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MK Electric is enhancing the possibilities of wireless lighting control with the launch of astral™ – a ‘MESH’-based system that uses proven radio frequency (RF) technology to control lighting applications within residential, commercial or hospitality environments. The system offers significant benefits that will appeal to the installer, specifier and developer depending on requirements.

MESH networking is a way to route data between nodes (devices) using RF communication, making it suitable for any installation where flexibility and versatility are important. The technology’s flexibility is due to it not requiring ‘line-of-sight’ to successfully send operating instructions between devices or points. Instead all mains powered devices in the system are ‘linked’ together (the ‘MESH’), providing multiple and alternative routes through which the RF signals can travel. The more devices in the overall installation, the more robust the communication path becomes.

Astral devices – the initial range comprising controllers, dimmers and switches – have the capability to control lighting in one particular room, but also lighting throughout the entire property. Each device is effectively a transceiver – both receiving and transmitting RF signals. Signals are detected by all other astral devices within range, or any other device with Z-Wave™ as its inherent RF “language” and when programmed to do so, will control the lighting connected to them; or they will forward the signal to the desired destination device via the most effective and efficient route.

This means the user may control lighting anywhere in the building, either turning it on or off, dimming it up or down, or setting lighting scenes. The ability of the signal to ‘hop’ from device to device increases the distance over which the system can communicate, opening up more possibilities for larger installations than traditional RF based systems. A signal can hop up to five times between devices. There is no central hub – all intelligence is distributed between the devices, this offers maximum system range and flexibility

Most installations will have a remote control with the capability to control four preset scenes and groups. Each scene or group can theoretically control up to 64 switches and/or dimmers, instructing them how to respond. Other wall-mounted controllers are available that can be mains- or battery- powered. Battery-powered controllers can be portable and by their nature are extremely quick to install and ideal for system expansion

Furthermore, a switch directly connected to a lighting circuit is able to control, via its inherent RF capability, a number of other switches or dimmers in a group. Similarly, a dimmer can also control other switches or dimmers in a scene or group.

For the installer astral provides the following advantages:

• Easy to design and expand; simply requires the new device to be within range of existing mains powered device;
• Easy to retrofit; all mains powered devices can be installed in a 35mm back box and dependent upon the device and lighting connected can use just the existing 2 wires found within traditional wiring circuits
• Easy to configure, commission and programme.

For the specifier astral provides a number of benefits:

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Daikin Europe N.V. has introduced EWAD~CZ air-cooled inverter chiller range with the highest ESEER in the market – up to 6 (with optional fan speed regulation) making it a highly cost-effective solution for use in comfort cooling and other applications where a high quality chiller in terms of performance and reliability is needed.

Highest partial load efficiency: ESEER up to 6

The use of inverter driven screw compressors in the EWAD~CZ range allows units to achieve the highest partial load efficiency levels in their class, making them ideal for systems with variable load requirements such as comfort applications. The high partial load efficiency of these solutions allows substantially reduced CO2 emissions and decreased annual operating costs with attendant reductions in payback times.

The use of inverter technology also contributes to quieter sound levels and precise chiller water temperatures, as well as lower starting current requirements, optimum power factors (always above 0.95), a reduction of water tanks for the hydraulic system and increased reliability due to fewer compressor start-ups and shut-downs.

Innovative technology

Inverter control is complemented by a host of other advanced features such as a patented single screw compressor, and ultra efficient fans with a patented blade profile for quiet operation. Furthermore, the new Microtech III controller allows easy control of performance parameters, and a wide range of system integration solutions are supported including LonWorks and BACnet.

Wide range of options

Daikin EWAD~CZ chiller units can operate in ambient temperatures from -18°C to +50°C, with leaving water temperatures from -8°C to +15°C and are available in standard, low and reduced sound models. An extensive list of options includes heat recovery and fan speed regulation.

The addition of the new range makes the Daikin Europe screw inverter chiller portfolio the largest in the market, EWAD~CZ units filling in the top of the sector with capacities from 635 kW to 1.800 kW, the highest cooling capacity available in this market today.

Daikin Europe products are distributed in the UK by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd and Space Airconditioning plc.

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The VMZINC 200 Overlapping Panel system provides the ideal alternative to conventional shiplap timber cladding, as zinc does not lose its colour, corrode or need regular maintenance. Panels are available in 2 and 3 metres lengths, are 200mm wide and can be used for installations of up to 30 metres in height. Available in distinctive pre-weathered colours such as ANTHRA-ZINC (black) and QUARTZ-ZINC (mid-grey), the system has been designed to be easy to install with panels simply fixed to either a metal or timber framework. Flashings come in standard 3 metre lengths and as with panels and accessories for standard details such as eaves apron strips, verge and corner profiles are made from solid zinc. Any cut edges will therefore not corrode as the metal develops a self-healing natural patina. Fixing is by means of a conventional Paslode or similar pneumatic air gun using ring-sharked stainless-steel nails.

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To help electrical contractors meet the increasing demands for LED display and accent lighting, Thorn has brought out D-CO LED.

There are six “families” of fittings, spearheaded by fixed and multi-directional recessed downlights. With a choice of three or six Osram 1.2W LEDs – combined with 15°, 24° or 35° beam spreads – the downlights, which have an aluminium heat sink body, are ideal replacements for 20-35W MR16 halogen fittings or where maintenance is an issue. In similar vein is a tiny (40mm diameter) single LED version.

Emphasising the LED’s small size and high brightness, Thorn has put it to another exciting use – as a spotlight! The LED head is mounted on a short stem projecting from a 60mm diameter surface plate. It’s a great light for working or selling by.

D-CO LED downlights and spotlights are also sold in a clever kit form, ready-wired for supply; all that’s needed is a quick snap-to of the cables from the driver and – voila: a string of light! Equally exciting is a 116 mm square recessed wall light combining a 1.6W LED with an asymmetric reflector. The resulting wash of light is ideal for corridors and stairways.

Within each family there is a choice of warm or cool white light, so that the colour appearance can be matched to the needs of the application. Finish is Titan grey or natural anodised aluminium for the wall light.

D-CO LED offers users consistent colour temperature through restricted binning, 80% less electricity than incandescent lamps and lasts 50,000 hours.

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Daikin Europe has launched a new Sky Air® RZQG-L series of air conditioning units that pre-dates strict European Union imposed energy performance requirements and leads the way in seasonal efficiency.

The European Union’s 20/20/20 policy has set the energy performance bar high at 20% less CO2 emissions, 20% renewable energy and 20% reduction in primary energy use by 2020. Within this framework the EU Energy related Products Directive (Eco-design Directive) specifies minimum Eco-design requirements, such as improved energy efficiency, in energy using products. For air conditioning units below 12kW output, these requirements will be based on product seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER): a more realistic representation of performance than the current nominal energy efficiency (EER) rating method (**).

The Daikin name is synonymous with the introduction of high environmentally efficient equipment that pre-dates EU directives, bringing its Sky Air® Seasonal Inverter to the market in Spring of 2010. Daikin has now extended its market leading role in this respect by incorporating seasonal efficiency requirements into its new Sky Air® RZQG-L light commercial range. Sky Air® was chosen for this pioneering development because of its high potential environmental impact, since light commercial applications represent the greatest annual energy use due to their high sales volumes and high annual operating hours.

The new system delivers considerable improvements in terms of seasonal efficiency, optimised inverter control over the full temperature distribution curve providing optimum partial load performance, resulting in high ratings in ‘real-life’ operating conditions. Also, newly designed compressor, heat exchanger and improved auxiliary modes enhance its performance still further. As a result, optimised Sky Air® RZQG-L outdoor units deliver average seasonal efficiency improvements more than 20% greater than the current Sky Air® Seasonal Inverter in real life conditions and 50% greater than non-inverter systems.

Over and above its excellent seasonal performance the new Sky Air® series offers a wide operating range, the ability to re-use existing refrigerant piping, a ‘quiet night’ mode and is compatible with the newly designed seasonal Sky Air® indoor units, including the new FCQG round flow cassette and new FHQG ceiling suspended cassette.

Europe has for some time required objective measurements of equipment performance, which determine the minimum requirements that must be met by manufacturers and provide consumers with better information on air conditioner performance. The current measurement method – nominal efficiency – has limitations, resulting in a significant gap between announced performance and actual performance.

The more accurate measurement – seasonal efficiency – is determined by considering several rating temperatures for cooling and heating instead of just one and the integration into the calculation of operation at partial capacity instead of full capacity. Since most systems operate most of the time under a partial load, the new methodology gives a better indication of expected real-life performance. The new seasonal efficiency calculation will also take account of the power consumed by devices in auxiliary modes such as standby mode.

Daikin Europe products are distributed in the UK by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd and Space Airconditioning plc.

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Laidlaw Solutions Limited once again featured prominently in the 2010/11 Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards organised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and the RIBA. Held this year at Ironmongers Hall in the Barbican, Laidlaw’s Rose Lodge project in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear was judged overall 'Winner of Winners' as well as 'Best Public Sector Project'. Laidlaw worked alongside award winning healthcare specifiers Medical Architecture (MAAP) and Laing O’Rourke in the fit-out of the £6.1m Specialist Care Centre. Twelve en-suite bedrooms cater for the specific needs of acute, enhanced and supported care adults with learning disabilities so products from the specialist Laidlaw Orbis Anti-Ligature range were specified throughout. The company was also 'Commended' in the 'Hospitality and Residential Buildings' category for its work with specialist fit-out contractor E. E. Smith on Bespoke Hotels’ new Bermondsey Square Hotel project.

The GAI / RIBA Specification Awards are acknowledged as recognizing the best projects, regardless of budget or scale, with each award being made jointly to the architect and ironmongery provider. Laidlaw Solutions Group Managing Director John Jefferies commented, “These awards recognise excellence in what is undoubtedly one of the crucial elements of any commercial interior. The ultimate accolade afforded to us as 'Winner of Winners' is a reflection of the hard work put in by Laidlaw personnel throughout what was an exacting specification and scheduling process. The two Laidlaw projects highlighted illustrate the totally different scheduling requirements for projects large and small that Laidlaw now routinely manages throughout the UK.”

Receiving the awards with Architectural Ironmongery Division MD Peter O’Brien (far left) are Group Marketing Manager Shafiq Sharif, Regional Manager Clint Robertson, Ian Tyrens of Northumberland and Tyne & Wear NHS Trust and MAAP Project Architect Lianne Knotts. Completing the group are those involved in the Bermondsey Square Hotel project, Laidlaw Doorsets Major Projects Manager David Manley and Doorsets Division MD Ian Hopkinson and, on the far right E. E. Smith’s Senior Buyer Matthew Incles. Architectural Ironmongery Sales Director Simon Walden is also featured second right.

Laidlaw confirmed its commitment to the promotion of design excellence by sponsoring the Public Education Buildings Award category. Group Marketing Manager Shafiq Sharif concluded, “The GAI / RIBA Awards continue to increase in prominence and as one of the industry’s leading players we felt that sponsorship would help raise the profile of the event still further.”

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Marshall-Tufflex’s hi-speed MT32 plug and play 32Amp power connection system, contained within extra deep, bespoke underfloor boxes, has enabled the safe and secure supply of large volumes of power and data cabling to a new state-of-the-art school building.

Located in Grimsby, the new Oasis Academy Wintringham replaces an old, out-dated school building next door. Receiving high praise from the community it serves, pupils are able to study in a school that now boasts a technology block, a 21st century piazza, many new sports facilities and even a hi-tech dining suite complete with push button technology.

As with all new and refurbished schools, blackboards, paper and pencils are being replaced with the very latest Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and electronic learning facilities. This is creating a need for advanced cable management solutions to accommodate more complex data wiring and increasing amounts of networked devices.

National building services provider, NG Bailey, which was responsible for the installation and commissioning of all mechanical and electrical services for the new Oasis Academy building, needed an underfloor solution to accommodate non-standard, over-sized, interactive wire distribution boards and connectors. Lockable lids, for secure access to the boxes in a school environment, were also a priority.

“We do a lot of work in the education environment, where there is need for the safe delivery and management of large amounts of power and data cabling. We found MT32 ideal for that,“ said Kevin Cherry, project engineer for NG Bailey.

“We received MT32 units to a very tight deadline ready for plug and play connection on-site, which enabled us to stick to a robust on-site working schedule,” concluded Mr Cherry.

Cable management specialist Marshall-Tufflex supplied MT32 steel conduit and extra deep, special order 120mm floor boxes to provide an extra 20mm depth over the standard 100mm box. The boxes were supplied complete with tap-offs and lockable lids.

Main contractor for the project was Clugston Construction. Newey & Eyre was the wholesale supplier and NG Bailey completed all work from specification to final installation of all mechanical and electrical services.

MT32 is a prefabricated system that eliminates the need to manually hard-wire floor or accessory boxes, thereby reducing on-site installation times and making cost savings and demanding deadlines more achievable.

Supplied as an underfloor solution, floor boxes come pre-wired and pre-tested with male and female connectors and only need circuit testing before signing off. Because it is a plug and play system, MT32 can also be easily reconfigured should additional IT equipment, for example, be required or classroom layouts altered.

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Greg Jolliff has been appointed managing director of fan coil manufacturer, Ability Projects Ltd, Wimborne, Dorset in which position he takes over from Peter Lowther who has adopted the role of chairman.

Mr Jolliff, who holds a B.Eng in mechanical engineering from The University of Wales, College of Cardiff, is a founder shareholder of Ability, helping to set up the company on leaving Quartz plc in January 2001, initially as technical manager and later becoming technical director in March 2009. During the intervening years, Mr Jolliff played a major part in the design and development of Ability fan coil and ancillary products and systems.

In his new position as chairman, Peter Lowther intends to play an expanding role by devoting more time to identifying and developing export opportunities, sourcing complementary products and systems , investigating and evaluating new designs, growing the flourishing dealer desk market and moving the company’s state of the art MATRIX system further forward via the application of new technologies.

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Ecobuild 2011 provided an ideal opportunity for the BBA to present its range of services to over 50,000 visitors. The stand featured major displays on Agrément Certificates, Microgeneration and related certification and Thermal Modelling, and also covered the BBA’s testing and inspection activities and services.

More than twenty Certificates were formally presented during the exhibition, including Agrément Certificates, MCS Certificates and one Certificate of Competency for the BBA/TIMSA scheme, developed to ensure high quality U-value and Condensation Risk calculations. More information and a selection of photographs can be found on the BBA website, www.bbacerts.co.uk.

The BBA’s Sales and Communications Director Alan Thomas, was probably the most photographed person at the show and was delighted with the event, by declaring: “It was great to meet so many existing and prospective clients at Ecobuild and it was gratifying to hear so many positive comments about the work we are doing, and the value placed on our Certificates, from architects, contractors and building control personnel.”

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