To celebrate the recent handover of the scheme’s final phase, Cablofil is offering you the chance to win a fantastic iPod, so that you can enjoy the best the digital age has to offer, wherever you go.

Media City

The creation of Media City has seen the move of five BBC divisions and around 2,500 jobs to Salford Quays.  But Media City is not just a new home for the BBC, the corporation will be joined by a host of broadcasting and new media companies along with the industries that support them and a range of residential developments retail outlets, a hotel and leisure facilities.

This purpose built ‘city’ for the media industry boasts state-of-the art facilities, and, in an industry where the pace of change is so rapid with multi-platform channels and user-generated content driving innovation, futureproofing is essential.

That’s why specification of a flexible, robust and easy to install containment system like Cablofil was so essential.  It has been designed to enable large amounts of additional capacity to help provide for the needs of those based at Media City for years to come. 

And who knows where those years will take our digital industries? One thing’s for certain, though, with capacity for hundreds of songs, our winner’s iPod will always be able to offer them a tune for every occasion!

How to enter

To be in with a chance to win this great prize, send your name; company; occupation; full address; telephone number and email address along with the answer to the following questions:- 

1. Cablofil is available in various widths and depths but is always supplied in lengths of how many metres?

2. The Cablofil system features a unique safety what?

A. Edge                       
B. Bottom       
C. Wall

3. When was Cablofil first marketed in Europe?

A. 1962                      
B. 1972                      
C. 1982

To:

Electrical Wholesaler MK competition
Datateam Business Media Ltd
London Road
Maidstone, Kent ME16 8LY

The closing date for entries is 15 September 2010.  The first correct entry drawn out of the bag after this date will win an iPod. Good luck!

Phil Hazelton from GreenBrook Electrical discusses the growing demand for outdoor power products and the variety of solutions on the market.

Years ago, it was unlikely that homeowners would need to use electrical power outdoors unless they were mowing the lawn or cutting the hedge and then an extension lead – perhaps with a Powerbreaker adapter for the safety-conscious – would do the trick. 

These days, our willingness to make our gardens part of our living space, venue for our leisure time and an expression of our personal taste has lead to a considerable increase in the number of outdoor power applications.  Exterior lights, water features and hot tubs are all commonplace and seasonal electrical requirements such as Christmas lights have also meant that consumers are looking for better outdoor power solutions for their homes.

Similarly, demand for practical outdoor power solutions is also growing in the commercial market and here the drive to ensure that outdoor power usage is safe as well as practical is even stronger.  No longer is the need for outdoor power confined to locations like building sites and theme parks: following the UK-wide smoking ban, pubs and restaurants have invested in providing outdoor smoking areas which are often not only lit but also heated and even wired in to the establishment’s A/V system. 

Add to this the growth in family-orientated leisure attractions, such as bouncy castles, and it’s easy to see why the products available for the outdoor power market have increased not only in quality, but also in variety.  The GreenBrook PowerX IP66 range alone offers a choice of two spur units, four socket units, a digital timer unit and four switch units, including RCD and mechanical timer options, ensuring that contractors have plenty of options for specifying a best fit solution for any application.

Choice and flexibility

Greater choice means greater flexibility for the specifier, allowing them to select a product that best suits the application(s) for which the product will be used.  It also means greater opportunity for the wholesaler as it provides the potential to advise customers and upsell to a product with more features and benefits. Unfortunately, greater choice sometimes also leads to greater confusion and there is sometimes a tendency amongst contractors to over-specify outdoor power products applying a ‘belt and braces’ approach that can push up costs unnecessarily. Once again, this offers the wholesaler an opportunity to build customer relationships by advising on the most cost-effective solution to meet the application’s actual requirements.

The issue of over-specification often stems from an assumption that a product with a higher IP (Ingress Protection) rating will automatically offer more effective protection against the elements and it is important to understand that this is not necessarily true. The IP rating relates to how the product performs under test conditions and, when it comes to sockets, test conditions only apply to the dust and water resistance of the unit itself, whilst not in use. As a result, unless, like the GreenBrook PowerX range, the product in question has been specifically designed to maintain its weatherproof qualities when a plug is plugged in, its performance in normal usage may fall short of what’s expected.  What this means in practice is that a well-designed product with a lower IP rating may well prove more hard-wearing, more practical and – importantly – safer, than a higher rated product without ‘in-use’ water and dust protection features.

So while many contractors will automatically look for an IP66 rated product as the default setting for outdoor power applications, in fact an IP44-rated product should be sufficient for most applications if it has been well-designed to perform equally well when in use as when switched off.  That’s because an IP44 rating applies to normal weather conditions which covers general outdoor use.  For more demanding environments, such as close to hot tubs or swimming pools, an IP55-rated product may be more appropriate as this has been tested as safe and functional under ‘hosing’ conditions.  Again, however, the ability of sockets to retain their water and dust resistance whilst actually in use is critical. Finally, IP66-rated products have been tested under multi-directional power hosing conditions and are therefore suitable for the most demanding conditions, including pressure washers and these products should offer safe and reliable performance in even the most challenging environments, such as commercial car washes.

Features and benefits

Whatever the IP rating, the importance of considering the actual features and benefits of individual products cannot be over stressed.  For example, it’s important to note whether the product still protects from ingress of dust and water to the required standard even when a plug is plugged in.  Only a product that has a lid designed to lock closed securely around the flex will provide this level of protection. And if the outdoor socket does have such a lid, it is then worth noting  whether the lid is transparent to allow the user to see whether a plug is in place or whether an indicator light is switched on.  It’s worth remembering too that performance and safety are not the only key selling points of outdoor power products: durability is also crucial; after all, they will be constantly subject to all kinds of weather conditions and wear and tear. 

While the focus is on waterproofing and resistance to dust it is easy to forget that heat and sunlight can also cause the unit to deteriorate over time, which is why the GreenBrook PowerX range has also been designed with UV protection to increase durability. It’s by signposting contractors and specifiers to added-value features such as these that wholesalers can help them identify the most functional, cost effective and fit for purpose solutions. 

So, just as wholesalers can help customers avoid the pitfalls of over-specifying in terms of IP rating, they also have a clear role to play in helping to prevent under-specification of outdoor power products in terms of product quality and functionality. And, of course, we must remember that, just as with any other type of wiring accessories, suitability for the application is also paramount. 

With safety so high on the agenda, IP-rated sockets with integral RCDs are a popular choice as these remove the need for an RCD adaptor and avoid the risk of nuisance tripping.  For commercial applications, the safest option is often to opt for an IP-rated spur unit to avoid any possibility that electrical cables could be unplugged by mistake or due to vandalism. Meanwhile, if energy efficiency is part of the brief, an IP-rated socket with integral digital or mechanical timer could be the most appropriate choice as this would allow devices such as outdoor lights – in either domestic or commercial settings – to be switched off automatically when not required.  Finally, it’s sensible to think ahead: as both domestic and commercial demand for outdoor power grows it may be prudent to install a double socket even if there is only a requirement for a single socket at the present time as this will help to futureproof the installation.

Ultimately, outdoor power is an upselling opportunity for contractors and wholesalers alike. Any domestic or commercial building can benefit from the availability of outdoor power: a professionally installed socket, spur, switch or timer enhances both the flexibility and the safety of outdoor power usage when compared to the old-fashioned extension lead approach.  It pays, therefore, to know what’s out there and maximise the opportunities outdoor power can provide.

www.greenbrook.co.uk

For well over a hundred years the IEE Wiring Regulations have provided the requirements for safe electrical installations. Since the introduction of the 17th Edition (BS 7671:2008) in 2008 and the many changes to the Building Regulations, there are major implications for everyone installing consumer units. Robin Forsyth, Managing Director of Controlgear talks about making the right choice and what products you should be stocking.

Since 2005 the Building Regulations have made direct reference to electrical installations, increasing the guidelines for how electrical equipment is installed into a building. If we look at this in more detail, Part P relates to electrical installations in dwellings and states that consumer units should be located so that they are easily accessible, no greater than 1.2m high, where it is necessary to comply with Part M. Part M also states that switches, socket outlets and other equipment needs to be at appropriate heights which are defined as between 0.45m and 1.2m from the finished floor level.

In short this means that the consumer unit needs to be accessible and mounted at a height no greater than 1.2m above the floor. In addition it needs to be in a location that is easy to access – so not hidden away under the stairs.

Consumer unit selection

Having taken all this into account, we must now consider the requirements of the 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations.

A significant change with the 17th Edition was the introduction of Regulations requiring additional protection by RCDs. This includes:

• Socket outlets for general use in a domestic installation require RCCB protection not exceeding 30mA.

• Cables buried in walls which are not mechanically protected require additional protection by an RCCB not exceeding 30mA.

• All circuits in locations containing a bath or shower must be protected by an RCCB not exceeding 30mA.

There are several ways to meet these requirements, but the most practical is to provide 30mA protection across all the circuits in the home.

The right choice

With all of this to consider, choosing the right consumer unit can be a bit of a minefield and with so many different configurations depending on application it can lead to a large amount of stock taking up space on your shelves.

The need to simplify and consolidate is something which we have considered for some time and our new 2010 QFS consumer units have been designed with this in mind.

QFS consumer units are now supplied with a metal top hat din rail making fitting of modular components easier whilst the increase in internal cabling capacity ensures that the first fix is both quick and easy.

The 17th Edition Flexi boards are fitted with two RCCBs and main switch and can now be configured on site providing the option for all circuits to be RCCB protected or unprotected ways on the main switch for RCBOs which provides individual circuit protection for circuits with switching surges or inductive loads without affecting any other circuit.

The new QFS consumer units are finished throughout in white, moulded from self extinguishing ABS and are suitable for surface mounting with the option of semi recessed in the 18 module version.

Meet the requirements

We currently offer three main solutions which meet the requirements of the 17th Edition.

Our first are the Dual Flexi units which can be configured on site as either Dual RCCB or High Integrity. This unit optimises both protection and cost with the ability to connect circuits on the main switch with intrinsically high protective earth currents, surge suppression sockets or loads with potentially high switching circuits. The two ways could, in addition be fitted with RCBOs for individual earth fault protection where tripping would not affect the other circuits.

The second solution is the Split load board which is the simplest configuration but it would need to be fitted with additional RCBO protection on the main switch to meet the requirements of the 17th Edition.

And finally we offer the main switch consumer unit fitted with single module RCBOs, providing individual circuit protection for all circuits. This means a fault on any circuit will not affect any other circuit. This configuration also makes fault finding easier although it is the most expensive option. 

The benefits

The main benefit to you the wholesaler is that our new 2010 range of QFS consumer units reduces the amount of stock that you need to keep. There are four Dual Flexi boards from 8-18 useable ways in the range to suit the majority of applications. This is also a great benefit for installers as they no longer need to stock a Dual RCCB board and High Integrity boards due to the flexible internal layout of the new Dual Flexi board.

Technical support

With the constant changes to the Building Regulations the task of stocking the right products has become more difficult because now you not only need to know about the products but also about how and where they can be used and which installations they are suitable for.

But despite this, with the launch of our new range we have tried to keep it simple and if you’re still unsure then we are here to help with our free technical support giving advice and help to customers.

www.controlgeardirect.co.uk

Jim Wallace

The essential role of portable appliance testing (PAT) is to detect potential safety problems with electrical appliances before they occur. In this way testers ensure the safety of electrical equipment used in all workplaces and enable employers to meet their health and safety obligations – for staff and the public.

However, realistic electrical safety testing precautions for one type or size or organisation might be totally inappropriate for a different type of business. As a result with the growing maturity of the portable appliance testing market a range of test instruments and supporting accessories is available to verify the safety of electrical appliances used in different working environments.

In addition to basic functionality, the changing safety guidance and test recommendations of advisory bodies has also increased the range of test options available with different testers.

In general terms PATs start from basic pass/fail instruments capable of carrying out fundamental checks to more comprehensive testers used as part of formal preventative maintenance programmes.

Across this range there are also choices to be made between battery and mains powered testers, those capable of testing either or both 110V and 230V appliances and whether or not test data needs to be recorded for transfer to PC-based records systems.

The essential tests for most electrical products are earth continuity and insulation resistance, although a host of other tests such as touch and protective conductor current, IEC cord or lead tests and RCD trip time tests may also be required depending on the type of equipment in use and the associated risk factors.

Pass or fail

At the basic level PAT test instruments are available as relatively simple to operate device checkers that carry out basic electrical safety checks. Most are equipped with an earth continuity test, insulation resistance test and the ability to check the wiring of detachable mains cords but do not include tests which involve applying mains power to the appliance under test, for example protective conductor current or touch current.

Results are displayed either as an immediate ‘go/no go’ indication – either in the form of a simple digital display and/or a pass/fail warning light, or measured values which can be recorded for traceability.

These basic instruments do not possess an internal memory for results storage and are designed for use by those who may be relatively unskilled in electrical work or for those who have a relatively small number of appliances to test. As a result they are ideal for those who may have an in-house responsibility for ensuring the safety of equipment used in such places as small business premises, care homes and nurseries  – and by landlords for use in their rented properties.

Basic testers can be either battery or mains powered – although in recent years the portability and versatility provided by the former is increasingly making them the preferred choice of most safety personnel involved in testing.

Intermediate PAT testers

The next level of instruments offers a more comprehensive range of tests and often includes measurements such as protective conductor current, touch current and RCD trip time.

This follows the inclusion of new advice in the third edition of the IEE Code of Practice that when an extension lead or multiway adaptor is fitted with an RCD, the operation of the RCD should be checked using an RCD test instrument to determine that the trip time is within specified limits. 

In the same way, the IEE Code also now recommends a choice of insulation test voltage of 250V DC or 500V – or the use of substitute or alternative leakage measurement for some types of electrical equipment. Again not all testers are equipped with the capability to undertake this variety of tests.

These additional functions allow the user to test a wider range of appliance types in accordance with the IEE Code of Practice, including for example, appliances with electronic power switches where insulation resistance testing is not appropriate.

In the most modern devices, tests can also be undertaken to measure protective conductor current in 3-phase equipment using special in-line test adaptors.

In general these instruments do not possess an internal memory for results storage but give measured values which can be recorded using a paper based system or suitable software packages for improved traceability.

They are suited to those who require a wide range of electrical tests but do not require automatic data storage.

They are ideal for those who may have an in house responsibility for ensuring the safety of equipment used in organisations such as small businesses, schools and local authorities.

Manual testers are available as either mains or battery powered although in the case of battery powered testers it is necessary to apply mains power when performing tests which need the appliance under test to be energised.

Advanced PAT testers

For more comprehensive test requirements, more sophisticated mains and battery powered testers are available that combine user-friendly operation with a whole range of other features for particular test demands or routines.

These include options for manual or automatic testing (with pre-set pass/fail thresholds) and the ability to reconfigure the automatic test sequences to cater for a wide range of electrical appliance types.

In some instruments the ability to create inspection and test sequences for non-electrical assets is also available, for example when inspecting fire extinguishers or emergency lighting systems.

These more advanced testers record not only the test results but also details of the test programme, site and location of the asset under test, details of the operator and the time and date that testing was carried out – all of which can be transferred to the PC-held test data management programmes for complete traceability.

More advanced testers are therefore more suitable for use by PAT testing companies and specialist service companies with large asset databases under their responsibility.

For these types of application lightweight PAT testers are now available that incorporate all Class I and Class II required electrical safety tests in a compact hand held enclosure. In most, long life battery power eliminates the reliance on mains outlets for testing, making the instrument totally portable and suitable for universal testing applications.

In most versions clear pass/fail messages are provided against digital electrical readings taken by the tester.

Some of the more advanced and comprehensive PAT testers also incorporate a suite of other tests that can include protective conductor current, touch current and substitute leakage.

The incorporation of Bluetooth technology in some advanced PAT testers allows the wireless connection of bar code scanners, label printers and other accessories.

Advanced testers can also be linked directly to safety-labelling printers for the fast and automatic production of appliance test labels on-site. The labels not only provide confirmation that the equipment is safe to use but often include details of when the next test is due.

As the PAT market has become more mature, the diversification of test functions and instrument features means that there is a PAT tester available for all electrical safety testing needs.

www.seaward.co.uk

By Tracey Rushton-Thorpe

With more and more people using the garden as an extension of their living space, manufacturers are making the most of it by launching an increasing number of products for the outdoors. This is great news for the homeowner but it comes with a warning on safety – and that’s where you come in.

Outdoor power is a subject which we can’t afford to ignore and as homeowners become more ‘outdoor savvy’ the requirement for a good, solid range of products which are more than equal to anything which the UK weather can throw at it is essential.

There are plenty of different products on the market and arguably they do the same job in that they provide power where it is needed. But what you really need is a product which you can rely on so that you know you won’t get any returns.

Get the basics

So what exactly should you be looking for? In the great outdoors an IP rating is very important as it protects against the elements – particularly in the UK when we can have the pleasure of sun and hail in the same day! You also need to be looking for a product which is tough and ideally lockable – basically something which is designed with both safety and security in mind.

I have always found that the best way to see if a product stands up to the claims of the manufacturer is to put it to the test – so that’s exactly what we did with the Weathersafe Extreme and Weathersafe Vision ranges from Timeguard.

No more need

‘There’s no more need for that indoor lead’ is a very good phrase which is used to describe these products in the literature because their unique characteristics make the use of outdoor power simple. In fact once it is installed it is simply a matter of opening the lid, plugging in the appliance and off you go.

Installation proved to be remarkably simple which is a bonus for the installer because less time on the job is more money in the pocket. But an extra bonus point was given for the fact that all of the fixing screws are located behind the lockable cover which gives the extra security for the end user.

The products

When I say there is a full range to suit every possible need, I’m not joking because the product range is extensive. As well as offering IP66 protection against the elements, they can withstand dust, rain and even a hose directed at them – perfect for when the kids and the hosepipe inevitably come into contact with each other!

In addition the tough, impact resistant polycarbonate housing means that you can expect a good few years of service – even in the worse conditions where the occasional impact is expected – and here I’m thinking footballs, cricket balls etc! Another bonus point is awarded for the fact that the range will accommodate all UK plugs with the lid closing fully and the lockable cover allows you to secure the lid and ensure that only those who are meant to have access actually do.

Spot the difference

The two ranges, Weathersafe Extreme and Weathersafe Vision are both manufactured to the same high standards and come in every conceivable format from basic single and twin gang sockets to 2-way switches, single gang 13A fused spurs and timer sockets. In addition, a full range of RCD sockets is available which trip within 40 milliseconds, providing that all important outdoor protection.

The main difference between the two ranges is that Weathersafe Vision has a see through clear plastic cover which enables the user to see what is plugged in, and whether the power is switched on, at a glance. The Weathersafe Extreme range on the other hand has an impact resistant solid ribbed lid for extra strength where it is needed. Both are designed with safety and security in mind and comply with all of the necessary regulations for outdoor power.

In the shelf

One thing which I do like about this range is the packaging. I know that the product inside is essentially the important part, but it also helps if the packaging has an impact on the customer.

You can see that a lot of thought has gone into it because on the outside of the box there is a full description of the product and the applications which it is suitable for which means that your customers can tell ‘at a glance’ if this is what they need. It also means that you don’t have to start taking the box apart which saves time at the trade counter and a far more professional approach all round.

And finally

If it was just about the packaging then I would give this range an instant thumbs up because the packaging provides an instant air of professionalism. But while the packaging goes a long way to getting the product off the shelves, the product inside the box has got to stand the test of time.

I’m happy to say that this product range gets the thumbs up from Electrical Wholesaler. From the minute we took the products out of the box it proved to be an easy installation and with a full range of products to suit every installation it really does provide a full outdoor solution from a company you can trust.

The IP66 rating is a definite bonus because you never know what the elements are going to throw at it and the spacious design and lockable covers make it easy for the end user.

Gone are the days when it was acceptable to trail a cable outside to plug in some garden lights or the lawn mower and this is something which you can make the most of. What this product range gives you is the opportunity to sell a complete outdoor solution, so next time a customer comes in looking for garden lights or outdoor timers take the opportunity to upsell.

And don’t forget…when the weather gets too cold for sitting outdoors, this product range is just as suitable for Christmas lights which makes it an all year round solution.

www.timeguard.com

Based in North Tyneside, Elanders design and produce a variety of literature including premiership football club brochures, from a UK facility covering 7,804sq m.   Working to a strong environmental ethos, the Swedish owned company maintains a good environmental practice throughout its manufacturing processes.   

“Whilst the company’s processes have always been green, we were aware that we could improve the light output and reduce running costs in our production area” commented Daniel Rhodes, Plant Manager.  Following a discussion and initial survey by local electrical wholesaler Apex Electrical, the results showed that a simple change to Venture’s lamps and energy saving conversion kits (which include ignitor and ballast) would achieve better light output/colour uniformity, faster warm up time and, as the lamps have a life of over 20,000 hours, reduction in maintenance costs.

This simple change of lamp and control gear in existing fittings meant the installation could be completed quickly and easily without disruption to the normal day to day running of the busy factory. 

www.venturelightingeurope.com

The M.E.N. Arena was opened in 1995.  As one of the largest indoor arenas and concert venues in Europe, it seats up to 21,500 people and hosts more than 150 events annually.  “In reviewing our fire protection requirements, it was essential that the new system was installed seamlessly and gave us enhanced functionality and flexibility,” confirms Lee Sinnott, Deputy Facilities Manager for the M.E.N. Arena. 

 “With the need to manage huge audience numbers on a regular basis, it was also especially critical to rapidly identify the source of any potential fire, at the same time minimising any false alarms.”

In replacing the existing panel, a key factor in the decision to choose a ZX5Se-based solution was the Morley-IAS panel’s flexibility in maintaining full availability of fire safety protection throughout the period of change out.

“The unique level of flexibility offered by Morley-IAS meant that we were able to phase in the installation of the new panels over a six-month period,” says Neil Hughes of Trident, which has five years experience maintaining the existing M.E.N. Arena fire system.  “The existing System Sensor devices remained fully functional throughout the change-out period, with the result that no show suffered any interruption which is an impressive achievement.”

The addition of a Morley-IAS Visualeyez graphics system enables security staff to immediately identify the exact location of any device indicating a fire and track the progression of pyrotechnics and show smoke throughout the building.  “With a wide variety of shows and events, the Morley-IAS panel’s intuitive, easy-to-use yet robust functionality is a major step forward in providing essential control – identifying real problems quickly and keeping the risk of false alarms to an absolute minimum.”

www.honeywell.com

“We wanted to create an environment at the Raj that truly allowed our customers to dine in style,” comments Goyas Miah, Owner of the Raj.  “The sheer versatility of Collingwood’s LED not only enabled us to create an intriguing visual environment, but also dramatically reduce our running costs, with its LEDs now a focal point of our entire interior design concept.”

To highlight its extensive selection of  high end wines and champagnes, The Raj chose from Collingwood’s array of coloured LED’s to create a flexible lighting effect for the bar area, that can be changed whenever necessary. Situated along the bar’s shelving, the GL040 provides green, blue and red colourways through Collingwood’s high power light source, offering an LED output of 3 Watts. 

To illuminate the bar from the ground up, Collingwood supplied The Raj with its GL050 ground lights- designed to deliver both elegance and performance. Three high power LEDs provide an exceptionally high light output, which is protected with a special lens to ensure the light source remains easy on the eye.  Over four metres of Collingwood’s STRIP LED completes the illumination of the bar area, which runs along its shelves. The self adhesive flexible strip has been seamlessly integrated under several of the bar’s glass shelves, washing the surrounding area with constantly changing colours. 

The Raj has also utilised Collingwood’s distinctive range of exterior LEDs, to ensure the restaurant provides strong aesthetics inside and out.  The Aqua LED is positioned around the restaurant’s exterior signage, illuminating the text and adding significant kerb appeal.  Comprising an exceptional IP rating of 67, the Aqua LED provides protection against the elements and contamination from foreign bodies. An extended beam angle of 100 degrees means The Raj’s exterior signage can be highlighted from any position required.

Finally, in order to create a prominent statement piece on the restaurant walls, Collingwood supplied the WL041.  An intriguing fan light, the WL041 comprises hundreds of tiny fins and when connected to a high power LED produce large blades of light across the walls and ceiling in a dramatic fashion. 

Goyas Miah concludes: “Collingwood’s far reaching repertoire really has provided us with an extensive array of lighting for our restaurant.  The LEDs have really helped us create an atmosphere that our customers will remember.  Although some people could be put off by the initial outlay of LEDs, the long term savings are definitely worth it.  I’ve saved nearly £12,000 in one year and have not had to change a single light meaning that maintenance time has also been reduced significantly.  I’m now working on a new restaurant and bar project and am currently considering how I can fit Collingwood LEDs into the interior design there.”

www.collingwoodlighting.co.uk

Specialist fire and electrical firm, Wessex Fire and Security, won the contract to install the fire alarm system in this new museum area. Installations Manager Paul Budden said: “We have made exclusive use of Prysmian FP for the past five to six years as we know it is by far the best product in the marketplace for the work we carry out and our engineers like it as it is quick and easy to install. We chose FP for this particular job and there were no problems with the installation of the cable or its supply.”

In fact it was a complex project as the Museum had to stay open to the public throughout the nine month redevelopment; the existing fire alarm had to remain fully functional until the new system was online and despite this the new system was installed on time.

Paul continued: “We decided to work with a network of four Gent Vigilon control panels and a BS5839 Part 8 compliant PA/VA system for the public areas. Into this we installed nearly 20,000 metres of FP Plus cable in the fire alarm panels, addressable loops and voice alarm speaker circuits to and from the voice alarm amplifiers.”

The Museum of London is now fully open and the new galleries will help communicate London’s history, archaeology and contemporary cultures to all those who come through the doors.

 www.fpcables.co.uk

Nestling in acres of mature land, with panoramic views of the Arran Mountains, Auchrannie offers a mixture of accommodation for its guests including traditional country house accommodation, contemporary spa resort and self catering lodges within the landscaped grounds.        

Auchrannie runs a continuous ongoing refurbishment schedule throughout the resort to maintain its excellent standards, however, Estate Manager Billy Richardson had three main concerns with the existing lighting; heat generation and increased running costs which didn’t comply with Auchrannie’s third priority, a commitment to becoming more sustainable.  Seeking advice from local electrical wholesalers, Billy was introduced to the Megaman range of lamps which allow for retrofit into existing fittings and provide a quick payback.

Following an initial survey and discussion with an expert from the Megaman technical team, the company’s 7w GU10 LEDs were installed throughout the hotel, starting with the guest bathrooms.  Offering a direct replacement for halogen lamps, Megaman’s GU10 LEDs offer considerably less heat than equivalent halogen lamp and offer a 25,000 hour lamp life. Megaman’s GU10 LEDs also offer the flexibility of a cool white or warm white colour temperature to suit the surroundings. 

Following installation, Billy commented: “As part of our commitment to green and sustainable tourism we are in the process of replacing all existing lighting with LED’s and low energy lamps throughout the Auchrannie resort.  Although this involves considerable expense, it will be recouped with a high pay off for the long term sustainability of our energy usage. 

“We currently hold a Green Tourism silver award and are striving to further improve on this standard. Megaman has helped us greatly during our refurbishment period and provided us with valuable advice and quick delivery, which has allowed us to progress swiftly with the project. We are now in the final stages of updating other areas of the resort”.

www.megamanuk.com