http://www.kopex.co.uk/ Kopex - Manufacturer of Conduit and Cable Management Systems TransTech Solutions, based in Meadowdale, Johannesburg is the new distributor for Kopex-Ex hazardous area electrical conduit systems in South Africa and is the New Kopex-Ex distributor. The full address is: Transtech Solutions Unit 2A Route 24 Herman Street Meadowdale South Africa Tel: 0027 11 974 9671 Fax: 0027 11 974 9653 Email: riaan@ttsafrica.com Web Site: www.ttsafrica.com TransTechnical Solutions is already established as a major supplier of a range of market leading electrical products to South Africa’s industrial markets including the manufacturing industry, mining, rail and other hazardous areas. The company has long standing relationships with many other leading international OEMs of low, medium and high voltage electrical equipment for monitoring, power transmission and electrical distribution applications. Distribution agreements are already in place with Harnessflex, Adaptaflex and Elkay, sister companies of Kopex within the Cable Management Group of Coleshill in the United Kingdom. For more information contact the company's Marketing Department, Kopex International, Station Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1HT, Fax: +44 (0) 1675 464276, Email: marketing@kopex.co.uk or visit www.kopex-ex.com Kopex International Station Road Coleshill BIRMINGHAM B46 1HT Tel: +44 (0) 1635 521103 Fax: +44 (0) 1675 464276 Email: marketing@kopex.co.uk Website: www.kopex-ex.com http://www.kopex.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=333 04/15/2009 Following a major capital investment in new CNC machining facilities at its HQ in Coleshill, Kopex International is now able to manufacture a new range of stopping plugs as part of its electrical conduit systems for hazardous area applications. The new stopping plug range has the Kopex “X” factor meaning they are able to be installed into other equipment without the need for those products to be re-tested. The products are also dual certified to ATEX and IECEx approvals. Available in brass, steel and stainless steel, the stopping plugs are available in M16-M63 and 3/8 to 2 ½” inch NPT thread sizes. Hexagonal head, standard and tamper proof versions are available. The stopping plugs form just part of the Kopex–Ex range of hazardous area products and full details can be seen at www.kopex–ex.com http://www.kopex.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=332 03/18/2009 For hazardous area applications where oil resistant electrical conduit systems are required, Kopex International can now offer a system that combines the ATEX certified flame HAM proof gland with EXLB oil resistant flexible metallic conduit. This solution has been made possible thanks to changes in certification of the HAM range and the new combination is suitable for EX II 2 GD gas and dust as well as EExd IIC and EExe II applications. The HAM ATEX approves flameproof gland range, is designed to suit EXLB and EXSB conduits, and is available in brass, metal coated and stainless steel. With epoxy resin, the glands are approved for use in Zones 1, 2, 21 and 22 classifications where vapours gas or dust may be present for both EExd flameproof and EExe increased safety protection certification. The glands operate within a temperature range for -60º c to +80º c and have a T6 temperature classification of +85ºc. IP66 ingress protection is also provided. EXLB conduit is a general oil resistant product with a flame retardant PVC covering. It is approved to IEC 61386 and is IP66 and IP67 rated. It has a general temperature rating of 25° c to + 105° c and in flexing applications, - 6° c to 105°. Conduit size availability is 10mm – 63mm (¼ inch – 2 inches). http://www.kopex.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=331 01/08/2009 A new leaflet has been introduced on the Ex range of threaded connectors, reducers and enlargers. Engineered in accordance with the latest ATEX/IECEx Standard 60079, these products are classed as equipment rather than components and can be fixed to an enclosure without the need for re-testing. The leaflet provides range availability information, highlighting metric, NPT and PG products. Brass, nickel-plated brass and stainless steel 316 versions are available. All are clearly roll-marked for easy identification are fully traceable and conform to IP66. To order copies of the leaflet, log onto www.kopex-ex.com or contact the company's Marketing Department, Kopex International Limited, Station Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1HT, Fax: +44 (0) 1675 464276, Email: marketing@kopex.co.uk http://www.kopex.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=330 12/08/2008 Many plumbers and heating installers are now using the Kopex Pipe-prep instead of wire wool to prepare copper pipes before joining them. This prevents the potential contamination of water supply pipes and whilst it is not a requirement of The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, the use of Pipe-prep is a useful safeguard against contamination risk. It is important to ensure that materials that are used for plumbing installations and repairs, including materials and fittings, are of a suitable standard and are installed safely and correctly. For example, solder that is used for joining copper pipework together for central heating systems and gas supply pipework contains lead and cannot be used to join copper pipework intended for conveying hot and cold water - lead-free solder must be used instead. Preparing copper pipe for soldering has traditionally involved the use of wire wool to smooth out any burrs. Whilst not illegal, this method can potentially carry the risk of contamination through rust and infiltration of wire wool strands into the pipework. Now, however, responsible plumbing professionals use the Kopex Pipe-prep tool instead. Copper forms an oxidised coating over time and this can prevent proper contact of joints, whilst burrs and indented metal can mean too little surface area actually reduces the area to make proper contact with. These and other factors like dirt on the metal surface may lead to inconsistent joints and high failure rates and added costs. Pipe-prep solves all these problems, taking less time than conventional pipe cleaning and preparation techniques with the added health and safety advantages. It is a combination tool that deburrs and cleans copper pipe ends. It flattens and smoothes burrs, maintaining the integrity of the material and producing the right shape for subsequent joining. Details of water fittings and materials that meet the requirements of the Water Regulations form a database called the Water Fittings Directory which is regularly updated by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS). http://www.kopex.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=329 10/14/2008 Kopex has teamed up with BASEEFA, the world-renowned certification body for electrical and mechanical equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, to create a series of new Training Courses to highlight the requirements for equipment in hazardous areas. Kopex is the market leader in electrical conduit systems for hazardous areas and is the most experienced company in its field. BASEEFA is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and is a Notified Body for the European ATEX Directive and have global acceptance within the IECEx Scheme. The courses will be of interest to all those concerned with the specification, installation and use of electrical equipment within hazardous areas in fields as diverse as upstream and downstream oil industries, chemical and processing industries, MOD & shipbuilding, rail & transportation, food processing and many others. The courses will be held at Kopex HQ in Coleshill, near Birmingham during November 2008. To find out the full details call Paul Gretton on 07776 471021 or email: marketing@kopex.co.uk http://www.kopex.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=328 10/08/2008 Routeco plc, the UK's leading distributor of industrial control and automation products, has been appointed as a Master Distributor partner for Kopex International for its complete range of products in The United Kingdom. As a master distributor for Kopex International Routeco is now able to offer a comprehensive range of flexible conduit and accessories approved to both ATEX and IECEx further enhancing the overall offering of Hazardous Area products. The Kopex range offers both metallic and non-metallic conduit, conduit fittings as well as a full range of conduit accessories. The products are suitable for many market sectors including petrochemical, pharmaceutical and offshore environments, or any safety critical or harsh environment where correct product choice and performance are essential considerations. Accompanying these new systems there is a comprehensive range of conduit accessories for hazardous areas including thread convertors, reducers, enlargers and stopping plugs available in brass, nickel plated and stainless steel 316 - all accessories products carry the unique ATEX and IECEx dual certification simplifying the product selection criteria for the end user installer. Routeco has built up an extensive portfolio of leading-brand process and ATEX products. Both companies see this as great opportunity to work together “We have always had a policy of aligning ourselves with market leaders and Kopex presents us with an opportunity to offer our customers yet another market-leading brand,” commented Tony Usher, Operations Director of Routeco, adding, “We are constantly reviewing and updating the services we provide, and we are pleased to find a partner so similar in outlook.” Tony says that Routeco is excited about the partnership and see it as the start a long relationship. “Routeco brings to the table both high name recognition and a strong value-add proposition throughout the UK, complementing the Kopex brand perfectly”, commented Dave White, Director of Sales, Kopex International. ABOUT KOPEX? For further information please contact: Mr. Tony Usher Routeco plc Davy Avenue, Knowlhill Milton Keynes. MK5 8HJ Tel: 01908 666777 Fax 01908 666738 tony.usher@routeco.co.uk www.routeco.co.uk Mr. David White Kopex International Station Road Coleshill Birmingham B46 1HT Tel: 01675 468222 Fax: 01675 464930 davewhite@cm-products.com www.kopex.co.uk http://www.kopex.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=327 10/06/2008 Martin McCormack has been working on gas installations for 18 years and knows a good pipe tool when he sees one. For much of his career, Martin has used Pipeslice pipe cutters and had no hesitation in trying out Kopex's PipePrep tool when it appeared on the market, a product he describes as having 'no comparison'. When he started up MJM Gas Services three years ago, Martin McCormack's first investment was in a pair of Pipeslice tools, for 15mm and 22mm pipe, to cope with most of his day-to-day work. “Quite apart from the ease of use and the ability to cut pipe in confined spaces, the durability of the Pipeslice is incredible,” he says. “In more than three years of solid use, I have yet to change a cutting blade.” Martin also cites the speed of cutting, without having to screw the blade onto the copper pipe, as a major advantage over other pipe cutters. So, when he saw the 28mm version available, Martin was one of the first to purchase the product, a decision he celebrated almost immediately. “Despite needing to cut 28mm pipe only occasionally, I recouped the investment on the very first job, saving enough time to pay for the tool,” he enthuses. With gas and water pipes for central heating, it is important to prepare pipes correctly and consistently for long-lasting joints with integrity and to prevent burrs and material that may restrict flow or even contaminate the system. The introduction of PipePrep, copper pipe preparation tools from Kopex, was another windfall for Martin McCormack. “I saw the product when it won the CORGI award in 2006 and immediately I could see the benefits.” Martin bought the 15mm and 22mm versions and has saved time and money with reliable preparations that provide excellent joints. He particularly appreciates the PipePrep's ability to correct out-of-round pipe forms and thus prevent ill-fitting joins, something that could otherwise go unnoticed. “For the price, Kopex Pipe Tools are incomparable, there is nothing like them for reliably and quickly doing the job perfectly every time http://www.kopex.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=326 08/05/2008 The Emirates Palace Hotel in Dubai, originally built for the Arab Nations Conference, is reputed to be the most expensive hotel ever built, with much of the interior decor featuring gold and marble. The dramatic hotel lighting plays a critical role in creating the right ambience for guests and conference delegates. To provide critical protection to the electrical wiring, Kopex KEBF 04 and 05 electrical conduit was specified for ceiling lighting and many other light fittings. Elkay glands were specified for underwater floodlights and garden lights. http://www.kopex.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=325 07/16/2008 Few things are as important to a tradesman as his tools, an adage close to the heart of Ian Cockburn, an experienced plumber and heating engineer. Kopex pipe tools, PipeSlice and Pipe-prep, have made his work easier and the results more consistent. Cockburn Services of Cheltenham, formed after Ian's redundancy prompted him to forge a career doing what he enjoyed, has been serving Gloucestershire for almost a quarter of a century. Offering a high quality service, the company strives to leave customers with the best finish and the most efficient, trouble-free systems. He is justifiably proud of his reputation and takes care to ensure that his work is clean, effective and tidy. Ian has been using Kopex PipeSlice, in 15 and 22mm sizes, for more than ten years. The decision has made a big difference to Ian's work, making accurate cutting easier and more consistent, with near-elimination of waste due to incorrect pipe lengths and reduction in time taken in rectifying pipe cutting errors. “A precise cut is immensely important for a number of reasons,” says Ian, “With PipeSlice I can position the cutter in exactly the right position and I get a right-angled cut every time.” The introduction, two years ago, of the 28mm PipeSlice drew an initially, and typically, cautious reaction from Ian but he purchased the tool and enthuses, “The 28mm tool is deceptively light but just as accurate as the smaller models.” His enthusiasm for Kopex Pipe Tools encouraged Ian Cockburn to add the award-winning Pipe-prep to his toolbox. “An efficient cut can leave a sharp edge and a sawn pipe can be misshapen so I saw the potential benefits immediately,” he continues. Pipe-prep is a simple device that, with a few twists of the wrist, removes burrs, contaminants and oxidisation from copper pipe while correcting out-of-roundness and preparing the pipe for joining. “Pipe-prep is a great idea and the biggest advantage, for me, is the improvement of flow and reduction in system noise that you get from smoothing out the edges and corners.” Ian also points to the fact that consistent and accurate pipe joints mean fewer call-outs and improved margins – not to mention happier customers. His set of Kopex Pipe Tools should, states Mr Cockburn, be 'a part of every plumbers tool kit'. He believes the brand is one of the few that actually lives up to its reputation. The combination of PipeSlice and Pipe-prep help, more than anything else, to get the job right first time and to leave his Gloucestershire customers satisfied. http://www.kopex.co.uk/newsdetail.asp?id=324 07/07/2008