Peppering House

Managing Director Martin Ellwood, recognised that the Focus SB range of lighting plates would be the ideal fittings to choose for use throughout this prestigious project.  With over 300 lighting plates in the range they were an ideal choice to complement the variations of interior design, furnishings and decor throughout the entire building.

Kitchen

Hallway

This decision having been made, he contacted Tim Yarnold, National Sales Manager at ADR Fastlec in Littlehampton, to source and supply these items.  Tim confirmed that for a demanding, high profile project such as this, Focus SB, renowned for their specialist metal workers,  would be the ideal manufacturer to supply well made fittings, in a timely manner, to comply with any stringent specifications and unusual aesthetic requirements with no problems or hold ups.

The project has now been completed to the delight and complete satisfaction of both the installer and the customer and Martin has said that he would definitely recommend Focus SB Plates again without any hesitation.  ”More than 300 Prism II, Primed White and True Edge with Satin Chrome Finish and plates were ordered and both the quality and finish of all the products was superb.”

Staircase

 Roger Kemp, the Managing Director of Focus SB explained

 “Our skilled craftspeople, based in Sussex, hand finish our products to be functional and beautiful and to last a lifetime.

 In addition, our extensive range of lighting and socket plate designs will complement any decor whether it be modern and stylish or an elegant period theme and all products are supplied with the necessary technical requirements and supports to make installation an easy and straightforward process.”

The post Fastlec Supply Peppering House Project With Focus SB Accessories appeared first on Fastlec.

The Powerstream is without doubt, one of the biggest selling water heaters on the UK market.

Its success is that it has allowed people to provide instant hot water to basins anywhere in a domestic or commercial installation with just a cold-water feed. Add to that, the fact that the unit was smaller than the body of a shower unit and could be hidden away anywhere. The simple design has remained unchanged for over a decade, until now.

Saving money with the new Eco model:

Redring have added an external temperature selection dial to the front of the new Powerstream. This gives now gives the unit 3 powered and one ‘cold’ water settings that can be selected by the user as required. Mains water pressure varies between installations, so where pressure is good, the reduced power settings can be used to provide hot water for hand washing at less than half the price. Also, as the seasons change, the temperature of the water entering the unit varies greatly, so you can reduce the power outside the winter months and make seasonal savings.

Redring Powersteam Eco - Modern design:

As the unit now needs to be more accessible if you wish to control the power, Redring have also given their new Powerstream a complete makeover. The new unit has rounded edges and attractive sleek lines.

9.5kw Model – Part Number 45673201 – Short Code RP1E

High – 9.5kw full power

Eco – 5.4kw

Low – 4.1kw

Cold

 10.8kw Model – Part Number 45673202 – Short Code RP10.8E

High – 10.8kw full power

Eco – 6kw

Low – 4.8kw

Cold

At this time, we understand that the original 12kw model will also be available in the earlier design for the foreseeable future.

The NEW Powerstream is now available to buy from the Fastlec Redring Powerstream section

The post New Redring Powerstream Eco Water Heater appeared first on Fastlec.

Single Basin Electric Water Heaters

NB – Electric water heater suppliers differentiate between basins (only big enough to wash your hands in) and sinks (big enough to wash up plates and crockery). If you fit a water heater designed for a basin to a kitchen sink, they may try to get out of the warranty if you have a problem. It makes sense up to a certain point, as a heater used for occasional hand-washing is going to work less than half as hard over 3 years as one that’s feeding a kitchen sink where someone washes up 2-3 times a day or more.

Over-sink electric water heater options:

Hand wash unit – These neat little boxes with spouts sit directly over your sink and instantaneously heat the water as it passes through the unit. They’re usually 3kw and you can get auto-sensing ones for increased hygiene and economy. Great for hand-washing, not so for washing-up.

Over-sink vented water storage unit – Looks like a big brother to the hand wash, but works by storing the water in the tank (5, 7 or 10 litre versions are most common) and keeping it hot. A thermostat on the front of the unit allows you to control the stored water temperature. Water is delivered to the basin via a spout similar to that of the hand wash unit. Plenty of hot water to do a bowl of washing up, bit of an over-kill if it only gets used for hand-washing.

Multiple Basins/Sinks Electric Water Heaters

Under-sink electric water heater options:

Instant water heaters – These very compact units can be discreetly tucked away under sinks or inside cupboards. They work in a similar way to an instant electric shower, taking a cold water feed and heating the water as it passes through with a high power element (usually between 9.5 and 12kw single phase). The element only draws power when the internal flow-switch senses water passing through, so they can be a surprisingly efficient on-demand hot water supply system. Usually suitable for one or two outlets (one basin and one shower or two basins). Check with your electrician that you have a big enough supply cable and capacity back at your fuse-board when considering this option. For commercial installations, there are larger 3 phase instant water heaters available.

Small unvented water storage heater – Typically 10 or 15 litres of water held in a compact casing which can be fitted under-sink or cupboard. The water is kept heated when switched on with (typically)  a 3kw element. Suitable for up to 4 outlets, which can include larger sinks. Existing and standard taps/mixers can be used. Requires a minimum amount of pipe length between the cold water inlet and the first draw off point to allow for water expansion when the unit is in use. In rare cases where this pipe length isn’t available you can purchase an additional cold water expansion vessel to solve the issue. A thermostat on the front of the unit allows you control the stored water temperature.

Large Capacity, Multiple Outlet Electric Water Heaters

Wall mounted electric water heater options:

Flatback vented wall mounted water heaters - For larger installations such bathrooms, commercial kitchens, cloakrooms and canteens, a large rectangular heater can be wall mounted to provide heated wall volumes between 25 and 100 litres. Handy for applications were larger amounts of water can be required but there isn’t room for a floor-standing cylinder in the building.

Medium unvented wall mounted water heaters – These storage heaters are typically available in sizes between 30 and 75 litres. They are best suited suited for medium sized applications such as commercial sinks

Whole house electric water heater options:

Unvented cylinder water heaters – If you have the room, these cylinder heaters can be used for direct water heating applications up to 300 litres (enough capacity to supply all the hot water for an average 6 bedroom house). These ‘direct’ models are used with either one or two immersion heaters and can be used on ‘economy 7′ peak/off peak tariffs if required.  ’In-direct’ models are also available for use in conjunction with a gas fired or electric boiler up to 200 litres.

Electric central heating boilers – Can replace a gas boiler to provide hot water for ‘wet’ central heating or underfloor systems. For central heating and hot water supply, use in conjunction with an unvented electric cylinder water heater. Suitable for any dwelling between small flat up to a 4 bedroom house. Much lower maintenance costs than a gas combi-boiler. Some units such as the Redring Ascari has multiple output settings to suit a range of dwellings whereas others require you to purchase the correct size boiler to suit your application. Always get direct advice from the boiler manufacturer as to the suitability of the equipment for your particular installation.

 All these water heater types are available to purchase from Fastlec’s Redring Water Heater section

The post Electric Water Heaters – Choosing The Right One appeared first on Fastlec.

Inceptor Downlight

The table below outlines the number of fittings possible for each dimmer depending on the rating.

This fitting has been designed for use with the Click MD9040 and the MD9020 modules present in most of their accessory ranges, but Scolmore have tested the downlights and confirm it is also suitable for use with the following dimmers available from other manufacturers.

In our opinion, the best way of dimming Inceptor LED downlights would be to use Click Scolmore’s own dimmer ranges if possible. They offer a full range of finishes in white, decorative, flat plate and screwless finishes to suit all tastes. That way if there are any issues, you can easily take them to the one manufacturer rather than having the people who make the dimmer blame the people who make the downlight and vice versa (been there before?)

The post Dimming Inceptor LED Downlights – What You Need To Know appeared first on Fastlec.

Normally, you would expect a good electrical wholesaler or even retailer to be able to offer you a choice of a couple of different types of electric shower off the shelf in perhaps two or three different power ratings. One of them would most likely be a basic model with simple dual rotary controls at a keen price and the other a more advanced model with controls that allow you to leave the shower settings in place for your the next time that you use it and also maybe offer some type of thermostatic protection against reductions in flow rates.  The two popular ratings would be 8.5kw and 9.5kw.

150 Showers Ready For Next Day Delivery

That’s fine to a certain extent and would cover a percentage of projects, but given that the number of features and models is so massive, it seems a shame to settle for such a limited range of choice. After all, if your client won’t stretch to replacing the entire cable run with a larger cable,  you could offer them another 7.2kw shower to replace the one that’s failed. If you’re putting in a new circuit anyway, maybe the client wouldn’t mind paying extra for an ultra powerful 10.8kw shower or a remote control digital unit. Thankfully, Fastlec carry in the region of 150 different electric showers in 13 different ranges at any one time all ready for next day delivery to mainland UK (non-mainland UK usually 2 days).

List of all the Redring models we carry, covering 7.2kw, 8.5kw, 9.5kw and 10.8kw options:

• Active 320 electric showers
• Active 350 electric showers
• Expressions 500 electric showers
• Expressions 550 electric showers
• Expression Eco T energy saver electric showers
• Slimline 620 electric showers
• Slimline 650 electric showers
• Advantage 550 electric showers
• Selectronic Premier electric care showers
• Expressions 570 pumped electric showers
• Expressions 520 power showers (electric supply only required for the pump)
• Digimix remote control electric showers
• Digimix pumped remote control mixer showers

 FREE Timed Delivery (orders over £50)

All our showers are shipped with DPD couriers on a next working day service, who send you need an email (and a text if you supply your mobile number) with full tracking details and also giving you a one hour delivery window that day so you know when they’re coming. The communications also allow rescheduling of the delivery either on-line or by text.

Due to the Internet revolution, clients are now aware of and expect a greater range of choice and don’t expect to wait too long either, so don’t limit them, provide them with an off the shelf solution or a feature rich shower upgrade.

If you would like to browse our prices or make a purchase, then please visit the Fastlec website showers section , but in the meantime here’s a selection of current prices (correct at 23/1/13):

Active 320S 8.5KW electric shower £57.50 +VAT

Expressions 500S 9.5kw designer feature shower £79.99 +VAT (sp offer)

Expression Eco T 8.5kw energy saving shower £221.43 +VAT

Expressions 570 9.5kw pump assisted electric shower £175 +VAT

Selectronic Premier Plus ‘Care’ 9.5kw electric shower £207.50 +VAT

Digimix DMP1 remote control mixer shower £240.83 +VAT

The post Fastlec – Largest Stockist Of Redring Showers in The UK appeared first on Fastlec.

Contractors came from far and wide to test their favourite GU10 LED lamps up against the new 4w Energetic lamp from Click Scolmore. Although none of the lamps tried could better, the output and colour of the Energetic lamps, all names were put in a hat for the ‘Veuve Clicquot Champagne Draw’.

The lucky ‘Quaffers’ were presented with their liquid winnings by James Hazelgrove, ADR Fastlec’s external sales executive.

Mr King & Mr Williams

The post Energetic LED Lamp Challenge Champagne Winners! appeared first on Fastlec.

Yes, but you will probably require an upgrade in size of the cable that runs from your fuse-board to the shower as these larger power showers will draw a higher current than your old one. You will also require an upgrade of the fuse or MCB back at the fuse-board to handle the higher current. 7.2kw showers were typically wired on 4mm or 6mm twin and earth cable and depending on the volt drop calculations that your electrician should run, you will require a 6mm or 10mm cable for an 8.5kw shower and a 10mm cable for your 9.5kw shower. Your MCB (fuse) will also need upgrading to 40,45 or 50A depending on your electricians calculations.

There is a link to handy cable size selector on the Fastlec help page here that will give you a rough idea of the cable size required for your installation

Do the higher power models, give a hotter and more powerful shower?

They do, but the over-all performance of the shower is limited to some extent to your existing cold water pressure – if you have have poor mains water pressure then a standard electric shower won’t be able to increase that pressure. Instant electric showers have a powerful element inside that heats the water extremely quickly as it passes through the shower body, so as you can imagine with a very low flow rate , the water takes longer to pass through and therefore comes out of the shower at a higher temperature.
Conversely, when you increase the flow rate on your shower, you will usually notice a decrease in temperature as the water passes through more quickly and spends less time in contact with the heating element.

With a higher power rated shower such as 9.5kw and 10.8kw, the water is heated much more quickly, so the higher water flow rates don’t reduce the water temperature as much (or hardly at all). In general you terms you could expect an 8.5kw shower to give you 25% more flow than a 7.2kw shower and a 9.5kw 40% more.

Are electric showers economical? How much do they cost to run?

Even though they use a high power element, they are only running for a short time and usually not at full power so they are surprisingly economical. As a guideline at current energy prices (14.48p per unit) a 10 minute 8.5kw shower costs around 20p. (The Redring Eco T energy saver shower actually reminds you when you’ve been showering for 5.5 minutes!)

How much water do they actually use?

Between 4 to 6 litres per minute depending on your temperature and flow rate settings.

There’s lots of different features, what do they mean?

•  Dual controls – Basic dual controls allow you to leave the temperature set at your favourite setting but you will have to switch the power (flow rate) dial to the required setting each time you shower.
• Push button controls – Showers with push button controls solely or in addition to rotary controls will usually allow you to leave both your temperature and your flow rate settings in place for you next shower.
• Thermostatic control – Allows for fluctuations in water pressure caused by other appliances in the building, by automatically adjusting the temperature to keep it stable.
• Phase shutdown – Scale build up in electric showers is accelerated by the hot water left in the system after you’ve finished using the shower. Phase shut down flushes the hot water out with cold water at the end of the shower cycle to stop this from happening.
• LCD display – Some top of the range showers, show the set shower temperature digitally on the front casing.
• Multi-mode shower heads – All but the most basic showers come with a shower head than can be adjusted to create up to 6 different spray patterns.
• Care showers – Showers for the less able come with extended rails, longer hoses and a host of extra features to protect vulnerable users from potential scalding.

What kind of guarantee can I expect?

Look for a minimum of 2 years, Redring offer 3 and even 5 years with some of their showers. The guarantees usually include (or even insist on) on-site repair, so instead of sending the shower back an engineer can be booked to fix or replace the shower in your home.

The post Best Electric Showers Q&A appeared first on Fastlec.

With the constant aim to improve quality, extend the lifetime of electrical products and of course reduce energy usage and running costs the lighting sector is constantly changing, with new items and product upgrades always available for the discerning user.

Firebreak LED 10

The KSR Lighting Firebreak LED10 range has only just been released onto the market and incorporates all of the features one has come to expect of a high quality downlight with the added bonus of the option to change the bezel for a different colour, a different shape (square bezels and drop glass are both available) plus a tilt rim or a baffle rim.  This comprehensive option is, as far as we can determine, unique to this type of integrated down lights.  Each of the options is available in a range of colour options and complements the downlight in a way that has never before been possible.

On the technical side, the design of these revolutionary Firebreak LED 10 down lights incorporates numerous design and safety features.  As well as the detachable rims,  the light is supplied with a switched dimmable pre-wired LED driver and boasts a very efficient heat sink to take the heat away from the LED chips.  In addition to that, 3 spring clip height settings make it suitable for fitting into all types of fire rated ceilings.

The fittings benefit from a full five year, no quibble warranty making them a quality purchase with a long expected life.

Out now – The Click Inceptor Range

Another new and innovative design which has just been released onto the market is the Inceptor range from Scolmore.  This is a range of integrated LED downlights that are fire and acoustic rated with flexi drivers.  They are an ideal choice when installing into shallow ceiling voids as the unit will fit into a void as shallow as 60mm.

This range of lights are covered by a ten year warranty and include many features and benefits such as a 35 degree angle, an integrated LED driver and Flexi-driver mount and an intumescent collar.  Various finishes are available, they fit straight to mains with one quick easy connection, they provide a wide spread of light and are suitable for bathrooms and wet rooms.

In spite of all the added features and benefits, these downlights are keenly priced and also give a cost saving against traditional lamps.  Demand for these fittings is expected to be extremely high so watch out for the launch date.

Coming Soon! – The Ansell Titan

The launch date for the Titan (rumored to be December 2012) from Ansell has not yet been released but this is another eagerly awaited new integrated fire and acoustic rated down-lighter.

• Bright – Pushing out 800 Lumens from a single 9w chip, its going to be a great replacement for halogen MR16.
• Dimmable – They are going to be dimmable as standard with a comprehensive list of UK dimmers.
• Long Life – 7 Year warranty (no registration required!). The Titan also uses the same open case design as the iCage which allows further heat dissipation from dedicated heat-sink in order to prolong the LED life expectancy (Average 50,000 hours).
• More Colour Choice – Available with white,  brass, chrome, satin chrome, antique brass or black fast fit bezels.
• Use Anywhere – IP65 waterproof as standard.
• Low Energy – 55-61 Lumens per Watt. 80% energy saving over halogen.

There’s also a neat new micro-switch feature at the terminal block that allows you to isolate the fitting for an insulation test. This helps prevent potential damage to the LED driver.

The post Exciting New Products – Lighting Solutions appeared first on Fastlec.

Please note – These are the most common questions that our customer service team are asked on a daily basis about extractor fans. Some of this information is given to aid understanding of some of the most common fan wiring issues – We would always recommend that any wiring in the home is done by a suitably qualified electrician as there are very real dangers and stringent laws associated with the majority of electrical work.

Question: I bought a timer fan to replace a standard fan, why won’t it work?

Answer: Usually this due to the original standard fan only having a single live connection. Most timer fans (and fans with other automated options such as humidistats and PIR sensors) require an additional permanent live cable to make the timer function work. This type of fan uses a switched live to activate the fan on first use and then when this circuit is broken (i.e. the fan is switched off with the light for instance) then the other ‘permanent’ live provides a feed to the fan in order that it can run on for the duration that the timer has been set to. The fan cannot be used, unless the extra live is provided or the time function is completely linked out (see below).

There are some exceptions to this rule, for example the Airflow Quietair timer, humidity and sensor fans will work without the additional permanent live its just the over-run timer won’t function.

Question: How can I get my timer fan to work when I only have 1 live cable and a neutral?

Answer: Most timer fans can be fitted to a circuit with only a single live if the permanent and switched live terminals on the fan are ‘linked’. This will allow the fan to run in a straight forward on/off operation only, the timer will not activate. This should only be attempted by an electrician after first consulting with the manufacturer of the fan.

Question: I have just had my humidity fan installed and its continuously running and it wont turn off

Answer: Most humidity controlled fans leave the factory with the adjustable humidity stats  pre-set (sometimes as low as 40% RH), it may well be the humidity in the area that you live in is higher than the factory setting thus resulting in the fan running continuously. Simply increase the humidity stat setting to the required level of relative humidity. We advise starting at full (usually 90%) and working back down in small increments until you are happy with the fans response to turning on the shower etc. Please also be aware that unless your house is completely 100% sealed, then increases in external humidity levels during the year will also have an effect inside your house, so you may need to adjust the fan setting every 6 months or so.

Question: How do you wire a fan so that it comes on with the lighting circuit?

Answer: Pretty much any extractor fan (continuous running fans are usually set to run at a very low speed when the light (or remote switch) is off can be wired to be switched on/off at the same time as the light in the room. In simple terms, the light source is wired between the ‘switched live’ and the ‘neutral’ on the input side of the fan (or more likely the fan isolation switch to comply with regulations).

Question: Are 2 Speed (or multi-speed) fans more difficult to wire?

Answer: Not necessarily, but you do have pay close attention to the manufacturer’s wiring diagrams. You have a choice of terminals to wire to for one speed and another set for the higher speed. The complications can arrive if you wish to be able to externally switch the fan between speed 1 and speed 2. This will usually require the wiring in of an additional switch that will alter the speed (with a separate pull cord for example switching the fan on/off). It is also possible to buy a 3 position switch that has a centre off and then a speed 1 and speed 2 setting so that fan can be controlled from just one switch. You can further complicate things by adding a lighting circuit and timer facility. This is why qualified electricians have to spend a long time in the classroom and on courses learning all the possible permutations and how to confidently read some of the more complicated wiring diagrams. It is also worth noting that ‘having a stab’ at the wiring of extractor fans can not only be dangerous but also risks damaging the fan circuitry, so that when its eventually re-wired correctly it may still not work.

Question: How are Continuous or DMEV fans used?

Answer: Continuous running fans are usually set to run at a very low speed when the light (or remote switch is off) and then go into ‘boost’ mode (higher fan speed) when the circuit is activated. In continuous mode, the fan provides gradual replacement of air very quietly and with a small amount of energy. The boost function helps to remove humidity and stale air when a room has been recently used for showering, bathing, tumble drying etc..

Question:  How do I keep fan noise as low as possible?

• Pick a fan with a low decibel levels (Vent Axia Silent, Airflow Quietair etc..)
• Be aware that fully tiled bathrooms can act as an amplifier for any noise present.
• Use an in-line fan in the loft or void if possible (Airflow Aventa, Vortice Lineo etc..)
• Use the lower fan speed setting on in-line mixed flow fans as often high speed is over kill in standard sized bathrooms
• Cushion the fan mountings – Many contractors use cut up pieces of mouse mat under the in-line fan mountings to reduce vibration noise transferring through the joists.
• Extreme noise reductions – Its not uncommon for in-line fans to be ‘wire suspended’ in some lofts so that vibration issues are taken out all together.
• Consider using acoustic, insulated ducting.

View the extractor fan section of the Fastlec website

The post Extractor Fan Wiring and Setup Q&A appeared first on Fastlec.

Fresh on to the scene this month, comes the Airflow Loovent Eco. A complete revamp of the incredibly popular and long-lived (still going now) Loovent range.

Features:

• Very compact size – One of the smallest footprints of any modern fan means you can fit it in anywhere. (187 x 167mm)
• Multi-function – Can be used in toilets, bathrooms, en-suites, kitchens (adjacent to hob) and utility rooms with only 100mm ducting.
• Dual Mounting – Each fan can be either surface or recessed mounted straight out of the box with no extra accessories to buy.
• Full 5 year warranty – For long term peace of mind (The old Loovents could last up to 20 years!)
• Humidity model can be adjusted from as low as 40% to 90% helping to reduce nuisance operation.
• IPX5 – Highest protection for bathroom areas.
• Retrofit – has been specifically designed to replace the old Loovent fan by keeping the spigot and mounting positions the same.

There’s also a DMEV version that’s SAPQ approved for the new build sector.

View and buy the Loovent Eco range from the Fastlec website

Models:

• Timer 72684305
• Humidity Timer 72684306
• PIR 72684307
• DMEV Timer 72684308

Airflow have also thrown in free cool bags and a ‘Silverstone’ racing promotion to kick-start the marketing.

The new units have an original styling which looks clean, minimalist and should suit most bathroom decors.

Out Now – Greenwood Airvac’s ‘Omnique’ – The only fan you’ll ever need?

This fan really does have all the features rolled into one…….

• Multi-operation – This one fan can be used in basic, continuous, timer, humidity and pull cord operations
• Safety – Oh and its also safety extra low voltage 12v
• Back-draft control even when on – the shutter opens just enough to allow the extract to take place, ensuring the building is kept as close to airtight as possible
• Costs - Less than 0.5p per day to run
• Smart – Timer and humidity functions
• Maintenance – Nearly all components are replaceable by any competent person to prevent landfill waste and extended life costs
• Flexibility – Change the required operation to any new tenants preference

Many manufacturers are producing multi-function fans but the ‘Omnique’ does seem to cover all bases with just the one unit. Very handy to have in the van, as no matter what the domestic application, you’ll always have the right fan for the job.

They look great too don’t they?

View and buy the Greenwood  Airvac Omnique from the Fastlec website

Coming Soon -

Xpelair are soon to launch their latest eco versions of the extremely popular GX6 kitchen fan.

Also, Silavent are currently launching a low carbon version of their SDF100 wall fan range.

watch this space…..

The post Extractor Fans – New Out and Coming Soon appeared first on Fastlec.