance password on the PAR-30MAA is a new ‘smooth maintenance’ function which is available when the controller is connected to any Mr Slim outdoor unit. When initiated, this function can be targeted to any connected outdoor unit to obtain detailed service and operational data.

“This provides maintenance engineers with a quick and simple way to monitor the system and gather all the essential running data necessary to make inspection, maintenance and diagnostics much easier,” explains Fahey.

Again, the new PAR-30MAA local controller comes with a range of built in energy saving functions, such as set point limitation, auto set point return and weekly scheduling.

Also provided by the controller is the option to set up a Duty Standby system controlling two Mr Slim systems, enabling them to work together as one to provide continuous operation in critical applications such as server rooms.

“These two new controllers extend the comprehensive range available to our customers and bring advanced functionality to make the installation, operation and maintenance of our equipment even easier and more efficient,” adds Fahey.

“At Mitsubishi Electric we are determined to develop products that help customers reduce their energy consumption, and by introducing these simple to use controllers with added, advanced energy saving functions, operators will be able to lower their carbon footprint,” he ends.

Further details on the new controllers and the complete range of advanced air conditioning solutions can be found at www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/aircon.

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Orbis Premier stainless steel handles and door furniture from Laidlaw Solutions have been used in DWA Architects' design of Warren Lodge, a new, purpose-built BUPA care home in Ashford, Kent. Built to provide specialist dementia care facilities, Orbis Premier has been used on all interior doors including those of the 64 en suite rooms. Laidlaw was also briefed to supply newly designed matching rails with concealed fittings and scheduled door signage, fire door bar, tape barrier and bathroom fittings such as grab rails, toilet roll and brush holders, coat hooks and soap dishes.

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Decorative electrical wiring accessories manufacturer, Hamilton Litestat, has announced that it is expanding and strengthening its sales team with a number of new faces coming on board and a restructure of the existing sales team.

Sarah Cox has joined Hamilton as South Western Sales Representative. Julian Churchill, who previously held this position, will now head up Hamilton’s lighting controls department at the head office in Wiltshire. Julian has been designing lighting control systems for many years and adds his considerable expertise to this key area of Hamilton’s business.

Another new face at Hamilton is Jerry Kelly, who has been appointed Southern Specification Representative. Jerry has vast experience gained from over 40 years in the electrical industry and has been bought into this new position to support Hamilton’s growth in the specifier market.

Andrew Partington, who has been with the company for two years in roles as Northern Regional Manager and UK Specification Manager, will shortly take up the position of UK Field Sales and Specification Manager, heading up the entire UK sales team. Andy’s previous sales roles in the North of England have been taken over by newcomers Lisa Brown, North Western Sales Representative, and Ian Tweedly, North Eastern Sales Representative.

All these new appointments come as Bill Milne, Hamilton’s long serving Sales Director, retires after 12 years with the firm.

“We’re sad to see Bill go as he’s given us 12 years of invaluable service and he will be greatly missed,” said Rod Hamilton, Chairman of Hamilton Litestat. “However, it’s exciting for us to be welcoming so many new faces and expanding our team in this way. We supply quality electrical wiring accessories and lighting controls throughout the UK and further afield, and our sales teams have a pivotal role to play in growing our business. We’re sure that the newly restructured and larger team will offer an even better quality of service to our customers.”

T: 01747 860088
E: web@hamilton-litestat.com
www.hamilton-litestat.com

Picture caption: Andrew Partington, UK Field Sales and Specification Manager

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The VRV®III Heating Only system introduced by Daikin Europe, uses renewable energy from outdoor air to drive the heating process, generating 4 kW of usable heat for every 1 kW of electricity consumed. It is therefore considerably more efficient than heating systems that burn fossil fuels, reducing both energy consumption and CO2 emissions of a building. Even when the electricity consumed comes from non-renewable sources, CO2 emissions are still much lower than fuel oil or natural gas burning boilers. VRV®III Heating Only therefore reduces a building’s heating costs and its environmental footprint.

The variable refrigerant flow concept inherent in behind VRV® technology was developed by Daikin and has been updated continuously over the past 25 years to a point where it represents an ideal solution for buildings, which have separate zones with individual heating requirements.

VRV®III Heating Only uses inverters to dynamically adapt compressor speed – and thus heating output – to actual building demand. Full capacity provides rapid warm up times and once rooms reach their optimum temperature, the system throttles back, generating just enough heat to maintain comfort levels at optimum efficiency. VRV®III Heating Only also responds quickly to changes in outdoor and indoor temperatures. Furthermore, each indoor zone can be controlled individually, enabling room occupants to enjoy optimum temperatures, ventilation and humidity, while the system operates at peak efficiency.

VRV®III Heating Only is designed for buildings of all sizes with diverse heating needs but is particularly suitable for installation in public buildings in climates where summer cooling is not required. Outdoor units from 25 to 170 kW support up to 64 separate indoor units, with each indoor unit receiving precisely the heat it needs. Long piping runs are possible and the system’s modular construction promotes quick and easy installation. Start-up costs can be spread with phased installation and there is no need for fuel storage tanks and pumps.

Fifteen different model indoor units are supported, including ceiling mounted, floor-standing and wall mounted types. Fresh air ventilation and Biddle air curtains can be integrated with the system, which also supports a wide range of control possibilities, including multiple building monitoring from a central location via Internet.

VRV®III Heating Only offers top efficiency, low operating costs and reduced CO2 emissions, whilst retaining optimum comfort throughout the building.

Daikin Europe products are distributed in the UK by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd and Space Airconditioning plc.

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