FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY / HEATING, VENTILATION & INSULATION
A1 OR A2? IS IT JUST A NUMBERS GAME? Adek’s Technical Manager, Michael Roberts,
metal to Qualicoat certified
explores if there’s a need to chase the A1 fire
standards, then it cannot be above
classification for Polyester Powder.
25µm(microns) thick if you are claiming it achieves A1. Qualicoat
THE A1 OBSESSION
states that to meet its Class 1 - 2
“The need to improve on fire classifications
coating specification the minimum
has led some companies to uncompromisingly
coating thickness should be 60µm
chase the A1 classification of non-combustible
and to meet Class 3 is a minimum
paint finishes on metal work. There is no doubt
of 50µm - so reaching A1 is
that the development of material technology
unachievable using their certified
to prevent any further incidents of fire spread
coating system.”
on buildings is a must, but have we reached the limits of what is possible with a powder coating paint finish?”
EDUCATING THE INDUSTRY “Manufacturers are currently obsessed with achieving A1
SETTING STANDARDS
status, whilst contractors believe only products achieving
“For specifiers and powder coaters of architectural aluminium,
such standards are fit for purpose. And this is the problem – a
the recognised European Standard is BS EN 12206. This
lack of understanding about the difference between the A1 and
standard goes hand-in-hand with Qualicoat, the internationally
A2 classifications.
recognised specification for the production of high-quality coatings on aluminium products for architectural applications.
“A2 products are not sub-standard and by better
These specifications also determine whether your product can
understanding the differences between the A1 and A2 ratings,
be classified as A1.”
those involved in the construction industries will find they have a greater choice of products, without having to compromise
TALKING THICKNESS
on safety or quality.”
“According to AkzoNobel, a leading coating supplier, if you are applying a polyester powder coating to a non-combustible
www.a-dek.co.uk
CONSORT CLAUDGEN LAUNCHES CONSORT CONNECT APP Consort Claudgen have launched Consort Connect app which allows users to have complete control over their heating remotely via their smartphone or tablet. The app is free and downloadable from Google Play or
Powerful - Stylish - Reliable - Silent
Apple Store. It can control Consort’s Wi-Fi enabled heaters and SL heaters connected to an SLPBWIFI wireless controller. It gives quick access to four operating modes and provides a 7-day timer with twentyfour heating periods per day. It is easy to set up and users can configure the settings of all connected heaters on the app. Users can also view the energy consumption statistics. Other features include a lock function, open window tracking and response capability, and custom automations. There is a self-learning control ability utilising occupancy and temperature sensors, however, this is only available on the SLPBWIFI controller and Consort heaters with Wi-Fi and occupancy sensor. For more information, contact our sales at 01646 692172 or visit www.consortepl.com.
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