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Hamilton Litestat has added a touch dimmer module to its extensive GridIt wiring accessory range. The touch grid module is compatible with all incandescent type lamps.

Being a true touch dimmer a gentle tap to the face of the dimmer module brings the lights on or turns the dimmer off. By keeping a finger on the dimmer module the lights can be raised or lowered as required. Once the finger is removed the lighting level is set. To change this setting, all the user has to do is touch and hold the face of the module until the desired brightness is achieved.

Hamilton’s grid dimmer module incorporates an Intelligent Trailing Edge design which provides flicker free and near silent operation. By incorporating ‘soft start’ technology it is able to prolong lamp life whilst removing the necessity to de-rate for mains voltage halogen lamps.

The 250W/210va multi-way dimmer module has unidirectional protection and is able to detect a number of fault conditions including over current, no load protection and temperature cut-out. When a fault is detected the dimmer will switch off and either automatically turn back on when the fault is rectified or, in the case of the no load condition it will need the fault to be resolved before it can be manually switched on. This capability reduces the risk of damage to either the dimmer or any transformers in the lighting circuit.

For multi positional control additional slave units can be connected to the master unit or if preferred a push to make retractive switch can also be used, either option will mimic the dimming and on/off function of the master unit

This touch dimmer module has been manufactured to comply with the requirements of BSEN 60669-2-1 and fits wall boxes complying with BS4662:2006.

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Elta Fans have launched their new and innovative QuietflowDCV (Demand Control Ventilation) system. In the face of sharply increasing fuel costs, the rapidly rising costs of owning and operating H&V equipment and services, added to the new environmental imperative “to be seen to be green”, one of the recurring themes of 2009 will be low energy, low carbon solutions. QuietflowDCV allows the efficient and effective implementation of variable ventilation solutions to variable occupancy spaces within a single building in order to save energy – and money.

The Elta Group has been fully committed to helping reduce the carbon-footprint of buildings for many years through more efficient components, products and control systems using less energy. But today’s soaring energy costs, along with recent and anticipated future legislation, are hastening the industry’s drive for faster product and system development in the important area of energy conservation.

In the QuietflowDCV system, Elta Fans has combined energy-efficient fan and impeller units with the ability to use Elta’s DCV control methodology. This combination and the use of electronic functionality to integrate complementary modes of operation and efficiency, make the units quieter, more energy-efficient and maximises control efficiency to enhance potential savings in energy costs – moving ventilation ‘through a paradigm shift’ into a whole new era of technology.

The new system can suit any application where there is a variable occupancy space to be ventilated. As occupants move about the building in large and small groups throughout the course of the day, the way in which they use the space therein, can vary dramatically. Their activities and the way in which they congregate can give rise to many different situations – thereby resulting in many varied ventilation requirements. The system is integrated fully into the building’s management system – either as a manually controlled system or as an intelligent system using a wide range of sensors and enabling devices.

The latter cleverly uses different forms of sensor to provide a vast array of different detection modules to detect the level of spatial contaminant (e.g: people, temperature, CO2, humidity) within the building. The sensors provide an almost infinite amount of variation to the ventilation system so that it matches the level of occupancy within the space. The intelligent system will also interface easily with other enabling systems (infra-red PRI, building automation systems) so that the end-user can be alerted to changes in performance levels, energy levels, maintenance requirements etc.

Efficiency of the fans has been greatly improved. Some models are fitted with a backwardcurved impeller to provide around 87% efficiency.

Also, a self-extinguishing, acoustic lining provides an enhanced and greatly improved noiserating when compared to similar models. For cleaning and maintenance, access is much simpler via easy-to-remove top panels and the control systems also incorporates SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage facility) for the greater protection of users and installers alike.

Generally all QuietflowDCV units have been designed and developed to minimise their height, so that they can fit easily into ceiling spaces and voids. Multiple choice of fan allows for a wide range of airflows to ensure a good choice for the customer. They are ideally suited to either new-build or refurbishment projects where space is at a premium and energy conservation is a priority.

QuietflowDCV units have been fully tested in compliance with ISO 5801:1997 (airside performance) and BS848 Part2: 1985 (sound performance) in order to provide accurate and reliable test data. All QuietflowDCV products (indeed, all Elta products) are designed and manufactured in accordance with BS EN ISO9001: 2000 to strict design and manufacturing standards.

The QuietflowDCV is the first product in the range of in-line box fan units, with the twin fan unit following later in 2009.

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Physical performance for the replacement fenestration was put on a par with sympathetic styling by the project team responsible for the conversion of a former Royal Mail building in the heart of London; seeking to create residential accommodation as well as a contemporary design studio with a light and comfortable working environment.

Howick Place in Westminster dates from 1894 and had served as a sorting office until developer, Fabbriche & Ceramiche, purchased the property. The painstaking refurbishment of the premises, led by Squire and Partners, involved Crittall Ltd in supplying some 200 of its Corporate 2000 windows under a sub-contract package for ISG Interior & Exterior Plc.

Crittall worked in close cooperation with both the main contractor and the architectural consultants to ensure its high performance steel framed units met the project's wide ranging requirements; including planning conditions, thermal performance and physical security.

The project architect at Squire and Partners commented: “I have used Crittall on other contracts in the past and knew they would be one of the few companies able to supply the profile required to match the original fenestration in this building. We also required a high specification in terms of thermal performance and Crittall therefore supplied argon filled 28 mm units to match the requirements of the Building Regulations.

“In terms of the design support the manufacturer's technical representatives responded well when coming back to us with information and possible solutions. This was a major project and the spaces created are very bright and attractive, with the slim window profile offering the maximum transmission.”

The majority of the window supplied for Howick Place are of the side-hung, open in configuration and were finished in anthracite grey polyester powder coat paint over the galvanised corrosion protection. The sealed units feature a 6.4 mm thick clear laminated inner pane with low-E coating, separated from a 6 mm clear toughened outer pane by the 16 mm gas filled cavity.

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Thorn’s revamped Jupiter II linear fluorescent widens the choice for office and school illumination. While retaining its predecessor’s reputation for performance and slimness, it gains more optics, additional lamp types, greater flexibility in the variety of mounting combinations available and lighting control “intelligence”.

Single or twin T5 lamps, from 14W to 80W, combine with interchangeable louvres (including an asymmetric option for corridors) or diffusers. Whether surface or suspended (direct/indirect), the white or grey finished luminaires can be mounted singly, in continuous lines or in a variety of geometric configurations.

Lighting control is an important consideration. The user can choose from digital dimmable versions to intelligent ‘Sensa’ modules that incorporate a photocell / PIR sensor to compensate for daylight and respond to presence/absence.

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TENSAR INTERNATIONAL has taken an industry initiative to invest in the development of specialist software that enables engineers and contractors to calculate CO2 savings arising from the use of TriAx™ geogrids on specific ground stabilisation projects. In addition, using Tensar's revolutionary TriAx™ geogrids in ground stabilisation applications can enable reductions in aggregate thickness of over 40% for the same load bearing performance, compared to traditional methods.

Developed in conjunction with consultants Coffey Geotechnics Limited, Tensar's newly launched Carbon Calculator is an interactive tool available to all at www.tensarsustain.co.uk that demonstrates the savings in carbon dioxide emissions that can be achieved by using Tensar TriAx™ geogrids in ground stabilisation applications.

“We believe we are the only geosynthetic manufacturer and supplier to have committed time and resource into exploring in detail the environmental impact of geogrid technologies used in ground stabilisation,” says Tensar's David Cashman, Commercial Manager for Stabilisation Systems. “The innovative software shows that savings of up to 50% of CO2 emissions can be achieved on a typical road foundation project by using Tensar TriAx™ geogrids over more traditional designs.

“For example, our new TriAx™ geogrid can enable reductions in aggregate thickness of over 40% for the same load bearing performance. The CO2 reductions generated by reduced aggregate volume and associated transport, together with less excavation and disposal of spoil are then only partially offset by the carbon cost of the geogrid, offering a net saving of up to 50% of CO2 emissions. This clearly conforms to the Chartered Institute of Building's Draft Strategy for Sustainable Construction.”

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The 17th edition of the wiring regulations is now with us, and full implementation is less than six months away. That’s why Crabtree has issued a new guidance leaflet, detailing its newly extended range of consumer units and showing how each may be used to provide the discrete circuit protection insisted on by the new regulations.

In practice special provision has now to be made for any circuits, wired by traditional methods i.e. twin and earth cable concealed within a wall or partition at a depth of less than 50mm, unless it has some form of mechanical protection against damage by nails or screws etc. (metal conduit for example). All affected circuits must be given the additional protection referred to in the regs by using an RCD, with a sensitivity not exceeding 30mA. That’s where the latest range of consumer units from Crabtree will give all the flexibility to provide separate rcd protection for as many individual rings circuits or spurs needed.

Specific reference is made within the new standard to taking account of and reducing the possibilities of danger and inconvenience arising from the failure of a single circuit such as a lighting circuit. For example, the result of an RCD operating due to a fault with the shower should not create a low light hazard in the bathroom. So even if you need circuit division within an installation, (i.e. downstairs lights and upstairs sockets sharing one RCD, while upstairs lights and downstairs sockets share another) to avoid unnecessary loss of light or power following the operation of an RCD, there will be a Crabtree consumer unit that will meet that need.

In fact, Crabtree’s range of consumer units will provide many options to installers as they strive to meet the new regulations. Do remember though that British Standards and IEE regulations are subject to change and amendment, so this guide is not a substitute for the regulations, which should always be followed for all types of electrical installation design, and installation work.

For your free copy of the new 17th edition Starbreaker consumer unit guidance leaflet, please contact Electrium Sales on 01543 455000

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Polypipe Ventilation is pleased to announce the launch of a new Domus Fresh Air Supply Set. It has been designed specifically to meet the growing need for the effective provision of replacement air to ensure that comfortable indoor air quality is maintained in properties when exhaust air heat pumps are installed.

The new set is also ideal for use with extractor fans and cooker hoods’. In addition it can be used as a replacement air supply for MEV systems or as an alternative to conventional airbricks for fossil fuel burning appliances.

The design of the Domus Fresh Air Supply Set promotes draught-free fresh air back into the property through an unobtrusive multi-directional inlet grille that includes a washable environment filter which cleanses the incoming air. Externally, there is a choice of four outlet colours to match the outside brickwork which ensures that the installation is as discreet as possible. It can be used in walls up to 450mm thick and is easy and quick to install.

The air flow characteristics of the kit have been verified by the University of Cambridge following a rigorous test program. This ensures guaranteed end-to-end system performance and appliance compatibility.

To assist with building pressure tests as required by Approved Document L, a bespoke blanking commissioning plug has been included for the installer’s convenience. This is a necessity when using energy efficient exhaust air heat pumps.

The Domus Fresh Air Supply Set is the latest addition to the Polypipe Ventilation range of high quality domestic and light commercial ventilation products that provides a single source of supply to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations.

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With greater attention than ever being placed on sustainability, Fakro’s new RIBA certified CPD presentation 'Roof Windows – Sustainability, Security and Safety' evaluates these three key aspects of specification. It explains how roof windows can be used in relation to the performance requirements of the Code For Sustainable Homes and in particular the contribution they can make to thermal and acoustic efficiency. Information is provided on how to differentiate between product performance in relation to safety and security, for which EN13049 provides a much needed means of evaluation. The relevance of FSC, BBA TUV certification and recyclability are also covered alongside security initiatives such as Secured by Design.

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The New Wire-Free, Radio Fire System from detectomat is a unique alternative to the costs, potential damage and business disruption associated with installing Fire Systems in existing buildings. And an ideal solution for retrofit and refurbishment applications in small to medium sized enterprises.

Interconnection of the various Fire System components including detectors, manual call points, sounders and control panels, which has traditionally been done in electrical cabling can now be done with wire-free radio. Installing cables in existing buildings has, in the past, meant ugly surface wiring or damage to decorations caused by the installation of concealed wiring. Installing concealed wiring is also time consuming and presents access issues and general disruption to ongoing business. This all meant an unwanted and unnecessary escalation of costs, which can now be avoided!.

Radio as a Fire System communication medium has been available for many years but at a high cost. Now, the unique RCP 6B system from detectomat offers a cost-effective wire-free, Radio Fire Alarm solution as an alternative to hardwired Conventional and smaller Addressable applications. And as an added benefit the system utilises detectomat’s unique range of Designer cover Smoke Alarms to complement traditional or modern contemporary interior designs.

The system comprises of a range of battery operated, self-contained fire detection and alarm devices including Heat and third party certified Smoke Alarms plus Manual Call Points, Sounder Beacons and other fire peripherials. These devices are radio connected with each other via a Fire Panel base station, which provides comprehensive alarm indication and control including monitoring of the system network integrity and battery conditions.

A unique solution within its application area, which has been reviewed and well received by a number of Fire Service and Fire industry professionals. For further information call 01579 321750, email detectomat@leighandersonassociates.com or visit www.detectomat.com .

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