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FAKRO manufactures 13 sizes of both white polyurethane-coated, close-grain redwood pine and uPVC roof windows. Both are ideal for high humidity areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and wetrooms or simply to match existing white windows and doors. They offer exceptional moisture resistance and have sleek frames in a contemporary style which give a bigger overall glazing area and can be simply wiped clean. Opening options include centre pivot and the unique FAKRO preSelect® top hung and pivot, operation of which can be changed at the flick of a switch in the frame. U-values are as low as 0.97 W/m2K and windows benefit from topSafe hinge and lock reinforcement and an automatic air vent in most profiles. Windows can also be ordered in conservation style and with electronic operation.

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• Requirements of the ErP Directive 2013 already met
• Unique ventilation function
• Easy installation thanks to the “Wilo-Connector”

Wilo UK has introduced the latest in its family of energy efficient small circulator pumps. The Wilo-Yonos PICO made its debut in the UK at EcoBuild 2012.

The European Eco-Design Directive – the ErP Directive – will impose strict requirements across the EU on the energy efficiency of glandless pumps starting in 2013. Old, uncontrolled pumps will from then, no longer be allowed to be manufactured although stock will still be available until it has disappeared from merchants shelves. By switching over to new standard high-efficiency pumps like the “Wilo-Yonos PICO” now, you are already choosing a future-proof solution as the Yonos meets the requirements of the ErP Directive for 2013.

The “Wilo-Yonos PICO” consumes significantly less energy than required by the best current ‘A’ rated heating pump. Compared to an uncontrolled old pump, it is possible to achieve up to 90% reductions in electricity consumption – that’s an energy cost saving of around £85 a year.

This new standard high-efficiency pump is compact and is equipped with a display that shows the current power consumption and the set delivery head. It also offers constant and variable differential pressure control modes. Thanks to its unique automatic ventilation function, the pump automatically evacuates the air from the rotor chamber. In addition, the Yonos’s small size makes installation simple even in awkward installation locations. The popular “Wilo-Connector” makes working on Wilo small pumps significantly easier, allowing the electrical connection of this pump to be made quickly and without the need of any tools.

The settings for the Yonos are very straightforward – the red button can be constantly set to the first, second or third setting on the scale for the differential pressure control mode.

The “Wilo-Yonos PICO” has been developed for smaller heating and cooling circuits and is available in two power levels with a maximum delivery head of 5 to 6. It’s available now from merchants in all the sizes that are commonly encountered on the market.

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Five newly released products from Megger will make electrical contractors life that bit safer and easier. A common theme to the new products is that they offer, with exception of the proving unit, CAT IV rating.

Choice of CAT IV two pole voltage detectors and a proving unit
A choice of CAT IV two pole detectors and a superb proving unit make a major contribution to safety. By allowing contractors prove their lock out procedures and to have greater confidence in their safety.

• Two pole voltage detector with LED array – TPT210
• Two pole voltage detector with LCD display – TPT220
• Proving unit – MPU690

True RMS multimeter with a famous name
Safe, accurate and versatile, the new AVO410 digital multimeter from Megger combines rugged yet compact construction with ease of use and a CAT IV 600 V safety rating in line with IEC 61010, which means that it is suitable for use in any location on all types of low voltage electrical installations, including industrial installations

A really innovative phase sequence indicator
Work on commercial and industrial installations often requires working on machinery with three phase supplies. Correct sequence of the phases is vital with many motors and pumps as damage to brakes and valves will occur in minutes with incorrect phasing.

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The Wallace Collection houses 25 galleries of French 18th century paintings and one of London's most important Rococo collections. Working with John O’Connell Architects and Purcell Miller Tritton VMZINC supplied zinc bullseye dormers which were designed to enhance the classical appearance of the roof while disguising ventilation outlets. Pre-weathered Quartz-zinc® standing seam was selected to break up the surface of the upper slopes while lightwell projections were also clad in zinc to provide an unobtrusive blend within the roofscape. The new roof will enable ceilings in the east galleries to be restored to their former elegance and glory.

Quartz-zinc® was chosen for its traditional, lasting appearance, sustainability, low maintenance and long life expectancy. Its muted grey colour is similar to lead and blends well with natural slate and a variety of other building materials. Zinc’s malleability makes it ideal for intricate detailing and was a major factor influencing selection.

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Beko, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of kitchen appliances, has just published a new brochure to promote the energy-saving features of its extensive Built-In Collection.

The 20-page full colour brochure – printed on recycled paper – is targetted at specifiers, housebuilders and contractors who are under increasing pressure to source and install energy-efficient kitchen appliances.

Following the opening message of ‘greater performance and energy efficiency,’ the brochure explains the company’s long-term commitment to product sustainability and environmentally responsible manufacturing.

The brochure then demonstrates the company’s green credentials through reference to various models within the Built In Collection, including low water usage and low energy rated dishwashers, as well as the A+ energy rated refrigeration range, and an A -30% rated oven.

This easy-to-use, informative brochure also refers to Beko’s Energy Saving Trust Recommended certification, as well as several prestigious awards recently won by the company in recognition of its ongoing efforts in the design and production of energy-saving appliances for the kitchen.

“Low energy consumption is the key to appliance specification today,” says Bob Abbott, Beko’s national sales manager for built-in appliances. “Manufacturers, builders and specifiers are all under growing pressure to provide highly affordable low energy/low water consumption products of ever increasing efficiency.

“Beko works with the trade to help all those involved meet the stringent controls of the Code for Sustainable Homes, and our energy-efficient Built In Collection plays a major role in helping them to achieve that goal.

“Our new eco brochure provides the details they need to make an informed choice when it comes to the specification of energy-efficient built-in kitchen appliances.”

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• First truly and measurably energy efficient radiator
• 10.5% energy saving – independently verified
• Perfect ‘fit’ for new build projects and developments
• Ideal for renewable energy or traditional boiler ‘driven’ systems

Stelrad Radiators, the UK’s leading radiator manufacturer, unveiled its brand new Radical radiator on its stand at Ecobuild on the afternoon of Wednesday 21st March.

Radical offers the first genuinely energy efficient radiator on the marketplace, offering a 10.5% gas saving compared to a standard heating system, a fact independently confirmed by KIWA – and includes some very clever technology that makes it stand apart from the crowd.
Radical comes with an extensive list of benefits:

• Its faster to warm up than a standard radiator – the front panel warms up 23% more quickly in fact
• It’s simple and quick to connect – its ¾” male thread connections allow you to connect the pipes directly to the Radical without additional couplers, reducing the risk of leaks and increasing the speed of installation
• It comes with an integrated thermostatic valve that can be mounted to the left or right as you wish
• It’s fully compatible with renewable energy sources
• It offers genuinely environmentally friendly heating – independently confirmed by KIWA
• It offers much reduced heat loss into the wall against which it’s mounted
• It offers comfortable warmth even with low temperature systems such as heat pumps and more quickly – reaching a comfortable temperature up to 8% more quickly
• It offers higher feelings of comfort from increased radiant heat from the front panel – up to 50% more radiation in fact
• It offers lower energy bills – 10.5% lower gas bills are common – and it forces condensing boilers to operate more efficiently
• And…it offers time savings both when installing Radical and if you need to drain it

It’s the first ‘serial feed’ radiator on the UK market place and the first to come with an integrated thermostatic valve insert. Standard radiators are ‘parallel feed’, where the water enters the radiator and is fed via a ‘T’ piece to enter both panels at the same time and the same rate. A serial feed radiator allows the water to enter via a centre tap connection, directing the water flow into the front panel first before, after circulating around the front panel, the water eventually makes its way from the front panel into the back panel.

Because the front panel of a Radical heats up first, there’s a higher average temperature in the front panel than you get from a standard radiator and less heat is lost from the back panel. With Radical, the front panel heats up more quickly than a standard radiator would and ensures the front panel gives off more radiant heat – increasing the feeling of comfort to people in the room.

The simple result is that you feel warmer, faster.

The Radical is an ideal companion to lower temperature renewable heating systems, with the return flow from the heating system to the boiler being at a lower temperature, ensuring that the condensing boiler is actually able to condense efficiently. When a boiler condenses, it uses less energy – using less gas to produce heat, so a welcome energy and as a result, cost saving is available to the home owner. Energy saving can be up to 10.5% off standard energy bills – as tested by KIWA in a dynamic state.

Radical is perfectly suited to both individual and collective heating installations and can be connected to a modulating gas or fuel burner and is combinable with all kinds of low temperature systems such as heat pumps, solar cells and biomass installations.

Stelrad’s Marketing Director Anna Burns says Radical keeps Stelrad at the forefront of radiator technology in Europe and offers further evidence of the desire to offer the best heating solutions in the marketplace: “Radical is a major new introduction here in the UK. It’s a market leading product and adds to the key brand values that we have at Stelrad which revolve around availability, range, reliability and value. Radical is available now, it adds a significant new string to our bow with a genuinely energy efficient radiator to add to the huge range of radiators we have available, its reliability is confirmed by the ten year guarantee we offer on most of our products and the value is not in question, when you consider the fact that Radical comes with an in-built thermostatic valve and a string of benefits that no radiator released in the UK before, can match. These are exciting times at Stelrad!”

Full details of the new Radical can be found on the Stelrad web site at www.stelrad.com, or you can request details by calling on 0870 849 8058.

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Eaton’s Electrical Sector has extended its popular range of Memshield 3 final distribution products to include type A and type B pan assemblies that are available separately for users to incorporate into their own distribution panels. Also added to the range are space-saving 12-way double-pole boards for SPSN installations and triple-way meter packs that allow comprehensive sub-metering for two triple-pole boards and one single-pole board to be provided with just one meter pack.

Other enhancements to the range include the addition of 16-way 125 A and 12-way 250 A type B boards and an increase in the ingress protection rating of all type B boards to IP4X. In addition, a new IP42 gland plate accessory is being offered for type B boards, which complements the existing versatile and convenient cable trunking interface kits.

The new pan assemblies in the Memshield 3 range are designed for inclusion within other assemblies and make possible a high degree of customisation. The type A versions are rated at 125 A, and are available with 4, 7, 10, 13 or 16 outgoing ways. The type B versions are available with a 125 A rating and 4, 6, 8 or 12 outgoing ways, or with a 250 A rating and 12, 18 or 24 outgoing ways.

For single-pole switched neutral applications, the new 12-way double-pole board is an ideal solution as it eliminates the need to use three-phase boards with blanking plates fitted to cover the unused poles. As well as saving space, the new board eliminates the cost of the blanking plates and provides valuable time savings during installation.

The new triple-way meter pack, which is available in Modbus and pulse-output versions, complements the existing meter packs in the Memshield range. Like them, it is designed to provide an easy and cost-effective way of meeting the growing demand for sub-metering, which is driven in part by the requirements of Part L2 of the Building Regulations.

The new meter pack is ideal for use in the many commercial installations that have two three-phase final distribution systems – typically one for heating and one for other loads – plus a single-phase distribution system for lighting. All three of these systems can now be metered with a single meter pack.

Full details of all of the extensions to the Memshield 3 final distribution range can be found in the new “Sub-Distribution Solutions – MEM Series” catalogue which is available from Eaton’s Electrical Sector. This catalogue can be viewed on the company’s website

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Though dry fixing has become an accepted part of roofing practice, it has never replaced traditional mortar fixing to the extent that many forecast when the concept was introduced. A succession of relatively mild winters has in some respects masked the potential for frost-associated mortar problems, prompting many house builders to maintain that dry fixing has, until now, been an unnecessary additional cost. However, the past two years have seen consistently severe weather conditions throughout the country and as a result claims to the NHBC under its 10-year warranty scheme have risen steeply.

The highest proportion of these claims have been roofing related with the most common being linked to mortar and condensation issues. This had already prompted the NHBC to issue a directive requiring vapour permeable underlays in cold roofs to be supported by high level ventilation. In November, this was followed by another which required dry fixing of ridges, hips and eaves for all home starts after 1st January. The decision was based on sound statistical information as it had become clear that dry fix was already in more widespread use in areas which face the most severe weather conditions. In some regions, the level had reached over 80% of new builds and where this was the case there were correspondingly fewer claims resulting from storm damage. Despite long periods of sub-zero weather in 2010 and 2011 the trend remained constant. For homes built outside the NHBC warranty, there is also a higher incidence of dry fixing. Housing associations in particular see it as a means of avoiding the risk of unforeseen and premature refurbishment costs while providing scope for more accurate long-term maintenance forecasts.

Klober was among the first dry fix product manufacturers and has consistently drawn attention to the potential pitfalls of mortar fixing. However, Technical Manager Graham Copson added, “Some early dry fix products were not designed with the installer in mind so though they provided a more consistent standard of workmanship they were not always popular. Other criticisms levelled against them were that joints were unsightly and that they were difficult to align. Mortar is always needed on site so many builders allowed the supposed drawbacks to outweigh the benefits of being able to undertake work in wet conditions and eradicating incidences of snagging. Klober manufactures products for universal use and so have to ensure they are easy to install. We welcome comparison against other dry fix and ventilation materials.”

It is a touch ironic that the two NHBC guidelines mentioned should have combined to work in favour of dry fixing. Products such as Klober’s Roll-Fix and Uni-Dry Ventilating Ridge have provided universal ventilating dry ridge and hip options for some years. Both are suitable for use with the majority of concrete interlocking tiles and plain tiles as well as natural and fibre-cement slates. Their value has grown as standards of loft insulation in cold roofs and the consequent risk of condensation have increased. This has increased further as ridge and hip tiles bedded on mortar should now be ‘mechanically fixed with self sealing non-ferrous fixings into timber battens’.

In addition to dry fixing of ridges and hips, use of the Klober Uni-Dry Verge is just as straightforward as it is suitable for most concrete interlocking tiles with a 280mm – 345mm batten gauge. Verges are highly susceptible to wind uplift and even before mortar replacement becomes necessary, the initial signs of failure are often unsightly. Few now argue that dry verge performance is matched by better overall appearance, to such an extent that many house builders insist on dry fixed verges while continuing to mortar-fix ridges and hips. No specific skills or tools are required and all that needs to be remembered is that the ridge batten must overhang the gable wall by 35mm to allow the Ridge End Cap to be fixed. No overhang is required if using a block end ridge.

Dry fixing is unaffected by settlement or movement and its use on pitches from 12.5° – 90° makes it suitable for most housing styles and designs. For the contractor, such ‘universal’ products can be used regardless of which manufacturer’s roof covering is supplied while the real value of dry fixing at the ridge has increased still further as a result of the two NHBC directives. The problem of unsightly mortar runs in mid-winter will at last be a thing of the past.

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With the rising cost of gas and electricity hitting the headlines once again, and many suppliers increasing customers’ energy tariffs, installers need to ensure they are equipped to advise their customers on the most energy and cost efficient heating solutions. Uponor applications manager, Neil Young believes this is where underfloor heating, combined with air source heat pumps can offer an effective holistic solution.

Underfloor heating offers a radiant heat that occupies the entire floor surface area, which in itself offers several benefits.

First of all, it results in a healthy environment. Hardly raising any dust, underfloor heating is perfect for people suffering from allergies. Secondly, the gentle radiant heat acts directly on the body without the process of having to heat the air in the room first. This means that thermal heat can be achieved at lower temperatures compared to more concentrated heat sources such as radiators.

The even floor surface temperature ensures a comfortable energy spread meaning the room temperature can be set to up to 2 degrees Celsius lower than radiators. This can equate to more than 12 per cent in energy savings.

Additional energy savings are offered through the lower water temperature that are required to efficiently heat a home using an underfloor heating system compared to a complete radiator installation. This lower operating temperature means underfloor heating systems are particularly suited to installations where an air source heat pump is the primary heat source.

Rising demand

The market for heat pumps is growing at a staggering rate with estimated sales growing from 8,000 units in 2011 to 100,000 in 2020. By 2050 there will be more than 20 million air source heat pumps in the UK.

The popularity of air source heat pumps is due to their most attractive benefit, which is that they are a renewable energy source. Taking thermal energy from the outside air, heat pumps convert the energy to heat to produce hot water for heating systems and domestic hot water in the home.

The result is a low carbon energy source and a low cost hot water generator – perfect for combining with efficient underfloor heating systems.

Aesthetically, underfloor heating and air source heat pump combinations are also attractive. As the heat source is underneath the floor covering there is no visible heat emitter. Internal wall space is not taken up by radiators and complete freedom is offered when considering room layouts and interior design.

Combined underfloor heating and air source heat pump systems are particularly suited to new build properties, self build project or renovations. They can be retro fitted to existing properties with some level of disruption as floors will need to be taken up or the system installed on top of the existing floor which will result in the finished floor being raised.

But whilst the benefits seem to be a ‘no-brainer’ there are a number of things to consider when specifying underfloor heating and air source heat pumps. Most importantly, it must be a system solution. It is advisable to choose a supply solution where both the heat pump manufacturer and underfloor heating supplier have a proven track record and can demonstrate both knowledge and experience of the system they are specifying working together.

There must be one design strategy and product selection based on the total system performance.

For more information about Uponor’s family of plumbing and climate control solutions, click on www.uponor.co.uk

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AMTECH 2011 is the latest generation of electrical design and certification software. Full of brand new features, this software enables users to achieve much more in less time, delivering a real boost to efficiency and productivity.

New features in FastTest 2011 include improved Validation which highlights any unpopulated fields and checks that data inserted meets governing body standards in both BS and AMTECH certificates, saving time and improving accuracy. Also new, are the AMTECH Standard Fire Detection and Alarm System Design Certificates, for design work on both new and modified systems. FastTest also integrates with Estimation’s Service and Maintenance package (SM), offering complete control of work scheduling.

New tools in ProDesign 2011 include the enhanced Data Entry module, enabling better management of load data, including motor loads. This is combined with the new Motor Fault Contribution feature that avoids critical fault implications.

Another major new development is the Zbus Calculation Engine which delivers multiple Zbus mathematical matrices for handling the network impedances for all fault calculations. Zbus functionality also enables multiple active sources to be connected to the same switchboard, including parallel supplies.

All AMTECH software now has a direct link to LUCKINSlive.com, offering fast access to a wide range of industry information.

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