Diamond Controls has made three new key hires to its business to cope with increasing demand for its Leak Detection and Trace Heating systems.
Mark Finlay joins as Finance Manager. His role includes forecasting and financial planning for the business, credit control, and management accounts for Diamond Controls and its electrical contractor arm, Diamond Services (EA) Ltd. Mark has over 20 years of experience and joins Diamond Controls from Watsons Property where he was Head of Finance.
To keep up with increased demand, Lee Blackett has joined the business as CAD Coordinator & Quality Assurance. Joining us most recently from Anglian Home Improvements, Lee has a raft of experience in CAD engineering and has the pivotal role of creating complex design drawings showing the framework and locations of our Leak Detection System and Trace Heating components. These drawings are used in our commissioning process and form part of our detailed operations and maintenance manuals.
Nurturing new talent is key to Diamond Controls’ continued success and the recruitment of Charlie McAllister as an Apprentice Estimator is a perfect example of this. Charlie’s apprenticeship as a Project Controls Technician will see him develop his skills in estimating, planning, scheduling, and cost control. He’s part of the five-strong estimating and project management team.
Managing Director, Iain Ames said, “We’ve been able to grow consistently in the past year and wanted to ensure our continued success by bolstering our support team. Mark, Lee, and Charlie have all settled in quickly into their new roles and bring with them a wide range of skills and experience. Our recruitment is part of a wider growth and investment plan for 2021 which will see us launch new products and services to our commercial client base.”
Utilising the experience of our fully trained in-house engineers, we are delighted to announce we’ve extended our range of services to include Leak Detection System commissioning.
There are several instances we’ve found our commissioning service to be invaluable to clients.
Ensure accurate installation
For example, an installation may be carried out by an inexperienced crew as part of a construction project and, consequently, have inadequacies that could prevent the system from being fully operational. This may result in a system not triggering a leak alarm meaning your commercial premises are put at unnecessary risk.
Prevent false alarms
On occasion, incorrectly installed sensors or probes may also trigger false alarms that can cause disruption and end up in facilities teams losing faith in the system. In extreme cases, this may lead to the system being completely switched off and offering no protection against early warning of a leak.
Maintain insurance
It can also have a negative implication on your insurance as a non-certified Leak Detection System may affect premiums and compensation in the event of a claim.
Certify system & provide reference manuals
We’ve also found that new tenants moving into premises are sometimes not provided with any operations and maintenance manuals, or certification as to the Leak Detection control services installed, and so do not have confidence in their installed system.
Thorough testing
Lastly, it may be viable for in-house electrical crews to install our recommended systems but for reassurance and back-up that the system fully meets its requirements, clients are using our experience to thoroughly check and fully test the system and provide a final sign-off.
Our Solution
Our commissioning service includes a visual check of the entire system, including where sensing cable or probes are installed, and a comprehensive review of all its functionality. This involves testing all functions, ensuring they are wired correctly and react when a leak is identified. Our commissioning engineers match all aspects of the system to the design so that clients are reassured the correct sensing technology is used in all locations it has been specified.
Finally, on satisfactory completion of the testing and inspection, the system is ready for sign-off. Our certificate is witnessed by our client and comes with the backing of a full report with our findings and any recommendations.
Paul Davis, Senior Estimator & Project Manager said,
“We’re continually adapting our offering so we are able to use our expertise to service all of our clients’ needs. We recognise that in some construction projects the leak detection system installation is not completed by experienced engineers and that can cause catastrophic failures and long-term damage.
The systems installed may also not be fit for purpose as careful considerations need to be made when specifying products. Our engineers offer a full commissioning of installed systems that includes a thorough check of all functions. Clients have peace of mind that their leak alerts will activate reliably and prevent damage and disruption to business operations. This is backed up by a commissioning certificate and a full report of our findings.”
The commissioning service is just one part of the extended range of services available from Diamond Controls. A service and maintenance package offers annual servicing, fault-finding visits, technical support, and discounted remedial works. System training is also offered and there’s also an option for clients to use Diamond Controls for retrospective drawings and manuals that can prove invaluable when modifying systems or undertaking building works.
Diamond Controls holds two ISO accreditations, 14001 and 9001, and a raft of certifications including Safe Contractor, ECA, NICEIC, SMAS, and Constructionline. Find out more about us.
As an authorised distributor of nVent Raychem Trace Heating products we’d like to share a Winter maintenance checklist to ensure your existing Trace Heating systems provide a reliable performance throughout the winter months.
Now is the time to complete a system audit to make sure your Trace Heating is up to scratch when you need it most. If you don’t have the expertise in house, please contact us and we’d be happy to arrange a site visit to fully evaluate your system.
Here are the main elements you should check in your Trace Heating System:
Insulation Resistance (IR) test
Ground fault breakers
Heating tracing components
Thermostat or controller
Perform a power check
Distribution panel
Insulation
Maintain your installation and maintenance records
As we reach the end of 2020 we would like to reflect on a year that has definitely been unusual, to say the least. Despite the difficulties faced by the global pandemic and the concern over Covid-19, at Diamond Controls we have been able to continue to deliver a comprehensive service, including the specification, installation, and maintenance of Leak Detection and Trace Heating systems throughout 2020.
Here are just some of our monthly highlights.
1. In January we visited a renowned national financial business on a Leak Detection service visit and our engineers had a shocking discovery. They found this trace heating system that looked like it had gone down with the Titanic. Trace heating is low maintenance but still needs to be regularly checked which was, of course, the recommendation we made to the client on the discovery of this.
2. February 2020…before lockdown and the craziness that has happened this year! We had a really fun day in the office with a photographer, preparing shots for the website. This was by far the most amusing image and brought a smile to everyone’s face. So this was definitely a highlight of ours! 😀🤣 Alfie and Cyril giving kisses to their Dad, Iain!
3. March’s highlight brings us to the launch of our new website. We put together a brand-new site with more plans in the future to demonstrate our customer focus and expertise in Leak Detection Systems and Trace Heating products.
4. Our 4th memory highlight for this year, April 2020, is all about recognising the dedication and tenacity of our team during this turbulent time. Like many businesses, we worked hard to maintain the smooth running of our operations during the lockdown, and established a covid secure environment, adhering to strict construction industry health and safety guidelines. The team was instrumental in this so that we could continue to exceed client expectations. 👏 🙏 👊 Meet our team.
5. Number 5 of our 12 highlights of 2020 features May and our support of Water Saving Week. This is an issue very close to our hearts as we have seen first-hand how effective our leak detection systems can be. Research has shown that a leak of just 1m3 of water an hour could cost your business: £73 a day, £516 a week! We put together a few handy tips on how businesses can improve their water efficiency.
6. June’s highlight was a new product. We’re always looking out for suitable additions to our range and this one was just perfect, especially with many business premises unoccupied during the lockdown. In June we gave it a full series of tests and a thorough review to ensure it would be up to the job and it passed with flying colours. Welcome to our Leak Detection accessories range, the Diamond Controls Speech Dialler. It offers remote 24/7 monitoring with automatic SMS and email alerts for any alarm triggers of your leak detection system. Take a look at all the benefits of the Speech Dialler.
7. Our highlight for July was an easy choice as it brought a big smile to all of our engineer’s faces. New van graphics for our fleet!
Here are Richard and Joe, standing proudly with their new van livery.
8. Normally, August would be a relatively quiet month but, with many workplaces returning to normal and holidays not as prevalent, this year we were definitely working at full speed! We’re continually looking to improve and this month’s highlight is some new additions we made to our website. We added some of our more common products to our Leak Detection, Gas Detection, Trace Heating, and Servicing & Maintenance pages to help our clients understand more about the wide range of choices available from us and our strong emphasis on product quality.
9. September is the 9th highlight of 2020 and in this month we had a big first for us, launching brand-new servicing and maintenance packages for Leak Detection Systems. It’s something that often gets forgotten about but so essential to keeping a system in tip-top condition so it can detect even the smallest of leaks. We listened to our clients and put together two really great packages that include a promotional first-year rate, service visit, fault-finding visits, and preferential rates on materials. What’s more, we have added in our Speech Dialler to Diamond packages free of charge until the end of January. Find out more about the servicing and maintenance offer
10. As we reach the 10th month and October we are particularly proud of this highlight. Last year we achieved not one, but two ISO accreditations! So when it came around to renewal time again in October we were delighted to have passed the mark again to achieve this high standard. We’ve invested a lot of time and resource into our systems and processes to become one of the leaders in our industry and this is just two reasons why.
11. For our November highlight, we didn’t have to look very far as they have brightened our days in the office! Our new fish bring a sense of calm and tranquillity to our busy office. 🐟🐟🐡🐡🐠🐠
12. Despite all of the challenges 2020 has brought, as a business we are really proud of what we have achieved this year. It’s been a real team effort. From the engineers out at client sites working safely in a covid-secure environment to our project managers, estimators, technical and support team back at HQ, keeping the business operations running smoothly. One thing that has kept us going throughout the year has been all the positive feedback from our clients. So, it felt fitting that our customers are the highlight of December 2020!
So, that concludes our look back at what has happened in 2020. After a short Christmas break we will return refreshed and ready to push forward in 2021.
We have got some really exciting developments planned for 2021 so please follow our LinkedIn page for the latest updates.
Damage and disruption caused by adverse weather conditions can hinder your business operations. That is why it is so important to prepare your commercial and industrial premises for winter. Our clients have found that the installation of trace heating for frost protection and snow and ice melting systems for roofs, gutters, and critical access areas really makes a difference.
In the UK we often have several bouts of extreme weather per year and having the right tools and procedures in place will ensure you can maintain your operations. Here are our top tips for winter building maintenance.
1. Protect essential utilities against frost, snow, and ice
In freezing conditions, your water pipes are in danger of becoming frozen and when they unfreeze, are likely to damage and cause leaks. Lagging your pipes can help but the most reliable frost protection for your water supply is a trace heating system. Insulated electrical heating cables are fitted to your pipework and control the temperature of the liquid within, ensuring it does not reach freezing point. Trace Heating can be used internally or externally making it a perfect solution for commercial and industrial premises including public sector buildings, healthcare and education, warehousing and manufacturing, heritage and historical properties, offices, and residential apartments.
2. Check your roof, guttering, building exterior, and regularly maintain
Annual maintenance checks of your building’s exterior are necessary as any ongoing deterioration will be more prevalent in the colder winter months. Cleaning your guttering and drains can help prevent build-up or overflow from water. Brickwork, roofing materials, and areas such as fascias all require ongoing upkeep to avoid frost ingress and damp damage.
A self-monitoring de-icing system installed on your commercial roof offers peace of mind and regulates the heat of the roof and guttering so that any snowfall or ice build-up is heated sufficiently to melt and escape easily. This preventative measure makes sure there is no heavy load that could potentially cause roofing damage and ultimately serious building repair.
3. Monitor for leaks
Many water leaks can be unseen for some time, causing damage that can be extremely costly, not to mention time consuming. The best way to identify even the smallest of liquid leaks is through a leak detection system. Liquid sensing cables and probes can be fitted along pipework and in areas where water may escape and, once linked with an alarm panel, provide an immediate alert to a water leak that could save your business time, resource, and cost when rectifying. Systems are even available that offer automatic shut-off of mains via solenoid valves once a leak has been detected. If the building is unoccupied, remote speech and SMS diallers or email diallers can alert off site personnel to take action.
4. Plan your adverse weather policy
Difficult weather conditions can often lead to delays in movement and goods and health and safety concerns. By planning an adverse weather policy, you can effectively communicate with all stakeholders and set-out procedures to limit the impact on your business. You will be able to manage expectations and have operational measures in place to combat the difficulties you may face.
5. Keep access areas accessible
If your operation needs to be accessible in all weather conditions you may need to consider a snow and ice melting system. An ideal solution for all-year-round safety access for ramps, steps, and critical access areas such as delivery or entrance points. Heating cables that come complete with smart technology for energy efficiency and accurate monitoring can be fitted within the concrete or asphalt layer of your premises’ exterior providing a reliable and low maintenance thawing of snow and ice.
What are the major benefits of Trace Heating Systems?
• Self-regulating or adjustable thermostatic temperature control for flexible application
• An energy efficient solution due to its low wattage and regulated temperature control
• Hardy insulated cabling with long expected lifetime
• Low maintenance components
• Expandable to accommodate new additional areas
Why choose Diamond Controls?
Diamond Controls is an authorised partner installer of nVent Raychem, one of the leading manufacturers of trace heating products and accessories.
Our electrical engineers have over a century of experience between them and offer a comprehensive service that includes design and specification, along with installation, for a turnkey solution for business operations across all sectors. We have worked on some of the most prestigious buildings in the UK, including The Shard, along with many commercial and industrial operations across the South and East of the UK.
Find out more about our Trace Heating Systems and how they can help you prepare for the cold winter months.
One of the most common and effective locations for our leak detection systems is a plant or boiler room. This is where most pipework will originate from, your incoming main water supply, and where any water tanks or booster sets will be located.
Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) facility, including any generators and boilers, are a high-risk area for water leaks. An early warning alert from a leak detection system can prevent costly damage and equipment failure and help you to maintain essential services in your building.
Alarm panels to create an early alarm and notification of a leak may also be able to connect through to your BMS (Building Management System) for ease of management. Or, for remote 24/7 notification, the Diamond Controls Speech Dialler is a vital accessory that provides automation via voice and SMS direct to your mobile phone.
There are many alarm panel options available that will work with both sensing cable and probes.
As an authorised installer for Aquilar and nVent Raychem, we have found the TraceTek, AquiTron, and Eco-Leak panels to be very effective and flexible.
Short on wall space in your plant room? Your panel and its sims (system interface modules) do not necessarily need to be positioned together. As part of our service, we will advise and support you on the best placement for your system within your available space.
A versatile leak monitoring tool that we often use in plant rooms is the Aquitron AT Probe from Aquilar. This liquid sensing probe is ideal for use in areas where using lengths of sensing cable would be impractical to install. It is installed directly to the floor, wall or within a tray mount and can detect even the smallest of liquid leaks.
For overhead pipework, the nVent Raychem TraceTek TT-1100 water sensing panel detects the presence of water along any point of its length. Its composition of absorptive synthetic braided fibre means there is no need for a drip tray to bring the cable into contact with any water as even the smallest drop will be detected, and an alarm raised.
A solution proving popular for many clients who are looking to have a leak detection system installed without undertaking renovation work on their premises is the Aquiwave wireless leak detection panel by Aquilar.
Many of the systems we fit at Diamond Controls are installed within the existing fabrics of a building and that is where the introduction of a wireless panel can be of real benefit. It is especially useful for listed buildings, museums and galleries, and other premises where it is not viable to have a traditional wired installation.
Wireless leak detection panels can be installed without costly or invasive procedures and have been designed based on proven wireless fire alarm systems. The wireless system creates its own mesh network and so does not interfere or rely on other Wi-Fi systems making it a reliable and stable alternative to traditional leak detection panels.
The system is expandable up to 240 devices, including sensors, probes, boosters, beacons, and wireless water shut-off solenoid valves. The perfect solution for the dependable monitoring of liquid leaks, all connected wirelessly with two-way communication.
Two recent projects at prestigious luxury grade 2 listed apartment blocks in the heart of London are a perfect demonstration of the system’s capabilities. The smooth system install of the specified wireless system means the property owners did not have to make any costly adjustments to their infrastructure.
Alerts can also be monitored remotely with the addition of a speech dialler. This really useful piece of kit is able to monitor alarm codes and provide effective communication to a user’s mobile phone. The ideal solution for 24/7 monitoring of unoccupied premises for an immediate alert of detected liquid leaks.
The monitoring of kitchen, utility and bathrooms is a common requirement for residential properties. In addition, commercial premises often use leak detection systems for early warning notification of liquid leaks to data and comms rooms, plant and tank rooms, and other potential high-risk areas.
The regular servicing and maintenance of a wireless system can be covered as part of an annual maintenance package.
For more information on our wireless systems, please contact us.
Following sustained growth for its products and services, Diamond Controls has strengthened its field-based engineering team with the appointment of Shaun Woods, a highly experienced engineer.
After spending over a quarter of a century in the Trace Heating industry, Shaun joins the Diamond Controls team to assist with the expansion of our in-house capacity to cope with increased demand from customers.
Commenting on Shaun’s appointment, Managing Director, Iain Ames said, “We are delighted to welcome Shaun on board to join our growing team. Despite all the business disruption from the pandemic this year, 2020 has been our best. Ensuring we can maintain our excellent service delivery record and customer retention with the appointment of team members like Shaun will be key to our continued success in 2021.”
Shaun works alongside Richard, Joe, and Mateusz, visiting customers’ premises to complete our leak detection installations and commissioning for systems that detect liquid leaks including water, chemical, oil, and refrigerant gases. He is also on hand to perform servicing and maintenance tasks to ensure our client’s systems are fully operational.
Diamond Controls is an authorised partner installer of nVent Raychem, a leader in trace heating products, and Shaun’s extensive experience in this area is incredibly useful to the team and ensures we can service the growing demand for this product area.
Shaun said, “The team has been very welcoming, and I’ve enjoyed getting stuck straight in, especially after being furloughed with my previous employer earlier this year. Diamond Controls has an excellent reputation and shares my dedication for high quality and detail to ensure a first-rate end-user experience is maintained. I am very excited about the future of the business and am pleased to be a part of its growing success.”
Away from work, Shaun is a keen golfer and likes to dine out with his wife to relax and unwind from his busy role. You can connect with Shaun on LinkedIn here.
We are excited to launch a new addition to our extensive range of leak detection products and accessories, with the introduction of the Diamond Controls Speech Dialler.
Providing clients with automated alerts for remote monitoring of leak detection system alarms, the Speech Dialler offers many benefits and provides that vital early notification of a potential leak to key personnel who may not be on-site.
Managing Director, Iain Ames said, “It’s a great piece of kit, and especially useful to organisations who may be leaving their buildings unoccupied for large periods of time. Without remote alert monitoring, leak detection panels could be going into alarm mode completely unknown to building management staff who are not on-site. This means that leaks could fail to be identified in a timely manner, causing costly damage and disruption.”
“To celebrate the launch of this new accessory to our range, and our brand-new servicing and maintenance packages, we are offering the speech dialler free of charge for a limited time, as part of our Diamond Service Package, a saving of £550. Subscribers to our Gold package can also receive a 50% discount for the speech dialler during the same period so there are real tangible and financial benefits for both new initiatives launched this month.”
The Diamond Controls Speech Dialler (DC-SD-PRO3G) is a grade 2 GSM alarm auto-dialler and has two alarm inputs to alert property owners directly, by SMS and voice call, when ARC monitoring is not required. Its streamlined and efficient format requires only power, a SIM card, and a 3G signal to operate.
The Speech Dialler offers many user benefits including a fast and efficient install process with management and configuration achieved via sms, app or web browser and a universally compatible interface with system panels or as a standalone using sensors. It can alert up to four users with pre-programmed alert messages to notify representatives of different alarm modes and users are also able to control alarm functions to arm and disarm remotely by phone.
Diamond Controls is delighted to announce two brand-new service and maintenance packages to offer both new and existing customers significant cost savings and a wide raft of benefits to cater for all their leak detection servicing and maintenance needs.
What’s more, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the set-up of the business, subscribers to the new packages will receive an exceptional promotional discount for their first year’s subscription.
Designed to give the maximum benefit to clients, with some packages providing an annual potential saving of over 200%, the two package options – Gold and Diamond, include system servicing and health-check, fault-finding visits, and discounted rates for materials and remedial work.
Plus, for a limited time, Diamond package subscribers will receive a Diamond Controls speech dialler, with installation and programming, completely free of charge, worth £550!
Those opting for the Gold package level, can receive a 50% discount on the latest product to hit the Diamond Control range of leak detection system accessories.
Service & Maintenance Manager, Lavinia Dean said, “Our new packages show our commitment to delivering excellent customer service and our desire to develop long-lasting client relationships. We have configured a range of tangible benefits for clients which will ensure their leak detection system is kept in top working condition. System maintenance is essential to the longevity of any leak detection equipment and we are pleased to offer this value-driven package to both new and existing clients, whether we were the installer of the system or not.
Our package launch coincides with the introduction of a brand-new Diamond Controls Speech Dialler and we are delighted to include this free of charge, for a limited time, to subscribers of our Diamond Package.”
The Gold and Diamond maintenance packages can be subscribed to for all systems, including wireless, multi-floor, and multi-panel equipment, and across all liquid and gas monitoring devices offering the maximum flexibility to clients.
Furthermore, Diamond Controls’ experienced engineers are able to maintain and service any manufacturer’s system, whether they carried out the initial installation or not. This is particularly helpful to organisations who may have inherited their leak detection system when moving into their premises, or those who used a third-party installer. The system health-check will offer Diamond Controls’ new customers peace of mind and reassurance on the integrity of their system.
For further information, including terms and conditions, and to receive a personalised quote for the new service & maintenance packages, please contact us.
