Campaign builds to clamp down on non-compliance

The campaign to clamp down on non-compliant circulating pumps (see last month’s cover story) continues to build with the government urged to do more to address the number of noncompliant products being imported into the UK. There are fears that Far Eastern exporters have succeeded in penetrating merchant distribution channels to target the UK, with more than 100,000 noncompliant pumps being sold in the UK every year.

The British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) has claimed that the UK is being swamped by non-compliant pumps which could be costing consumers hundreds of pounds every year on their heating bills. It is argued that the influx could also have a serious impact on the UK’s ability to meet its net zero obligations.

Imported pumps use old - style AC motors that are generally less than half the price of permanent magnet motors equipped with microchips that save on energy by varying the speed of the pump. It is estimated that non - compliant pumps use circa 100 watts of energy compared to 30 watts for the permanent magnet design.

It is thought that the stand-alone market, where a non-condensing boiler is being used with a hot water cylinder and header tank, is the main target for non - compliant pumps. Such pumps are usually manufactured to look like genuine OEM pumps, often equipped with immersive, dedicated content for the kitchens and bathrooms sector – with the backing of organisations including the BMA, BiKBBI, NKBA, AMDEA UK and Unified Water Label. There will also be an increased focus on electrification and the synergy between technologies such as heat pumps, solar PV, energy storage and EV charging solutions. InstallerSHOW 2024 will again be staged at the NEC and will take place from 25-27 June.

Installers are advised that legitimate pumps have a larger space between the two letters in the CE marking fake CE markings that stand for ‘China Export’.

While it is the legal responsibility of the importer to ensure that only compliant pumps are brought into the UK, it is the distributor’s responsibility to only sell CE marked pumps and it is down to the installerto ensure that what they are fitting is compliant. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/723/08