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Zehnder Revolutionises Air Distribution Installation with the launch of RapidLock


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ew sealing solution – used as part of the Zehnder air distribution system – is proven to be THREE times faster for installation per household


5th January 2024 - Indoor climate solutions provider, Zehnder Group


UK, today launches an innovative new connection clip for quicker and easier installs for its air distribution systems. The new connector for Zehnder’s semi-ridged ducting, aptly named RapidLock®, ensures a secure, airtight connection across the air distribution system – from the manifold to the grille housing. This removes the pain for installers of grappling with metal clips, greasing gaskets or relying on bayonet sockets, even when ducting is rotated 90 degrees. With the new Zehnder RapidLock connection, a tight seal is made in seconds and installers can confidently


move onto the next task. The easy-to-use connectors can be fitted, unclipped and adjusted with ease, preventing problematic unclipping, which often results in ducting being damaged with metal clips if the ductwork wasn’t originally aligned properly. Designed for ease of use, the Zehnder RapidLock connector streamlines the installation process of


ventilation systems, including mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units. In an industry facing training and skills gaps, this new innovation addresses a crucial need. It can help to prevent issues during installation, which can lead to significant problems as well as additional time and costs. The new install solution will help to enhance overall trust in products and give peace of mind to the end-user


that the ventilation system they have in place is helping to create a comfortable and healthy environment. RapidLock forms part of Zehnder’s complete Air Distribution System. Its comprehensive range is designed


to efficiently route air from its ventilation systems to targeted spaces within a building, be it new builds or renovations. From thermal-insulated ducting and ancillaries to versatile ducting manifolds, grilles, valves and the new RapidLock connectors, it comprises everything needed to create an efficient and flexible air distribution network for heating, cooling, and ventilation needs. Rupert Kazlauciunas, Technical Product Manager at Zehnder Group UK said: “Our new RapidLock connector is proven to make installation three times faster per household*. Through aiding technicians in the installation process, enhancing opportunity for swift commissioning and hassle-free maintenance, we’re confident that our latest design will prove invaluable to the industry.” “The RapidLock connector technology prevents any problems when unclipping and ensures firm duct connections, even with a rotation ability of 90 degrees, making it adaptable to spaces of various shapes and sizes. This new, advanced sealing technology addresses air vent leakage - often mistaken as system faults rather than installation error - that can lead to various issues such as increased energy consumption, disruptive noise, reduced indoor air quality, and uneven airflow.” With the introduction of the new RapidLock connectors, the ventilation system is free from draughts


and noise disruptions as it ensures a secure, airtight seal. It allows for more precise control over the air distribution, ensuring even, effective fresh air supply indoors and promoting a healthy environment with quiet ventilation.


www.zehnder.co.uk/en/indoor-ventilation/solutions/air-distribution F


ire protection solutions manufacturer, Advanced, has supplied its BS 8629-compliant EvacGo evacuation alert system to new build residential development, The Ironworks, in Sheffield. Built on the site of the former Queens Hotel on Scotland Street in central Sheffield, the 11-storey


building comprises 228 one and two-bedroom furnished apartments designed to offer affordable, high- quality rental accommodation. The development also includes shared spaces such as a rooftop garden, communal lounge and workstations, as well as a bookable meeting area that doubles as a cinema room. In addition to the evacuation alert system, The Ironworks also benefits from robust fire protection of its landlord areas thanks to the installation of Advanced’s flagship MxPro 5 fire panel. Fire and security service provider WPS Fire & Security installed both systems and were involved in the project from the design stage through to commissioning. The Ironworks forms part of the first wave of high-rise construction to be completed since evacuation


alert systems became mandatory in new residential buildings over 18m in England and Wales in December 2022. The amendments to Approved Document B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations also stipulated that these systems adhere to BS 8629 – the code of practice outlining how evacuation alert systems should be designed, installed, commissioned and maintained. This should give residents in buildings like The Ironworks reassurance that if they need to leave the building in a fire, the instruction will be communicated clearly and safely. Each EvacGo panel is housed inside a STS 205 security-rated enclosure with patented BS EN 1303-compliant lock and key mechanism for exclusive access by the fire and rescue service – ensuring minimal risk of unauthorised use and full compliance with BS 8629. At The Ironworks, the main panel is supported by a sub-panel, with one sounder in each of the 228 apartments to alert residents in an evacuation scenario. Phil Souter, Managing Director of WPS Fire & Security, said: “It was essential to choose a BS 8629-compliant evacuation alert system to meet the changes to the Building Regulations. Advanced is our preferred fire protection supplier, so we knew we could rely on them to provide a robust solution. The EvacGo was easy and straightforward to install, while also giving our customer the confidence their building fully complies with BS 8629 and the safety of their residents is protected.” Shaun Scott, Emergency Evacuation Systems Application Engineer at Advanced, said: “It’s encouraging to see the first high-rise residential projects since the implementation of Approved Document B near completion, following an uncertain and challenging few years for the


Toolbox By Admiral rebrands to Admiral Business complete with new customer- centric tailored insurance packages


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oolbox by Admiral, the business insurance arm of Admiral Group, has announced that it has rebranded to Admiral Business to “better


reflect the company’s core focus”. The rebrand came after a recent strategic review,


with a new focus and core proposition to drive growth and better deliver for new and existing customers. ‘Admiral Business’ core proposition stands for hassle–free insurance tailored to meet the needs of UK businesses, both now and in the future.’ The rebrand comes with a newly branded website, and all instances of toolboxbyadmiral.com will


now redirect to their new website admiralbusiness.com. The newly branded Admiral Business website will offer unique customer-centric tailored packages


and trade-specific pages with customer-friendly navigation. It will centre around a more focused target audience of established businesses in the UK involved in the build, repair and renovation of houses, such as builders, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and landscapers. These are business owners who need Public Liability, Tools Insurance and Employer Liability Insurance to protect and future-proof their business. The new site boasts brand new content and a simplified purchasing journey that has been carefully crafted, refined and aligned to their key messaging, ‘Insurance Made Easy’ - meaning easy to navigate website pages, easy to find and easy to buy. The content has been based on new customer messaging designed to simplify and build consistency in a way their target audience can understand. Admiral Business CEO Fouzan Ali said: “We are excited to bring something to help tradespeople protect their business today and in the future. We know that running a business in the construction and renovation industry comes with a unique set of challenges. We understand that our customers’ needs are complex and they want to know they are getting insurance cover that is just right for them with no hidden extras. That’s why we’ve crafted tailored insurance plans that enable them to choose the right level of cover, in one place, with just one simple monthly payment. We believe in providing insurance that adapts to the dynamic needs of our customers’ business,


so we also offer a unique feature—fee-free policy changes and cancellations, giving customers the freedom and flexibility they deserve. They also want to buy from a brand they know and trust. “At Admiral Business we bring more than just coverage, we bring a legacy of trust with more than 30


years of expertise and heritage so customers can rest assured they will receive stress-free protection and swift claims resolution. They are in safe hands.” Admiral Business will continue to further evolve its offering with even more simplification and aim


to provide a digital user experience that’s so easy to use that customers will be able to buy the right insurance cover for them on their mobile using ‘just one hand’”.


admiralbusiness.com Ironclad BS 8629 Compliance for Sheffield Development


construction industry in the wake of the Grenfell Tragedy. The updated regulations provide much-needed clarity to the sector and it’s positive to see residents move into new high-rise buildings with the confidence that systems like EvacGo are in place to help keep them safe.” All Advanced evacuation alert systems are custom-manufactured to reflect each individual building’s


evacuation zones and have been developed to provide a bespoke solution that allows the fire services to control evacuation floor by floor according to the severity and location of the fire. The guidance states that the evacuation alert control system should be installed where a ‘stay put’ policy is in force, so that it can be used to facilitate a timely and ordered evacuation for all residents. An evacuation alert system is vital to help fire and rescue services inform residents of a change in evacuation strategy during an incident and can be used alongside existing methods of evacuation to improve safety for residents. It must be standalone, with its only function being to assist fire and rescue services in the evacuation of the building. As a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems, Advanced is committed


to creating a safer future. A reputation for performance, quality and ease of use see Advanced products specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. The Advanced product portfolio includes complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, false alarm management and reduction solutions as well as emergency lighting. Advanced is owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC – a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.


www.advancedco.com 36 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER FEBRUARY 2024 Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


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