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The newsletter about intelligent housing technology | January 2011 | Issue 01 |Issue 01

Contents

Award-winning design: Stainless steel push plate

A push plate made of glass:Flush mounted

The universal cistern and universal flushing valve

TECEflex: Flow optimized pressure-sleeve system

TECEdrainline: Safe and easy installation

For demanding users: Glass shower channel

Interview with Ralf Berens, TECE International Business

Configurators for shower channels and toilet push plates

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With TECElogo, TECE presents the nextgeneration of professional installationsystems. The goal was to develop a system that can be installed quickly andsafely and which is able to dispensewith expensive tools. The TECElogo waslaunched on the market just over two years ago in the sizes 16, 20 and 25 mm.

An absolutely secure connection

The pivotal point of the system is acompact fitting which consists of onlythree components. The centerpiece is aplastic claw fastener, which grips to thepipe without damaging it when it is plugged in. This is important as a par -ticularly unique feature of the TECE system: The secure connection betweenthe pipe and fitting can be loosenedagain when necessary using a specialwrench. Both the pipe and the fitting remain reusable. In order to work withTECElogo, a pipe cutter and a calibratingmandrel are all that is necessary. Thepipe is cut to length with pipe cuttersand inserted into the fitting. The fitterchecks the insertion depth through an

The TECElogo push-fit system does thejob without the need for pressing toolsand at the same time, offers all the security of a tradesman’s installationsystem.

inspection window. If the pipe is insertedas far as it will go, the claw fastener en-gages: Now the pipe/fitting connectionis permanently stable. The composite pipes specifically designed for the push-fit system can be easily bent by handand remains stable (when bent). The

For real professionals:

A pipe system for plugging in

user has the choice between two typesof pipe: The PE-RT pipe and the PE-Xc pipe for system temperatures of up to90 °C. The white-jacketed pipes are inconspicuous and as such, ideal forthe on-the-wall use.

Although the TECE group has its head -quarters in Germany, the company isalso represented internationally with16 subsidiaries in Europe and 23distributors worldwide. Through ourEnglish-speaking medium TECE:news,it is our intention to inform our inter-national organization as well as ourinternational business associatesabout developments at TECE. In orderto better meet the needs of our customers and those of the market,we are looking to estab lish ongoing dialogue with you by communicatingthematic articles relating to domesticutilities/sanitation equipment anddrainage – Enjoy read ing TECE:news!

Best regards,

Thomas FehlingsManaging Director

Foreword

Dear reader,

A useful unique feature: The secure connection can be released again if necessary.

A solution for the toilet of the future:

TECElux can do much more than flushTECE presents a concept for the toiletof the future. The basic idea behind theresearch was the creation of an openinterface between all of the toilet func-tions and the bathroom architecture.

A white, flat glass panel, which directlyrests on the wall, two buttons for trigger-ing the flushing mechanism – the rest ofthe TECElux is hidden in the wall. ButTECElux is much more than a toilet flushbutton. With the approximate dimensionsof a toilet module, the glass panel ismade up of two parts. The upper partcan be easily removed, even after theinstallation of the toilet, and forms aconvenient access hatch which leads tothe technical equipment in the front wall.TECElux is an open interface to all ofthe functions that the toilet of the future

is likely to have. Ultimately, that functionsthat a toilet needs is something that only the market can decide. TECE simplyuses the space in the front wall and integrates the technical equipment whichis necessary. TECElux fits all standardceramic toilet bowls. The basic equip-ment toilet of the module includes theTECE twin cistern, an odour extractionunit with an activated carbon filter andthe option of subsequently altering theheight of the ceramic toilet bowl. An electrical connection for a ‘shower-toilet’ or a unit for electrically assistedheight adjustment of the toilet bowlcan also be integrated. These functionsare controlled by operating elements inthe glass panel. The TECElux will be ready for the market by the spring of2011.

More than a flush button: Operational elements in theglass panel control various functions.

As the first push plate on the market,the TECEloop can be flush mounted.The glass toilet actuation can be inte-grated wholly into the architecture.

The trend for high-quality bathrooms pointsto integrated solutions. Functional elementsare integrated into the architecture. Butwhen it comes to push plates, integrationreaches its limits – even though thewall-mounted toilet flush has long been

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standard in many countries. Toilet actu -ation panels are traditionally mounted infront of the wall. This is where theTECEloop opens up new design opportun-ities: TECE’s push plates have a planefront made of glass. Using a special installation frame, the plate can bemounted flush with the wall. This meansthat it is possible to fully integrateTECEloop into the bathroom architecture.The design is minimalist and has a focuson functionality: a rectangle and two circles, the two buttons for triggeringthe toilet flush. TECEloop is a modularsystem which can combine different sur-faces with each other. 13 different frontscan be combined with 8 different buttons.The glass faceplates are coordinated withbathroom furniture from well known manu-facturers such as Alape and Burgbad.As such, it is possible to bring consistentdesign to the functional elements acrossthe whole bathroom. This is somethingwhich attracts bathroom planners andarchitects: the form and function ofTECEloop have already satisfied the‘Architecture and Technology InnovationAward’ (Innovationspreis Architektur undTechnik) jury.

only has a depth of two millimetres. TheTECE has a wafer-thin, abrasion-resistantprotective layer on the surface of the flush.As such, no fingerprints are visible afteruse. Apart from stainless steel, theTECEsquare metal push plate is alsoproduced in chrome, with a glossy finishand in white. Moreover, the TECEsquareis available with three types of glass which,with the aid of an installation frame, canbe installed flush with the tiles.

With a new type of toilet actuation unit,TECE applies the effect of brushed stain-less steel and minimalist design. In sodoing, the functionality of the system isself-explanatory – three narrow gaps indi -cate the buttons for triggering a flush: Awide button for the full flush and a narrow

TECEsquare does not serve any short-lived trend. Its effect is due to the minimalist design of the toilet actuationand the aesthetics of pure stainlesssteel.

button for partial flushing. TECEsquarehas caught the attention of industry insiders: The stainless steel flush washonoured with the Design Plus Award2009 and the Red Dot Design Award2010 and received a nomination for theGerman Design Prize 2010 (DesignpreisDeutschl and 2010). Using a mountingframe, the push plate is largely built into the wall. The only thing that remainsvisible is the stainless steel panel, which

Award winning design for the toilet

The ultra thin stainless steel panel

When TECE brought its flush-mounted cistern onto the market ten years ago, itwas the very first sealed cistern. Sincethen, it has been installed over 100,000times. During the construction period, thecompletely pre-assembled cistern remainsclosed in order to prevent dirt from enter -ing. It is only opened during the final installation stages. The 10 litre reservetank can be used as a single flush or adual flush cistern. At the same time, itmeets all standards and its replacementparts are compatible with all commerciallyavailable solutions. Both installation and

�A flush-mounted cistern with a 10 litre reserve tank

With some of cistern manufacturers,finding the right device to actuate atoilet is not so easy. Even if the flushactuation and cistern are fromthe same manufacturer, thisdoes not mean that they alsofit together. This is not thecase with TECE. In the pur -suit of new developments,the company consistentlyemploys its conception ofsystem. Installers can nowbe sure of one thing: EachTECE push plate will fit eachTECE cistern – whether stan-dard height or low height,whether actuated from thefront or from above, the inner workings of the cisternare always the same.

TECE’s toilet universal module fordrywall construction.

A real system: Each TECE toilet actuation unit fits each TECE cistern.

TECEloop in glass: The first flush mountable push plate inthe world.

�Zum Universalspülkasten – das Universalventil

The universal valve forthe universal cistern

Be on the safe side with TECE flushtechnology: No matter what type of ceramic toilet bowl is used, the flushvolume and flush flow can be flexiblyadapted to meet the needs of the toilet.For example: After the installation of atoilet, the ceramic bowl is not alwaysrinsed properly. In the case of conven-tional drain valves, the flush flow canonly be subsequently restricted, butnot increased. To address this problem,the TECE valve has a ready solution:By replacing the standard built-in throt-tle ring the flush flow can also be sub-sequently increased or decreased -four restrictors are available.Essentially, the drain valve is a simpleconstruction: The red connection rodoperates the partial flush and the blueconnection rod operates the full flush.The installer chooses between 4.5, 6,7.5 and 9 litres for the full flush, whilethe partial flush remains constant at 3 litres. Even the maintenance is simple:When replacing the valve, no individualparts should be disassembled or bent:the valve forms a unit, in which all ofthe parts are connected to each other.The TECE valve was awarded theDesign Plus Award 2009 for its designand functions.

Doubly flexible for every type of ceramic toilet bowl: the flush volume and flush flow can be set and calibrated.

�Systematic flush technology

maintenance are simple: The protectiveplate of the tank is a compact unit whichcomprises a splash guard, a lever mecha-nism and the mounting parts. In the caseof servicing, the technical equipment canbe removed entirely. In addition to astandard version, TECE offers an 8 cmvariant with a 9.5 litre reserve tank. Thismodel also offers all the advantages ofthe standard cistern. For both variants,there is a pre-mounted toilet module fordrywall construction (TECEprofil) and forwetwall construction (TECEbox).

A crowning achievement: The Red Dot Design Award 2010 for TECEsquare.

January 2011 | Issue 01

The push plate for inside the wall

The fitting is the critical point of each presssystem. It narrows the pipe intersectionand leads to pressure loss in the system.In the shape of TECEflex, TECE developeda fitting two decades ago which was flow-optimized in a way which relates to thesystem – and as such, predestined fordrinking water connections and for usewith gas installations. The feature whichis responsible for the good flow proper-ties is the system’s special pressure-sleeve technology. With this technology,the pipe is not narrowed but expanded,pushed over the fitting and then theconnection is axially pressed using apressure sleeve. This only slightly narrowsthe cross section of the pipe. The sealachieved by the system is made possibleby the memory effect of PE-Xc pipe plastic – an o-ring is not required: Afterexpansion, the pipe tightens over the fitting. The TECEflex fitting is made out

Mainly due to its fault-tolerant assembly characteristics, the TECEflex pressure- sleeve system is especially valued by those that work with it. What’s more, whencompared to the products of its competitors, its expander technology gives theTECEflex connector outstanding flow properties. Over the past 20 years TECEflexfittings have been installed by millions worldwide.

The TECEflex pressure-sleeve system:

Flow optimized for 20 years

First class flow characteristics: The pressure-sleeve system only slightly narrows the cross section of the pipe.

�Einbaubeispiel TECEdrainline

TECEdrainline shower channels are flatstainless steel channels with integrateddevices which prevent odours from es-caping. TECE has optimised its channelsfor simple and secure installation. Thechannel height is set with the aid of ad-justable mounting feet. The feet do notonly serve to adjust the height, but arealso sound insulated. The plumber laysthe channels and connects them to theside of the drain. The tiler then integral-ly casts them into the screed floor andseals them. Through the complete under-fill with screed, the channel body restsin a stable way. The channel is sealedand bonded to the tiling by means of thethin sealing layer and the special sealingfleece. Through the adhesive tape whichis applied to the flange in the factory, a

With TECEdrainboard, the installationof floor-level shower units largely re-mains in the hands of HVAC trades-men. The finished, ready to flow sho-wer element is made of rigid polyur -ethane foam which is laminated witha waterproof sealing layer. As a re-sult of the ‘board-hard’ plastic panel,the TECEdrainboard becomes a trulyuniversal element. Even small mosaictiles measuring 20 x 20 mm can beused with the universal element inthe case of wheelchair-accessibleshowering. This flexibility is especiallyimportant for stability if, in the courseof constructing, the tile selection orapplication is not yet known.

completely sealed connection is madebetween the flange and the mat. An additionally built-in Drainbase insulationmat ensures that noise is dampened

TECEdrainline: Secure installation

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when the tiles are walked on. The TECE -drainline program is made up of fourdrains, with each drain being adapted toeach TECE shower channel.

The TECEdrainline shower channels areavailable as straight or angled channelsand come in different standard sizes –even as a mass produced product, theyfit absolutely every shower situationperfectly.

“plate” tileable channelStainless steel channel bodyTile coverElastic groutingTile adhesiveInsulating paintSeal sleeveChannel flange with adhesive tapeRemovable protective filmScreedPE foilDrainbase sound insulation mat

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relating to defects. TECEflex is a singlepipe system that does not only cover alldomestic utilities and sanitation equip-ment application, but also compressedair installation as well. The same fittingsare always in use with all applications.Gas installers benefit from this advan-tage, as TECEflex is also allowedfor gas distribution bythe DVGW.

A drainage solution using a pre-fabricated slope.

�TECEdrainboard

�More glass in the bathroom: For more discerning building-owners

of a piece of metal or PPSU. It is freefrom joints, and gaps and is extremelystable – a characteristic, that is alsothankfully attributed to the pressuresleeve technology: The outer diameterof the fitting does not exert any influenceon the pipe cross-section and as such,TECE can produce the fitting so that ithas a especially thick-wall and is robust.

Prevents complaints relating to defects

The TECEflex system does not only offersecurity during installation, but afterwardsas well: Regardless of the maintenancecondition of the pressing tool, the systemensures that with a sliding sleeve, a pipe-fitting connection will also be sealed.Through loose pressure sleeves, un-pressed connections stand out immedi-ately and as such, prevent complaints

With new shower channel covers madeof glass and brushed stainless steel,TECE uses high-end materials in the bath-room. The glass cover is colour-matchedto the glass front of the TECEloop toiletflushes. There are three colours avail-able: white, mint green and black. Withthe new ‘glass’ covers, there are no limits to bathroom design. The coversare available in six lengths – from 700to 1500 mm. This allows showers to becreated for every bathroom situation.With the new covers, TECE – the special-ist in domestic utilities and sanitationequipment continues its concept of ar-

chitecture-integrated technology. In away which is similar to ‘plate’, thetileable channel, the glass coverforms a closed surface which is sunkinto the floor of the bathroom. Theshower water easily flows awaythrough a narrow drainage gaparound the channel. TECE producesthe glass cover in the following stan-dard colours: mint green, black andwhite. With rounded edges, the safetyglass is firmly fixed to the underlying,robust stainless steel grate using aspecial adhesive, and as such, with-stands loads of 300 kg.

Questions/Answers

Is the shower channel suitable for installation situations in older buildings?As standard, the shower channel requires a 150 mm installation depth(however at least 90 mm). As such,most floors in older buildings are compatible for the TECEdrainline.

The TECE cistern is market-compati-ble among spare parts – what doesthat mean exactly?Market compatible means: The stan -dard consumable spare parts whichare made by other manu facturers also fit the TECE cisterns. Howeverthe TECE push plates and the toiletflush handles are different: The actuation units only and exclusivelyfit the TECE cisterns.

Does the gap between the thin bedseal and the tile have to be drainedseparately? No. The seal is officially designatedas ‘a composite seal with tiles andpanels’. In connection with this, thesealing layer is made up of the seal-ing fleece, the sealing coating andthe tile. The design principle ofTECEdrainline channels has beentried and tested in large-scale kitchenchannels for decades. Different con-structions using additional drainageharbour risks against proper hygiene.

How good is the sound insulation ina shower construction using theTECEdrainline channel with the‘Drainbase’ sound insulation mat?A report for the shower constructionof the TECEdrainline channel usingthe ‘Drainbase’ sound insulation matcame to the following conclusion:The sound level in the lower measur-ing area (when installed) was only22 dB (A).

TECE:news is published by

TECE GmbHHollefeldstraße 57D-48282 EmsdettenGermanyPhone: +49 (0) 2572 / 928-0Fax: +49 (0) 2572 / 928-124E-Mail: info@tece.deInternet: www.tece.biz

Responsible person in terms of publishing law: Freya Maffert,International Business, TECE GmbH

Editorial: Grit Wehling,id pool GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany

Impressum

January 2011 | Issue 01

The configurator for toilet push platescontains all of TECE’s product variants.First look for the flush, then select thewall colour – and you’re off. Configuringis particularly fun with TECEloop: The various buttons and front panels aloneproduce 104 possible combinations.Another advantage of the configurator:The selected flush can be printed in itsoriginal size. It couldn’t be clearer!

The configurators for the TECEshower channels and for the wholerange of toilet push plates are the highlight of TECE’s internetpresence. The configurators areeasy to operate and show the various product variants/colourand material combinations in a par-ticularly graphic way. This makes itthe ideal instrument to have whenadvising clients.

At the click of a mouse, the showerchannel configurator integrates the desired standard channel, wall channel or angled channel in a real-istic shower situation with showerhead and taps. Then, the channelcover is selected and it is possible tocheck immediately how the coverwould look with a light or dark flooror whether a large format or mosaicfloor would look better. Try it out atwww.tece.biz.

�Now on www.tece.biz: Plans with toilet push plates and shower channels

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An interview with Ralf Berens, Head of International Business at TECE

The shower channel as a door openerTECE offers a broad range of domesticutilities and sanitation equipment – frompipe systems, drainage and flushingsystems to separators. Usually you needa key product in order to set foot innew international markets. By way ofan interview, this is explained by RalfBerens, Head of International Businessat TECE.

Is there a key product, with which foreign markets open up for TECE?

Ralf Berens: There are some, of course,but they differ from country to country.Some examples include the TECEflex

pressure-sleeve pipe system or theTECElogo push-fit system with which wedevelop a new market. Even stainlesssteel and glass push plates for the toiletare good door openers. But there reallyis a product that goes down well in almostevery country: and that’s the TECEdrainlineshower channel.

Why the shower channel?

Ralf Berens: In most European countriesand also in many Asian and Americancountries there is a lifestyle trend towardslarge and comfortable bathrooms. Theshower channel fits this purpose. Withthe channel, the shower area is not onlyfree from edges which the user can tripon, but it also eliminates optical barriersin the bathroom.

What does that mean exactly?

Ralf Berens: When installing a showerchannel, the floor of the bathroom canbe designed in a continuous way. This isbecause the drainage system is com-pletely integrated in the floor. Using our

‘TECEdrainline plate’ tileable channel,even the shower channel itself fits intothe overall picture. The bathroom looksbigger and tidier. Instead of the conven-tional shower tray made out of bathroom-grade acrylic, it is possible for the showerspace to be just a base made up of largetiles or natural stone. For high-end bath-room concepts, this is ideal.

The TECE shower channels are made outof stainless steel, not an easy ma terialto process. What competency does TECEhave in this area?

Ralf Berens: We have been working withstainless steel at our site in the Germancity of Wuppertal for seventy years and,for over three decades, we have beenproducing stainless steel channels for thecatering sector. We have so much expe-rience when it comes to manufacturinghygiene solutions. As is the case withour kitchen channels, the body of theshower channels has a completelysmooth surface – without gaps or screws– where no dirt can settle, thus allowinggerms to multiply.

Since June this year, TECE has been op-erating in the Swiss market with its ownsubsidiary company. From its office inNeuhausen am Rhein, TECE Schweiz AGlooks after the needs of the sanitaryand steel business as well as architects,installers and bathroom planners. Asales-orientated Managing Director wasselected for the new subsidiary in the

TECE Switzerland AG is foundedshape of Jürgen Fluck. Jürgen Fluck hasa background in sales within the Swissmarket as well as broad internationalproject experience in the areas relatingto front wall systems, flush equipmentand pipework systems. TECE feels thatin Switzerland there is considerable in-terest in, and potential for its domesticutilities/sanitation equipment. TECE has

been represented in the Swiss marketsince 2007 through a distributor. Currently, TECE Schweiz AG has fivemembers of staff, all sales and market-ing professionals with experience in thesector. With room to grow, the team willbe expanded to 8 before 2011 is out.

�More information about TECE and its products can be obtained online at www.tece.biz

Ralf Berens: There is an international trend towardslarge and comfortable bathrooms.