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‘Hillcrest’, an oak frame self-build designed by owner and Chartered Building Surveyor Simon Kettle, occupies five acres of open countryside in a quiet corner of South Cheshire. The traditional masonry construction was designed for super-insulation levels with dense, solid internal walls and tiled floors for thermal mass. In terms of materials selection, the design focus was on quality, long term performance, sustainability and suitability of material for the rural environment.

A variety of FAKRO roof windows were used to maximise natural lighting and encourage solar gain. A passive solar gain and ventilation design along the lines of established Passive House principles and Passive Stack ventilation principles was opted for. Conservation style units were used for the front aspect to enhance the traditional cottage style while standard profiles were installed using FAKRO ridge flashing as part of a system of passive ventilation control. Eight windows were used in combination, electrically operated and thermostatically controlled with the support of an external rain sensor and self-cleaning glass. FAKRO worked alongside Simon to ensure that specific aspects of technical performance were achieved. He explained, “The passive ventilation aspects were understandably extremely challenging due to an absence of established design information, standardised procedures or effective modelling to confirm its effectiveness. Ultimately, Fakro provided a quality product that was finished to an extremely high standard. This was achieved through their excellent support service which organised the exchange of design drawings and details of my required standards of performance with their research and development team in Poland”.

In addition to the creating a stylish and individual family home that blends into its rural surroundings the design was shortlisted for ‘Best Technological Innovation’ and ‘Best Sustainable Development’ in the Local Authority Building Excellence Awards.

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Global electrical test equipment expert Megger has acquired SebaKMT, a leader in power cable fault location and testing and in pipe leakage detection. The acquisition will allow Megger to greatly enhance its existing cable test product portfolio, elevating it to a world-leading position. SebaKMT will benefit from access to the exceptionally strong technical and financial resources of the Megger organisation.

Improved customer service

Following the acquisition, business will initially continue as usual for both organisations while a full evaluation is carried out of the exciting opportunities created for moving forward with product development and manufacturing operations, and for enhancing customer-facing sales and support services. Customers of both companies will for the foreseeable future, continue to obtain sales, service and support through the same channels they are currently using.

Outstandingly positive

“This acquisition is an outstandingly positive development for both companies and for their customers,” said Peter Frank, Chairman of Megger Group, “not least because there’s a high degree of synergy between the Megger and SebaKMT product ranges, but very little overlap. The new organisation will therefore, be able to offer a truly comprehensive family of power test products, backed by unmatched technical expertise and strong readily accessible customer support in virtually every country of the world.”

Empowering SebaKMT to strengthen its market position

Dr Max Iann, the former owner of SebaKMT said, “It was important for us to find a partner that would enable SebaKMT to continue to grow successfully, and to strengthen its market position. Megger is the perfect partner, as the companies ideally complement each other in terms of product range and geographical coverage.” Following the acquisition of SebaKMT, Dr Max Iann has joined the board of Megger Group Limited.

The Vivax-Metrotech Group, formerly part of SebaKMT, has not been acquired by Megger. However, the current sales co-operation in Europe and the United States between Vivax-Metrotech and SebaKMT will continue.

Increased manufacturing base

Megger has major development and manufacturing facilities in the UK, Sweden and the USA, and is already one of the world’s largest suppliers of test equipment for the electrical power sector. The acquisition of SebaKMT, which has its main development and manufacturing bases in Germany and the USA where it operates principally through its subsidiary HDW Electronics, will increase the turnover of the Megger Group substantially, and firmly establishes it as a pre-eminent provider of test solutions for the power industry.

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TROX has launched Version 2 of its extremely popular design tool – Easy Product Finder – which is faster and easier to use, and includes additional product ranges.

Easy Product Finder has become a vital tool in the building services industry, helping system designers and specifiers to identify system components and collate all the necessary costings and technical material. TROX has now announced the arrival of Version 2, which features a new intuitive design concept.

This latest generation of the product selection tool enables users to design and configure the workspace in the way that best suits them. In addition, keyboard entries and shortcuts can be set up to enable users to work faster. The improved direct access to the product selection and project structure, the easy adding and changing of project items, enhanced navigation, and the newly integrated product search, speed up the design and specification phase of the HVAC project. In addition, the interactive room wizard has been completely revised, and is now available for control systems, enabling users to work faster, with greater accuracy and creativity.

As with Version 1 of Easy Product Finder, the user can generate and export a comprehensive range of supporting materials, including technical data and bills of materials for all designed products. With Version 2 however, the range of TROX products has been expanded to encompass TROX LABCONTROL control systems and the TROX HESCO Switzerland range of air diffusers.

Installation download, set up and additional information on the new Easy Product Finder can be found at www.easyproductfinder.com

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Two Property Care Association (PCA) award-winning companies have joined forces to waterproof the basement at a major residential refurbishment site in central London.

Triton, which won the PCA’s Innovation and Sustainability award for the pioneering subscription of its systems to the new NBS BIM Library, supplied the waterproofing system components. These included 1000 m2 of cavity drain membranes – which were installed to the inner surface of all exterior walls, Aquachannel drainage conduit which was installed to the perimeter, and associated sumps and pumps. The design of the drainage system was based on a gravity feed to existing outlets. Together these components provided an effective Type C waterproofing system as defined by BS 8102.

The system was installed by Preservation Treatments, winners of the PCA’s Contractor of the Year award. Following completion of the cavity drain membrane system, 300mm of insulation was laid to the floor before the installation of a 20mm floor membrane, which was then sealed to the wall membrane and a screed finish.

An independent dry lining system was then put in place to form the walls of the apartments. Preservation Treatments will also carry out external waterproofing works in the new build section of the development later in the project.

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Mira Showers has developed a version of its ever popular Advance electric shower with an integral pump so that it can now be installed in dwellings that suffer from either low or erratic water pressure – a particular problem in high-rise community housing.

The first choice for housing associations and adaptation specialists, the Advance range provides safe thermostatically controlled showering and the 9.0kW Low Pressure model enables those in high or medium-rise accommodation to enjoy the features from one of the few electric showers to achieve the BEAB Care Mark.

Providing a strong and consistent flow from a head pressure as little as 80mm, the Advance Low Pressure is offered in two versions – Standard and Flex. Both feature phased shutdown, which protects the shower’s next user by flushing out water from the tank, and Mira’s own Advanced Temperature Limit technology, which gives 8 different maximum temperature settings including a BEAB Care setting.

Ease of use is ensured by the large, impossible to miss, on/off button, and colour contrasting LED backlit buttons that emit audible beeps when they are pressed. The shower’s slide bar is also easily adjusted for height because the friction clamp bracket can be operated with just one hand – a feature Occupational Therapists consider to be ‘inclusive’. The four spray showerhead has rub clean rubber nozzles for easy cleaning and the shower also is rated best in class for limescale resistance.

Endorsed by the RNIB, the Mira Advance Low Pressure Flex boasts all the features of the Standard but using colour contrast to make it easier for the visually impaired to use. For instance, the side panel is coloured so that the shower unit stands out from a white surface and all the controls such as the power switch, the on/off switch and the rotary lever are strongly coloured to contrast against the white front panel.

The Flex model also features an extended hose, an extra long slide bar and parking socket, so boosting both safety and mobility within the showering area. The rotary lever that controls temperature is fitted with a loop so it can be operated easily by those with an impaired grip.

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TROX is proud to introduce its new X-FANS range of ventilation and smoke extraction products to the UK market and announces four new additions to this extensive portfolio.

In October 2012, the TROX Group acquired the Building Fan Division of TLT-Turbo GmbH – a subsidiary of Siemens AG, based in Germany. With over 140 years experience, this new division – TROX TLT GmbH – is a world leader in the development, manufacture and sale of fans for technical building systems, including axial, centrifugal, and roof fans, as well as fans for duct installation. The products, for ventilation and smoke extraction in buildings such as airports, hotels, factories, offices, enclosed car parks and traffic systems, complement the existing TROX product lines perfectly. The acquisition completes the TROX Group’s portfolio of ventilation and air conditioning components and means that TROX can now offer customers a complete system (even in applications considered specialist or niche) from one source.

From April 16th 2013, products manufactured by the TROX TLT division will be available in the UK market under the X-FANS brand name. What is more, four brand new product lines have been added: the X-FANS EC Roof Fan range for ventilation; the X-FANS Impulse Jet Fan range for smoke extraction from galleries; the X-FANS Jet Ventilation System for enclosed car parks; and the VDS VentilatorDiagnoseSystem.

TROX UK managing director Ian Sams commented, “The acquisition is the latest development in a long term strategy to position TROX as an outstanding full-service supplier, whatever the requirements of the project. Bringing the X-FANS product portfolio under the TROX umbrella offers customers engineering excellence, energy-efficient products, and first class service across a more diverse range of applications than ever before. And, as products can be sourced from a single point, TROX customers benefit from a high degree of planning reliability, and perfectly coordinated systems, with less organisational effort.”

NEW LAUNCHES IN THE X-FANS RANGE

New X-FANS EC Roof Fan range

With their intelligent EC motor control, new energy efficient DRV B EC roof fans from the TROX X-FANS range cut the energy consumption of buildings for reduced carbon emissions and lower operating costs. The roof fans extract room air and discharge it to the outside of the building with high efficiency and low noise. A certified in-house test rig ensures the best possible quality, to ISO 5801 criteria, and all fans and motors meet ERP requirements. An upgrade to IE3 Premium Efficiency is underway. DRV B EC fans are suitable for either residential or industrial buildings, and are made of weather-resistant aluminium for ease of transport, installation and maintenance. The fans can be combined with sensors and supplied, as an option, with an integral volume flow rate measuring unit if required.

New X-FANS Impulse Jet Fan for galleries

The new X-FANS Impulse Jet Fan is the first to support natural heat and smoke extraction from galleries. When temperatures are high, heat builds up easily under gallery roofs. The Impulse Jet Fan facilitates the dissipation of thermal loads through the openings in the roof. In case of a fire the impulse of the fan jet keeps the relevant areas smoke-free.

All X-FANS smoke exhaust fans have been certified for different temperature ranges (200°C, 300°C, 400°C and 600°C), tested to EN 12101, part 3, and CE-certified. All come with application approval.

New X-FANS Jet Ventilation System for enclosed car parks

The new X-FANS Jet Ventilation System provides an alternative to traditional CO and smoke gas extraction systems specifically designed for enclosed car parks. Instead of utilising axial fans and extract air shafts from fire compartments, the new X-FANS Jet Ventilation System removes air containing CO via one or several central shafts.

In ventilation mode, jet fans under the ceiling ensure a continuous flow of fresh air and provide mixing. In the event of a fire, hot smoke (which spreads just below the ceiling of the underground car park) is removed by powerful smoke extraction fans in the central shafts. Once smoke is detected, the jet fans are automatically switched on and drive hot fire gases towards the central shafts. The enables everyone to evacuate the area, and then establishes an aerodynamic smoke control centre to be implemented to assist the fire service’s efforts to extinguish the fire.

As mentioned, all X-FANS smoke exhaust fans have been certified for different temperature ranges (200°C, 300°C, 400°C and 600°C), tested to EN 12101, part 3, and CE-certified. All come with application approval.

X-FANS VDS VentilatorDiagnoseSystem

Also new for the X-FANS range is the VDS VentilatorDiagnoseSystem, a market unique accessory for smoke exhaust fans which incorporates innovative diagnostic technology for improved condition monitoring and reduced operating and maintenance costs. Utilising an intelligent algorithm, based on statistics from more than one hundred measurement analyses of installed and working smoke exhaust fans, the diagnostic technology of the VDS removes the need to replace bearings and lubricants at two to five year intervals. The service life of these safety-critical products can therefore be increased to well over 20 years. All that is necessary is a 30-minute diagnosis run every year, in addition to switching the fan on and off once every six months. The VDS can be used for all roof, centrifugal and axial fans and has certification, in its own right, under EN 12101, part 3.

For more information about the X-FANS product range contact TROX on telephone: 01842 754545 or visit www.trox-tlt.com

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Landmarks (UK) Ltd, a Yorkshire based developer, has used Triton waterproofing systems in the construction of a traditional two storey farmhouse. The property sits on a natural gentle slope, so the basement is fully buried to the rear with a raised patio area to the front.

The property was built using ICF (insulated concrete formwork) where polystyrene forms are used to contain the wet concrete when casting in-situ concrete walls – and are left in place.

The lower slab was made waterproof by the installation of a membrane beneath it and the inclusion of Triton’s TT Admix in the mix. TT Admix contains active chemicals that react with fresh concrete to generate a non-soluble crystalline formation that seals the concrete itself against the penetration of water or liquid.

Triton’s TT Waterstop, a pre-formed water bar which swells up to 350% when in contact with water, was placed into all joints. The shuttering around the slab had made provision for the concrete groove in the face of slab and the TT Waterstop was fixed into the groove using Triton’s TT Swell Mastic expansion sealant. TT Swell Mastic swells up to 100% when in contact with water, and has long lasting adhesive and hydro-swelling properties. TT Waterstop was also placed in the centre of the wall on top of the slab so that the joint between the wall and the slab was protected.

Triton TT Admix was also incorporated in the concrete mix used to form the basement walls.

Externally the basement walls were treated with two coats of Triton TT Vapour Membrane, a ready blended, single component acrylic modified coating, that provided the primary waterproof and gas proof barrier. Platon Double Drain, a membrane that provides a drainage and protection layer, as well as working as a traditional cavity drain membrane, was then draped down the walls to connect to the land drain.

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TE Energy has launched a new Crompton Instruments cabling and interconnection product that enables its latest digital metering system to be connected to its 3-phase current transformers as well as to the incoming or outgoing supply in an instant.

Q2C wiring solution reduces wiring time by at least 80% and in panel building time is money – anything that reduces the labour required in constructing electrical control gear is highly advantageous. At the same time, because the connection looms are made in quality assured UK factory, the scope for error in the connections is virtually eliminated.

Q2C has been designed to be used with the company’s latest Integra Ci5 digital metering system and its 5A secondary 3-phase current transformers. The system comes with three types of pre-cut wiring loom in various lengths to cover fuses to voltage; voltage to voltage; and CT to meters connections. The voltage looms are also multipurpose and can be used for both incoming voltage supply and for additional meter looping. All the installer has to do is simply click the components and the wiring together. The integral pull resistant connectors and earthing are included on the looms which are crimped to ensure vibration resistance.

The Integra Ci5 digital metering system is both advanced and flexible. The Integra digital metering systems (dms) provide fully programmable, highly accurate measurement, display and communication of all major electrical and power quality parameters, including true rms system values, power quality data and measurement of total harmonic distortion.

On the Ci5 there is both voltage in and out connection and user programmable system configuration. Pulsed and standard RS485 Modbus RTU is standard. CT ratio is programmable and there is true rms/THD measurement. A new backlit LCD screen makes the unit easily readable in any location and the unit is easily clipped into its panel mounting.

The QC 3-phase 5A Secondary current transformers can be used with or without the Q2C solution and combine, as the name suggests, three traditional current transformers in a single moulded case. The unit has internal grounding/earthing, has reversible mounting for left or right hand side and is supplied with a pluggable locking connector for easy installation.

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Fläkt Woods has designed, supplied and installed six bespoke JM Aerofoil axial fans, complete with inverter drives, to the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

The project involved replacing six ageing fans – which had been in use for over 40 years – with highly efficient models. The original units were running constantly at an estimated 76% efficiency, whereas the new units are over 93% efficient. Coupled with the new inverters, the running costs have been significantly reduced, ensuring a payback period of less than two years.

The new JM Aerofoil axial fans supply fresh air to the outpatients department of the hospital. To minimise installation time and costs, the fans were specifically designed to match the dimensions and mountings of the original units. The project was completed in April 2013.

Commenting on working with Fläkt Woods, Paul Cairns, Head of Estates at NHS Lothian, said: “We have been really pleased with both the products and the service received from Fläkt Woods. Now that we have more control over the fans, we’re sure they’ll provide impressive savings on the building’s energy costs.”

“And, based on this installation, we’re now also looking to fit new extract units from Fläkt Woods throughout the building.”

Fläkt Woods’ Service Sales Engineer, Tim Hewes, described the project: “Having supplied the original fans in 1967, we were contacted to look at the older units. During the site survey we determined that, due to the complexities of the installation, it would be necessary to design new fans. We provided a full service for the project including: disposal of old units, electrical package, project management, engineers and electricians, all while minimising disruption to the client, staff and the public.”

The JM Aerofoil axial fan is a highly efficient unit that is designed to operate between a temperature range of –40°C to +50°C. Encompassing the latest IE2 motors (and also IE3 ready), the units can provide significant energy savings when replacing ageing units, and are suitable for a wide range of applications, including: general ventilation, extraction, cooling, refrigeration, emergency ventilation and pressure testing.

Fläkt Woods develops, manufactures and distributes ventilation and air climate products, as well as system solutions for commercial and industrial applications.

For more information on service projects, please contact David Perry either by phone on 01206 222 649 or by email: david.perry@flaktwoods.com.

For more information on the complete range of fans and other ventilation products from Fläkt Woods, visit: www.flaktwoods.co.uk.

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Maintaining its lead in digital technology, Mira Showers has launched a website optimized specifically for smart phones. Now customers can keep up with the latest information and product news from the UK’s leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories.

The first mobile site in the showering industry carries a full product catalogue, complete with full product details, and enables purchases of spares and accessories to be made over direct from the site phone through mobile commerce. It also provides maps and details of where to buy Mira products and features links to Mira videos and social network sites as well as fixed price servicing information and booking forms.

According to industry research more people will view Web sites via mobile phone than by PC or laptop by 2013, so Mira is yet again ahead of the curve in anticipating its customers’ requirements, providing swift, accurate information in the manner most convenient to a competitive fast-moving market.

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