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Increased capability all round. That is the simplest way to describe the Powerstar VM160 panel board from Crabtree, one of the leading brands at Electrium.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, this latest generation of Powerstar panel boards offers high standards of protection and control, plus a host of other market-leading, user-friendly features.

Competitive? Definitely. In more ways than you might imagine too. For example, this is one of only two panel boards on the market capable of offering a true Form 4b Type 6 group mounted solution. So, now specifiers and installers have a real choice.

The VM160 offers;

• More outgoing ways (up to 18 in an off the shelf unit)
• Higher current capacity (up to 800A)
• Higher out-goer ratings (up to 160A with 250A add-on options also available)
• Increased breaking capacities (up to 65kA for 1s)
• Adjustable MCCBs
• Four pole device options (incoming & outgoing devices)
• Earth leakage protection (incoming & outgoing devices)
• Metering throughout (incoming & outgoing including MID options)
• Easy fit MCCB control & monitoring accessories.

Jimmy Higginbotham, Product Manager for Commercial Circuit Protection Products at Crabtree comments on the new range: “For discerning contractors the VM160 represents an opportunity to reduce on-site time with labour saving features such as easy wire meters, fast fit coppers, as well as open cableways that provide greater access for cabling.”

The VM160 has been designed for ease of installation. All enclosure keyhole fixings are positioned ‘in’ from the corners to allow easy access for power tools. VM160s’ asymmetrical terminals provide certainty of connection. VM160 also includes “faster fit” copper interconnections at the front of the board (no awkward hand positions or dropped parts from working blind to hold “out of sight” nuts and bolts in place).

The Powerstar VM160 has increased internal cabling space that provides greater access to terminals, while the flat cable ways allow the back plate to be installed and then cables fitted before the side walls and front cover – providing additional working access for wiring, especially important when handling larger cables.

VM160 also benefits from a new range of MCCBs; utilising Siemens technology, and with an enhanced range of easy fit accessories including shunt trips, under-voltage releases and auxiliary contacts, the new MCCBs have increased current ratings and breaking capacities up to 55kA at 415V.

For more information about Crabtree’s new Powerstar VM range, submit a request via: electrium.co.uk/contact-us  

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British manufacturer of high quality protective coatings Bradite is set to take the specialist paint market by storm with the launch of a new multi-purpose product that is suitable for use on all surfaces.

Bradite ‘One Can’, the first all-purpose water-based primer and finish in one can, will be available at stockists nationwide from Autumn 2018. The unique product is an interior and exterior, anti-corrosive, quick drying, low odour, low VOC, primer, undercoat and finish. It offers the decorator a single pack, direct-to-substrate paint that provides superior stain locking and adhesion properties.

The high-performance coating will give protection to many substrates including: cladding, UPVC, powder coated metal, steel, and timber including fencing, garden furniture and sheds.

In addition, ‘One Can’ gives excellent stain locking properties. It will block stains and lock them in the coating even hiding tanning, knots and resinous bleed when applied to hardwoods, as well as locking in water stains.

‘One Can’ also gives excellent anti-corrosive protection making the product ideal for application to all metals, both ferrous and nonferrous, including brand new galvanised steel.

One Can is easy to apply and is touch dry after 30 minutes and re-coatable after one hour. There is no need for buying additional primers and undercoats, ‘One Can’ can be used as both a priming and finish system, so each job can be completed in double quick time. The product is also compatible with all water and oil-based finish coats. No longer will three different cans be required and its superior adhesion properties means ‘One Can’ may be used with confidence on all manner of substrates.

It will be available in eggshell finish in the full BS and RAL colour range.

Bradite National Sales Manager James Burton says:

“Whether you are painting a small domestic radiator or the end of the pier the ‘One Can’ system will handle it. There’s no reason why any decorator or maintenance person should not have this product in their van.”

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Saniflo has launched a new, user-friendly, interactive configurator that enables customers to specify the Kineduo bath most suitable for their needs at the click of a button. Available on the Kinedo website the configurator can be used by anyone with access to a computer, tablet or mobile – including showroom staff sitting with prospective customers, merchants who need to assess the options for sale and installers who are planning the installation on site.

The Kineduo bath is highly customisable and prior to the development of the configurator it was a manual task to add items such as the glass bath panels, grab rails and other options. Because of the range of possibilities (there are thousands of potential configurations) it was never possible to create a photo for every possible scenario and it was left to the imagination to work out how the final product would look. Now, it is a simple task to pick the right spec and view an image of the final product with the option of downloading a printable pdf. It’s even possible to find a local registered Kinedo installer on the website and to email the required specification with a view to obtaining a quote for the supply and fit of the bath.

Simple to use, available in real time and optimised for every platform the Kineduo configurator is a time saving device aimed at making life easier for customers. Its ingenuity has been acknowledged by suppliers of the bath who are now incorporating it into their own websites.
The link can be found here: http://www.kinedo.co.uk/shower-cubicles/kineduo/

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Customers throughout the world are requesting an ever greater number of products and solutions that meet increasingly strict environmental requirements. Green building is one of the expressions of this trend: The effort to work environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle.

COOL-FIT 2.0, the revolutionary pre-insulated plastic piping system by GF Piping Systems, can help achieve relevant green building declarations like DGNB, BREEAM, and LEED. It fulfills important requirements necessary for the overall building assessment:

COOL-FIT 2.0 is free of HBCD, halogens and halogenated blowing agents. It contains also no chlorinated paraffins and neither lead nor tin.
It contains no other substance of very high concern according to the REACH criteria of the European Chemicals Agency or any candidate substance.
It does not lead to toxic or corrosive fumes in case of fire, protecting both inhabitants and environment from additional risks and hazards.
GF Piping System as the producer is certified according to ISO 14001 for its environmental management system and the Georg Fischer Corporation publishes sustainability reports according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Energy efficiency and climate and environmental protection are strategically anchored as key elements in our product development processes.

COOL-FIT 2.0 is manufactured in Switzerland. This premium system for efficient cooling is the result of strict quality management (ISO 9001) and health and safety management (OHSAS 18001). Its unique qualities improve the overall performance of each building.

“COOL-FIT 2.0 helps to save at least 30 percent of energy compared to traditional cooling systems and thus reduces operating costs and CO2 emissions drastically”, says Daniel Dossenbach, Head of Pre-Insulated Systems at GF Piping Systems. “It is a product that combines economic and environmental benefits very well.”

Its longevity, at least 25 years of usage within a building, and its non-corrosive nature lead to additionally saved resources related to maintenance, repairs and replacements. While many conventional insulation materials can lose their insulation effect by absorbing moisture (rain or air humidity), COOL-FIT 2.0 is protected by its PE jacket tube and virtually watertight.

COOL-FIT 2.0 helps building green while staying cool. For more information please visit here to learn more about the advantages of this revolutionary system.

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Sleek, stylish and strong – meet Sterling Curve Aluminium, the latest product launch from British cable management specialist Marshall-Tufflex.

This new triple compartment Cat 7a compliant trunking solution is gently curved at the edges to prevent clutter, make cleaning easier and deliver a good-looking profile that is as strong as it is attractive; aluminum’s mechanical strength, impact resistance and light weight makes it ideal for high traffic environments such as schools, hospitals, offices, factories, railway stations and airports.

Sterling Curve Aluminum is a medium-sized trunking with three segregated compartments. It complements Marshall-Tufflex’s popular PVC-U Sterling Curve range and references its unique all-curved Odyssey trunking system.

“Launching Sterling Curve Aluminum is a natural progression for our hugely popular Sterling range,” said Jeremy Dodge, Marshall-Tufflex Head of Innovation. “We identified a gap in the market for a sleek, curved profile that is also strong and hard-wearing. We are confident that we have delivered with this new product range.”

The 167mm x 50mm profile is available in silver grey as standard. Profile 1 is suitable for dado applications and Profile 2 for skirting installations. Boxes are available to comply with Part M of the DDA regulations. Data boxes are adjustable from 32-40mm and can be screened. Single piece moulded polycarbonate couplers, end caps, internal and external bends plus fabricated flat tees and flat angles support the range. All centre compartment fittings from Marshall-Tufflex’s Sterling Aluminium range are compatible.

For full details of the new Sterling Curve Aluminium range see www.marshall-tufflex.com/sterling-aluminium-curve

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Condair plc is offering a new CIBSE-approved seminar on humidification for facility managers. It provides an overview of the different humidifier types, the service requirements for each, details an FM’s responsibilities in relation to L8 and offers trouble-shooting tips for common humidifier issues.

The CPD seminar is ideal for any contracted or in-house FM team working with or looking to install a humidification system. The session is free, one-hour long and conveniently delivered over lunchtime at a company’s site or office. Condair will even pick-up the catering bill.

The CIBSE accreditation means that the seminar’s content has been independently verified to be unbiased, up-to-date and technically accurate. It also enables attendees to gain CIBSE CPD points from the convenience of their own workplace over lunch.

To request further details or to book a seminar, please telephone 01903 850200 or visit www.condair.co.uk/cpd.

The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair plc, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. Condair plc is the new name for JS Humidifiers following the organisation’s rebranding in October 2014. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.

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Waterproofing of Structures Below Ground is the latest CPD accredited by the RIBA for structural waterproofing specialists, Triton Systems. It offers a complete overview of all aspects of structural, below ground waterproofing and explains barrier, watertight concrete and cavity drained systems (defined in BS 8102:2009 as Types A, B and C). It looks at systems available, as well as the benefits of combining two or more types. It presents examples of typical details and good site practice, and showcases a variety of project references. Triton Systems uniquely have in-house expertise across all waterproofing systems for new-build including large commercial projects and existing structures.

The new seminar is just part of a series of waterproofing-related,RIBA accredited seminars from Triton Systems which are all listed at tritonsystems.co.uk

The company also offers a wider range of Professional Learning CPDs – which can be tailored to specific audiences including architects, building engineers, concrete project contractors or specialist installers.

An alternative learning opportunity is also available from Triton in the form of a ProjectReview Meeting. Arranged at a time and place to suit you, a CSSW qualified member of Triton’s technical team will drop in and provide unbiased project-specific advice for a current or imminent waterproofing project – just when you need it – and follow it up with detail drawings and specifications etc.

BS 8102 (2009) recommends the involvement of a qualified expert at the outset of any waterproofing project – the Triton team is ready to get involved with your projects!

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Precision Technology Supplies Ltd, one of Europe’s favourite suppliers of Stainless Steel Metric and Unified Fasteners, are pleased to announce the arrival of our new exciting website. The new site is responsive and designed to work on mobile devices as well as desktop pc’s.

Incorporating the latest in search technology giving you the easiest route to finding exactly what you require. With over 45,000 products available this facility helps speed you through the product catalogue. Full dimensional data along with 2d and 3d drawings are available for all items to assist you.

The customer area allows customers to login and to place and track orders, view order history and download copy invoices and statements. The webstore also offers the ability to enquire on products not in stock or not shown as available, including special and non-standard items.

Multi-currency and multi lingual options are available along with worldwide shipping options. Worldwide shipping is via UPS offering express options as well as access point shipping. Making this the one stop shop option for all your Stainless Steel fastener needs.

For one of the widest ranges of Quality Stainless Steel Fasteners available please visit us at www.pts-uk.com.

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Ancon has been honoured at a Royal reception to celebrate its success in the 2018 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – the third Queen’s Award for the company.

The champagne reception, held in the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, was hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales, on behalf of HM The Queen. Other members of the Royal Family, including HRH The Duke of Kent, were in attendance, underlining the status of this prestigious industry award.

Ancon’s Export Manager, Hervé Poveda, and Operations Director, Peter McDermott, represented Ancon at the event, along with representatives of its business partner, MagmaTech, joint winners with Ancon of the 2018 award.

It was a very proud moment for the two Ancon representatives who share over 50 years’ service and have played important strategic roles in the company achieving and maintaining UK market leadership and its significant international growth.

Speaking after the reception, Hervé Poveda said ”What a wonderful personal experience to meet the Royal family at Buckingham Palace and a great honour to be asked to represent Ancon at this event. A Queen’s Award not only recognises expertise in developing new products or achieving commercial success, but also excellence in every area of business. I am proud to be a part of an organisation that has proved itself, once again, to be among the best in the world.”

Peter McDermott added, “Winning one Queen’s Award is a great achievement, but winning three is a real measure of the depth of expertise, knowledge and dedication that exists within Ancon, at every level of the company. Today is a proud moment for every Ancon employee as well as our suppliers, customers and partners who have contributed to Ancon’s achievements throughout the world.”

Ancon’s latest Queen’s Award, for continuous excellence in innovation, comes as a result of expanding into advanced composites, with the successful introduction and on-going development of the ultra-low thermal conductivity Teplo range of basalt fibre wall ties, which improve the energy efficiency of masonry construction.

This success follows Queen’s Awards for International Trade in 2015, for three years of outstanding sales growth across new and existing export markets, and a Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2012, for the in-house development and commercialisation of a patented Lockable Dowel, a product that revolutionised the construction speed of post-tensioned concrete buildings.

The 2018 Award will be officially presented to Ancon later in the year when the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, HM The Queen’s local representative, visits the company’s recently-extended production facility in Sheffield.

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A showpiece re-use of a former London retail store in which new Crittall windows and doors are a key feature has won two major architectural awards.

The Department Store in Brixton now serves as the magnificent headquarters of architects Squire & Partners. It has been named as a winner in both the Royal Institute of British Architects’ 2018 National and London Awards.

A dilapidated shell was all that remained of the once stylish 1906 store. Multi-award-winning architects Squire & Partners decided, in moving their head offices from Kings Cross, to strip the sad Brixton building back to its raw original condition and, in so doing, reveal the decaying grandeur of its original construction and fittings. These features would be re-used where practicable and highlighted.

These included original first floor Crittall windows, featuring distinctive circular glazing bars, while new internal screens, roof terrace fenestration and ground floor storefront windows, some including curved glass, were installed, using Crittall MW40 and W20 profiles.

RIBA award judges said this was: “A stunning building which has been brought back to life”. It had undergone “Exceedingly exquisite and sensitive restoration, filled with beautiful material choice, attention to details and wonderful spaces.”

Particularly noted was the architectural modelling space on the ground floor “providing inspiration to passers-by who peer inside to see the display of what architects do and how we work.” It is the new Crittall storefront windows that afford this view.

The re-born Department Store now offers more than 6,000 square metres of space spread over four floors incorporating open plan offices, breakout areas, meeting rooms, exhibition spaces, a model-making workshop, a café, bar, roof terrace and a record shop. Clumsy later additions and extensions were removed in the restoration and its original wooden floors, brickwork, marble, terracotta and, of course, steel windows, have all contributed to a truly back-to-the-future design.

The RIBA judges concluded: “This project has a sense of fun mixed with honouring history which brings delights to those who step inside.”

For Crittall Windows group chairman John Pyatt said: “We were delighted to have been part of this tremendous building transformation which underlines the fact that our products never go out of fashion.”

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