Luxurious metal finishes for COPA accessory range

The options available with Eaton’s COPA range of clip-on plate accessories is now much larger with the addition of four metal plates in popular finishes – stainless steel, highly polished, satin bronze and polished brass.   The finishes, already popular with Eaton’s AURA flush metal plate and SPECTRA grid switch ranges, will further enhance the appeal of the COPA range, which uses a clip-on cover plate to conceal the fixing screws.

The COPA range, introduced last year, comprises switches, socket-outlets, fused connection units, telephone, TV, radio and satellite outlets, and all the other wiring accessories normally offered by Eaton.  The existing moulded cover plates offer a choice of white, matt black, metallic gold, metallic silver, grey and metallic blue finishes.  Now the mix-and-match option is increased to ten finishes.

More recently, Eaton introduced a new range of modular communications outlets (TV, radio, satellite, telephone, data, phono and ‘quad’ modules) with plates to match existing Eaton accessory ranges, including all ten COPA finishes.  These enable interior designers and installers to satisfy virtually any modern requirement for communications and broadcast media connections, using products that suite with lighting switches, socket-outlets and other accessories in the home or workplace.

Apart from the aesthetic benefits, COPA offers a number of other advantages to interior designers, installers and end users.   These include an efficient and cost-effective solution to the need to satisfy Building Regulations Part M for visibility, by using contrasting colours between the plates and surrounding décor, and for ease of use requirements by offering broad rocker switches and outboard switches on sockets as standard.

For the installer, it is possible to fit the basic accessories, test the installation, and leave it safely without the cover plates while other trades continue to work.  This avoids the risk of the plates being damaged or stolen, the contractor can benefit from improved cashflow because he does not have to buy the plates at the same time as the accessories, and the choice of plate finish can be left to a late stage.

For the housing developer, the ability to offer the new home-owner a choice of finishes without the hassle, time and cost of calling in the electrician to change the accessories, means the up-grade plates can be changed in minutes by anyone.

End users can remove the cover plates safely for decorating, without interfering with the fixed wiring.  After decorating, the plates can be replaced by the same, or different, plates.   This means that the whole look of the interior can be changed without the expense of replacing the accessories themselves.

For distributors, COPA offers the possibility of meeting a wide range of accessory requirements from a modest stock profile.

Taking the strain – New IP68 Liquid Tight Cable Glands

Flexicon has launched an IP68 liquid tight range of cable glands.  They provide a fast and easy to assemble method of strain relief for cable diameters ranging from 5mm to 25mm across multiple applications.

Available in four colours; red, white and grey are supplied with locknuts and black without.  All have a nitrile rubber seal and can be used between a temperature range of -20^oC to 90^oC.

The new range is produced and tested in accordance with EN 50262:1999 and is ROHS compliant.

The company has also added nickel-plated brass, metric and PG threaded, cable gland combinations to both its FPA and FPAX nylon fitting ranges in straights, 90^o and 45^o elbows.  Again these are ideal when strain relief is needed within a conduit system.

Smoke Alarms save more than lives

Smoke alarms aren't just there to help save lives and prevent injury - they can also significantly reduce the damage to a property, according to smoke alarm specialist Aico Ltd.

Citing the government's new Fire Statistics 2006 report and the 2004/5 Survey of English Housing which state that the Fire Brigade only attends one in every five house fires, Aico claims that smoke alarms can play an important role in the early tackling of fires before they really take hold.

"In four out of five house fires, the occupiers are able to tackle and extinguish the fire before it takes proper hold and the Fire Brigade are needed," says Neil Perdell, National Technical Manager of Aico.  "Obviously some of the time, this is due to someone actually being present when the fire breaks out, spotting it and taking fast effective action.  However, in a significant number of cases it will be a well placed smoke or heat alarm which has alerted them and enabled them to extinguish the fire before significant damage occurs."

Aico says this has particular relevance to landlords because of the significantly reduced amount of damage done to the property and the amount of repairs needed.  If more alarms are installed in a property, the likelihood of any fire being detected sooner is greatly increased.  In particular, Aico suggests thought should be given to installing an extra smoke alarm in the living room and a heat alarm in the kitchen, as both are prime areas where fires start.  All alarms should be interconnected.  For the very best in early detection, Aico suggests a multi-sensor be considered.  By combining both a smoke and heat alarm in a single unit, multi-sensors can detect a far wider range of fire types.

"Of course, protecting property should never be the first reason for any smoke alarm system" says Neil Perdell.  "However, installing more alarms not only offers tenants better protection by providing an earlier warning but can have the undeniable benefit of also keeping property damage to a minimum should fire break out."

Aico Ltd. is the exclusive UK distributor of the Ei Professional range of high quality, mains powered residential fire, smoke and heat alarms.  All Aico Ei alarms are designed and built in Europe - specifically to meet UK standards and regulations.  For more information please go to www.aico.co.uk

Cockatoo attack proof conduit from Flexicon for Australian Outback.

Flexicon has supplied telephone company Telstra with Cockatoo proof flexible conduit to protect telephone cables in the Australian outback from attack.

Telstra is the largest provider of local and long distance telephone services, mobile services, dialup, wireless, DSL and cable internet access in Australia. 

The company found that Cockatoos in the South East Australian outback were chewing through the existing conduit between their phone booths and the solar panels that supply power to them. 

This damage to the conduit and the power cables installed in them could lead to a loss of service in areas where a secure and reliable telephone line could be needed in an emergency.  With some of these phones located in extremely remote areas there is also the issue of maintenance time and costs.

In testing, Flexicon exposed 15 different industrial conduits to cockatoos.  At the end of the test two conduits remained undamaged the company’s FPAS and FPAH.

Says Chris Poulton, Flexicon UK’s export manager:  “Contrary to what we might have expected the product specification had little to do with strength or robustness.  Both FPAS and FPAH conduit are slippery so the birds can’t get enough grip on them to cause damage.”

Flexicon also had to consider Australia’s climate.   Both FPAS and FPAH are flame retardant nylon conduits that withstand temperatures of up to 120^oC – providing protection against the Australian heat.  In addition, because they are low fire hazard products, they reduce the risk of bush fires starting from electrical faults.

Other properties include abrasion resistance, high impact strength and UV resistance.

Says Poulton:  “We have thousands of products in our conduit range.  Coming up with the right solution can involve a lot of testing, intensive research and specialist knowledge.  Sometimes we have to develop specific tests for unique circumstances and this is a good example of that.”

“Export is playing a significant role on our ongoing success.  We are always looking for opportunities to expand our product lines by providing solutions to issues experienced in different global environments.  This often benefits the UK market in that it extends our experience and our product range.”

Flexicon is the UK’s fastest growing conduit manufacturer.  It can offer fast turnaround and delivery on stock items, special bespoke assemblies and cut lengths.  The company can also develop solutions to meet specific project requirements.  For further information telephone 01675 466900, email sales @flexicon.uk.com or visit www.flexicon,uk.com.

MEM Celebrates its Centenary

The MEM brand is 100 years old!   The Midland Electric Manufacturing Company Ltd. began manufacturing switch and fusegear in a workshop behind a house in Conybere Street, Birmingham in 1908.  Today it is part of the Eaton Corporation which has 81,000 employees worldwide.  Switchgear and fusegear are still manufactured at the main UK factory in Reddings Lane, Birmingham, less than 3 miles from Conybere Street where it all began.

Eaton is marking the occasion with celebrations and special gifts for employees at the MEM sites in Birmingham, Holyhead and Middleton.  A programme of special events is planned for employees, distributors and major customers.   A display at Reddings Lane traces the 100-year history and various centenary publications are being produced to coincide with the month in which the company name was registered, September 1908.

MEM products span the whole spectrum of electrical installation equipment, from the main switchboard to the socket-outlet.  They include industrial switchgear, busbar trunking, panelboards and distribution boards, lighting management systems, motor controlgear, domestic switchgear and wiring accessories.  But circuit protection – fuses and circuit-breakers – has remained at the heart of the business since the earliest days.

The company name was registered in 1908 with a capital of just £800 and the ‘MEM’ trade mark was registered three years later.  MEM became a public company in 1926.  It remained independent until 1971 when it was acquired by Delta Metal which went on to acquire names like Nettle Accessories, Bill Switchgear, Home Automation and Holec.  The Electrical Division of Delta was sold to its present owner, Eaton Corporation of Cleveland Ohio in January 2003.  Since then Eaton has invested heavily in modernisation and rationalisation.

MEM was founded by a 28 year-old engineer, Walter L Barber, who saw the potential of the emerging electrical industry.  Within a year the company had introduced a standardised range of ironclad switch and fusegear as an alternative to the expensive custom-built equipment of the day.  This was followed by a radical new design of rewirable fuse that was less prone to pyrotechnic displays than other devices available at the time.

Walter Barber was a visionary who saw the benefits of standardising product design.  In the 1920s, he began looking at the mass-production techniques employed by Henry Ford and others in America and introduced assembly-line production to MEM.  From an early stage he pursued a policy of self-sufficiency, establishing the company’s own foundry, pottery, extrusion presses and facilities to produce springs and turned parts. 

MEM has continued to be at the forefront of developments in circuit protection.  It was one of the first companies to introduce HRC cartridge fuses in the post-war years.  It introduced its first domestic consumer unit in 1955 and its first miniature circuit-breakers in 1965.  Early MCBs were of European origin but in 1988 MEM announced the first all-British range of current-limiting MCBs designed and manufactured in Holyhead.  1996 saw the introduction of the revolutionary ‘pod’ RCBO with its modular construction.   The Company still offers the MCB range; and the modular ‘pod’ RCBO is still a unique device.

Reader enquiries:-  Eaton Information Response Service

PO Box 7276,  Pury Hill Business Park,  Alderton,  Towcester,  Northants  NN12 9AQ

Tel: 0845 3380358       Email: literature-info@eaton.com

Contact for Editors:-  David Williams,  Word Service   

Tel: 020 8949 2733    Fax: 020 8395 5909    Email:  pr@wordservice.net

Company Information

Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader in electrical control, power distribution, uninterruptible power supply and industrial automation products and services. Eaton’s global electrical brands, including Cutler-Hammer®, MGE Office Protection Systems, Powerware®, Holec® and MEM®, provide customer-driven PowerChain^TM Management solutions to serve the power system needs of the industrial, institutional, government, utility, commercial, residential, IT, mission critical and OEM markets worldwide.         

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2007 sales of $13.0 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical systems for power

quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems

for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 81,000 employees

and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

Haylo – The Circular Range from Manrose

The new Haylo range of circular kitchen and bathroom fans, from ventilation experts Manrose Manufacturing, has been designed for the residential market. To blend with the interior décor, the 100mm units are available in standard white finish with both bezel and grille, plus an additional chrome bezel and brushed steel interchangeable grille. The 150mm version has a brushed steel finished bezel and brushed steel interchangeable grille supplied as an alternative to the standard white finish.

The Haylo fans have an integral backdraught shutter and provide 93m³ 26 lps for bathrooms and 258m³70 lps for kitchens to comply with Part F of the Building Regulations. Designed for ceiling, panel or wall mounting, Haylo fans are available in standard, pullcord or timer versions and can be used with complimentary sensors from the Manrose range. Engineered for ease of installation, Manrose ventilation products are manufactured using high impact ABS thermoplastics for durability, aesthetics and easy cleaning. 

New Fire Rated Cavity Wall Switch and Socket Boxes

Scolmore International is proud to announce the launch of the latest addition to its FLAMEGUARD System series of products. Using the same tried and tested technology utilised in its best selling range of downlighters, the new FLAMEGUARD dry lining back box offers unprecedented levels of protection and efficacy in restoring the integrity of a fire rated stud wall, after fitting electrical accessory products.

Based on a conventional galvanised steel switch and socket box, the FLAMEGUARD back box offers 2 key benefits not found in the existing products designed for this purpose. Conventional dry lining boxes are manufactured in urea or PVC and the process of adding a fire retardant intumescent material to a moulded plastic box will be of little benefit, as plastic mouldings will start to deform and deteriorate at temperatures around 170⁰C. The intumescent material is designed to activate at around 900⁰C, long after the degradation process of the plastic box.

The steel construction of the FLAMEGUARD backbox will withstand temperatures of around 1,000⁰C before distorting and will remain in-situ whilst continuing to provide an effective fire barrier.

Another innovative benefit to be found in the FLAMEGUARD backbox is its unique ‘Snaplok’ fixing method. The fixing brackets are set in their retracted mode and, once the box is in position in the wall, pressure is applied to the brackets which releases them into position automatically, to hold the box and any fitted accessory securely in position.

The integral fire barrier provided by the FLAMEGUARD backbox means that there is no longer any need for complicated, costly and sometimes ineffectual assemblies of hoods or other ‘bolt-on’ devices to provide long term peace of mind.

Eaton promotes City & Guilds 17^th Edition courses

Eaton is collaborating with Loughborough College to offer electrical contractors a 17^th Edition Wiring Regulations course leading to a full City & Guilds 2382 qualification.  The intensive three-day course covers the entire content of the latest Edition of the Wiring Regulations, and is offered at a special price of £175 including VAT - a saving of nearly 50%.

“We have been involved in a number of seminars on aspects of the 17^th Edition, but we wanted to offer something extra” says Howard Fincham, Eaton’s Sales Engineer for the area.    “We were being asked where contractors could get in-depth training on the 17^th Edition at a reasonable cost.   Several had been quoted from £300 to £800.  So we decided to see what could be done to help.

“Loughborough College has an excellent reputation for the quality of its electrical training courses and Eaton has worked with them for a number of years.   The courses take place in the brand new Technology Building at Loughborough, which offers the very latest training facilities.   As part of our contribution we have supplied dual-RCD consumer units, fuses, RCD socket-outlets and other products that can be used in teaching the 17^th Edition.”

Initial take-up on the offer has been encouraging, one contractor in Mansfield immediately booked places for 20 of his electricians, completely filling one course.

The course covers all parts of the 17^th Edition including protection for safety, selection and erection of equipment, inspection and testing, and special installations or locations.   It offers a complete refresher to the Wiring Regulations, including all amendments to the 16^th Edition.   At the end, candidates take an on-line examination and receive their results there and then.

Candidates would normally be qualified electricians.   The course provides the necessary knowledge to carry out installation work to the 17^th Edition including the new requirements for RCD protection, protection of cables in walls, and the expanded requirements for special installations and locations.  It also provides a solid basis for NVQ Level 3. 

Candidates are required to have their own copy of the 17^th Edition (BS 7671) but are given the NICEIC 17^th Edition Learning Guide and presentation notes for City & Guilds 2382 (worth £25).  The cost of sitting the on-line examination is also included in the course fee.

Eaton is promoting the course through distributor outlets in the East Midlands.   Further details and registration forms can be obtained from Loughborough College by calling 0845 1662950 or emailing studentaccessenquiries@loucoll.ac.uk quoting “Eaton 175”.  The offer applies until the end of 2008.

“Eaton has always been very supportive in supplying products, information and advice to our staff” says Richard Swann, Team Leader at Loughborough.  “Their cooperation on this course is helping us offer quality training supported by quality products geared to the requirements of the 17^th Edition of the Wiring Regulations.”

Scolmore Announce Expansion

As part of its continued expansion Scolmore International, the leading manufacturer and supplier of electrical accessories and lighting products, has acquired an additional 50,000sq ft of warehouse/office space close to its existing facility in Tamworth, Staffs.  

The original complex was purpose built six years ago to house Scolmore’s administrative and sales departments along with a large warehouse facility. This was added to in 2006 when the company purchased the adjacent premises, increasing its HQ to 50,000sq ft. 

This latest acquisition will provide Scolmore with a total of 100,000 sq ft, with the additional area acting as an extension to the already established warehouse. This will enable the company to increase stock of its core product ranges to cope with customer demand and maintain current service levels. New offices will also be included in the scheme to deal with the rise in sales and administration.

Scolmore have enjoyed uninterrupted growth since the company was formed 15 years ago and the increased capacity is an essential part of their planning to sustain the growth pattern over coming years.

Manivent from Manrose for Controlled Ventilation

The new Manivent DC from Manrose Manufacturing is a compact, single extraction unit that is incredibly flexible, offering the option of ‘Close Control’ in both residential and commercial applications. With a DC motor that can be set to ventilate any area up to 444m³, the Manivent DC provides a highly efficient and cost effective form of continuous and controlled ventilation.

The Manivent DC is fitted with four 125mm or 100mm diameter extract spigots which allow quick connection to the ducts and has three mounting options; wall ceiling or loft. The unit has seven pre-set speed settings based on typical house sizes, to provide extract rates of 155m³/hr to 444m³/hr. Within each of the seven settings are five different speeds for various functions such as occupied, unoccupied, two people occupancy, night time setting and boost. Once the house size has been selected the unit can be connected to the system. The Manivent DC can extract from a number of rooms simultaneously, depending on the dwelling and it is fitted with a condensation drain for wet areas.

The main controller features five settings which are occupied, unoccupied, two people present, night time and boost  setting and is connected to the Manivent DC unit by a three-core mains cable. When the desired setting is selected, the unit will provide:

• Occupied = 75% of selected house speed

• Unoccupied =  25% of selected house speed

• Two People present = 50% or 38% (selected via a jumper/dip switch) of selected house speed

• Night time = 40% of the selected house speed

• Boost = 100% of selected house speed

A wireless controller is available for the Manivent DC that is remotely connected to the main controller and can be used to boost the system by depressing the central button. The controller can be set to boost at various intervals between five minutes and 180 minutes

Easy Dimmer Module Mounting from Scolmore

Following feedback from electrical contractors, Scolmore International Limited has come up with the ingenious new Dimmer Module Mounting Kit. Part of Scolmore’s CLICK® Minigrid Range, this unique kit includes a switch plate, module mount frame, an operating knob and an innovative nut runner to facilitate the fixing of the locking nut, which is also supplied, making installation simple and quick.

Simple single screw installation of the modules on the mounting plates allows ease of installation, whilst providing contractors with a tool to devise and install customised switching solutions on site. The operating knobs and switch plates are available in the popular CLICK® finishes of white, Polar white,  antique brass, black nickel, brass/satin, stainless steel/brushed, chrome/satin or pearl nickel to match the interior decor. Alternatively, the operating knobs and wall plates can be ‘mixed and matched’ to provide a more striking effect.

Scolmore’s Dimmer Module Mounting Kit is a double aperture module and suitable for use with all existing Minigrid Blank Plates, decorative or moulded. It fits into the CLICK® Wiring Accessories Series and is available in a wide range of wattages.

Scolmore Launch Fumagalli Catalogue

Following its appointment as sole UK distributor for decorative outdoor lighting specialists Fumagalli, Scolmore International has produced a glossy brochure to highlight the company’s stylish luminaires. Based in Italy, Fumagalli designs and manufactures a wide range of chic and inspirational fittings in traditional designs for commercial and domestic settings.

In addition to good looks, Fumagalli products also offer a tough construction with a lifetime guarantee against corrosion, due to the unique resin formulation used in their manufacture. Made from an inner steel structure which is hot-dipped inside and outside by a zinc bath immersion, the products are then given a polyurethane coating before a tough outer resin is applied made from shockproof coloured polymer.  All materials used are fireproof and also UV treated so colour fading will not be a problem.

Using a modular system, the Fumagalli range provides more than 3600 possible combinations and includes hexagonal or square lanterns, half lanterns, globe diffusers, posts and columns, all of which are detailed with on-site photography and illustrations in the brochure. The pages also contain a wealth of information on photometry, lamp options and accessories, post fixing and ground preparation and many other topics, making it an invaluable tool for the lighting designer.

New Manrose Catalogue

Manrose Manufacturing Limited, has just launched its latest catalogue with a new colour coded, simple to use format that provides the most comprehensive guide to ventilation on the market today. Its 100 pages include descriptions of each item, colour photographs, technical information, performance graphs and packaging data, all in colour coded sections covering domestic, commercial and specialist ventilation, accessories and the new heating range.

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There are many exciting new products in the new catalogue, including the M200 range of centrifugal bathroom fans, the cost effective ManiVent ultra-slim ‘whole house’ ventilation system and the Haylo series of circular kitchen and bathroom units. Other new launches highlighted include the low profile 100mm and 150mm panel axial ‘Flat’ Fans, the powerful In-line Mixflo fans with higher working pressures with relatively low noise and Pro Showerlite, the first in-shower ventilation kit that incorporates seven different pieces of equipment in one kit.

Another first for the catalogue is the new Manrose ManiHeat series of panel heaters with a wide range of outputs from 750W to 2000W, that have been designed for use in smaller rooms such as bedrooms, studies and loft conversions. Other general heating products including fan, convector and quartz heaters are also included.

The new Manrose catalogue provides all the necessary information for specific projects and provides an invaluable tool for the ventilation installer.

Developments in Membership.

MIDA are delighted to announce the following additions to Group Membership.

DB Electrical Wholesale Ltd.

Membership Commenced - 1st January 2008.

Headed by David Barnett, this is a single branch business based in Bournemouth, Dorset.

Valley Electrical Supplies Co. Ltd.

Membership Commenced - 1st March 2008.

Headed by Ian Aitchison & Dave Robinson, this is a single branch business based in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. We would also like to point out that this business has evolved through a MBO of what was previously a branch of BEMCO. This membership development therefore does NOT include BEMCO but only what was one of their branches which under completely new ownership and the retention of the existing team, will now operate as Valley Electrical.

Gemini Electrical Supplies

Membership Commenced - 1st April 2008.

Headed by Steve Croudace, this is a single branch business based in Teddington, South West London. Steve Croudace is a fellow director of two of our existing members - CES, Uxbridge & Jolec, Watford. This membership development therefore has transpired on a new branch basis controlled by existing members in MIDA. It is regarded as an internal development.

LPD Electrical Wholesalers Ltd.

Membership Commenced - 1st April 2008.

Headed by Vincent Priest, this is a multi-branch business where the principle address is based in Leigh, Lancashire. They have additional branches as follows;

Southport, Merseyside (Gary Rimmer) / Bootle, Merseyside (Mike Rimmer) / Manchester (Stuart Nelson).

These new members provide additional opportunities for MIDA and it's already diverse distribution network of professional and successful independent electrical distributors. We truly believe they will take up an active role within MIDA and along with their new team colleagues, help further establish MIDA as one of the leading buying groups within the electrical industry.

There are further plans for continual expansion and details of these will follow in the near future. In the meantime though, MIDA welcomes it's latest team principles!

Manrose Increase Modular Ducting Range

Ventilation experts Manrose Manufacturing Limited have increased its popular low profile, modular ducting systems range.  Totally unobtrusive, this system has significant advantages over conventional round systems and can be easily concealed when installed along the top of wall units, or easily hidden in ceiling voids and cavity walls.  Designed to meet all current building regulations, this is one of the most comprehensive ranges of modular flat channel ducting provides on the market.

The 100 System has compact dimensions of only 110mm x 54mm and is suitable for applications requiring low extraction rates. Perfect for the ventilation of bathrooms and a toilet, its 5300mm² cross section provides efficient ducting for short, straight runs. The 125 System, measuring only 204mm x 60mm is ideally suited for the ducting of kitchen cooker hoods with 100mm, 125mm or 150mm round exhaust spigots. The flat channel cross section of 1200mm² makes it highly efficient and able to achieve high extract rates.   Other sizes in the range include 150 x 70mm, 220 x 90mm  and for recessed applications the new 225 x 25 mm and 300 x 25mm.

Fittings include bends, flat channel, conversion pieces, air return boxes plus round and rectangular configuration wall outlets for most standard installations.

All Manrose system parts and channels are manufactured from tough, flame retardant materials for safety and reliability.

The Wired Wire Free Solution

The new INF-RX8 interface module from ESP gives installers of alarm systems the flexibility of wireless detection devices whilst retaining the familiarity of their preferred hard wire alarm panel.

The powerful INF-RX8 module enables up to eight wireless detectors to be added to a hard wire system via a single cable connection to the control panel. As such, it is ideal for extending an existing system without extra cabling, or installing a new wireless system while retaining the benefits of a favoured control panel.

The INF-RX8 provides ‘plug and play’ connection to ESP’s comprehensive range of wire free security and environmental detectors. In addition to intruder detectors including PIRs, magnetic contacts, glass break, shock and panic attack buttons,   ESP now offers detection of carbon monoxide, smoke, gas, flood and low temperatures. As well as simple detector registration the INF-RX8 provides a walk test facility and low battery alert for all connected wire free devices .

Manrose  at KBB

Manrose Manufacturing, the UK’s largest manufacturer of domestic fans, will be exhibiting products from its comprehensive range of ducting systems at KBB 2008, including high performance Flatduct 225/300mm x 25mm ducting with moulded sockets. Flatduct is ideal for use where space is restricted as its low profile allows concealed installation in confined spaces such as ceiling voids and cavity walls.  Flatduct 225 is recommended for relatively short runs with low volume extraction, whilst the larger Flatduct 300 has been designed for more demanding applications and longer runs. Flatduct is also suitable for underfloor installation where void space can be restricted to 38mm.

The Centralised Ducting System from Manrose, provides a highly efficient and cost effective form of continuous and controlled domestic ventilation. A relatively new concept, the Centralised Ducting System is a stylish and compact single extraction unit that is incredibly flexible, allowing use in most house layouts and in up to five rooms.

The Centralised Ducting System negates the need for fans in different rooms and reduces the number of external outlets required to one. The lightweight system, manufactured from strong reinforced plastic, is installed in the loft or ceiling void. It can be fitted to a stable support, a joist or pillar, or suspended with the use of special hooks, which will also reduce noise vibration. Manrose will also be exhibiting its compact 150mm (5”) x 70mm compact ducting system.

Manrose has a solution to suit all domestic and commercial ventilation situations, including low profile ducting in 110mm x 54mm, 150mm x 70mm, 204mm x 60mm and flat ducting in 225mm x 25mm and 300mm x 25mm.

Manrose will also be highlighting its comprehensive range of electrical accessories that have been designed to upgrade the switching mechanism of any standard fan with an electrical load between 20 watts and 200 watts. Manrose also offer a wide range of variable, 2 speed controllers with reversible options. The variable non-reversing fan speed control is suitable for controlling the speed of fans with an electrical load of 20watts - 200 watts. In addition to this, a two speed non reversing controller and a reversible speed controller are also available. Accessories such as ducting, external grilles and flat channel ducting will also be on show.

New Guide to Pre-Fabricated Interconnection now available from Flex Connectors

A new guide to the flex 7 pre-fabricated interconnection system is now available from Flex Connectors to help electrical contractors, consultants and wholesalers take advantage of the many benefits which pre-fabricated lighting solutions can offer.

The illustrated catalogue provides full details on the flexible plug-together system, which offers considerable potential for reducing installation time by connecting elements using factory pre-fabricated and tested leads.  This minimises the possibility of faulty connections or incorrect on-site interpretation of design.

The flex 7 interconnection portfolio consists of hub units; single sockets; first-in-line units; flexible interconnection and multi-circuit units; modular chains; and the new flex 7 Extender range of single and twin extender leads and panel mount plugs and sockets.  As well as information on the range, the interconnection guide also provides product applications, technical details, installation instructions and circuit diagrams.

The guide can be downloaded from the Flex Connectors website at www.flexconnectors.co.uk.  Printed copies are also available by phoning 020 8580 1066 or emailing marketing@flexconnectors.co.uk.

All the interconnection products use the unique flex 7 seven-pin configuration, are 16 amp rated and can connect together to produce an efficient and cost-effective modular system.  This makes them particularly suitable for complex modern buildings, whether newly constructed or refurbished.

Mercers Electrical scoop best small business award.

Northern Ireland based MIDA Member, Mercers Electrical Distributors have successfully scooped the best small business award for the Ballymena area for the second year in succession. This is a tremendous achievement for everyone associated with Mercers and as MIDA we are extremely proud for them.

Well done to Ian, Kirsty & The Team at Mercers Electrical Distributors Ltd!

Sense of Achievement

Flex Connectors have supplied their flex 7 lighting connection equipment for a charity’s new resource centre in Glasgow.  The charity, Sense Scotland, provides innovative services for children and adults with complex needs arising from deaf, blindness or sensory impairment, learning or physical disability.

Flex 7 first-in-line interconnection units and pre-wired plugs have been installed throughout the unique new TouchBase resource centre, which gained its name following a competition to find a title which reflected the building’s multiple uses.

These include the provision of a Children and Family suite, recently launched by Sir Terry Wogan; drop-in resources for adults; music, visual and performing arts spaces; community offices; training and meeting rooms; and a community café due to launch next year.

The centre was designed specifically as a one-stop accessible space, for which the  adaptability and versatility of the flex 7 range was particularly suitable.  All products use the unique flex 7 seven-pin configuration – which gives maximum flexibility for connection and control – and are 16 amp rated, meaning any component can be plugged into any other to provide total flexibility of installation. 

CLICK® Goes With the Flow

With its new CLICK® flow 3 pole, push-in connectors, Scolmore International Limited aims to simplify the installation process of lighting and other building services components. This versatile, simple to install connector for fixed wiring applications allows enormous reductions in installation time and costs, whilst retrofit can also be implemented quickly and easily.

The flow connector was conceived as a timely solution to the problems encountered by electricians when testing lighting circuits. By failing to disconnect transformers or ballasts from the circuit, the ‘Mega’ test would ‘blow’ the electronics, incurring additional cost and labour. The CLICK® flow connector now facilitates the simple temporary disconnection of the electronics from the luminaire whilst the 1000V test is carried out

For safety, male and female connectors in the CLICK® flow  connector can only be mated in one way; the male section is designed for use with cable dimensions of 1.5mm² 3 core maximum with cord restraint for flex and the female with 3 x 2.5mm²  twin and earth (with additional loop terminal). Designed for 250V~ 16A Max. applications, the connectors have ‘backed off’ screw terminals with slotted/cross heads. The CLICK® flow connector incorporates an all-in-one junction box and large terminals for easy access.

Manrose Launch New Price List

The new price list from Manrose Manufacturing, Britain’s leading manufacturer of domestic fans, will be available from November 1st.  Issue 8 contains a wide range of products for the domestic and commercial applications including many new lines. In addition to a product code index to simplify ordering, Issue 8 also contains information on new products, including fans, ventilation equipment, transformers and accessories for a whole host of applications in domestic, commercial and industrial situations.

The 64 page price list has been designed to be quick and simple to use and, coupled with the Manrose product catalogue, provides the perfect tool for anyone wishing to install ventilation equipment. For your copy please contact sales@manrose.co.uk.

From PC to CCTV, Quickly and Simply

The compact and competitively priced EZ-UDVR unit from ESP enables a standard PC to be used as a fully featured CCTV viewing and recording system, complete with remote viewing capabilities across a local or wide area network. The PC retains all of its usual functions, and adding EZ-UDVR is as simple as installing an additional program.

Each EZ-UDVR unit can be used with up to four standard CCTV cameras and features ‘plug and play’ USB connection to a PC running the software supplied. The software allows a full screen view from a single camera or up to four camera views simultaneously on a ‘quad’ split-screen. Users are able to allocate the percentage of their hard drive to be made available by the PC for recording and image storage.

Two EZ-UDVR units can be run in parallel, allowing up to eight cameras to be monitored through a single PC. In addition, the licence-free software can be distributed to other PCs for viewing across the local area network, or via the internet using each unit’s dynamic IP address for enhanced security. Recorded information can also be uploaded to other computers on the network for viewing or archiving.

EZ-UDVR features a range of configurations to suit each user’s needs, including scheduled recording and motion detection to trigger record events. Despite its sophistication, EZ-UDVR can be used with relatively low specification PCs, often enabling users to extend the usefulness of older computers that are no longer suitable for general office use.

Typical uses of the system include viewing many sites from a single location, very useful for a manager to check on multiple retail outlets, or distributing the software to a wider audience to allow remote viewing of a single site from many locations, ideal for on-line product demonstrations.

Flex framework for growth

Changes have recently taken place in the sales and customer support teams at Flex Connectors in response to the dramatic increase in demand for the company’s lighting connection and control ranges over the last year.

In the south-east, Steve Wade has joined as Specification Development Engineer for Greater London and Hertfordshire.  Graham Butcher, who previously covered this area, has moved to a more technical role as Project Support Engineer for South East England and East Anglia.  He now provides consultants, specifiers and contractors across the region with technical advice and support, including quotations, information and training. 

Meanwhile, the northern region has welcomed two new members of the Flex Connectors sales team – Stephen Cunliffe, who is now responsible for sales in North West England and North Wales, and Marc Sharples who will be looking after sales and customers in North East England.  All three new employees have extensive experience of the electrical and lighting industries.

Victor Chetcuti, National Sales Manager, explained that “we’ve experienced a tremendous level of sales growth recently and are confident that this trend will continue.  We needed to expand our current resources and make sure we had a robust framework in place for the additional growth we are expecting to see with the introduction of new product ranges”.

More Modular Functions with Infinite® Prime

Infinite® Prime is the latest generation of high-end, modular, wire-free security and home automation systems from Electronics Line. Building on the success of the original Infinite®, Prime retains all of the popular features of its forerunner while offering even more functionality, a wider range of options and ‘future proof’ interfacing for the addition of new technologies as they come on stream.

Prime has been created as a completely new platform and incorporates a host of advanced features. These include an integral communication module which offers a range of alert options, including verbal alarm to any landline or mobile ‘phone and direct signal to a central monitoring station. Detailed information about the exact nature of the incident (i.e. fire, flood) can be conveyed via either of these channels.

Alarm systems are all about detecting the presence of people, particularly intruders. Prime, however, also has the ability to use standard motion detectors to detect absence of movement, making it ideal for added protection of vulnerable people or lone workers. When no motion is detected within a pre-set time an alert will be triggered and conveyed to the appropriate person.

Another very useful feature of the system is a ‘voice memo’ facility allowing the user to leave messages for other occupants of the property.

Additions available as part of the Infinite® Prime family include an EN54 approved smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, flood detector and gas-leak detector plus of course all of the existing infinite accessories

Infinite® Prime is able to monitor up to 32 wireless zones in combination with eight wireless keyfobs . A wired two-way LCD keypad can also be utilised with the system. Additional optional integral modules allow expansion of Prime to become a fully controllable home automation system and carry out all communication functions via the GSM network.

New Generation Witness from ESP

The next generation of ESP Witness CCTV fully embraces the latest digital technology by combining  a TFT screen with a Digital Video Recorder to provide a high specification viewing and recording solution in a single stylish space saving unit.

Witness is available in three versions (4, 9 and 16 channel) all with triplex capability allowing full screen recording of every channel, historical viewing and remote access via a network at the same time.

Easy to configure and use, ESP Witness incorporates a number of advanced features such as built-in motion detection with specific area selection which eliminates the need for additional external motion sensors. Motion sensing can be used to automatically trigger record sessions, if continuous recording has not been requested, and send an e-mail alert if the system has been connected to a live network. Motion triggered events also offer pre- and post-event recording to gain maximum evidence.

Due to the compact design of ESP Witness, to assist installation, cameras are wired via a single connector with the appropriate number of extension tails (4, 9 or 16). The system can accept input from virtually any camera offering a composite video signal, including of course ESP’s own new range.

All of the ESP Witness models will have a pre-installed high quality 250gb hard drive however this can be upgraded to a pair of 500Gb drives in 2 bays. Back up of recording from these drives can be achieved via USB or across a network.

The ESP Witness 4, 9 and 16 does not offer quite the same simple plug and play offering of it’s predecessors however as an introduction to the new technologies available it would be the perfect choice for a highly capable yet compact CCTV installation.

Scolmore Add to Transformer Range

Scolmore International Limited has added two new electronic, low voltage transformers to its comprehensive range. Designed to fit through cut-outs as small as 40mm diameter, the slimline TR160 is pre-wired for ease of installation. The TR260 has also been engineered to make life easier for the user, with enlarged terminals to allow easy loop-in, loop-out facility and earth terminal.

Part of the popular Click Lighting Range, Scolmore’s lightweight, electronic, low voltage transformers are available pre-wired or wireable and in various styles and dimensions to suit most applications. All of the transformers in the range are built for quality and reliability and offer many features, including thermal overload protection, short circuit protection, dimming and soft start.  EMC and VDE approved, Scolmores transformers have an IP20/68 rating and are subject to the Click 2 year warranty (5 years for ‘Smoothline’ transformers).

AICO RadioLINK Wireless Interconnected Smoke Alarms help Bournemouth Council win over reluctant tenants.

Bournemouth Borough Council is now using unique RadioLINK wireless interconnect smoke alarm technology from Aico to further improve tenant safety. "We've experienced a number of tenants who object to all the cabling associated with conventional interconnected mains powered smoke alarms," says Terry Dickerson, Bournemouth's Electrical and Services Surveyor.  "With a conventional hard wired interconnected system, you have to install a three core cables to interlink the detectors and hide these in mini trunking.  Some tenants have been objecting to the upheaval and disruption, and also the effect it has on the look of their property."

In the past, Bournemouth has had a policy of installing Aico Ei150 Series smoke alarms in its general purpose housing stock, hard wired interconnecting an optical type alarm downstairs with an ionisation unit upstairs. However, where tenants objected to the interconnection cabling the detectors were installed as stand alone.

"Interconnecting smoke alarms is an important safety feature because it gives tenants vital extra minutes in which to be alerted to a fire and make their escape," continues Mr Dickerson.  "We were unhappy about the situation where alarms were not interconnected but had to respect our tenants' views."

However, everything changed a year ago when Bournemouth Borough Council became aware of the new RadioLINK wireless interconnection technology from Aico.  Using RadioLINK, alarms could be interconnected by wireless signal rather than cables, which meant far less disruption to tenants and no unsightly trunking over the walls.

"Tenants who previously objected to hard wired interconnection are fine about the new RadioLINK technology," Mr Dickerson reports, and the council is now identifying those tenants who could benefit from RadioLINK and are installing RadioLINK with top of the range Ei160 Series alarms in their properties.

The Council currently runs an annual smoke alarm test and maintenance Contract on all its properties, checking their Ei150 series alarms and installing new units in applications over seven years old as a precautionary measure. When an engineer identifies a property which requires RadioLINK, it is reported and an installation commissioned to upgrade tenant safety. 

Installation of the RadioLINK systems is being carried out by local contractors Prestige Fire Protection, who have reported no problems in installing the new wireless technology.

Bournemouth Borough Council is also taking advantage of RadioLINK in other installations where hard wired cabling may prove problematic.

"Aico's RadioLINK is much faster to install and causes so much less disruption," Mr Dickerson reports.  "We've used Aico's Ei150 series for over six years now and always found their detectors to be reliable.  RadioLINK has helped us to solve all our issues with interlinking alarms and the aesthetic problems which had put some of our tenants off of having fully adequate fire protection in their homes. "Interconnected alarms helps save lives; that's our primary concern of course. However, the earlier a fire can be detected and action taken, the less damage there tends to be to our property, so we benefit in the protection of our housing stock as well."

Eaton offers more choice in busbar trunking

Eaton has extended its Mempower MP medium power busbar range with a new 800A rating.  This means that it is able to offer the 800A rating in either its air-insulated MP range (previously offered in 125A-630A ratings) or its 500-6300A Mempower XP low impedance range.  The full Mempower range is described in a new 38-page Product Guide.

Mempower MP is a versatile, cost-effective busbar trunking system used extensively in residential blocks, hotels, department stores, hospitals, offices and industrial installations.  It is often used for vertical risers and offers tap-off units every third of a metre.  These include switch disconnectors, fuses, fuse combination switches, moulded-case circuit-breakers or miniature circuit-breakers. 

The new 800A rating offers a competitively-priced option at this rating.  Short time withstand rating is 25kA for one second.   It is offered in four-bar and five-bar options.   The five-bar option provides an integral earth conductor which avoids the necessity to use the casing as an earth conductor.

Meanwhile Mempower XP is a low impedance system for higher power ratings (500-6,300A).  It has a 40kA short time withstand rating.  A ‘sandwich’ construction of conductors and solid insulation results in a compact, high-performance system with low heat loss.  The unique Mempower XP ‘velocity angle’ dispenses with the need for a separate 90° angle joint and the radial velocity can be specified where an edge angle is required between 0° and 90°.

“The new 800A MP rating enables us to offer a genuine choice between a competitively-priced air-insulated system at the top end of the medium-power range and a compact, high-performance system with a higher fault rating” says Steve Witham, Eaton’s Product Manager for busbar trunking.

The entire Mempower busbar trunking range, including the new 800A MP rating, is detailed in a new Product Guide that is available from Eaton or downloadable on www.memonline.com/publications.  This includes the 23-63A Lux lighting trunking range, 40-125A low power, 125-800A medium power and 500-6,300A XP low impedance busbar trunking systems.

Picture shows front cover of new 38-page Product Guide to Eaton's Mempower busbar trunking systems

MIDA Member Midshires Electrical Celebrate 4-Years!

BIRTHDAY greetings go out to the county's leading independent electrical wholesaler. Midshires Electrical & Lighting Ltd, based in Northampton, has just celebrated its fourth anniversary - along with increased sales figures and a growing customer base.

Managing Director, Ben Fountain believes this development, in part, has been due to two dynamic Sales Managers - Nick Ch