M for mobility
Part M of the Building Regulations places strict demands on electrical accessories when it comes to ease of operation, visibility, height and freedom from obstruction. Student rooms within two newly-created
accommodation blocks, at the West of England School for young people with little or no sight, have been equipped with Marshall-Tufflex’s fully
curved Odyssey trunking system with red back boxes, which meet Part M and also Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements. The regional centre in Devon provides
specialist education and care to those with severe and complex disabilities, including visual impairment. Mechanical and electrical services consultant Engineering Design Practice (EDP) was asked to design the new blocks with user- friendly technology. This included advanced access and monitoring systems – prior to the upgrades the accommodation was more basic and students were more reliant on teacher assistance. EDP chose Marshall-Tufflex’s CAT 6 compliant
three-compartment PVC-U Odyssey as the containment system for the data and power supplies, together with access and monitoring systems. It was supplied by Edmundson Electrical and installed by Vincent Building Services to run horizontally above bed heads
and vertically alongside doors within 14 new bed-sitting rooms. As a result, the two accommodation blocks, which include bedroom, kitchen and living facilities, now have automatic opening doors allowing safe, secure and easy access using a key fob. Each room is also equipped with a sound-activated monitoring system and nurse call with infrared receivers incorporated into the trunking, which also carries the data and power services for TVs and PCs. ‘Most important to these units was the fact that Odyssey has in-built coloured Part M compliant accessory boxes, which work really well,’ says Adrian Knighton, electrical engineer, EDP. ‘By colour contrasting Odyssey in white with red back boxes, the partially sighted pupils at the school are better able to differentiate and operate the switches. In addition to this, the use of red back boxes and red rocker switches provided a primary colour scheme to enhance the decorative feel of the areas.’
Making it APP’n
Visitors to October’s INSITE11, the two-day event dedicated to advancing innovation in the built environment, voted for Enado as their favourite home
automation application in the Making it APP’n competition. The Construction Products Association, BRE and the
Modern Built Environment KTN have been searching for an innovative, cost effective home management interface. The brief to entrants was to design an application, or app, that brings together all aspects of home automation as a single control system with an interface that is easy-to-use, affordable and which integrates all systems in the home. Enado’s Home Automation System is a software-
powered controller that operates home systems and devices via any internet web browser. It runs on any model or brand of computer, smart phone or tablet anywhere in the world. The other shortlisted entries were Cytech Europe’s
Comfort Intelligent Home System; Idratek’s Home Automation System; Legrand Electric’s Arteor open protocol sytem, developed by Legrand to integrate seamlessly with the company’s lighting, heating, AV and security devices; PassivSystems’ PassivEnergy home energy management system; and Powerwall Space Frame Systems’ web-based automation control.
We’ve managed to combine cutting edge design with the latest in environmentally friendly features
that family’s parents when you think about assisted-living scenarios.’ While Legrand is active with specialist distributors and
integrators, forging links with the likes of CEDIA, the custom install trade body, and appearing at home technology shows, Hayward knows the real financial benefits will come when this moves into the mass market. ‘In Italy, we are very successful with this product and it sells through general electrical wholesalers to electrical contractors. That is what will happen in the future in the UK.’ Inevitably, this comes down to training. ‘In order to take
full advantage of the opportunities available, it is essential for contractors to be fully informed about technology and
Jung’s A Creation range of
lighting accessories delivers a minimalist chic finish
28
ECA Today November 2011
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