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REHAU's Chief Executive Martin Hitchin met with Jesse Norman, the MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, earlier this week to discuss the government's support for the Renewable Heat Incentive.

Martin Hitchin said: “The Renewable Heat Incentive has delivered a welcome degree of certainty to the sustainable energy sector and we certainly hope to see further similar positive announcements as the coalition reveals more about its energy strategy in the coming months.

“Companies like REHAU, which are committed to investing in the development of both renewable and sustainable energy technologies, are looking to the coalition for long term support and it was very gratifying that Jesse Norman, who had previously supported the RHI, took the time to listen to this point of view.”

During the meeting, Martin Hitchin gave details of REHAU's plans to invest in its production facilities in North Wales and also repeated the company's commitment to the Herefordshire region, where its Ross on Wye HQ is based.

Martin continued: “REHAU is one of only a small number of international companies to have its UK headquarters in Herefordshire and we are very much committed to the future wealth and prosperity of the region, as this meeting with our constituency MP demonstrates.”

Jesse Norman MP added: “Renewable heat is a very important industrial sector of the 21st century, and REHAU is exactly the kind of technology-based international business that we need more of in Herefordshire.

“I am very excited by several of their new technologies, and by their long-term commitment to the county. And I am absolutely delighted that a Herefordshire business is using world beating ideas to meet global energy challenges.”

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The need to know what's flowing where in building services is fundamental to well managed services, good energy/water management, reduced consumption and costs. Whether it's LPHW, Hot water services, Chilled Water, Liquid Heat/Energy flow or Potable water, when you're looking to improve efficiency and reduce consumption and associated costs at some stage in the process you need to know what's flowing where!

Clamp-on, ultrasonic flow measurement is an excellent technology for temporary investigations or permanent flow measurement solutions. Instruments are available to operate on a standalone basis, often with integral logging facilities and the facility for information to be uploaded or permanently connected to aM&T systems.

The potential application of the technology as an Energy Management tool is significant. And it's been utilised by a wide range of organisations including Luton Borough Council, Network Rail, Kings College, Ricoh Arena, University of Manchester and many others. Micronics is the longest established UK Company specialising in the design, manufacture and application of Clamp-on, ultrasonic flow measurement. Applications include, verifying the operation of existing meters, establishing flow and consumption patterns, checking the correct sizing of installed pumps, sizing water filters and permanent meters as part of an aM&T system. But the potential for wider use in both existing and new build is significant and to aid this process Micronics are currently providing CPD presentations to Building Services organisations across the country with the aim of increasing understanding, general awareness and wider application of the technology. If you would like further information on Clamp-on, ultrasonic flow metering, an on-site demonstration of the technology for your specific application or would like to arrange a CPD presentation for your organisation please visit www.micronicsflowmeters.com .

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REHAU has launched a new anti-microbial option for both its PROFILA data and COMPACT data cable management systems.

It has been designed specifically to help reduce micro organisms which may cause harmful infections and diseases in environment such as hospitals and schools. REHAU’s cable trunking incorporates BioCote’s silver ion antimicrobial technology which inhibits the growth of bacteria and mould.

Tests have shown that products incorporating this technology at the time of manufacturer help to reduce levels of bacteria including MRSA, E-Coli, Salmonella and Listeria on surfaces by up to 99%.

A pilot study carried out by BioCote and the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust compared bacterial counts in two outpatient departments. One of the departments was furnished with products incorporating the BioCote silver ion technology, which is now being used by REHAU. The other contained standard, untreated items. The results of the 18 month study, which was published in the Journal of Infection Prevention, showed that bacteria counts in the BioCote treated environment were 95.8% lower than those in the untreated department.

REHAU’s new antimicrobial trunking provides an additional level of protection against microbial organisms which can also cause product deterioration, discolouration and bad odours.

Boris Romero, REHAU’s New Product Development Manager, said: “REHAU has a successful track record in the Health and Education sectors with large scale contracts at many BSF projects including the London hospitals, the largest hospital redevelopment project in the UK. This new initiative will strengthen our position still further and meet increasing demand from clients and end-users for safe and hygienic solutions.”

The new PROFILA data and COMPACT data anti-microbial trunking are now available for volume orders. For further information, contact REHAU on: 01989 762600 or visit www.rehau.co.uk

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Crabtree Weatherseal accessories are waterproof to IP56 making them ideally suitable for any extremes of the UK climate, particularly a winter such as the one we’ve just survived. The IP56 rating confirms the products are proof against rain, including hailstones and snow, dust and small particles of dirt, in fact almost any medium that, for reasons of safety, should be kept firmly outside of the working mechanism of both socket outlet and switch. They are also available with an integrated RCD for even greater protection, in line with the latest 17th edition which specifies them in new and refurbished installations more widely now than ever before.

With April showers and more to cope with this spring, the IP56 rating of Weatherseal is paramount, and achieved by the surround to the socket being fitted with a specially formulated substance, impervious to water and dust. It differs from the gel-like substances used by other manufacturers as it is made from a new, specially developed and highly effective material, helping the switch retain its IP 56 rating after repeated use. When a standard 13A plug is fitted in the socket the lid can be easily closed, the whole outlet is sealed off against dust and dirt particles.

But for maximum safety outdoors or in a similarly hostile environment, Weatherseal waterproof RCD protected 13A sockets should be used.  In those parts of a house or annexe, such as a conservatory or utility room, or in a stand-alone building like a workshop or garage, where water might be sprayed for instance when washing down cars, they are key. In commercial applications where dust or oily deposits are present, their use is equally important.

The Weatherseal range from Crabtree is very affordable, and offers switches rated at 20A.  Socket outlets come as single un-switched, and twin switched DP 13A or 13A BS7288 RCD protected outlets also available. In common with many other Crabtree products, Weatherseal can be customised on site by using most items from the standard or Euromodule range.

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Daikin Europe N.V. announces the introduction of VRV®III-Q the second generation of its Replacement VRV®III cost effective upgrade solution for systems based on the banned R-22 refrigerant. VRV®III-Q enables existing R-22 heat pump or heat recovery systems to be upgraded state of the art R-410A systems. Since the existing installation piping and in many cases also the indoor units can be retained, the installation minimum downtime and new investment is needed.

Cost effective and easy

From the onset of the R-22 ban, Daikin presented the market with a cost-effective solution in its first generation VRV®III-Q system, with which existing piping and in many cases the indoor units, could be retained. The new second generation, larger capacity outdoor units (up to 48 HP) have a reduced footprint, which is smaller than corresponding R-22 outdoor units, allowing their one-to-one replacement. As a result, existing power supply connections can also be retained.

VRV®III-Q is designed to operate the lower pressures suitable for existing R-22 piping whilst maintaining high energy efficiency. The use of automatic charging and cleaning obviates the need for new piping required in the past for system upgrades due to oil and contaminants in existing piping – even in the case of previous compressor breakdown. In many cases, only the outdoor units need to be replaced, allowing phased replacement, spreading of investment costs and minimal disruption to business operations.

VRV®III-Q is available in capacities of 5 to 48 HP (heat pump) and 10 to 30 HP (heat recovery) models. All existing Daikin R-22 and R-407C VRV® installations can be replaced and many non Daikin R-22 or R-407C installations can also be upgraded with this system. In addition to possible efficiency gains of more than 40%, system capacity can be increased without changing the refrigerant piping, allowing the system to adapt to increased cooling and heating demand.

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

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Swish has now set 2011's environmental targets for its manufacturing and distribution operations. Under its ISO14001 Environmental Certification Swish has set and met challenging annual targets since early 2007.

Swishhas managed to reduce its carbon footprint by 3.5% in 2010 as a result of setting environmental targets under ISO14001 (based on Carbon Trust Level 1 methodology).

Swish SHEQ Manager David Watts said, “Since 2007 we've reduced the waste which goes off-site by a total of 72%, and this year we are looking to make at least a 10% reduction on 2010 levels.”

David says the company is proud of its efforts. “Any production scrap is recycled and most of our other waste like cardboard, paper, packaging plastic etc is picked up by specialist contractors and recycled.”

“But we don't just dump the rest in landfill,” he adds. “Since the beginning of 2010 anything we can't recycle has been picked up by a specialist contractor that sorts it out for us.”

The Swish environmental targets for 2011 are:

• Landfill -10%
• Electricity -6%
• Water -2%
• Transport Diesel -2%
• Heater fuel to show no increase in 2011

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Full range of shower trays, electric showers and accessories at the touch of a button

MX Group, has launched a fresh new web site that brings its huge range of shower trays, of electric showers and accessories to life, at the click of a button. Head for www.mx-group.com to see the new site for yourself.

MX is not only the leading manufacturer of shower trays – with more than 100 sizes of tray in six main product types, and not only produces the widest range of shower accessories in the UK but also ensures that these comply with all relevant British Standards and wherever applicable uses WRAS approved materials.

The ever growing selection of MX Electric Showers are all BEAB approved and come complete with a full service backup. Recently, MX has launched an ever growing range of Thermostatic Mixer Valves. These TMV2 and WRAS approved valves mean that MX has now become a very influential player within this market sector.

MX has been a well kept West Country secret operating from its bases in Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire and Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire, supplying huge quantities of product to the major shower manufacturers in the UK, but the growth of its ‘own brand’ product ranges has seen the company emerge from the shadows as a major player in the sector. There won’t be too many showers in the UK that don’t boast at least one component from the MX stable.

“With more than 7 million products or components heading out onto the market each year, we are a company to reckon with,” says Group Marketing Manager Sasha Davies. “We’re rightly proud of our place in the sector and the quality of the products we produce. This new web site portrays us as we are and we’re very proud of it. It’s an excellent shop window for the wide range of products we supply and has already been received warmly by many manufacturers, specifiers and retailers keen to get a better feel for what we can offer them.”

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The 2011 Technical DVD is now available and contains all current databooks, installation, service, operation and parts manuals across our entire air conditioning range. Manuals include those relating to the new Zen products through to City Multi YJM-A VRF systems and our comprehensive controls options, to name but a few.

Also available is the new M Series MXZ Multi-Split Systems brochure. MXZ multi-split heat pump systems are an economic answer to multi-room applications and ideal for shops or small commercial buildings. Utilising R410A refrigerant and flexible enough to suit a number of applications, the range includes models that will run up to eight indoor units per single outdoor unit, between 5.2 and 15.5kW. With vastly reduced power consumption, inverter control and with increased pipe length and height differences over its R407c predecessors, the M Series MXZ range is extremely efficient and versatile, helping to make system application easier.

To get your copy of either of these, please call your local sales office today.

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Acknowledged as one of Britain’s leading manufacturers of wiring accessories and circuit protection equipment, Crabtree’s diverse product range is renowned for its outstanding quality and excellent value for money. With over 200 pages, Crabtree’s new catalogue for 2010 provides contractors with all the relevant information required to select the right Crabtree product for the job, with the specific features and benefits of each range clearly detailed.

The product sections enable contractors to easily identify the items they require, while the technical pages provide all the necessary information regarding specifications, dimensions, capacities, performance and the standards and approvals to which the products conform. Typical installation layouts are illustrated for different types of consumer unit to assist contractors with circuit protection design in conformance with the 17th edition. In addition to product selection information for each range, the catalogue contains data that includes wiring diagrams and assembly instructions, all designed to help simplify on-site installation.

Recently introduced products include colour-coded additions to the unique Biocote? anti-microbial accessory range, energy-saving card switches, and an extension to the range of Part M accessories, including a new Seeklight that is suitable for use with all Crabtree light switches. The circuit protection section now includes Crabtree consumer units, benefitting from new style MCBs, RCBOs and spine backplate units, with many additional configurations now available. There are also additions to their associated modular control devices, including new-style time switches.

Advance information regarding the new Transform décor range is also included in the new catalogue, allowing a preview of the exciting possibilities this adaptable new product will bring to the marketplace. Overall, the catalogue provides a comprehensive and essential practical reference book, which should always be kept at hand by every electrician.

Copies of the new Crabtree Catalogue are available from Electrium sales, by phoning 01543 455010 or by visiting www.electrium.co.uk

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‘Speed and flexibility’ is primarily why Looks Construction selected Marshall-Tufflex’s MT32 high speed underfloor prefabricated wiring system for the fast-track fit-out of units at Highbury Studios, a prestigious new mixed use residential and commercial development in North London offering flexible workspace, office, retail, restaurant and D1 space. This project forms part of the regeneration of Islington that included the Emirates Stadium and conversion of Highbury Stadium, the previous home to Arsenal FC, into the residential development now called Highbury Square.

Looks Construction of Dartford, Kent, has been contracted by Stadium Investement Ltd to carry out the building, mechanical and ongoing electrical fit-outs of the ground level units that range from 500–18,000 square feet, as they become rented to businesses and retailers and must be quickly transformed into offices or shops.

Each unit is bespoke and finished to the tenant’s specification. Modifications to internal layouts and power supplies are therefore needed to ensure that each one meets the differing requirements of the incoming tenant. Often this work is fine-tuned by Looks Construction as the tenant moves in, with the final positioning of desks, computers and lighting, for example.

Looks Construction established the need for a plug and play prefabricated wiring system to provide the essential speed and flexibility needed when installing power and lighting services to tight deadlines at Highbury Studios. As a result, the company explored the product options currently available.

“We researched the marketplace and found that alternative products did not offer the same level of flexibility as MT32 and other companies were not as good on lead times,” said Paul Jordan, of Looks Construction. “We therefore selected Marshall-Tufflex’s MT32 with the product supplied by Edmundson Electrical, Gravesend.”

MT32 is supplied as a total underfloor system taking complete cabling runs via a 32Amp plug and play connector to final outlets in pre-wired, pre-tested accessory boxes with male and female connectors, thereby eliminating hard wiring on-site, saving time and reducing costs. MT32 is a modular system, ideal for installations where power is fed from a main source and delivered over a wide area to a large number of outlets. Due to the flexibility of its design, it can accommodate up to three times the coverage of existing power track options and is also easily reconfigured where re-positioning of sockets is a possibility.

“The flexible conduit system to the accessory boxes is supplied to us in 3-5 metre lengths so that we only need to lift a small area of surrounding floor tiles in order to fit the boxes into the floor void,” added Mr Jordan.

“The boxes are all pre-wired and ready for plug and play connection to master circuit boards. We generally use ten circuits and 30-40 floor boxes with both ring and radial circuit cabling in the fit-out of a standard shell and core unit. With a fast turn around needed in every case, quick lead-in times were essential to us, as was speed of installation and flexibility. MT32 has delivered on all counts: it is fast to install, extremely flexible and it works very well,” he concluded.

The Highbury Studios scheme, part of the Highbury Islington Regeneration Project, is located just off the Holloway Road and has mixed residential and commercial space to great effect, with homes, shops, offices, restaurants, a supermarket, gym and studios for local artisans. The development also includes the new Emirates Stadium and Highbury Square and has been hailed as the ‘future of mixed use developments’.

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