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Kingswinford-based manufacturer, Elta Fans, has announced the availability of a new brochure on the twin-fan version of its ‘QuietflowDCV’ range. The full-colour, 36-page brochure covers all the products’ features, benefits, specifications, technological improvements and technical data, as well as all relevant current legislation and the role of twin-fan units in providing continuous ventilation. Brochures for the Elta Fan Quietflow SQS and QuietflowDCV Single Fan units are also available.

Twin-fan units are used in various applications that require guaranteed continual ventilation. The two fans are mounted within the same unit, with only one fan operational at any time. The second fan acts as a backup and only becomes operational if the primary fan fails. To ensure longevity, there is a duty share schedule programmed for change every six hours, whereby the operational fan becomes the backup fan and vice versa. Typical applications include hospitals, public buildings, office buildings, toilets or other areas where volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) are present and necessitate extraction on public health grounds.

‘Quietflow’ is the range of acoustically treated, compact units from Elta Fans designed to overcome space restrictions in buildings with low ceiling voids and to provide exceptionally quiet performance when installation in close proximity to the occupants is unavoidable. ‘QuietflowDCV’ is the manufacturer’s affordable solution for ‘demand control ventilation’, providing optimum air quality combined with low energy usage. It does this whilst making significant energy savings through the use of variable speed solutions to ensure the ventilation rate always matches the occupancy rate in order to maximise indoor air quality cost effectively.

QuietflowDCV units are robust, lightweight with low-profile, galvanized steel casing and flame-retardant, Class O-rated acoustic lining – so breakout noise levels are significantly lowered. The high-efficiency, backward-curved, centrifugal impellers are directly driven by an external rotor motor, mounted inside the fan casing and designed to provide reliable, continuous air extraction with a smooth airflow. The impeller axis runs horizontally across the unit, which minimizes the overall height of the unit for ease of fitting in roof spaces.

The three main elements comprise the sensors, zone controller and room controller. The sensors continuously measure and monitor ambient conditions in the conditioned space and provide real time feed back to the zone controller which adjusts the fan speed, modulating the ventilation rate to match the specific use and occupancy of the building. The room controller provides a clear overview of the settings and status, with simple intuitive operation and unobtrusive aesthetic design. All QuietflowDCV units are suitable for 220-240V operation and all the AC-motor specified units operate on 50Hz whilst all EC-motor specified units can operate on 50Hz or 60Hz. They are tested to ISO 5801:1997 (airside performance) and to BS 848 Pt 2:1985 (sound performance). All units are designed and manufactured with procedures as defined in BS EN ISO 9001: 2000.

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Thorn’s suspended Planor upgrade uses upcoming technology, the MicroPrism optic, to guarantee lighting quality.

The sleek indirect/direct fluorescent pendant combines T5-16mm lamp technology and a micro prismatic lighting technique that regulates the light through pyramidal prisms and a newly developed surface. This gives 30% more light than its predecessor, while reducing glare and concealing the lamps from direct view. Elegant and technically sophisticated it solves one of those eternal problems – how to give even, yet ‘user friendly’ lighting over an entire desk surface.

Intelligent ‘MiniSensa’ and digital dimming versions deliver light only when it is needed for optimal energy usage. As a result Planor MPT not only provides pleasant illumination, but energy efficiencies according to current regulations.

The minimalist design of the flat silver-grey frame (only 35mm thick) evokes association to the flat screen panel displays of the future, while the use of aluminium and recyclable plastics ensures long life, low maintenance and minimal environmental impact. This makes the Planor MPT series the perfect solution for tomorrow’s office and school environments.

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Plant hire firms, builders, contractors, utilities, local authorities and owner operators alike have enthusiastically welcomed the new generation of Dash 4 mini excavators from Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment, praising the machines’ unrivalled blend of power, reliability and the very latest technology.

The manufacturer’s new U48-4, U55-4 and KX057-4 models have already been pressed into service following their UK introduction at the company’s Kubota Live! event at Rockingham Castle earlier in 2010.

The machines have built upon the excellence of their predecessors by offering users more strength per pound, thanks to each one’s increased boom lifting force, which has allowed Kubota to step up the weight scale.

The new U48-4 zero tail swing excavator offers 4.7 tonnes of lifting power, combined with the ability to work in confined spaces. This makes it the most powerful zero-tail swing machine in Kubota’s range, while still offering a smooth travel performance.

The Kubota U55-4 tight tail swing machine sees the range breaking new ground with 5.4 tonnes of lifting power, complemented by excellent stability and high performance in restricted areas.

The Kubota KX057-4, meanwhile, hits the 5.5 tonne mark, added to a maximum dig-depth of 3,890mm and an impressive bucket digging force of 4,315kgf.

The machines also offer a host of easy-to-use features and unrivalled user comfort. There is better visibility and a space-age digital display, which indicates fuel level, engine temperature, service intervals, auxiliary circuit oil flow settings and even the machine’s operational history.

Each has a new load-sensing hydraulic system which provides optimum oil flow to each cylinder, offering smooth operation and enhanced fuel economy, as well as an auto-shift system which enables automatic travel shift from high to low, depending on traction effort and terrain.

Their Interim Tier 4 engines have a fuel-saving auto-idle function and can all be serviced from one side, while, on the outside, all three models now feature a new look black cab livery, which will be subsequently rolled out across the rest of the Kubota mini excavator product range, as and when new Dash 4 models are launched.

One of the first companies to invest in the Dash 4s – in this case, two KX057-4 models – was Jarvie Plant Group Ltd, which is one of Scotland’s leading independent hire companies and operates out of seven bases in Central Scotland, including its HQ in Grangemouth, near Falkirk.

The group’s managing director, John Jarvie, said: “We have bought Kubota equipment for many years and are committed to a continual investment programme for our fleet, so it was a natural decision for us to buy the very latest KX057-4 machines.

“Customers these days want mini excavators that are quieter, offer enhanced performance and which are more fuel-efficient. The KX057-4 achieves all of these targets, providing the benefits direct to our clients.”

Further north, in Aberdeen, MTM Construction Ltd bought a Kubota U55-4, which has been added to its fleet in order to answer the growing need for machines capable of working in confined spaces.

Bill McDonald, plant/transport manager for MTM Construction, said: “We’re very pleased with the machine, it’s the biggest Kubota mini that we’ve got and gives us a powerful excavator for tight areas.

“It also accommodates a wide range of attachments and you can pre-set the oil flow so you don’t have to get a fitter to adjust it for you when you use another attachment.

“We’re always keen to buy Kubotas because they’re extremely reliable. We like to keep them for a number of years and we’re confident we’ll get good service from this one.”

All three new Dash 4 machines were sold by Young Plant & Equipment Sales, based in Doune, Stirling, which is one of the largest compact equipment sellers in the world and one of Kubota’s largest dealers for mini excavators.

It has sold Kubota minis for 31 years, but managing director Brian Young said that the host of upgrades incorporated into the Dash 4s are as impressive as he has seen.

He said: “Our customers are thrilled with what they are getting with the Dash 4s, and still know that, like all Kubotas, they are reliable, need minimal servicing and hold their value.

“The differences between the previous Dash 3 models and the new Dash 4s are significant and once again show how far in front Kubota is compared to other manufacturers. If you take the U48-4, for example, not only have you got a bigger machine with the same footprint, everything is well thought-out and the digital control layout is revolutionary.

“It’s products like this which make me glad that we sell Kubotas and I can guarantee that whatever Kubota does today, the rest of the industry will be doing it tomorrow.”

Like other Kubota mini excavators, the Dash 4s are fitted with their unique key-based 'ANTI-THEFT' system as standard, which has gained the certification of Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre. They also come with an industry-leading full three year warranty.

Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment sales and marketing manager, Richard Harrison, said: “It’s not just the new black livery that is making the new Kubota Dash 4s distinctive, it’s the host of modifications, improved technology and the extra power that we have given them that really makes them stand out from the crowd.

“We are pleased that all the companies in question are thrilled with their new machines and we are getting more excellent feedback every day. The introduction of the first models in our new Dash 4 range is a significant step forward for Kubota, so we are delighted that the innovations we develop in the factory are now providing our customers with significantly increased benefits.”

Kubota is the UK, European and world leader in mini excavators, with 19 models spanning the weight range from 980kg to 8 tonnes, providing the widest choice of machines from a single manufacturer and the largest selection of increasingly popular zero tail swing minis.

The excavators are all known and respected for their quality, performance, versatility, excellent residual values and exceptional dealer support, together with legendary reliability and durability.

For more information about their market-leading machines and to find out why more people choose Kubota than any other mini excavators contact: Kubota (UK) Ltd, Dormer Road, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3UN. Tel: 01844 214500, Email: sales@kubota.co.uk or visit Web: www.kubota.co.uk

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Fagerhult Lighting worked with the Royal Holloway University London to provide both a design for the refurbishment of the new Bedford Library and to supply the complete package of luminaries and control.

Fagerhult were approached by ISS Adviance, the building services consultants for the project to fulfil the lighting brief for the library spaces and designed a scheme which provided 350 lux on the library floor, vertical lighting to shelving and lighting for both breakout and meeting spaces. The design integrated Exor Controls with movement sensing and dimming throughout the scheme.

High levels of uniformed lighting were expected at floor level within the library racking and on the books themselves. This was achieved by using Fagerhult Loop Light and the Terazza Louvre 2 x 35 Watt. The selected fitting produces both effective direct and indirect lighting and is installed as a suspended linear run with integrated control sensors. The study areas and open plan multi- media areas are constantly in use and Fagerhult Loop Light was again used in conjunction with low energy downlights installed adjacent to large open windows. The luminaires were linked to movement detectors and also dim the fittings in relationship to increased light levels from natural daylight.

Visual interest was created using recessed Como luminaires and Liverti pendants within the librarians work areas and other break out spaces. Lighting control was also added to these luminaires. “Fagerhult are committed to reducing our environmental impact so incorporating controls is a key factor in our design” says designer Rob Miller. “The detectors automatically assess how much light is in the room and adjust the illuminance levels accordingly, even taking into account the condition of the lamp, ensuring the optimum lighting level is achieved 24/7. As the luminaires are only producing the amount of light required, energy consumption, and therefore bills, are kept to a minimum without compromising the learning environment.”

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Building 85 lies within the campus of Southampton University, and is the new home for the Institute of Life Sciences. This new, state of the art building cost in the region of £34 million to construct, and core to the design was the use of sustainable and low maintenance materials, a category which included fire glazing systems from Fendor.

Over 40 different fire glazing elements were required for the interior of the building, ranging from screens, doors and panels offering 30 minutes fire rating in the atrium to 60 minute fire rated doors and screens in the lift lobby. Architects NBBJ of London were responsible for the design and according to project architect, Crysta Falcon, the Fendor Fireline system was the best option in terms of performance, appearance and sustainability.

“We chose the Fireline system because of its proven ability to offer the required fire rating, and due to its fire performance without having to compromise aesthetics in the ten metre atrium, ” she commented. “The whole theme of the building raises the bar in terms of design sustainability, with timber featuring heavily both internally and externally.

The cladding is Western Red Cedar and the internal panelling is bamboo. The door and joinery features are also timber and the steel Fireline system was the ideal complement to the wood detailing. Polyester powder coated finished, the fire glazed elements offer very low maintenance, significantly reducing the need for repainting and redecoration.”

The Fireline range of fire resistant glazing meets all legislative and safety requirements for fire integrity and fire insulation, and offers natural light into buildings whilst still performing its primary function. This enables it to be used as a design medium in its own right, as is the case at Building 85 where the glazing complements the rest of the interior design.

The seven story high Institute of Life Science was opened earlier this year, and students at the university now have a new location for their studies, a building that is modern, contemporary and meets all regulations for fire safety and security.

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The feature-packed MEM Memera Consumer Unit range has been redesigned and expanded. It now includes units developed specifically to overcome problems faced by installers endeavouring to meet the requirements of the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), in particular the need for more wiring space when units are fitted with RCBO protection of individual outgoing circuits.

Features of the new range include:-

* A new 11-way unit designed specifically for RCBO protection of outgoing ways
* Moulded and metal enclosures with up to 19 and 38 outgoing ways respectively
* New 1-way and 2/3-way consumer units
* A new 80A + 63A dual-RCD option
* Type B or Type C MCBs and RCBOs
* An option for protective and control devices to be factory-fitted

Electrical contractors have found that conventional consumer units do not allow enough space for wiring when RCBOs are fitted instead of MCBs to protect individual outgoing circuits. The range now includes an 11-way consumer unit designed specifically to take RCBOs and yet allow generous space for wiring above the devices. Individual RCBOs offer the highest possible level of personal protection demanded by BS 7671.

Other advanced features that have long distinguished the Memera 2000AD units are retained. These include the unique snappable busbar that allows on-site configuration of split-load units, a removable pan assembly that simplifies installation, and extremely flexible cut-out provision for cable entry in the rear of the moulded units.

The new units offer DP isolator or RCD incoming main switch options. Versions are available to satisfy the many configurations required to enable an installer to comply with the personal protection requirements of the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations.

They include isolator-controlled single and dual RCD units, dual RCD variable split-load boards and the new 11-way RCBO board. In addition to the existing dual RCD split-load arrangement with two 80A RCDs, there is a cost-effective alternative with one 80A RCD and one 63A RCD. At the smaller end of the range are new one-way and 2/3-way units suitable for extensions and additions to existing installations, garages and outbuildings.

The moulded units are available with up to 19 outgoing ways, as with the existing Memera range, to cope with modern requirements for more circuits and/or special control and command devices. If more ways are required, two units can be linked together by means of AD coupling kits. Metal consumer units are available for surface or flush mounting and include dual-rail units offering up to 38 outgoing ways, as well as multiple RCD split-load units and dual/multi tariff arrangements.

The new range of outgoing devices includes single-module miniature circuit-breakers (MCBs) up to 63A and single-module RCBOs (combined MCBs and RCDs) up to 45A. In addition to the standard Type B devices, Type C MCBs and RCBOs are also available for applications involving high inrush currents, such as some lighting loads, which are prone to cause nuisance tripping with some Type B devices. The offering also includes a full range of control and command accessories including timers, relays and contactors.

The new MEM Memera consumer unit range supersedes the Memera 2000 and 2000AD ranges. Devices will continue to be available to fit these units for the foreseeable future.

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Hep₂O, the professional plumber’s push-fit plumbing system from Wavin, is showcasing its next generation of products at the PHEX Show this Winter.

Visitors to stands two and three at Stamford Bridge on 8 December, will be able to trial the latest evolutions in the Hep₂O flexible plumbing range for the very first time and find out how the technological advancements within the new products will give professional installers unparalleled security for any plumbing job.

Backed by a 50-year guarantee, the revolutionary new Hep₂O range features a unique and patented system called In4Sure™ joint recognition technology. The profiled end of the re-designed SmartSleeve™ interacts with the castellations inside the Hep₂O fitting – enabling the user to simply push the pipe in, twist and feel the ‘rumble’ to make a fully secure connection, meaning the installer knows for certain when the pipe is fully inserted.

Visitors will be able to test the Hep2O next generation range and see for themselves how easily pipes can be released using the HepKey™ demounting system. Available in two types, the HepKey Plus™ tool will clip onto the fitting, depress the inner sleeve and hold the grab ring open while the smaller pocket size HepKey™ clips around the pipe to release the system with minimum effort – preventing any accidental release or tampering with the system.

Hep₂O experts will be on hand throughout the event to offer advice to those interested in trialing the range for themselves.

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Leading European pump manufacturer Wilo has celebrated the opening of its transformed UK head office in Burton-upon-Trent following the official opening of the extended facilities by Boris Lombard, Senior Vice President for Wilo’s EU region recently.

The £500,000 extension has transformed the UK head office providing a new and welcoming reception area, extending the office facilities significantly, extending the warehousing areas and adding a new and enlarged Training facility.

The Managing Director of Wilo UK is Gary Mannus: “We’ve seen impressive growth year on year in terms of market share here in the UK and it became clear a while back that we were out-growing our existing head office facilities here in the Midlands. We have expanded our team quickly in the past year or so and we needed additional space to provide an enhanced level of comfort to our employees. We also needed to respond to the increasing requirement for product training from our customers and it was clear we needed more space to do this in the way we wanted to do it. After looking at all the options we decided that expansion here on our current site was the best option and the results of the work we’ve done speak for themselves. We were delighted to be able to welcome some of our senior colleagues from Wilo SE in Germany – Boris Lombard – Senior Vice president Region EU+ – and Marc Stiebing – Senior Vice President Market Segment Building Services – for the official opening. ”

Boris Lombard enjoyed the occasion and was pleased to be able to be on hand to cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the new offices: “These new facilities for Wilo UK are excellent and it was a privilege to be here to declare them officially open,” he said. “Wilo UK continues to make great strides in its marketplaces and these larger premises will play a key part in the further expansion of our business here in this country.”

Gary Wheatley is Wilo UK’s Technical Training Manager and he’s delighted with his new training facilities: “The new training area gives our visitors the opportunity to see Wilo products being operated within a classroom environment in a simulated ‘real life’ installation arrangement. Here at Wilo, we believe strongly in the concept of “learning by doing” – classroom teaching is all well and good and part of the process, but nothing beats actually being able to get your hands on the products and learn how to operate them in a real life scenario.”

Wilo UK offers a wide range of pumps for all applications from small domestic circulators to large commercial pumps. Pumps for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, water supply and sewage pumps and lifting plants – the range is massive. Wilo also provides a comprehensive servicing capability.

For more information on Wilo pumps and pumping system solutions, click on to www.wilo.co.uk or call 01283 523 000 to talk to the Wilo experts.

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Equally at home in the laboratory, the workshop or in the field, on the bench or on the ground, Megger´s new heavy duty DLRO10HD low resistance ohmmeter combines rugged construction with accuracy and ease of use. It features an internal rechargeable battery and can also operate from a mains supply, even if the battery is completely flat.

• High or low output power selection for condition diagnosis
• Rechargeable battery or line power supply, continuous operation, even with dead battery
• 10 A for 60 seconds, less time waiting to cool, great for charging inductance
• High input protection to 600 V, inadvertent connection to line or UPS voltage will not blow a fuse
• Heavy duty case: IP 65 lid closed, IP54 operational (battery operation only)
• Rotary switch selects one of five test modes, including auto start on connection, giving ease of use

Tough work horse
Equally at home in the laboratory, the workshop or in the field, on the bench or on the ground, Megger´s new heavy duty DLRO10HD low resistance ohmmeter combines rugged construction with accuracy and ease of use. It features an internal rechargeable battery and can also operate from a mains supply, even if the battery is completely flat. Like all models in the DLRO10 range, the DLRO10HD, when used with optional terminal insulating test leads, is rated CATIII, 300 V in line with IEC61010.

This versatile new test set is built into a tough but easy–to–carry case that provides an IP65 ingress protection rating when closed and an IP54 rating when the instrument is in use and operating from battery power.

Easy to use with gloved hand
The instrument´s rotary switch controls are convenient to operate even with gloved hands, and it incorporates a large backlit liquid crystal display that can be easily read from a considerable distance.

With 0.1 µO resolution, 0.2% basic accuracy, and a dedicated mode for use with inductive loads, the DLRO10HD is ideal for applications as diverse as checking the integrity of welded joints and verifying winding resistance in large motors and transformers.

To provide maximum versatility, this innovative test set not only features high compliance but also offers user–selectable high or low power ranges. The high power < 25 W ranges (measuring up to 250 mO at 10 A , or 2.5 O at 1 A) are ideal for heating a weakness or charging inductive loads. The low power ranges are power limited to 250 mW for applications where it is desirable to avoid heating the item under test.

Choice of test modes
The instrument offers a choice of five test modes. In normal mode, the test is initiated by pressing the “test” button. The instrument verifies continuity of all four connections, and then applies the test current in both forward and reverse directions before displaying the result. In automatic mode, the test starts as soon as the probes make contact with the item under test.

Automatic unidirectional mode is the same as automatic mode, but the test current is applied in one direction only. This reduces the testing time, but thermal EMFs from contact between dissimilar metals may reduce the accuracy of the results.

Continuous mode makes repeated measurements at three–second intervals on the same sample. Inductive mode is, as the name suggests, optimised for tests on motors, transformers and other inductive loads, supplying a full 10 Amps for 60 up to seconds.

DLRO10HD heavy–duty low resistance ohmmeters from Megger are supplied, as standard, with a set of test leads fitted with high–quality duplex hand spikes featuring lights to remotely indicate when a test is complete or inadvertent connection to live supply. Test leads with Kelvin clips are also available as an option.

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The next generation of Hep₂O is about to hit the market – providing professional installers with a technologically advanced range of white push-fit fittings which give unparalleled security for any plumbing job.

Following several years of research with professional plumbers which highlighted the key issues they face, the revolutionary new range features a hidden advantage – a unique and patented system called In4Sure™ joint recognition technology. This means the installer now knows for certain when the pipe is fully inserted. The profiled end of the re-designed SmartSleeve™ interacts with the castellations inside the Hep2O fitting – enabling the user to simply push the pipe in, twist and feel the ‘rumble’ to make a fully secure connection.

Another design feature of the next generation Hep₂O range is the ease with which pipes can be released. The new demounting system uses a HepKey™ to make releasing quicker and easier. There are two types of HepKey™ available – the HepKey Plus™ clips onto the fitting, depresses the inner sleeve and holds the grab ring open while the smaller pocket size HepKey™ clips around the pipe to release the system with minimum effort. HeyKeys™ will be included in all pipe coils and packs of popular fittings to ensure the installer always has one to hand.

“Next generation Hep₂O meets the criteria set out by installers during our research and development phase,” explains Gareth Samuel, Product Manager. “During our research, installers told us that if there was a way they could easily tell that a secure joint has been made, it would be a real benefit. We wanted to develop a system that would give installers total confidence, and we believe next generation Hep2O offers this and much more.

“In4Sure™ is the hidden advantage. It’s been designed so installers have no doubt when the pipe has been inserted correctly. The system allows installers to actually feel when the joint has been made so that on busy and often noisy sites, fitting the product is intuitive. It’s very simple to use but ingenious at the same time. The clever HepKey™ demounting system helps to prevent any accidental release or tampering with the system, giving further peace of mind.

“We also received feedback from plumbers that a slimmer, white range would be more attractive in areas that are highly visible. By listening to what they wanted and providing solutions to their common problems, we feel confident installers will see next generation Hep₂O as a major step forward in plumbing. Our confidence in the product is further illustrated by our industry leading 50-year guarantee.”

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