Kent Traders — UK Hotel Supplies, Electrical Essentials, Bathroom Fittings & Fire Safety

Which electric shower kW rating do you need? For most homes 9.5kW is the sensible default, but the right answer depends on flow, winter water temperature and your circuit. This guide uses the Aqualisa eVolve datasheet to compare 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5kW flow rates, explains why more power does not mean a hotter shower, covers MCB sizes and Part P, and runs a worked winter en-suite example.

Which intumescent strip size does your fire door need? Most 30-minute doors take 15mm x 4mm and most 60-minute doors take 20mm x 4mm or two 10mm strips, but the door maker decides. This guide explains fire-only versus fire and smoke strips, the 3mm gap rule, how to fit the strip in the frame, and a costed eight-door HMO example using real Astroflame prices.

Do replacement windows need trickle vents? In England, Part F of the Building Regulations says yes in most cases. New vents must match the old ones, or meet 8000mm² of equivalent area in habitable rooms and kitchens and 4000mm² in bathrooms. This guide explains equivalent area versus slot size, works through a bedroom example with real Astroflame vents, and covers fitting, common mistakes and what HMO landlords should buy.