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A new range of earth leakage relays and current transformers has been introduced by Eaton for use with moulded-case circuit-breakers and miniature circuit-breakers in three-phase and single phase applications. A unit with adjustable sensitivity and time delay facilities offers particular flexibility to specifiers and installers.

The earth-leakage relays are DIN rail mounted and operate in conjunction with core-balance current transformers. They control the circuit-breaker operation through a shunt trip or undervoltage release. Operational status is indicated by green and red LEDs which indicate not only whether the mains is on and the breaker has tripped but also whether there is an earth leakage current flowing which is insufficient to trip the device. Leakage currents of 25 50%, 50-75% or 75-100% of the trip setting are indicated.

The adjustable relay is only 36mm (two modules) wide. It offers seven different sensitivity settings from 30mA to 5A, and seven delay settings from instantaneous (0.02s) to 5s. The cover can be sealed to prevent tampering with the setting but the test and reset functions can be operated without breaking the seal. Two fixed trip relays are also included in the range covering two of the most popular requirements; these have 30mA and 300mA trip ratings and instantaneous operation. All units are designed and tested to IEC 61008-1.

The current transformers are available in sizes and shapes to cover a wide range of cable ratings and sizes. Ring-shaped units are offered in seven sizes with internal diameters from 20mm to 210mm and units with rectangular apertures are available in four sizes up to 200 x 500mm.

In addition to general applications, the new earth leakage relays will be particularly suited to applications in panelboards where the configuration can make it difficult to fit an MCCB with integral earth leakage protection or where a clip-on earth leakage module is fitted to the base of the MCCB. The rail-mounted earth leakage relays can be installed elsewhere in the panelboard or in a separate enclosure alongside. Similarly the CTs can be installed in a convenient location within the panelboard or in an adjacent cable box.

The new earth leakage relays join Eaton’s extensive range of circuit protection and control devices. These include MCBs with a short-circuit breaking capacity of 15kA as well as the more conventional 6kA and 10kA devices. The range of RCCBs and RCBOs includes a unique RCBO with a field-fittable RCD ‘pod’ that allows numerous different combinations of overcurrent rating and sensitivity to be achieved in a single 18mm module. Eaton’s modern Series G range of moulded-case circuit-breakers is a truly global design, independently tested by KEMA to International standards.

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Why are the levels of infections contracted in British hospitals still such a cause for concern? Peter Pegden, Product Development Manager of Sirrus by Gummers, who manufactured safe water controls for hospitals, explains that water can be a friend and foe in the battle against infection.

Don't underestimate the importance of handwashing. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (more commonly known as MRSA) is a killer. Because it can evade commonly used antibiotics used to treat infections, for vulnerable patients, such as those in hospitals, or long-term care facilities, it represents a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in the healthcare setting.

A recent debate on BBC's Radio5 Live, however revealed some very illuminating figures. It would seem that although MRSA is a headline grabber, it is certainly not the only infection that needs to be considered in hospitals . In fact there are over 300 other infections, other than MRSA, that aren't eliminated by the alcohol gels advocated as one of the primary measures in MRSA control. therefore handwashing with water and hand scrub is still incredibly important in the overall infection control picture, as well as limiting the spread of MRSA.

One of the problems with this is that handwashing stations in many hospitals are limited. Infection control specialist recognise that no touch clinical handwash taps reduce the possibility of contamination when the taps are on, and, more importantly, prevents recontamination of the hands when the taps are turned off. Experts say that lever taps should be operated using arms and elbows but this is often easier said than done, so specifying non-touch taps should be considered a preventative measure.

Our Pulse 8 automatic spout, for example, is not operated by infra-red. It senses the users approach through a process of capacitive discharge, and cannot be activated by inanimate objects giving the hospital the added benefit of water saving measures. Whats more because of Pulse 8 is not operated with an infra-red sensor, it is more vandal proof than its infra-red counterparts.

Legionella control

Another key problem in many hospitals is the control of legionella bacteria. Water distribution systems in hospitals are often dated in design and layouts as well as being characterised by the presence of long pipe runs and an over supply of of water outlets. These systems present an ideal environment for legionella. Since hospital patients are already in poor health, they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the legionella bacteria.

Some Key legionella facts:

At temperatures above 55*C the legionella bacteria will die.

At 55*C the time taken to die is 5 to 6 hours

At 60*C this time is reduced to 32 minuets

66*C brings the time down to 2 minuets

Legionella will multiply at temperatures between 20*C and 50*C

At temperatures below 20*C legionella will not multiply but will not die, remaining as a potential threat in the system

So how long can legionella be controlled? One of the key points is that water should be stored at above 60*C and cold water should be stored below 20*C (in fact many hospitals are now removing their stored cold water tanks in favour of a direct mains supply). Of course the system and terminal fittings should be kept clean and if the hot water outlet does not reach discharge temperature with 30 seconds, a secondary return loop should be considered.

This is all fantastic, but it does raise one critical dichotomy – reconciling the need for safe hot water and avoiding legionella. While patients are are at risk because of their reduced levels of immunity to legionella, they are also at much higher risk of scalding too, so safe bathing and showering temperatures are just as important.

So while water can be a key part of the hospital's armoury in preventing infection control through rigorous handwashing and cleaning, it is important to remember that water too can harbour some uninvited microorganisms. If controlled correctly, however, a well managed water system could help see incidences of infections plummet. Any hospital considering updating their handwashing stations, bathing or shower areas should have one thought at the forefront of their mind – safety.

Article taken from IN CONTROL MAGAZINE the Official Publication of the Association of Professionals in Infection Control.

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The BBA has been awarded the UK’s first UKAS Accreditation to BS EN ISO/IEC 17020 : 2004 as an Inspection Body for the installation of construction products. This covers all of the BBA’s Inspection services and is a further accreditation accolade, adding to the BBA’s four existing UKAS accreditations, covering Product Certification, Management Systems Certification, Testing and Calibration.

The BBA’s Agrément Certificates are well-known, recognised and respected in the industry. Many specifiers, purchasers and other decision makers may be unaware of the extent of the activities of the BBA’s Inspection team, which is not only responsible for production surveillance as part of the Agrément Certificates process but also for several other types of inspections for industry organisations, manufacturers and other key companies.

These include FENSA, the Government-authorised Competent Persons Scheme for the installation of replacement windows and doors in England and Wales, schemes for energy utilities, the Federation of Master Builders, TrustMark, Ultraframe, and Excel Industries and our original and longest running scheme, for the installation of injected cavity wall insulation – a must-have for that particular industry sector.

‘UKAS Accreditation has always been very important to us,’ says BBA Operations Director Martyn Reed, ‘and this latest has perhaps been our most challenging. Inspections on sites in particular present a number of problems but these have been addressed and overcome to UKAS’s satisfaction. We believe that this accreditation, as well as being unique, adds considerable value to the BBA’s inspection offerings to the industry.’

‘As the old saying goes: The job that is won on price can be lost on price but quality will always come through!’

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Four pipe fan coil units, manufactured by Ability Projects Ltd, Wimborne, Dorset, are being installed by contactors, Mercury Engineering, Dublin, in the new Terminal 2, which forms a significant part of the Dublin Airport expansion project. Due for expansion later this year, the complex comprises an ultra modern 3 storey, 75,000m2 terminal building. Designed with passengers in mind, the new terminal will feature a large and airy check in, baggage reclaim, security, departures and arrivals lounges, connected by a link bridge to the existing terminal 1 building.

Ability Projects are supplying almost 300 mixed Evolution horizontal Trojan and vertical Neptune fan coil units with capacities between 0.7 and 6.5kW (cooling) and 0.5 to 5.0kW (heating) at 50 and 10 Pascals resistance respectively. Operating noise level is set at NR35.

The vertical Neptune units are encased in white Plastisol enclosures with white grilles – the Trojan units are chassis type for installation in false ceilings. All units are being supplied complete with ‘free issue’ Cyclon controls, dc speed controllers and 24V transformers, all fitted by Ability, along with special coils and 28mm drain connections.

Evolution fan coil units utilise the latest ebm-papst EC (electronically commutated) infinitely variable speed, high efficiency DC motor technology and represent a major step forward in fan coil unit technology, which brings a number of significant customer advantages in terms of both energy efficiency and controllability. At a typical fan coil duty point, the Ability EC configuration can reduce electrical input by 50-75% and a typical 2 fan unit will draw 60 Watts when powered by EC motors as against 210 Watts in AC format.

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ABB’s new transformer remanufacturing service offers a new lease of life for ageing or faulty power transformers

ABB’s new transformer remanufacturing service enables ageing or faulty power transformers to be completely rebuilt and returned to as-new condition, or even upgraded to a higher specification. A remanufactured transformer provides the same performance as a new transformer at a much lower cost. However, the main advantage is ABB’s fast turnaround that can have a customer’s transformer back in operation in around one-third of the normal delivery time for a new unit.

The UK transformer remanufacturing service has been developed by Mark Turner, operations and quality manager for ABB’s worldwide network of transformer service centres, who said: “The re-manufacturing service is targeted at medium and large power transformers from any manufacturer, not just ABB. The comprehensive service includes on-site assessment of the transformer’s condition, and arranging for it to be collected and delivered to our factory in Drammen, Norway. At the factory the transformer is stripped down to its component parts and rebuilt with the same care and attention to detail as our new transformers. We then return the unit to site and install and commission it.

“The cost of remanufacturing a transformer will vary from case to case. But typically, we would expect to have it back in service at around 60 to 70 per cent of the cost of a new unit. However, it is delivery, rather than cost, that will be crucial for many customers, especially as the current growth in demand world-wide for HV equipment is resulting in ever increasing delivery lead-times. We can have a remanufactured large power transformer back in service in around six months. That’s one third of the 18-month delivery schedules now being quoted for new large power transformers.”

BETTER THAN NEW

The flexibility of ABB’s transformer remanufacturing service enables customers to opt for an upgrade to ‘better than new’ specification. This could be as simple as a change in voltage rating or could extend to taking advantage of ABB’s state-of-theart computerised design tools to have the transformer completely redesigned to a higher power rating. Other upgrade possibilities include enhanced cooling or rewinding the coils with Nomex® high-temperature insulation material that boosts power, as well as offering significant improvements in lifetime and reliability.

The remanufacturing service will be particularly attractive for the UK’s vast installed base of power transformers, many of which were installed in the 1960s and are now near the end of their useful working life. However, the service is also ideal for newer transformers that may have developed a fault or have been damaged by a network event. Whatever the age of the unit, once it has been remanufactured by ABB, the reborn transformer will be able to look forward to another full working life of between 25 to 50 years.

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Bona Traffic, the toughest Bona lacquer for wooden floors, was specified to recoat the original oak ‘endgrain floor’ which runs throughout the foyer level at London’s iconic Barbican Centre.

The work was carried out by Ilford based contractors, CV Leech Ltd., over a period of six weeks, with the team often working during the night to avoid foot traffic, and to ensure each section was completed on schedule.

Gary Goodman, Building Surveyor at the Barbican, specified Bona Traffic Silkmatt for the surface as he was aware that Bona lacquers had been used successfully to coat the floor when it was originally installed and for subsequent recoatings since.

Bona’s technical team advised Traffic was the most appropriate lacquer in view of the very high levels of foot traffic. Traffic is a VOC 2010 compliant, 100% polyurethane lacquer available in Silkmatt and ‘IP’ versions. IP should be chosen when a totally matt finish is required. Both versions require a very simple level of maintenance.

Following sanding to a smooth 120 grit finish, one coat of Bona Prime was applied before four coats of Bona Traffic. This is a typical specification for refinishing a wooden floor in such a busy public area.

Before sanding and refinishing the floor, the surface had become dark and the lacquer film was very worn in places. Since completion of the work, the original ‘bright’ appearance of this large and very unusual wooden floor has been restored.

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Anyone needing a replacement pump can now get all the information they need within twenty seconds of sending a text!

Leading European pump manufacturer Wilo UK has launched a new service allowing an enquiry to be sent by text message to the Wilo SMS replacement service – simply by texting the old pump details to 07500 041411. The appropriate replacement Wilo pump will be identified amazingly rapidly and the name and part number will be with the texter in a matter of seconds. In addition to the new Wilo pump that is right for the specific application, the text message sent back from Wilo will also contain the necessary technical data, the part number and information about any adaptors that might be required.

This new service is available around the clock, 365 days a year. The only cost to the user is the cost of a text message from his or her mobile phone service provider. The system can be used with any mobile phone and only the name or number of the defective pump type needs to be entered – the manufacturer data is not required.

Incredibly, the new Wilo intelligent system program makes a query possible, even in the event of typing errors in a text or the need to send barely legible and possibly as a result, partially inaccurate information from a covered or soiled defective pump casing. If some information is unclear or incomplete, suitable replacement pump types are listed and can still be selected. The database contains replacement information on all heating circulation pumps and glandless secondary hot water circulation pumps.

Wilo’s Kay Knight says this new tool is already making friends: “This is a really useful and impressive tool for our customers. What’s simpler than ‘bashing off’ a text to Wilo with the information you can get from a pump you need to replace? Twenty seconds later, all the information you need to ensure you replace it with the right new Wilo pump is there on your phone. It couldn’t be simpler!”

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The new £8m School of Computing and Informatics at Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton campus, is a four-storey building designed to provide the ultimate in practical, flexible working space. The layout includes a choice of general purpose teaching rooms, tutorial rooms, meeting rooms and social areas. The building also houses multimedia editing suites and specialist networked computer labs.

Adhering to a very high specification, the contemporary design ensures a mix of artificial and natural lighting to provide state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities in a high-tech, light-filled working environment.

Designed by Peart Bradley Architects, working with Rok/Sol specialist brickwork contractors, the material specified was Hanson’s Lincolnshire Red Sandstone Mix smooth red facing bricks. By choosing this brickwork, which in colour and overall appearance is reminiscent of the heritage of the Nottingham area years ago, the architects and builders have achieved a practical, solid modern building that represents the optimum in 21st century design and construction.

The building of the new Computing and Informatics Building was a significant part of a major regeneration project designed to update much of the university’s estate to meet the growing and ever changing needs of the faculty and students, both present and future.

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Turning up the heat this winter is Aeon’s latest addition to its steadily expanding product range – the Supra. A perfectly designed modern replacement to the standard white panel radiator, Supra is sleek, stylish and engineered for maximum output.

A choice of brushed or polished stainless steel finishes, and tall columns with curved edges give this designer radiator its aesthetic appeal.

From high ceilings to cramped corners to narrow vertical wall spaces, the Supra has it covered. Available in an impressive 53 different sizes, this versatile essential is suitable for any space, in any room of the house. It is also the perfect excuse for updating an existing heating system.

Outputs range from between 276 watts and 3166 watts, and models can be used with all electric, hot water and dual fuel systems.

Prices start from £346 plus VAT for a Supra S63 (600 x 305 x 30 mm) which can be delivered within 4-6 weeks.

Radiators in the Aeon Collection are made from the highest-grade solid stainless steel. All designs in the hand-finished range carry a 20-year guarantee.

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Hamilton Litestat has recently added to its extensive GridIt wiring accessory range a 1-10v Grid Module for use with Analogue regulated Fluorescent ballasts. This manually operated high frequency ballast controller has been developed to offer specifiers enhanced versatility, as well as providing an effective and economical way to dim fluorescent lamps.

The Ballast Control module is ideal for commercial applications enabling contractors to build up the required plate configurations on site. Each unit is installed with a suitably rated 2 way grid switch in order to effectively switch and control up to a maximum of 20 amps.

A further addition to the Hamilton’s GridIt grid switch range is a 0 -10volt DC control for use with Hamilton’s Dimming System range. The control is used in conjunction with Hamilton’s analogue remote mounted dimmer packs, which offer an economic solution when having to dim higher loads up to 5000watts The manual control can be mounted along side other switches etc within a grid assembly but a phase barrier will need to be fitted in the grid wall box to avoid any cross interference from the different voltages. To match the plate, colour coded mounting kits consisting of metal infill and control knob are also available and supplied separately

Designed for installation into folded 35mm metal wall boxes, these modules comply with the requirements of BS4662:2006.

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