Product News

More options with Wiser heating control system

The Wiser heating control system from Drayton has been enhanced with the introduction of the Wiser Underfl oor Heating Controller and Electrical Heat Switch, helping to ensure that the energy saving controls are suitable for all types of heating confi gurations. The product extension will enable homeowners to control both electric radiators and underfl oor heating via the Wiser Home app, in addition to standard radiators, via Wiser’s userfriendly interface.

The Wiser Underfl oor Heating Controller (pictured top right) is modular in design and off ers both heating and cooling functions. Each controller has the capacity to control up to six zones, which can be operated on separate schedules when paired with

Alternatives to tiles

Waterproof wall panel manufacturer, Fibo, has added two new designs to its Urban Collection, said to refl ect the latest interior trends. The new Herringbone and Hexagonal patterns are designed to enable installers to help create contemporary bathrooms and kitchens, inspired by the architectural features and industrial styles found in urban environments.

Both of the new designs are available in a choice of three decors: London, a high gloss, warm grey shade; White Silk, a clean, white colourway; and Black Silk, which provides a dark silky fi nish.

Nicola Lewis, marketing manager at Fibo, comments: “The beauty of these designs is that they off er the appearance and realism of grout lines, thanks to our unique routering method, but without the regular upkeep that grout usually requires in order to prevent it from becoming worn, stained and unhygienic. Waterproof wall panels are also signifi cantly easier to clean and maintain, and when fi tted together, the panels have a virtually invisible joint, making them a beautiful and practical alternative to tiles in bathrooms and kitchens.”

The watertight wall panels are manufactured with a high-pressure laminate surface, bonded to a specially developed 9mm seven-layer plywood core, and an enhanced moisture barrier on the reverse. The panels are 2400mm high and 600mm wide and can be quickly installed thanks to the company’s Aqualock ‘click’ system.

Pictured is Fibo’s new Herringbone wall panel in White Silk. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/66

a room thermostat. It can be integrated as part of an existing Wiser system or set up as part of a new installation, with easy set up and connection to the Wiser Hub on the Wiser Home app.

The Wiser Electrical Heat Switch has a 16A relay for electrical heating and, because it is hard wired, can act as a range extender for the entire Wiser Home system. Also set up easily through the Wiser Home app, the switch is compatible with electric radiators and towel rails, electrical underfl oor heating, plinth heaters and infrared panel heaters.

MD Remi Volpe comments: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Wiser Home, as we take yet another step towards making this a full home management system that will be able to meet the needs of buildings in the future. The introduction of the Wiser Underfl oor Heating Controller and Electrical Heat Switch means that not only have installers got an effi cient and reliable solution for these types of jobs, but also ensures homeowners can have greater control over mixed heating systems for the highest level of effi ciency.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/65

Water leak detection system

Sonic is the name of an ultrasonic water leak detection shut-off and protection system now exclusively available from Aquilar Ltd, the authorised UK and Ireland distributor. The smart leak detection device uses ultrasonic technology to detect and identify any leakage and then automatically shuts off the supply before damage is likely to occur, while immediately alerting homeowners and building managers.

The dedicated Sonic app also monitors how much water is being used at each point in the home, thereby not only protecting the property but also helping users to manage consumption and save money. The integrated shut-off valve is WRAS-approved and can be controlled from the app at any time, with full manual override, and can also be customised to suit individual lifestyles. Other features include freeze detection, which will help to guard against frozen pipes.

Using HeroLink radio technology, Sonic is able to communicate over 300m (or through eight concrete fl oors). It is easy to install, working with almost all standard plumbing confi gurations, and the compact device is small enough to be fi tted under most sinks. It can be powered from batteries or with a connection to the mains without any complicated wiring. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/67

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Latest additions to combined cylinder and heat pump units

The new, A+ rated Nuos Plus Wi-Fi heat pump water heater is the latest addition to Ariston’s Nuos range of combined cylinders and heat pumps. Available as either a 200-litre direct (200D) or 250-litre indirect (250I) model, the units boast a CoP of up to 3.14, while producing no more noise than a typical domestic fridge-freezer.

The new models are claimed to deliver 80% more energy savings than traditional cylinders of the same capacities and off er an extended operating temperature range of -10° to 42°C. They benefi t from advanced levels of controllability, via a touch-button interface and connectivity with the Aqua Ariston Net app. The app enables users to shuffl e through modes and turn the unit on remotely while benefi ting from daily and weekly programming.

Three modes

The heat pump water heaters benefi t from three diff erent modes: Green mode, which ensures the only heating source is the heat pump itself (heating the water up to 62°C); Comfort mode, with the heating element either replacing or assisting the heat pump to replenish hot water as quickly as possible, and Boost mode which switches on the heat pump and heating element at the same time until the desired temperature is reached.

For enhanced safety and hygiene, each Nuos Plus Wi-Fi has an anti-legionella function, which regularly heats the contents of the tank to 65°C, pasteurising the water and preventing bacterial growth. There is also an anti-freeze feature, which keeps the stored water at a minimum temperature, even when the unit is turned off .

Commenting on the new models, Victoria Gutierrez, head of marketing at Ariston, says: “Nuos Plus Wi-Fi has been designed with sustainability in mind. Units can be easily integrated with other heating products, including boilers and heat pumps, thanks to our Sensys interface, which helps create a fully ‘Eco’ system. Installation is also straightforward, thanks to the ‘plug and play’ design, which enables it to be fi tted quickly, without requiring F-Gas qualifi cations. It truly is the future of smart, sustainable comfort.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/68

Woodburing fi rebox that works with an app

The double-sided Ecomonoblocco WT 16:9 fi replace from Palazzetti features tailored cladding and is said to off er exceptional environmental performance.

It features integrated O2 Ring technology to reduce harmful emissions and a fi rebox made from Thermofi x, a special refractory cement with high heat storage capacity that optimizes radiation and improves combustion. The Wood Combustion Control system controls primary and secondary air, making the fi rebox easier to turn on.

Another benefi t is the addition of ET4W (Easy Tech for Wood), which off ers the possibility of controlling many of the fi rebox’s functions – such as opening and closing the door, the intensity of the fi re and the air fan – from a smartphone using the Palazzetti App.

The product range includes a matt, honed Bianco Mediterraneo marble bench with a metallic insert installed against black slate-clad fi rebox cabinetry. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/69

Flues for high rises meet the requirements

New Multifi t fl ue options are now available as part of the Baxi Assure suite of products and services, designed to off er a complete solution for futureproof domestic hot water and heating projects.

This fl ue range is particularly suitable for high-rise installation, as they comply with the installation requirements in recent regulation changes. The latest additions to the Multifi t range are the 1.8m Highrise Horizontal Flue Terminal (60/100mm) and 2m Highrise Flue Extension (60/100mm), both of which are suitable for use in buildings over 18m. Both extensions are interchangeable with standard fl ue terminals to support installers when refi tting fl ues to meet new regulations.

The extended length and a UV stable paint covering, which is also fi re retardant, mean the fl ues are suitable to run outside of buildings and can pass through thick walls and cladding, with a reduced need for inspection hatches. These fl ues are treated to protect against condensation and prevent the exhaust deteriorating over time.

The new range also features a Highrise plume displacement kit which comes fully equipped with fl ue, boiler elbow and wall sealing rubbers. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/70

Soil system reduces noise and vibrations

From Aliaxis comes the Marley dBlue acoustic soil system which is proven to reduce noise and acoustic vibrations to a level of 10dB at 2 L/s with the Phonoklip Bracket. A patented acoustic body bracket, the Phonoklip encompasses a unique body section which works to absorb noise generated from the pipework into the building structure. Alternatively, with the dBlue bracket, the system can provide acoustic properties of only 13dB at 2 L/s.

Suitable for use in multi-occupancy applications, as well as hospitals, hotels and other commercial buildings, dBlue is also lightweight, resistant to temperature change and quick and easy to install, with a secure push-fi t jointing system. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/71

Actionable insight into mould and damp

With the launch of HomeLINK Environmental Sensors, Aico is off ering a system designed to help create healthier, energy effi cient homes. The sensors are discreet and secure, placed throughout the home to monitor temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide.

There are two models available. The Ei1020 measures temperature and humidity, while the Ei1025 measures temperature, humidity and CO2. The Environmental Sensors provide actionable insights into conditions such as mould risk, draught risk, excess cold, heat loss and indoor air quality. This allows for preventative measures and proactive maintenance, enabling landlords to adhere to requirements outlined in standards and legislation, such as the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and the Energy Effi ciency Standard for Social Housing. These products integrate with Aico’s Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway. The Gateway extracts the data from environmental sensors and provides a central hub for data from both fi re and CO alarm systems and the sensors. The data provides clear, actionable insights which are available via the HomeLINK dashboard. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/72

Appendix Q and accurate calculations

Following an assessment by the Buildings Research Establishment (BRE), Mixergy’s smart hot water tank is now featured in the Appendix Qproduct database. This allows designers and landlords to factor additional carbon savings into the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), upon which Environmental Performance Certifi cates (EPCs) and Dwelling Emission rates are based.

Unlike a conventional cylinder, the company’s smart hot water tank only heats as much water as is needed, thereby minimising the primary carbon used to generate a dwelling’s hot water, while maximising the availability of cold water for storing renewable generated energy such as from solar PV. This stratifi ed method of heating is now factored into the SAP Appendix Q database.

The system enables accurate calculation and reports the tank’s eff ect on the energy effi ciency of a heating and hot water system – and includes that information in the dwelling’s overall EPC rating.

For systems which use a standalone Mixergy cylinder, the SAP assessor can now factor a partial state of charge, rather than standing heat losses at 100% of the heated volume. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/73

Hand crafted solid wood furniture

Edition Lignatur is a new range of solid wood bathroom furniture from Keuco. The company has teamed up with Austrian fi rm, Team 7, to off er this furniture, which is individually crafted from premium woods: light oak, Venetian oak, and noble walnut. The surfaces of the wood are not sealed but treated with protective oil, mainly linseed oil, sunfl ower oil, soy oil, carnauba wax and beeswax.

The collection includes, single or double washbasins that can be recessed or table-top, sideboards, tall units and benches. As the base units are made of premium woods, it is possible to combine washbasins made of Varicor or ceramic. The washbasins can also be combined with Keuco wall-mounted fi ttings and accessories for the fi nishing touch. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1121/74