Mitsubishi Electric has prepared a CPD-accredited guide to renewable heating for commercial buildings. It focuses on heat-pump systems based on well established and reliable technology which offers the added benefit of being officially recognised as ‘renewable’.

Polypipe Ventilation, which specialises in energy-saving light-commercial and domestic ventilation systems, has relaunched its web site with a host of improved features and new content to simplify product selection and system design.

Sirrus by Gummers has published a specifiers’ guide to its full range of commercial water controls. This comprehensive product source gives full product details and data such as working pressures and flow rates to enable fast product selection.

Following a BRE study, the BRE Trust has prepared guidance to help engineers position wind turbines for on-site renewable energy. Called ‘Building-mounted micro-wind turbines on high-rise and commercial buildings’, it is based on a study that characterised wind conditions over a range of building heights from 15 to 80 m and provides guidance on the most effective height and location for wind-turbine sites.

Xpelair Ventilation Solutions’ ‘CustomVent for education’ brochure showcases its innovative range of low-carbon ventilation systems for primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities. The brochure includes all the essential information that specifiers and contractors will need to select a low-energy, cost-effective ventilation, heating and cooling system to provide optimum indoor air quality and also exceed the requirements of Building Schools for the future and Building Bulletin 101.

The ‘Copper pipework compendium’ of the UK Copper Board includes a wealth of educational material on how to install and design copper pipework systems, as well as more technical information for the experienced plumber. In addition to the detailed pages on copper tube in building and the guide to bending and pipework installation, there are pdf files of the very popular ‘Installation tips’ publication and a series of web casts showing step-by-step approaches to pipe sizing for water and gas services.

Cablofil has published a comprehensive catalogue providing contractors and consultants with guidance on the Cablofil wire tray system for cables. Running to 115 pages, this guide give a full visual summary of all the products that make up the Cablofil system, along with a quick-reference guide to load-bearing capacities and bend radii. It also includes guidance on the correct methodology for cutting, shaping, joining and fixing the system.

Crabtree’s latest catalogue on wiring accessories and circuit-protection equipment runs to over 200 pages and clearly details the specific features and benefits of each range. Product sections enable contractors to easily identify the items they require, and technical pages provide information regarding specifications, dimensions, capacities, performance and the standards and approvals to which the products conform.

JG Speedfit has launched a new underfloor-heating web site. It aims to educate users about the benefits of underfloor heating — while removing the mystique and perceived difficulty behind the specification and installation.

Mitsubishi Electric has produced a free, CPD-accredited guide to solar photo-voltaics. It explores the issues around solar power and highlights the rules of thumb necessary for specifying and installing these systems.

HVCA Publications has launched a guide to good practice for the installation of fire and smoke dampers (DW/145. It highlights many of the basic principles in the design and installation process, while identifying the responsibilities that attach to the team as a whole.

SE Controls, which specialises in smoke and natural ventilation, has redesigned its web site. It covers the company’s wide range of products and services which are combined to offer a complete turnkey solution from initial design to completion and ongoing maintenance.

MK Electric has published the 47th edition of its catalogue in a CD-ROM specification version. It is also available online as a download. Over 5300 products are covered, including technical information for specifiers and consultants. Its scope includes wiring devices to circuit protection and cable management. There are also range highlights for MK’s Ackermann and Friedland sister businesses.

CIBSE has fully updated its Guide E ‘Fire safety engineering’. Now in its third edition, it includes new chapters on performance-based design principles and application of risk assessment. This new edition has been updated throughout to include BS 9999 and other recent developments.

MHS Radiators, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of towel rails, designer and panel radiators, has launched an exclusive web site for trade customers. It gives access to special trade-only products. There are dedicated sections on all the company’s products — including its cost-effective panel radiators, designer models, towel radiators and bathroom radiators, underfloor heating systems and low-surface temperatures.

LUCKINSlive.com, the CIBSE-supported online information services for the building-services industry, is now accessible through dynamic links from Amtech Power Software, Estimation and NES software. This time-saving feature enables users to access relevant product information director from within the software they are using, often with a ingle mouse click.