Story

Luckins will be exhibiting their full range of Software and Database Services for HVAC and Electrical contractors and distributors on Stand HB02 at H&V07.

Software Toolcase is a powerful suite of estimating and project management tools from Luckins. The system is designed for contractors undertaking commercial and industrial installation projects and comprises a core Estimating module with optional additional modules for Project Management (valuations and variations) and Enquiry Management.

Visitors to the stand will be able to see a demonstration of the new Purchase Order module. The new module, which is fully compatible with Software Toolcase Estimating and the Luckins product and price databases, will not only help contractors reduce the administrative cost of materials procurement but will also provide valuable information to help maximise buying power and ultimately improve profit margins.

Using a buying list created from an estimate or data taken directly from the Luckins database, users can create purchase orders priced using the most up-to-date price and discount data. Orders may be linked to a project enabling the contractor to see a constantly updated snapshot of his committed costs.

Smaller contractors and those specialising in maintenance and repair work will benefit from Luckins Small Works software. This system is designed so that smaller contractors can create quick accurate estimates and invoices based on accurate material and labour costs. Users will find the system helps them not only to win more work but also improve their profitability and cash flow.

All Luckins software is designed to be easy to learn and use. Great emphasis is placed on support and training to ensure users achieve a quick return on their investment.

All the systems are compatible with the industry-standard Luckins database which is now available in both standard and bespoke versions so that every business will be able to find a version which meets their needs. All versions of the database include trade prices of each product which are kept constantly up to date.

View Luckins's profile:

• Luckins

Story

A limited period zero per cent finance offer* on two of Kubota's most popular, class-leading, ultra compact mini excavators, from the world’s best selling range, is currently available through their official authorised dealers until the end of June 2008.

The K008-3 and U10-3 are super compact, sub 1 tonne, go anywhere models, with an unrivalled reputation for quality, performance, reliability, versatility and excellent residual values.

With their compact size both models can pass through a standard doorway and the U10-3 also provides full zero tail swing capability.

Kubota Sales & Marketing Manager, Richard Harrison, said: “This special deal provides a limited period opportunity for customers to obtain two of our most popular world leading machines at a highly preferential rate. So I would urge them to contact their local Kubota dealer now to avoid missing out on this great offer.”

Kubota is the European and world leader in mini excavators and offers the widest range of machines available from a single manufacturer. Customers can select from 18 base models spanning the weight range from 850 kg to 8 tonnes and including the largest selection of increasingly popular zero tail swing machines.

All Kubota minis, from 1.5 tonne upwards, feature their unique 'ANTI-THEFT' system. This complete, easy-to-use security device was the first and is still the only one of its kind fitted as standard equipment by a mini excavator manufacturer.

Their outstanding productivity and durability make them the ideal tool for many different applications and end-users, from civil engineering to landscaping and plant hire companies to owner operators.

(* Based on 0% finance over 24 months, with 20% deposit. Offer valid from 1st April to 30th June 2008, excluding Republic of Ireland, subject to availability. Alternative financial profiles available on request. Terms & Conditions apply.)

View Kubota's profile:

Story

In what is claimed to be the country's largest ever underfloor heating installation, Warmafloor (GB) has completed a project calling for some 60 kilometres of pipe for the Airbus, in its new Aerostructures Assembly and Manufacturing Centre known as the “West Factory”, in Broughton, North Wales. The West Factory is being used to assemble the wings of the new Airbus A380 555 seater double-decker aircraft as well as other manufacturing activities.

Underfloor heating was considered to be the natural choice for this part of the assembly area, providing a significantly more cost effective solution than the more traditional heating systems.

The installation was designed supplied and installed by Warmafloor using all their in house expertise to provide the complete package. The system uses 20 mm polybutylene pipe manufactured in the UK especially for Warmafloor. The pipes are laid in each of the six equipping bays with each bay having 10 heating zones.

The underfloor heating manifolds were specifically manufactured for this project. Unlike the traditional system of a flow and return manifold, located vertically above each other, Warmafloor had to construct a system were the manifolds were fixed side by side. This was designed to achieve the most effective layout for the underfloor heating pipework.

Due to the location of the manifolds and the underfloor heating pipe connections, the pipework had to be fed through pre cast holes within the trench, then into the desired bays. Each hole and manifold location had to be coordinated precisely, using our design team we produced the exact detailed drawings required.

The zonal design enables heat to be concentrated in those parts of the building being used for production at any one time. Despite the massive scale of the building, ambient temperatures of 18 degrees C in the depths of winter by inputting water into the heating grid at 50 degrees C, providing an energy saving over alternative heating methods of some 50%.

“The sheer size of the development represented a significant challenge”. Says Mike Cooke of Mechanical & Electrical services contractors Haden Young. “However, the design and installation skills of Warmafloor, combined with the benefits of under floor heating to enabled the fast track programme to be completed ready on time.”

View Warmafloor's profile:

Story

Witham ? December 7, 2006 ? New elapsed time meters (ETM) or hours-run meters from Crompton Instruments Business Unit, part of Tyco Electronics – Energy Products division, monitor “ON/RUN” time of machines in production plants as well as equipment power supplies, allowing the user to effectively control production efficiency, cost estimation and service period monitoring for preventative maintenance.

M Series elapsed time or hours-run meters are available for AC and DC power applications and measure time in increments of 0.01h up to 99999.99 hours, after which the meter automatically resets to zero. To prevent accidental resetting, meters cannot be reset manually before reaching 99999.99 hours.

AC power models within the M Series range of meters are available in three different versions for applications featuring 100V up to 125V AC, 200 up to 250V AC and 380V up to 440V AC and are designed for an operating temperature range from -25degC up to 80degC. Three different DC power variants cover power ranges of 0.5VA (6 up to 30V DC), 1VA (10 up to 80V DC) and 1.5VA (110V DC) and feature an operating temperature range from -20degC up to 70degC. All devices benefit from IP40 protection.

Tyco and Crompton Instruments are trademarks.

About Tyco Electronics ? Energy Division

The Energy Division of Tyco Electronics is a global manufacturer of products and systems for the electrical power industry. Its products are extensively employed by power utilities and equipment manufacturers, in rail transport systems and in industry around the world.

The Energy Division of Tyco Electronics offers a wide product range from brands such as AMP, Axicom, Dulmison, Raychem, SIMEL, Bowthorpe EMP, Crompton Instruments, Dorman Smith and Guro, including cable accessories, connectors and fittings, switching and power management devices, lighting protectors, surge arrestors and insulators.

www.energy.tycoelectronics.com

About Tyco Electronics

Tyco Electronics, a business segment of Tyco International Ltd., is the world’s largest passive electronic components manufacturer; a leader in cutting-edge wireless components, complete power systems, and premise wiring components and systems; and a provider of critical communications systems to the Land Mobile Radio industry. Tyco Electronics provides advanced technology products from over forty well-known and respected brands, including Agastat, Alcoswitch, AMP, AMP NETCONNECT, Buchanan, CII, CoEv, Critchley, Elcon, Elo TouchSystems, M/A-COM, Madison Cable, OEG, Potter & Brumfield, Raychem, Schrack and Simel. For more information, visit www.tycoelectronics.com

View Tyco Electronics's profile:

Story

People and businesses are becoming increasingly concerned about climate change and the need to actively reduce our impact on the environment by acting in a more sustainable way. Against this background Dulux Trade is meeting the sustainability challenge head-on with the forthcoming launch of Ecosure, the first step towards environmentally sustainable paint. Ecosure represents an approach to sustainability that is based on scientific rigour and was developed in conjunction with Forum for the Future – leading independent sustainability experts.

Commenting on the new range, David Shepherd, Brand Manager for Dulux Trade said: “Until now, specifying products that deliver on sustainability and performance has been challenging due to the complex nature of the issue and the proliferation of claims. Ecosure will change that.

Ecosure is a really exciting proposition that will enable specifiers to choose products that are proven to have a lower environmental impact, thereby helping them meet their sustainability objectives without compromising on performance.”

The range comprises Matt, Gloss and Undercoat formulations, each water-based and offering ‘best-in-class’ performance. Using the ‘Environmental Impact Analyser’, an analytical tool developed with Forum for the Future, we have been able to measure the reduction against two key sustainability criteria, namely carbon and VOC. The ‘Environmental Impact Analyser’ has enabled us to scrutinise the product from extraction to the point in the supply chain where the product is packaged and ready for distribution at the ICI Slough facility.

Environment & Sustainability
Whilst the Ecosure product range is our most visible environmental sustainability initiative, Dulux Trade is also looking to reduce environmental impact throughout the product life cycle.

View Dulux Trade's profile:

Story

New features and enhancements in the latest desktop and mobile versions of Estimation’s Service Manager Plus offer significant benefits to building services contractors and other construction disciplines involved in service and maintenance work.

Already widely used by contractors servicing extensive property portfolios, Service Manager Plus now offers improved reporting and management functionality, as well as key productivity features.

For example, KPI (Key Performance Indicator) functionality has been significantly enhanced and extended to clearly show whether SLA (Service Level Agreement) targets are being met for each customer. This includes the ability to suspend SLA timings during 'business closed' hours in order to reflect a true and accurate picture of actual performance.

Time saving features include faster and easier synchronisation with mobile devices, a new ‘site copy’ facility and the ability to import user details from Estimation’s central ContractMaster Plus core module. All of which makes system set-up and administration quick and easy.

Many more new features are included in the latest version, which retains all of its popular features – such as the Defects Liability tool introduced in the last version. This allows users to manage both warranty work and extended maintenance contracts, highlighting when a particular item or site has gone beyond the defects liability period – so that chargeable work is not missed.

Versatile mobility
Service Manager Plus is fully integrated with Estimation’s exclusive mobile technologies that enable mobile versions of the software to be used on any network and just about any mobile device. These include mobile ‘phones, PDAs and XDAs, pocket and tablet PCs and specialist devices such as Blackberry.

View Estimation's profile:

Story

London ? October 10, 2006 ? New single phase (DRK-1P-230-D63) and three phase (DRK-3P-400-D90) module kilowatt hour energy meters from Crompton Instruments, part of the Energy Division of Tyco Electronics, measuring real consumption of active energy. The new devices feature highest class 1 accuracy with easy wiring, a back illuminated LCD display, non-zeroing total counter and partial zeroing counter. The load cable is passed vertically through the case/housing allowing up to 63A direct connection (single phase meter) and 90A direct connection (three phase meter).

Requiring no maintenance, the new kilowatt hour energy meters support energy efficiency and awareness and ensure systems remain balanced and safe. Main applications are switchgear, distribution systems, generator sets and control panels. In addition the devices can also be used for energy management, building management, utility power monitoring, process control and secondary metering applications.

Technical details of the energy meters include class 1 accuracy in accordance with CEI-EN 62053-21, nominal input voltage of 230VAC L-N (400VAC L-L), with an opto isolated pulsed output. The devices are compliant with IEC EN62052-11, IEC EN62053-21 (2003-03), EMC and LVD standards.

Tyco is a trademark. Crompton is a trademark of Crompton Parkinson Ltd. and is used by Tyco Electronics under licence.

About Tyco Electronics ? Energy Division

The Energy Division of Tyco Electronics is a global manufacturer of products and systems for the electrical power industry. Its products are extensively employed by power utilities and equipment manufacturers, in rail transport systems and in industry around the world.

The Energy Division of Tyco Electronics offers a wide product range from brands such as AMP, Axicom, Dulmison, Raychem, SIMEL, Bowthorpe EMP, Crompton Instruments, Dorman Smith and Guro, including cable accessories, connectors and fittings, switching and power management devices, lighting protectors, surge arrestors and insulators.

For further information please visit: www.energy.tycoelectronics.com

About Tyco Electronics

Tyco Electronics, a business segment of Tyco International Ltd., is the world’s largest passive electronic components manufacturer; a leader in cutting-edge wireless components, complete power systems, and premise wiring components and systems; and a provider of critical communications systems to the Land Mobile Radio industry. Tyco Electronics provides advanced technology products from over forty well-known and respected brands, including Agastat, Alcoswitch, AMP, AMP NETCONNECT, Buchanan, CII, CoEv, Critchley, Elcon, Elo TouchSystems, M/A-COM, Madison Cable, OEG, Potter & Brumfield, Raychem, Schrack and Simel. For more information, visit www.tycoelectronics.com

View Tyco Electronics's profile:

Story

Envirograf energy efficient timed door holders that comply with current fire regulations are the perfect answer to reduce the carbon footprint, for doors that are in constant use.

With hospitals, care homes, hotels and offices constantly wasting energy by doors being continually left open, the most practical solution is to fit a timed door holder.

The Envirograf timed door holder does not have to be wired into the fire alarm circuit and has been accepted by fire officers and building control officers.

The holder can be set to close, at a maximum of 57 seconds or in the case of Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny it was adjusted to around 20 seconds to allow porters to transfer patients to and from wards, without the need to close doors behind them.

View Envirograf's profile:

Story

The first 4 months of 2008 have been the busiest time for price changes ever recorded by Luckins, the Electrical and Mechanical Services industry-standard source of product and price data.

With the majority of major manufacturers issuing new price lists, the volume of price changes recorded and issued by Luckins between January and April 2008 has grown by 35% over the same period in 2007.

This puts more pressure on Wholesalers and Contractors to maintain the database at the heart of their sales, purchasing or estimating software. Failure to do so may result in selling products at out of date prices and consequent erosion of profit margin. Most wholesalers and thousands of contractors rely on Luckins to aggregate, enhance and provide the data required to carry out this task.

The choice of suppliers and products available to the Electrical and Mechanical Services sectors also continues to increase. Last year a total of 45 new suppliers were added to the Luckins master database as more and more suppliers recognise that inclusion of their products and prices in the Luckins database (and hence in their customers’ databases) is an essential piece of the marketing jigsaw.

Luckins have invested in both staff and systems to meet this increased responsibility to its customers. Suppliers must also take responsibility to ensure that adequate notice is given about forthcoming price changes and new product launches.

Luckins’ Managing Director, Donna Ward, commented: “With the increased volume of price changes and new products it is vital that suppliers work closely with ourselves, ensuring that their products are available on the database when their customers want to buy them and that we receive details of new prices in time to issue them by the time they take effect. Luckins’ Commercial and Supplier Services teams have invested a large amount of time over the past two years meeting with suppliers to ensure these requirements are fully understood. This has resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of information received from those suppliers and consequently the quality of service provided to our mutual customers”.

About Luckins
Luckins (Trade Service Information Ltd) is the UK and Ireland’s leading specialist in product and pricing data services and related software applications for the Electrical and Mechanical Services (including HVAC and Plumbing) sectors.

Luckins’ customers include national, regional and local suppliers, distributors and installers throughout the UK and Ireland including most of the major companies in each sector.

View Luckins's profile:

• Luckins

Story

London ? June 1, 2006 ? New automatic transfer and switching units for diesel or gas generators offer automatic engine starting, stopping, transfer switching, protection, control and metering of generator sets. The new meters from Crompton Instruments, part of Tyco Electronics ? Energy Division, are available in two different models featuring an informative LCD display (GEN-TRANS-EN/L model) or simple four-digit LED indicator panel (GEN-TRANS-EN/D model), latest generator set controllers automatically transfer the load from the mains to the generator in the event of a mains supply failure.

Microprocessor technology allows exact measurement, set point adjustment and timing functions of up to 83 parameters to be easily programmed and displayed from the front panel, or communicated via PC-based RS232 standards. Generator set controllers offer manual, fully automatic and test mode control, which allows the generator to be run without using the mains supply load. Operating mode can be changed at any time without affecting the operational status of the generator or load connection.

Once a fault is detected, the generator set controllers shut down the engine automatically. Failures are indicated via the LCD or relevant fault LEDs as well as an additional alarm horn. Units are able to detect any failure of any phase in the mains supply, in which case the generator is started and the load transferred immediately. Once the mains supply is restored within pre-set limits, the load is transferred back to the mains supply, and the generator is shut down in a controlled manner.

Tyco is a trademark. CROMPTON is a trademark of Crompton Parkinson Ltd. and is used by Tyco Electronics under licence.

About Tyco Electronics ? Energy Division

The Energy Division of Tyco Electronics is a global manufacturer of products and systems for the electrical power industry. Its products are extensively employed by power utilities and equipment manufacturers, in rail transport systems and in industry around the world.

The Energy Division of Tyco Electronics offers a wide product range from brands such as AMP, Axicom, Dulmison, Raychem, SIMEL, Bowthorpe EMP, Crompton Instruments, Dorman Smith, Guro and Utilux, including cable accessories, connectors and fittings, switching and power management devices, lighting protectors, surge arrestors and insulators.

About Tyco Electronics

Tyco Electronics, a business segment of Tyco International Ltd., is the world’s largest passive electronic components manufacturer; a leader in cutting-edge wireless components, complete power systems, and premise wiring components and systems; and a provider of critical communications systems to the Land Mobile Radio industry. Tyco Electronics provides advanced technology products from over forty well-known and respected brands, including Agastat, Alcoswitch, AMP, AMP NETCONNECT, Buchanan, CII, CoEv, Critchley, Elcon, Elo TouchSystems, M/A-COM, Madison Cable, OEG, Potter & Brumfield, Raychem, Schrack and Simel. For more information, visit www.tycoelectronics.com

View Tyco Electronics's profile: