HYDRONIC UNDERFLOOR HEATING: NEW INSTALLER TRAINING

The New Zealand Institute of Central Heating (NZICH) has introduced a training scheme for plumbers to help raise standards for hydronic underfloor heating installations in New Zealand.

New Zealand currently has no regulation on hydronic heating standards for installers to work to so they can ensure the best possible systems are installed.

As a result, the New Zealand Institute of Central Heating (NZICH) is on its own mission to improve the industry through best practice and training.

Partnering to develop training

NZICH has worked with the British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC)—the UK’s leading provider of training, qualifications and assessment services for plumbing, heating and gas—to develop a new training scheme designed to raise standards.

“Working with BPEC, we now have a certified Underfloor Heating (UFH) Installer One course that will provide installers with a four-year certification,” says NZICH Secretary Paul Woodgate. “It also means we can approach architects and builders to develop greater knowledge and understanding of the right ways to design and install underfloor heating.”

Having previously worked as an underfloor heating installer and instructor in the UK, Paul had previous experience of BPEC, so he knew they had a training programme that could be adapted for New Zealand.

“They provided UK manuals and presentations to develop the New Zealand version, which covers all the main points in terms of British Standards while adding the features that are unique to how houses are built here,” Paul explains.

Mally Butters, BPEC’s Business Area Manager, says they were keen to work with NZICH and help raise the standards of hydronic heating installation in New Zealand— an approach that aligns with their values.

“We are looking forward to developing our relationship—working together can only benefit NZICH and the sector in New Zealand by improving quality and skills.”

Delivery through Master Plumbers

NZICH initially completed a pilot programme, with candidates undergoing training and assessment. The full launch to its members began in September 2021.

Now it is offering the course through Master Plumbers to its members, with one year’s free membership to NZICH upon successful completion.

The training material is presented as a series of modules which should be worked through logically from Module 1 onwards. Participants are sent the training manual before carrying out the in-centre element of the course. This helps participants to fully prepare and get the best out of the course.

Learning outcomes

There are 10 knowledge-based learning outcomes and one performance-based learning outcome, as follows:

1. Know the recommended minimum standards for compliance with the building regulations relating to hydronic underfloor heating system installation work

2. Know industry recognised sources of guidance relating to hydronic underfloor heating system installation work

3. Know the purpose and features and/ or operational characteristics of hydronic underfloor heating control components

4. Know the requirements of different types of hydronic underfloor heating system arrangements between the heat source and the underfloor heating system manifold

5. Know the options, operating principles, component requirements and operating sequences of hydronic underfloor heating time and temperature control arrangements

6. Know the fundamental principles of hydronic underfloor heating system design to achieve optimal system operation

7. Know the fundamental principles of hydronic underfloor heating component sizing and component selection and/or positioning

8. Know the requirements to commission hydronic underfloor heating system installations

9. Be able to commission a hydronic underfloor heating system installation

10. Know the requirements to handover hydronic underfloor heating system installations to client.

At the end of the course there is a multichoice closed book exam. The candidate must achieve 100% to pass. The results are verified by BPEC in the UK, who then issue certification and an ID card valid for four years.

NZICH & BPEC

NZICH is a community of industry leaders, providing technical information and experience, and representing those responsible for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of central heating systems.

For more information, go to https://nzich.nz

BPEC is a specialised UK-based provider of industry-recognised qualifications, assessments, training courses and learning materials. It provides services to colleges, private training centres, employers and learners across the plumbing, heating, gas and wider energy sector.

For more information on BPEC go to www.bpec.org.uk