October 2016 by PHAM News

Volume 54 | Issue 9 | October 2016

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The Push-fit People

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speedfit.co.uk

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EST. 1961 BRITISH AS THE DAY IT WAS BORN

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Volume V olume 54 | Issue 9 | O o October ctober 2016

National N ational m merchant ercha h nt p plans lans ffor or major o major ttransformation ransfo ormation

Win W in with with Conex! Co onex! nex!

Following a w Following wide-ranging idee ranging rreview, eview, W Wolseley olseley U UK, K, o owner wner o off tthe he P Plumb lumb C Center enter b brand, rand, h has as a announced nnounced a ttransformation ransformation of of the the way way it it serves ser ves its its customers customers which which is is likely likely to to result result in in fewer fewer branches. branches. With the With the aim a im o off lowering lowering costs costs and and driving driving efficiencies, e fficiencies, Wolseley Wolseley UK UK has has unveiled unveiled plans plans tto o reorganise reorganise its its plumbing plumbing and and heating heat ing business, b usiness, w which hich c could ould rresult esult iin nan number umber o off branch b ranch closures closures and and a significant significant reduction reduction iin n staff. staff. The The company company currently cur rent ly operates operates 740 7 4 0 branches branches nationwide nat ionw ide and and employs employs 6100 6 10 0 sstaff, taff, b but ut tthe he iinitial nit ial e estimate st imate iis s tthat hat 80 8 0 branches branches w will ill c close lose a and nd tthere here w will ill b be eu up p 800 tto o8 0 0 rredundancies. edundancies. Despite D espite the the headline headline figures, figures, the the merchant merchant group positive about prospects g roup rremains emains p ositive ab out iits ts p rospects and plan, a nd claims claims tthat hat tthe he ttransformation ransfor mat ion p la n, w hich iincludes ncludes £ 10 0m iinvestment, nvestment, will w ill which £100m deliver d eliver an an improved improved level level of of service ser v ice for for ttrade rade c customers ustomers c coupled oupled w with it h a lleaner, eaner, more m ore e efficient fficient o operating perat ing m model odel w which hich w will ill enhance e nhance product product availability availabilit y and and choice. choice. ““The The trends trends iin no our ur p profitability rofitability h have av ve b been een disappointing d isappoint ing and and we we need need to to take take action act ion tto o iimprove mprove our our customer customer proposition proposit ion a and nd off o our business,” tthe he efficiency efficiency o ur b usiness,” says says Patrick Patrick

Headon, MD Headon, M D of of Wolseley Wolseley UK. UK. “Over “Over time time I’m I’m confident confident o our ur pr proposals oposals w will ill b benefit enefit b both ot h our colleagues UK and customers our c olleagues iin n tthe he U Ka nd tthe he c ustomers they every day.” t hey sserve er v e e v er y d ay.” The plans create T he company company ssays ays tthat hat iitt p lans tto oc reate two t wo types t y pes of of branch branch to to meet meet the t he needs needs of of customers. customers. A local local network net work of of around around 450 450 branches will be with offering branches w ill b e ttasked asked w ith o ffer ing llocal ocal expertise across broad off pr product e x p er t i s e a c ro s s a b road rrange ange o oduct categories. will categor ies. This This network network w ill be be backed backed by by 80 branches’ which will 80 llarger arger ‘‘destination destination b ranches’ w hich w ill

be provide expertise all b e able able tto op rovide iin-depth n-depth e xpertise iin na ll areas. a reas. These These sites sites will will be be open open seven seven days day ys a week will have own w eek and and each each w ill h av ve iits ts o wn dedicated dedicated bathroom b at hroom sshowroom. how room. The operating will also aim T he new new o perating model model w ill a lso a im tto o p rovide more more fle xible de livery and and collection collection provide flexible delivery customer This ttimes imes tto o ssuit uit c ustomer rrequirements. equirements. T h is will creation off n new w ill include include tthe he c reat ion o ew ttransport ranspor t hub deliver products and h ub locations locations tto od eliver pr oducts a nd more more off b branch rregular eg ular replenishment replenishment o ranch sstock. tock. IItt claimed efficiency will be iis sc laimed tthat hat e f ficienc y ssavings av ings w ill b e generated better management g enerated ffrom rom b etter sstock to ck m anagement across ac ross the t he network. net work. att tthe heart off tthis ““We We have have put put the the customer customer a he h earrt o his with aim off m making Wolseley rreview eview w ith tthe he a im o aking W olseley tthe he first merchant our chosen fi rst choice choice sspecialist pecialist m erchant iin no ur c hosen markets,” Headon. have great m arkets,” adds adds He H adon. ““We We h av ve a g reat business b usiness in in the the UK UK and and there there are are continued continued opportunities growth. o pportunities for for g rowth. I’m I’m confident confident the the programme will ttransformation ransformattion p rogramme w ill drive drive better better customer c ustomer service service and and employee employee engagement engagement and a nd improve improve our our financial financial returns.” returns.”

Enter E ntte er to to win win a press press tool tool wo worth w orth £100 £1000 £ 1000 fr ffrom rom C Co Cone Conex onex on ex Bä Bänninger änninger än ninger

See page 31

Shower S howe wer drop drop

New N ew boiler boiler b brands rands iin n llatest atest W Which? hich? rreview ev viiew Consumer ma magazine gazine Wh Which? hich? has rreleased eleased its latest ann annual ual boiler rreport, eport, p whic which ch surv surveyed eyed 10,859 Which? Which? members, membe ers, 601 members of public Which? Trusted Traders the pub blic and 179 Wh hich? T rrusted T raders engineers formulate heating eng ineers to form ulate a list of rrecommendations. ecommendations. In total, 14 g gas as boiler brands and two oil boilerrbr brands were covered br andsandtw ooilboiler andsw ereco vered by b y the rresearch. esearch. h These include Alpha, Alpha Baxi, Baxi Glow-worm, Glo w-worm, Gr Grant, ant, Mai Main, in, P Potterton, otterton, V Vaillant, aillant, a Viessmann, V iiessmann, V Vokèra okèra and o dW Worcester or o cester Bosc Bosch, h, as well w ell as four ne newcomers wcomers s to the list: Inter Intergas, gas, JJohnson ohnson & Starle Starley, y, Arist Ariston ton and F Ferroli. erroli. Resear chers asked Wh hich? T rusted r T raders Researchers Which? Trusted Traders engineers about different brands heating eng ineers a bout the differ ent br ands they on. of boilers the y work work on n. The questions were were designed to pr provide ov vide an a insight into ho how w likely likel y engineers engineers are are to to rrecommend ecommend eac each h brand br and of boiler and wh whether hether the they y thought

the bu build was They were uild quality w as good. The yw ere also asked they quickly get d if the y could quic kly g et hold of parts and spar spares, es, and ho how ow easy it is i to fix a common comm mon fault. The mor more e difficult either of these w was, more likely customer as, the mor e likel y a custo mer is to get hit according get hi it with a higher rrepair epair bill, acc cording to the rreport. eport. Which? about Wh hich? also asked consumers ab a bout the boilerr the they have any y ha ave in their home and an ny breakdowns, break kdo ow wns, problems prob blems and anno annoyances yan nces with their boiler boiler.. Reliab Reliability was calculated b bility w as calculat ted based on ho how each brand and of boiler perfor performed ow eac h br rmed and how how often o it had br broken oken do down. wn. Res Researchers searchers concluded years, conclu uded that after six y ears, the t least reliable brands were more relia able br ands w ere mor e than twice as likely likely to ha have ave de developed veloped a fault as the most reliable. scores were relia able. Customer scor es w ere assigned to eac each brand how satisfied ch br and based on ho ow sati isfied the

members w were ere with w their boiler and ho how ow likely were likel y they they w ere to o rrecommend ecommend it to a friend. Coming on both and end user C oming ttop op o nb oth iinstaller nstaller a nd e nd u ser llists ists was was Worcester, Worcester, whose whose boilers boilers have have rreceived eceived Best Best Buy Buy status stat us for for tthe he sseventh event h year This means every gas y ear rrunning. unning. T h is m eans tthat hat e v er y g as and boiler a nd oil oil b oiler made made by by Worcester Worcester has has now now achieved Which? Best a chieved tthe he W hich? B est Buy Buy status. stat us. Speaking about debut S peaking a bout IIntergas’s ntergas’s d ebut on on tthe he rreport, eport, MD Zouch are delighted M D Stephen Stephen Z ouch ssays: ay ys: ““We We a re d elighted tthat hat the the brand brand has has been been recognised recognised by by such such highly organisation. ah ighly rrespected espected o rganisation. IIntergas ntergas iis s already brand Netherlands a lready a lleading eading b rand iin n tthe he Ne therlands and our business growing UK a nd o ur b usiness iis sg rowing ffast ast iin n tthe he U K due, main, our customers d ue, iin n tthe he m ain, tto oo ur ssatisfied atisfied c ustomers housing associations.” iin n social social housing housing and and h ousing a ssociations.” Check C heck out out this this month’s month’s Gas Gas Boiler Boiler feature feature for for news and n ews a nd technical technical information, information, pages pages 36 36 to to 53. 53.

An QT has been donated by Mira An Elite Elite Q T sshower hower h as b een d onated b yM ira to to serve serve the the crew crew from from Knoydart Knoydar art Renewables, Renewab bles, who att o one off tthe most who are are stationed stationed a ne o he m ost rremote emote places Scotland. The works att a places iin nS cotland. T he tteam eam w orks a dam near Knoydart, village dam n ear IInverie, nverie, K noydart, a v illage tthat hatt is is accessible accessible only only by by boat boat or or a 17 17 mile mile hike hike over ro ugh tterrain. errain. over rough The even more off beaten The dam dam itself itself iis se ven m ore o ff tthe he b eaten track, much all and track, sso o m uch sso o tthat hat a ll ssupplies upplies a nd equipment were airlifted by helicopter. equipment w ere a irlifted iin nb yh elicopter. The accommodation blocks were The a ccommodattion b locks w ere sspecially pecially designed be designed tto ob e rreadily eadily ttransportable ransportable by by air, air, and one off tthose was Mira Elite QT, and on on o ne o hose llifts ifts w as a M ira E lite Q T, donated community by company donated tto o tthe he c ommunity b y tthe he c ompany and crew’s and intended intended ffor or tthe he c rew’s sshower hower room. room.

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October 2016

NEWS N EWS SR Review eview

Gas as engineers engin neers call call Editor’s IInside nside this this issue issue G Editor’s better ffor o orr b etter ssupport uppor o t Viewpoint V i e w p o i nt Step-by-step ffor or the the elderly elderrly Guide by C Chris hris JJones one es

Warmup offers an Warmup illustrated guide to the e installation of its latestt electric UFH system

Starts page 26

Gas Boilers A discussion of some off the issues facing gas bo oiler boiler installers and a look in into nto industry’s the industry’ s future

Starts page 37

Electric Heating A response p to some of the t common misconception misconceptions ns about electric heating technology

Starts page 57

Tools T ools o & Workwear W orkwear o We W e round d up some off th the h he latest tools and equipme equipment ent designed for use by professionals

Starts page 63

T he T The Technical echnical M Magazine agazine for for the the Plumbing, Plumbing, H eating & A ir Movement Movement IIndustry ndustr y Heating Air

Incorporating: Incorporating: Plumbing & Heating News News Plumbing & Heating Equipment News N ws Ne

It iiss c It claimed laimed tthat hat eight eight m million illion older o lder p people eople c could ould b be ea att rrisk isk ffrom rom unsafe unsafe gas gas appliances appliances iin n the the UK, UK, following following a study study by b y tthe he G Gas as S Safe afe R Register egister tthat hat ffound ound a around round o one ne iin n ssix ix g gas as a ppliances a re u nsafe, w ith appliances are unsafe, with h a lf o he g as fi replaces half off tthe gas fireplaces iinvestigated nvestigated ffound ound to b e be d angerous. Worryingly, Wo orryingly, older older dangerous. p eople a re h alf a s llikely ikely ((6%) 6%) people are half as a other age age groups g roups ((15%) 15%) ass other tto o have have a gas gas installation installation o er vice c arr ied out out by by a orr sservice carried pr ofessional to to e nsure their their professional ensure g as appliances appliances a re ssafe. afe. gas are A ssurvey ur vey of of Gas Gas Safe Safe re g istered engineers eng ineers also also registered rreveals eveals that that over over 80% 80% of of tthem hem believe believe tthat hatt the the elderly elderrly sshould hould b be e o offered ffered b better etter ssupport upport to to help help them them be be gas gas ssafe afe in in the the home. home. The T he ssurvey ur vey sshows hows tthat hat off re registered a third third ((33%) 33%) o eg istered engineers e ng ineers feel feel that that people people over 65 are be o ver 6 5a re lless ess llikely ikely tto ob e aware off tthe dangers off g gas a w a re o he d angers o as appliances, a ppliances, with with 83% 83% saying saying give older orr tthey hey rregularly eg ularly g ive o lder o vulnerable v ulnerab ble people people ssupport upport in in understanding how u nderstanding h ow tto o llook ook out o ut for for ssigns/symptoms ig ns/symptoms of of unsafe u nsafe gas gas appliances. appliances. W hen asked asked what what ssupport upport When could be offered help c ould b e o ffered tto o h elp elderly gas tthe he e lderly sstay tay g as ssafe, afe, rresponses esponses from from engineers eng ineers direct iincluded ncluded d irect advertising adv d ertising

Less ttalk Less alk a nd n d more more action action o and

and and extra extra information, information, ssuch uch as as leaflets, leaflets, safety safett y booklets booklets and step-by-step and st ep-by-step guides; g uides; discounts on CO discounts o nC O alarms alarms for for the over-65s; and the o ver-65s; a nd rregular eg ular updates updates ffrom rom tthe he iindustry. ndustr y. Jonathan Samuel, Jonathan S amuel, MD MD for Gas Safe Register, for G as S afe R eg ister, ssays: ays: “Registered “Registered engineers engineers are are at at the the front front line line of of gas gas safety safet y in UK, and in the the U K, a nd have have tthe he best best iinsight nsight iinto nto the the safety safet y of elderly orr v vulnerable of e lderly o ulnerable residents.” residents.” The watchdog The gas gas safety safet y w atchdog is urging engineers is u rg ing e ng ineers tto o help help ensure ensure the the public, public, and and particularly particularly the the elderly, elderly, know off ffaulty know the the rrisks isks o ault y gas and gas appliances appliances a nd tthe he importance of of getting getting an an importance annual annual safety safet e y check. che h ck . More More than than 260 260 over-65s over-65s are are injured by injured b y gas gas appliances appliances every ever y year, year, accounting accounting for for the the majority majority ((57%) 57%) of of deaths deaths from gas from g as fires fires at at home. home.

A nother G as S afety Week Week has has come come and and gone. gone. T he a nnual Another Gas Safety The annual campaign c ampaign to to help help raise raise consumer consumer awareness awareness about about gas gas and off u using qualified ssafety afety a nd tthe he iimportance mportance o sing a q ualified iinstaller nstaller iis sn now ow an an established established e event vent o on n tthis his iindustry’s ndustry’s c calendar, alendar, but b ut how how much much of of an an impact impact iitt m makes akes on on tthe he p public ublic consciousness c onsciousness iis sh harder arder to to gauge. gauge. No doubt doubt Gas Gas Safe Safe will w ill b be e ab able le tto o ssupply upply plenty plent y o off sstats tats o on n tthe he a amount mount o off airtime a irtime and and column column inches inches devoted devoted to to the the cause, cause, but but achieving a chieving a genuine genuine change change in in consumer consumer behaviour behaviour has be viewed as project. h as tto ob ev iewed a s a llong ong tterm erm pr oject. September S eptemberr is is as as good good a time time as as any any to to capture capture public public iinterest nterest about about p potential otential h heating eatting pr problems, oblems, a and nd tthe he sseven even day d ay campaign campaig n does does at at least least succeed succeed in in raising raising some some iimportant mportant issues issues that that deserve deser ve further further investigation. investigation. Surveys S urveys related related to to this this year’s year’s campaign campaign have hav ve highlighted highlighted concerns c oncerns about about tthe he n number umber o off c consumers onsumers w who ho ffail ail tto o question q uestion a an n iinstaller nstaller a about bout ttheir heir q qualifications ualifications a and nd a are re an annual boiler The vulnerability llikely ikely tto o sskip kip a na nnual b oiler sservice. ervice. T he v ulnerab bility off tthe elderly also be o he e lderly y to to unsafe unsafe gas gas appliances appliances sshould hould a lso b ea call but an c all to to positive positiv ve action, action, b ut rraising aising a n issue issue e and and coming coming up u p with with a solution solution are are two two different different things. things. Prohibiting nonP rohibiting the the selling selling of of gas gas appliances appliances tto o n onrregistered eg istered purchasers purchasers has has long long been been viewed viewed as as a step step but making iin n the the right r ight direction, direction, b ut despite despite m aking all all the the right r ight noises n oises the the industry’s industr y’s supply supply chain chain has has so so far far failed failed to to make m ake a united united stand. stand. Now Now a group group of of Gas Gas Safe Safe installers installers have decided own h ave d ecided tto o ttake ake tthings hings iin n ttheir heir o wn hands hands ((see see ‘‘Superhero Superhero campaign campaig n launch’ launch’ story stor y on on page page 8) 8) and and a petition has been p etition h as b een sset et up up to to bring br ing about about a change change to to rregulations. egulations. Will Will they they succeed succeed where where others others have have failed? failed? They may be caped with high flying ambitions, T hey m ay yb ec ap ped crusaders crusaders w ith h igh fl fly ying a mbitions, but could make all b ut it’s it’s the the ground g round llevel evel ssupport upport tthat hat c ould m ake a ll difference. tthe he d ifferenc ce. Follow F ollow u uss on

@PHAMNews @ PHAMNews

Grand G rand Prix Prix a action ction

Published by: by: Pinede Publishing | 16/18 Hawkesyard Hawkkesyard Hall, Armitag Armitagee PPark, ark, Nr Rug eley, Staf Staffordshire fordshire WS15 1 1PU Rugeley, T eel: 01889 577222 | Fax: Fax: 01889 9 579177 Tel: info@phamnews.co.uk Email: inf o@phamnews.co.uk www.phamnews.co.uk www w.phamne . ws.co.uk Managing Manag ing Editor Editor Chris Chr is Jones Jones Assistant EEditor ditor Carol Car ol Hitchcock Hitchcock Publisherss Publisher Chris Evans Chr is Ev ans Russ JJackson ackson

Southern Sou uthern Advertisement Advertisement Manager Ma anager Nathan Na than Wood Wood Classiﬁed Cla assiﬁed Sales Sharon Sha aron Nutter Magazine Administrator Ma agazine A dministrator Helen He len Green Green

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©C Copyright opyright 2016 2016 | Plumbing, Plumbing , Heating Heating & Air Air Movement Movement News N ew s All rrights ights rreserved. eserved. No par partt of this publication ma mayy be rreproduced eproduced or stor stored ed in a rretrieval etrieval system without wr written i itten consent from fr om the publisher publisher.. A Attributed ttr t ibuted ar articles ticles rrepresent epresent the vie views ws of the A Author(s) uthor(s) and ar aree not the necessar necessarily ily those of the EEditor. ditor. The T he publisher publisherss accept no rresponsibility esponsibility ffor or claim claims ms made bbyy man manufacturers ufacturers or adv advertisers. ertisers. TThis his mag magazine azine includ includes des a nnumber umber of colour editor editorial ial photo photographs graphs paid ffor or bbyy supp suppliers. pliers.

Customers o Customers off R Riello iello w were ere rrecently ecent ly ttreated reated tto o a tthrilling hr illing sspectacle pectacle o off m motorsport otorspor t a att tthe he 2 2016 016 O Octo c to B British r it ish G Grand rand P r ix M otoGP at at Silverstone. Siilverstone. A s w el l a s c elebrat ing tthe he Prix MotoGP As well as celebrating company’s c ompany’s ongoing ongoing ssponsorship ponsorship o off tthe he P Pramac ramac D Ducati ucat i tteam, eam, guests g uests w were ere able able to to enjoy enjoy an an action-packed act ion-packed event event tthat hat saw saw Maverick Maver ick Vinales Vinales claim claim his his first first MotoGP MotoGP victory. v ictor y. Sales S ales & Marketing Market ing D Director irector P Paul aul S Sharp ha r p c comments: omments: ““Riello R iello iiss a long-term long-ter m ssponsor ponsor o off the t he Pramac Pramac D Ducati ucat i team, tea e m, as as the t he combination c ombination of of expertise expertise and and advanced advanced technology technology displayed displayed iin n m otorspor t h as m any p arallels w it h tthe he d esig n a nd motorsport has many parallels with design and application a pplicat ion o off o our ur b burners ur ners and and gas gas boosters.” boosters.” ENQUIRY EENQUIRY NQUIR RY

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October 2016

NEWS Review

Homeowners failing to check for ID Gas review asks for installer input Gas Safe Register is to launch an in-depth report into the past, present and future for gas safety. The ‘Decade Review’ report will consider the opportunities and challenges faced across the industry since the Frontline Review, which led to the creation of the Gas Safe Register, was published in 2006. It will also look ahead to some of the issues that will need to be addressed over the next decade. Engineers are invited to voice their thoughts as part of the pan-industry review which aims to be the largest and most comprehensive study of its kind. There are many ways for engineers to contribute to the review, including through focus groups and online surveys. Scott Darroch, Project Director for the review, says: “As part of the Decade Review report, we are looking to speak with a wide range of

stakeholders from sole trader registered businesses training and assessment companies, charities and national energy companies. “This consultation will help the team at Gas Safe Register shape and continue to improve the service we offer by giving us an indepth insight into what the industry needs. In such a fastchanging industry that has seen many developments over the last decade, including new legislation and technology, the intent is for the Decade Review to be a useful report that the whole industry can turn to.” The process of gathering information for the Decade Review is now underway, with all results to be captured by independent research agency Accent. Details on the different routes any interested parties can use to contribute will be announced shortly. Gas Safe Register aims to publish the results next summer.

A new survey has revealed some concerning statistics around the habits of homeowners and their heating systems. The study carried out by Worcester ahead of Gas Safety Week in September found that almost half of UK householders (42%) would not ask a heating engineer to show their Gas Safe Card before letting them work on a gas appliance, with more than one in three unaware that they should even check an installer’s credentials before letting them start work in their property.

Among the reasons given for not checking were that the installer had been recommended by a friend (19%), being too embarrassed to ask (12%) or simply feeling

they looked genuine (11%). Even those who said that they would ask for an installer’s ID stated that there were occasions when they would be inclined to

let their guard down. People were less likely to check that an installer was registered if their heating had broken down in winter (15%) or if they had struggled to find a heating engineer in the first place (12%). In addition, one in 10 of the people questioned by the manufacturer had never had their boiler serviced, and a further 46% admitted to having skipped booking in an annual boiler service. However, nearly 80% of those asked thought annual servicing should be made a legal requirement.

Boiler display vehicle on the road again Following an extensive refit, the Vokèra trade vehicle is back on the road and touring the country. The vehicle, which has been with the company since 2011, has a new design which fits with the company’s updated branding and provides more space to display products, including an operational version of the Unica i combi boiler. The main focus for the revamp has been on ease of use, and installers can now get to grips with a number of the commercial and renewable products in the Vokèra range. For more information on upcoming dates and venues for the Vokèra Trade Vehicle, please go to the website: www. vokera.co.uk/vokera-trade-vehicle

Avoid fake spares warning The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council is calling on installers to stay alert and avoid using fake spare parts when they undertake boiler maintenance or servicing this winter. Stewart Clements, Director of HHIC, says: “We are asking installers to remain vigilant and report any fake heating components they come across to Trading Standards. Many ‘fakes’ claim to be an exact replica of the manufacturer’s own part and some even carry a CE marking. However they may be made from substandard material or may not have been rigorously tested on the actual boiler they are being sold for. The result is likely to be an invalid boiler warranty and a potentially dangerous installation.”

Plumber of the Year winner Shaun Scott from Oyne, Aberdeenshire, has been announced the winner of the UK Plumber of the Year 2016 competition sponsored by JT, Bristan and Plumb Center. Following hundreds of entries from all over the UK, Shaun travelled to Tamworth to attend a final interview session with four other finalists where the challenge was to impress an industry judging panel. Shaun impressed the judging panel with his determination, skill-set and his vision for the future. A plumbing engineer for nine years, Shaun works for Derek Scott Plumbing Ltd in Insch. As well as the honour of becoming the second-ever UK Plumber of the Year, Shaun takes home £10,000 worth of prizes, including JT and Bristan products, vouchers to spend at his nearest Plumb Center and products from Arctic, Big Wipes, CAT, CK Tools, Epson, Milwaukee, Monument, PayPal, Regin, Rothenberger and Toolbank. Shaun took on four other plumbers in the final stage. Mark Wakeley from Devon, Richard Lane from Bolton, Richard Weir ENQUIRY

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from North Shields and Sarah Osbourne from Cambridge, who walked away with a highly commended award. On receiving the award, Shaun said: “It’s an absolute honour, I really can’t believe it! I really enjoyed the whole process, from completing the initial application form, gathering votes from my community and the final interview stage, which was nerve wracking, but a fantastic experience. I’d also like to say a big thank you to the sponsors and the prize partners for their generous support.”

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NEWS N EWS R Review evi v ew

Poll P oll rreveals eveals installer installer views views A live live poll poll c conducted onducted a among mong heating rrenewable enewable he ating iinstallers nstallers by b y Daikin Daikin UK UK has has revealed revealed tthat hat nearly nearly 80% 80% of of iinstallers nstallers predict growth, p redict ffuture uture ssector ector g rowth, w ith running r unning cost cost savings savings with highlighted h ighlighted as as the the biggest big i gest driver market. d r iver of of tthe he m arket. The T he ssurvey, ur vey, taken taken at at tthe he company’s first c ompany’s fi rst conference conference ffor o or iits ts k key ey iinstallers, nstallers, sshowed howed 75% off rrespondents tthat hat 7 5% o espondents ffelt elt tthat hat running r unning cost cost savings sav ings were w ere the the strongest strongest driver, driver, with with building and an b uilding rregulations eg ulations a nd a n iinterest nterest iin n n ew ttechnology echnolog y new

each identified by e ach being being id entified b y 10% voters and 1 0% of of v oters a nd jjust ust 5% 5% ssaying aying ssustainability ustainability ttargets. argets. This T his response response was was further fur ther ssupported uppor ted b y rresponses esponses to to by RHI ‘‘how how sstrongly trongly has has tthe he R HI driven with more d riven ssales’, ales’, w ith m o e tthan or han 4 0% o nstallers ssaying aying tthe he R HI 40% off iinstallers RHI had been driver, h ad b een a sstrong trong d river, and and 3 5% ssaying aying iitt h as h ad a m odest 35% has had modest on iinfluence nfluence o n ssales. ales. When Whe h n asked asked whether whet h her awareawaren ess of of h eat p ump technology technology ness heat pump amongst homeowners a mongst h omeowners and and sspecifiers pecifiers had had iincreased ncreased decreased over or d ecreased o ver tthe he llast ast

two years, off two y ears, two two tthirds hirds o the a ttendees believed believed tthat hat the attendees awareness had awareness h ad iincreased. ncreased. H owever when n a sked However when asked what w as tthe he b iggest b ar r ier what was biggest barrier to 53% to selling selling heat heat pumps, pumps, 5 3% of iinstallers nstallers identified identified it it as as of the cost compared with the c ost c ompared w ith a boiler or other other renewables, ren newables, boiler whilst 22% 22% said said that that clients’ clients’ whilst lack off u understanding off tthe lack o nderstanding o he environmental or c ost b enefits environmental cost benefits remained an remained a n issue. issue. For more more information info ormation o n tthe he For on Daikin Key Key Installer Installer Scheme Scheme Daikin visit visit http://key.daikin.co.uk http:// key.daikin.co.uk

Advance A dvance ttour ou our ffor o or iinstallers nst staller ers

Reminder R emin nder a about bout w ater regulations regula ations water

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r 8PSDFTUFS JT PGGFS JOH r 8PSDFTUFS JT PGGFSJOH iinstallers nstallers a £100 £10 0 price pr ice drop d rop across across its its full full range range off G Greenstore hot water o reenstore h ot w ater sstorage torage cylinders. c ylinders. After 32 year tenancy rr After e a3 2y ear te enancy iin n the the west west of of Colchester, Colcchesterr, ventilation specialist Titon v e en ntiilla ation s pecialiist T iton has and h as relocated relocated its itts HQ HQ a nd Sales Marketing S ales & M arketing Division Division Colchester tto o C olcheste er Business Business Park on north side off P ark o n tthe he n orth s ide o tthe he ttown. own.

T he UK’s UK’s leading leading w ater regulations re egulations body body and and n UK UK water wate er The water ccompanies ompanies are are urging urg ging anyone anyone planning planning plumbing plumbing work work to to m ake s ure th hey know know the the ‘water ‘water law’ law’ before beffore e they they start. start. In In make sure they m any ccases, ases, work work on on n ew a nd e xisting p lumbi b ng s ystem e s, many new and existing plumbing systems, a nd s ome ttypes ypes o ater iinstallations, nstallatiions, needs needs to to be be notified notifi fied to, to, and some off w water a nd approved approved b y, tthe he lo ocal water wate er supplier supplier b effore iitt ccan an b egin. and by, local before begin. JJulie ulie e Spinks, Spin nks, MD MD of of tthe he W ater Regulations Regulatiio ons Advisory Advisory y Scheme Scheme Water ((WRAS), WRAS), comments: comments: ““The The U Ke njoys h igh-qualiity, s afe dr riin nking UK enjoys high-quality, safe drinking w ater a nd w ew ant tto om ake sure sure itt stays stays that that way. way. Getting Getting water and we want make p ermissio on iis sq uick and and free, free, but but failure failure to o notify notify your your local local permission quick w ater supplier supplie er ccould ould d rresult esult in in extra extrra cost cost tto op ut p oor p lu umbing water put poor plumbing rright ight or, or, worse, worse, contamination contamination o ate er s upplies a nd a ccourt ourt off w water supplies and p rosecution.” prosecution.”

Open O pen in i 8 80 0y years ears

IInstallers nstallers ccan an get get a preview p re eview off Vaillant’s Vaillant’s new new Green G reen iiQ Q ecoTEC ecoTEC exclusive exclusive boiler b oiler by by visiting v isiting one one of of tthe he Advance Advance Tour Tour special special events, e vents, held held tthroughout hroughout October. O ctoberr. The The company company will w ill be be demonstrating demonstrrating tthe he n ew b oiller a nd explaining explaining new boiler and tthe he Green Gre een iQ iQ concept. concept. All All Vaillant V ailllant p products roducts s ca ccarrying rry ying Green tthe he G reen iQ iQ mark mark rk have have been b een d designed esigned to to be be efficient, ef fficient, iintelligent ntelligen e ta and nd networked. net work ked. G regg Cole, Cole, Vaillant Vaillant Gregg Sales S ales D Director ire ector or – Domestic, Dom o estic, ccomments: omments: “We “We enenccourage ourage a any ny iinstallers nstallers who w ho a are re iinterested nterested in in fi nding out out more more about about finding how h ow tthe he G Green reen iQ iQ ecoTEC ecoTEC exclusive e xclusiv ve can can help help to o take take ttheir heir bu sinesses to to the the businesses n ext llevel evel tto o rregister egister for for next o ne o ur e vents n ow.” one off o our events now.” IInstallers nstallers can can choose choose ffrom rom s seven even e events, vents, which whicch will w ill b be e held held at at Vaillant’s Vaillant’s Centres C entres o off E Excellence xcellence across a cro oss the the UK. UK . T The he n next ext s cheduled s top iis so n the the scheduled stop on 1 1th in in Maidstone. Maidstone. 11th To T o register register to to attend attend one o ne o off tthe he A Advance dvance T Tour our e vents p lease v isit it w ww. events please visit www. vaillantlaunch.co.uk v aillantlaunch.co.uk

IIn n brief b ief br

Ventilation Ventilation e spec specialist ialist V Vente entAxia recently celebrated recently cel lebrated its 80th anniversary anniversarry at its head offices in Crawley, Crawle w y, W West e est Sussex. Sussex. The focal point of the occasion was was the e burial of a metal time caps capsule ule outside the compan company’s ny y’s rreception eception area by Mayor Crawley area b y the Ma ayorr of Cr aw wley and local MP He Henry enry Smith. The capsule is to o sta stay ay buried for 80 y years ears and d contains a n number umber of item items s that rreflect eflect the modern business, busiiness, including the compan company’s ny y’s inno innovative ovative bathroom bathroom fan – th the he Lo-Carbon Sv Svara, ara, br branded anded mer merchandise chandise and photos of th the Vent-Axia the he V e ent-Axia team. When th he capsule is dug up in 2096, futur future employees find stick fu e emplo oyees will also fin d a USB stic ck containing curr current en nt br brochures ochures and featur feature e ma material, aterial, plus a newspaper day. ne ew wspaper from from the da ay.

rr BTU N POUI 7 BJMMBOU -BTU NPOUI 7BJMMBOU c elebrated its its 10 10 y ear celebrated year a nniversar y trading trading in anniversary tthe he commercial commercial boiler boiler m arket in in the the UK, U K, market h aving llaunched aunched its its first first having ttechnology echnolog y solution solution iin n 20 06. 2006. rr Marley Marlley Plumbing Plumbing and and D rainage has has launched launched a Drainage n ew fa brication s er v ice new fabrication service ffor or iits ts H DPE system, system, HDPE m eaning iitt ccan an now now meaning cre eate m adee to-measure e create made-to-measure ffabricated abricate ed s tacks that th hat are are stacks ccertified ertified with with a British British S tandard K itemark. Standard Kitemark. r "T "T QBSU QBSU PG PG JUT JUT UI UI a nniversary celebrations, celebrations, anniversary B a x i has h a s smashed sm s a she d its it s Baxi £ 15 0 ,0 0 0 f undraising u nd r a i si ng £150,0 ttarget a r g et for for its it s national n at i o n a l c h a r it y partner p a r t ner M a r ie charity Marie C urie. Curie. r The The majority majority of of products produ ucts u nder the the Reliance Reliance W ate er under Water C ontro ols name name are are e now now Controls a vailable as s BIM BIM objects objects available ffollowing ollowing an an investment investment b y Reliance Reliance Worldwide. Worldwide. by

S uperrhero campaign camp paign launch launch Superhero

Three plumbing Three plumbing and and heating heating ‘‘twitterati’ twitterati’ h have av ve jjoined oined fforces orces with The Builders w ith tthe he tteam eam att T he B uilders Babes B abes tto o llaunch aunch tthe he G Gas as S Safe afe Superhero S uperhero c campaign. ampaign. The Th he trio trio off ‘‘Gas o Gas S Safe a fe Superheroes’ S u p e r h e r o e s’ has h as b been e en fformed or me d b by y @ PRHullltd Hull), P R Hu l l lt d ((Paul P au l H u l l), @ pbplumber p b plu mb er (Peter ( Pet er Booth), B o o t h ), a nd @GasManGod @ G a s M a nG o d (as (a s yet y et and unmasked unm asked and and unnamed!), u amed!), unn who w ho a are re ttaking aking a grassroots grassroots a pproach to to stamping stamping out out approach unsafe u nsafe gas gas practices, practices, from from c onsumer to re rretailer tailer to consumer engineer. e ngineer. T The he c campaign ampaign was was llaunched au unched to to coincide coincide with with the the rrecent ecent Gas Gas Safety Safet y W eek. Week. Central C entral to to the the Superheroes’ Superheroes’ c r usade iis s a p etition tto o crusade petition iimprove mprove policies, policies, procedures procedures and a nd the the legal legal requirements req quirements a ssociated with with gas gas safety. safety. It It associated a sks Government Government to to ensure ensure asks tthat hat tthe he ssale ale o as-related off g gas-related

p roducts iis so nly ye ver a llowed products only ever allowed ffor or tthose hose w ho sshow how ttheir heir who G as S afe card card at at the the time time o Gas Safe off p urchase. The The petition petition also also purchase. a sks tthat hatt G as S afe e ngineers asks Gas Safe engineers b e req uired to p resent be required present ttheir heir c ard b efore e nter ing card before entering a customer’s customer’s home home w hen when c ar r ying out out any any gas gas work. work. carrying T he Gas Gas Safe Safe Superheroes Superheroes The a re iinviting nviting a ll iinterested nterested p arare all partties ies to to take take p art, w ith ssupport upport part, with a nd information informattion p acks tailortailorand packs

m ade for fo or installers, installers, rretailers etailers made a nd customers customers available available on on and tthe he w ebsite. website. F or more mor e information, i n for m at ion , For v isit tthe he w ebsite (www. (w w w. visit website g assafetysuperheroes.com) or or gassafetysuperheroes.com) ttweet weet@ t@ PRHullltd, @ pbplumber @PRHullltd, @pbplumber a nd @GasManGod @GasManGod u sing tthe he and using ha shtags # sa afet ysuperhero hashtags #safetysuperhero a nd # regardthecard. A nd iiff and #regardthecard. And y ou ssupport upport the the cause, cause, don’t don’t you fforget orget to to add add your your name name to to tthe he p etition. petition.

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October 2016

NEWS Review 11 Best practice guide New boiler deal with energy supplier for UFH systems A new partnership between Flowgroup and Intergas will see the Ipswich based energy supply and services company distribute the Flow Eco RF boiler, manufactured by Intergas. The boiler will be sold via Flow’s Brand Ambassador (FBAs) network of installers located across the UK and the company claims that it will be able to give installers an increased margin and provide users with better value.

Commenting on the deal, Tony Stiff, Chief Executive Officer at Flowgroup, says: “The energy supply division of our business has grown phenomenally in the past year, and we’re keen to replicate this growth in our Products division. “We’re doing this by partnering with the likes of Intergas to deliver exciting and innovative heating products, such as the Flow Eco RF boiler, and

by leveraging our strong existing Brand Ambassador network we’re taking a completely new approach to the heating market. Through offering a diverse range of products and services to the whole of the market, and providing customer offers, bundles and energy supply, we are offering consumers and our Brand Ambassadors something they cannot get from any other energy company. The Flow Eco RF

boiler is one of the most exciting heating products currently available, so we’re extremely excited to include it in our portfolio.” Flow is offering the boiler to customers as part of a 10 year home energy bundle which includes the boiler, installation, 10 year warranty and the intouch system at a price that can be financed. Users are also invited to switch to Flow’s home energy supply for further savings.

New guidance outlining best practice for the installation of underfloor heating has been issued by the NHBC Foundation. Although new homes have increased the use of UFH in recent years, NHBC says it is still a relatively unfamiliar technology that creates potential risks. The publication, ‘Underfloor heating: a guide for house builders’, sets out a number of recommendations to make sure UFH is as effective as possible. Neil Smith, Head of Research and Innovation at NHBC, comments: “This best practice guidance is aimed at helping smaller companies in particular to get things right and ensure that systems deliver all of their advantages in practice whilst avoiding potential problems. We are grateful to the building services industry experts at BSRIA for their support in the development of this guide.”

LST brand buyout The Autron heating brand has been acquired by Contour, a manufacturer of safe surface temperature heating products. Autron has been in the heating sector since the 1970s, growing to become a specialist in low surface temperature radiator products. Although the company has ceased trading, the Autron brand survived, and Contour is set to recommence the manufacture of a range of Autron branded products at its facility in the West Midlands. Contour MD Leigh Simpson says: “Contour’s patented LST guard and casing technology as exemplified by our DeepClean range, combined with Autron’s innovative emitter technology, promises to offer customers the development of more effective, more efficient and even safer heating solutions.”

Nerrad giveaway To celebrate the launch of its TF1 Omega Filter, Fernox is offering new and existing Fernox Installer’s Club members the chance to receive professional Nerrad tools absolutely free when purchasing Fernox TF1 Omega Filters. They will be eligible to receive a free 15 or 22mm Nerrad Copper Tube Cutter with every two Fernox TF1 Omega Filters purchased or an 8in Nerrad Adjustable Wrench with every four Fernox TF1 Omega Filters purchased. “This exclusive Nerrad Tools offer ensures Fernox Installer’s Club members are using the best possible tools when installing market-leading products

such as the new Fernox TF1 Omega Filter,” says Francine Wickham, Global Marketing Director. To sign up to the Fernox Installer’s Club or for more information on the Nerrad Tools offer, visit: www. fernoxinstallersclub.com For more details about Fernox’s new TF1 Omega Filter, turn to page 69. ENQUIRY

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October 2016

PEOPLE on the Move Worcester has appointed Paul Soper (pictured) as its new Director of Sales. Paul has over 20 years experience, having held a variety of positions at Worcester since first joining in 1994. Former roles include Technical Sales Manager for South Yorkshire and, most recently, National Specification Director, a role which will now be filled by Rob Leonard. Pump manufacturer Wilo UK has announced the appointment of Richard Harden (pictured) as its new MD. Richard takes over from Gary Mannus, who has moved on to the position of President Region Americas. Richard has held a number of roles at Wilo, including Regional Sales Manager, followed by the role of Commercial Manager and later as Sales Director. Water treatment manufacturer Fernox has appointed Mike Skivington as Regional Sales Manager for the South East. In his new role, Mike will oversee three regional sales teams and will continue to develop collaborative relationships with customers. Mike joined Fernox in 2010 as a graduate sales representative and moved into an Area Sales Manager position in 2013. Drew Clough has joined Rehau as Product Manager for its underfloor heating and plumbing systems. Drew will be responsible for strategy, product development and life cycle management. He comes to the role with nearly 15 years in marketing and product management across a broad range of industries, from structured cabling to utilities and sustainable technologies. Pipe manufacturer Gastite has made two new appointments to its sales team. Paul Molle (pictured) has been named Regional Sales Manager for the south eastern region while Miles Errington has taken on the role of Technical Sales Manager for the South West and West London regions. They both come to their new roles with a wealth of experience, with a combined 35 years in the industry. The sales team at Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) has been enhanced with the appointment of Scott Humphries as Regional Sales Manager for the South West and South Wales. Scott brings with him several years of technical and project management experience, having started his career as a production and service engineer before moving into sales. Remeha has named Sean Ryan as its new Area Sales Manager for the Yorkshire counties. A Remeha Yorkshire sales agent for the last nine years, Sean has in-depth knowledge of the Remeha product range. Previous sales positions include representing Andrews Water Heaters and Oventrop Valves, as well as 13 years as a HVAC Mechanical Consulting Engineer. Steve Willis Training has welcomed Darren Paine as a new gas and plumbing trainer for the 2016-17 academic year. Darren has over 30 years experience in the industry, training and assessing more than 1000 learners in that time. He started out in the industry as an apprentice and is looking forward to passing on his skills and experience as he works with the learners at the Sussex based training provider. Manufacturer Fabdec is continuing its growth in the South West of England with the appointment of Grant Williams as technical sales agent. Grant will be working to develop the Fabdec brand within the HVAC and building services sectors, while maintaining key accounts and installers across the region. He has extensive experience in the domestic and commercial heating industry, as well as building services. ENQUIRY

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October 2016

16 YO YOUR OUR Views Views

Sponsored column

KNOW HOW

October 2016

with Geberit

Geberit Mapress – a safe gas pipework solution Geberit fittings for gas installation are marked in yellow for clear differentiation. Suitable for stainless steel and copper pipework, the fittings are designed for use with Geberit’s Mapress press fitting system which offers an efficient, safe and reliable alternative to soldering. Press fitting is becoming an increasingly popular option for gas installation, not least because it offers a safe, reliable and efficient method of connecting pipework. Approved for use by the BSi, Geberit Mapress Stainless Steel and Copper gas fittings can be used for most gas applications, following the manufacturer’s instructions, offering a no-fuss alternative to soldering while always giving safety top priority. Geberit Mapress Copper Gas and Mapress Stainless Steel Gas have all the necessary approvals for natural, liquefied and technical gasses for industrial applications. Geberit Mapress Stainless Steel Gas is available in sizes 15-108mm, is HTB approved (PHTB, max = 5 bar) and can be laid on or concealed in a wall. Geberit Mapress Copper Gas is available for gas installations in sizes 15-54mm, and both metals are marked in yellow for ease of identification. A yellow seal ring made of hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR) ensures reliable sealing.

Protective plug Before installation, the fittings are protected with a yellow protective plug and the Geberit pressing indicator also ensures additional safety on the Geberit Mapress Gas fitting. The only tools required to form a safe, reliable connection are a cutter, deburrer, insertion depth marker and pressing, because the fittings are pressed on to the tube, without the need for any soldering or adhesives.

Unpressed joints are easily detectable by the pressing indicator which consists of a thin plastic foil encasing the pressing shoulder which is removed after the press to reveal a visible indication of a pressed joint. This offers a strong defence against installation errors. Due to the deformation of the pipe and fitting, press fit connections cannot be undone or tampered with, thus providing complete peace of mind, particularly important with gas installations where leaks cannot be visibly detected and fixing them can be time consuming and costly. The absence of a working flame also minimises the risk of damage to existing fittings and fixtures, making it particularly suitable for refurbishment projects and installing gas supply lines in domestic situations.

www.geberit.co.uk

Training Update Extra courses to meet the demand More dates have been added to Rinnai UK’s training programme to cater for demand. The company says that it has seen a big increase in interest for its gas fired continuous flow water heaters, which span the smallest domestic unit to super-size industrial appliances. The company offers handson, tailor-made courses that allow engineers the opportunity to explore at first hand the practical and energy saving benefits of continuous flow water heaters, and to familiarise themselves with the technology. Rinnai training specialist Ian Jenkins says: “Since the introduction of energy labelling enquiries for our Infinity units have increased exponentially as the transparency of the labels allows specifiers and end

users to compare products and make an informed choice. As a result of this surge in interest, so far this year we have trained 66% more engineers. We have also seen a large increase in CPD modules all over the UK.”

System design The company says that its most popular course modules are ‘Understanding ACOP L8 and hot water system design’ and ‘System design incorporating continuous flow and renewables’. The hands-on training events are aimed primarily at engineers and facilities managers, and cover both traditional and new technologies for commercial water heating, highlighting the energy and monetary savings that can be achieved by installation of a continuous flow hot water system.

Courses can be arranged to suit individual requirements either at Rinnai’s Runcorn, Cheshire HQ in the dedicated training facility or, if preferred, the company will take the module to the customer’s workplace or other venue convenient to delegates. Since August, Rinnai has organised a course every week for gas engineers as well as catering for the needs of other customers and consultants in the private and public sectors. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Approval for training centre Water treatment specialist Adey is the latest company to receive the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) accreditation for its Training and Conference Centre. The facility was first given the accolade in 2014 and this new plaque presentation extends its Approved status for a further two years. Based at the company’s Cheltenham head office site, the 7000ft2 facility hosts advanced and supervised training on Adey’s range of magnetic filters and premium MC+ chemicals. The Training and Conference Centre also boasts a boardroom, training

Paul Williams (left) with Adey CEO John Vaughan

and demonstration rooms, test rig laboratory and 100 seat auditorium. Paul Williams, National President of the CIPHE, presented Adey Chief Executive Officer John

Vaughan with the plaque, saying: “To have such a fantastic training venue on site is a real string to Adey’s bow. We place great emphasis on training at the CIPHE and it’s clear that it’s something Adey is passionate about too, whether that’s supporting youngsters just entering the trade or more established installers.” For details of courses, please visit the company’s website or enter the following number on the freepost reader enquiry and registration card inside this month’s issue. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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For big thinking installers Installers who want to learn more about bigger domestic and light commercial system design are invited to take advantage of free training available from Vaillant. The company’s ‘High Output Systems’ training is designed to help domestic installers, who are already qualified to work on appliances up to 70kW to expand their work into larger domestic installations and then possibly go on into the commercial sector (subject to obtaining the

necessary commercial ACS requirements). The free training sessions will be taking place across Vaillant’s network of training centres around the country and installers who attend a course will be able to learn more about Valliant’s product portfolio and the commissioning processes for the ecoTEC range – from initial start up to simple and complex parameter alterations. The course will also include an overview of

maintenance requirements and fault finding, in addition to highlighting the pre and post sales service offered by Vaillant’s representatives. “This free course is designed to provide installers with all the information they need to introduce larger domestic and light commercial systems into their business offering,” says John Bailey, Sales Director – Commercial & Renewable Systems at Vaillant Group. See also page 52

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October 2016

TRAINING Update 31 Well equipped display vehicle Financial New course covers incentive large oil burners

A new display and training vehicle (DTV) has been unveiled by Ariston, in readiness for the new heating season. The mobile training and product familiarisation facility will enable the company to take its products out on the road and get closer to customers. Core products on display include a fully functional E-Combi evo boiler, complete with a working Ariston NET smart remote control system. This system is also connected to a sink and taps, providing hot running water on-board. Other boilers showcased include a Clas HE evo (in a see-through case) and an E-System evo. The vehicle is fully equipped for hands-on training on all these products and controls. The DTV also houses an Andris Lux under-sink water heating unit, which is displayed alongside a Nuos FS 200 heat pump water heater and an Aquabravo ITI 80 unvented cylinder. A display board highlights

the company’s range of controls, and there’s also a wall-mounted smart TV that can be used as a PC monitor, aiding on-board presentations.

Food and drink Side panels fold out to create an expanded reception and function area, complete with table, stools, steps and wheelchair ramp. There is also a drinks machine and a hot grill on-board – which is ideal for BBQs and breakfast meetings. Commenting on the new vehicle, Ariston MD Mustafa Findik says: “The DTV is an

incredibly valuable tool, not only for our business but for customers as well. This new model further showcases our commitment to training and dedication to promoting the latest high efficiency heating technologies. Plus, we can take our products and expertise right into the heart of the field, enabling installers to experience our offering firsthand.” For details of future events and presentations please visit: www.ariston.com/uk/ Trade/dtv_events, as well as the company’s Facebook (AristonUK) and Twitter (@ AristonUK) pages.

Heatrae Sadia is offering a cashback deal for installers who complete their G3 training or renewal course through a Baxi training centre. Every individual who completes the course before the end of the year will be eligible to claim back the full £175 cost of the training, providing they buy a Megaflo hot water cylinder within three months of completing their course. The offer can be claimed on the full range of Megaflo cylinders including the Megaflo Eco Solar PV Ready, Slimline, SystemReady, Eco Plus and SystemFit. The offer comes on top of the £150 cashback that installers can already receive through the company’s ‘Mega Cash’ incentive, which will also run until the end of the year – a total saving of £325.

The ICOM Energy Association has worked closely with OFTEC to develop an assessed course (OFT10-201) covering the servicing and commissioning of two and three stage oilfired pressure jet burners. The assessment is designed to ensure operatives are up-to-date with regulations and can demonstrate the correct procedures for combustion analysis and commissioning/servicing of commercial pressure jet oil appliances of heat input between 50kW to 2MW. OFTEC Training Manager David Knipe comments: “Feedback from technicians and training centres suggests there will be considerable demand for the new course as heating businesses look to take advantage of opportunities in the commercial sector.” www.oftec.org.uk

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October 2016

34 PRODUCT Spotlight

Wise up to waste water heat recovery By recovering the heat from outgoing warm waste water, such as shower water, it can be used to pre-heat incoming cold fresh water, thereby helping to save energy and keep heating bills down. Ashley Prescott, a Director at Power-Pipe UK, highlights a simple solution that could prevent money going down the drain.

asted hot water is a huge untapped resource in the UK which is why it is important to have a good understanding of the technologies that can make showering and other hot water processes more energy efficient. The shower is one of the biggest energy users in the home. In the UK, the average shower lasts around eight minutes and uses the same amount of energy as: • Boiling a kettle 22 times • Leaving the TV turned on for 26 hours • Running your laptop for 36 hours • Having an LED light on for 13 days Typically, up to 90% of heat produced during showering is lost down the drain but the majority of this energy is recoverable through Waste Water Heat Recovery (WWHR). These devices are up to 70% efficient and on average can save homeowners up to 10% a year on their annual energy bills or 500kWh per person. In a typical family household, this could be a cost saving of £80 to £100 a year, and the more people using the shower, the greater the energy saving returns. As well as cost savings, WWHR also reduces annual carbon emissions by between 300 and 1000kg, dependent on how often the occupants shower and what fuel they use to heat their water.

Cost saving For new builds WWHR is a nobrainer because it enhances the sustainability credentials of a property, keeps hot water bills down, saves money on building costs and is easy to install. Waste Water Heat Recovery is now recognised by The National House Building Council (NHBC) as one of the methods that can be used to pass Building Regulations Part L and is the most cost-effective way of increasing a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) score. Dependent on the model or size, a WWHR unit will cost between £250 to £750 (including installation) but will offer a generous SAP uplift which could be the difference between a pass or a fail on a property. From a practical point of view, installation is straightforward as it has no specialist design

Ashley Prescott from Power-Pipe UK

or commissioning and simply replaces a section of a soil stack. WWHR systems have no electrical components, filters or controls so require no user interaction or maintenance. If they are made from 100% copper, they are also expected to last the life span of a building. The most effective set up for residential applications is where the pre-warmed water is sent to both the shower and the water heater. This is known as the System A configuration within a SAP calculation, and provides maximum performance and energy savings.

Power-Pipe There are a number of WWHR products on the market, but what’s special about the PowerPipe system? There are a number of key features which set it apart from competitor models. Firstly, installation is much more straightforward with a Power-Pipe WWHR system. This is because all our systems come with 22mm connections as standard. This means the person who is fitting it won’t have to reduce the size of the incoming mains water feed which would restrict the flow of the water passing through it. Unlike other WWHR systems, these 22mm connections, along with our patented multi-coil design, ensure virtually no pressure loss to the pre-heated water system. This means multiple showers can be run off one unit, making it even more cost-effective. The Power-Pipe system also has a vented twin wall between the waste and potable water. Not all systems have this and it helps to avoid any possible cross contamination between the two

How it works: (1) Waste water goes down the vertical section of the drain pipe and surface tension causes the water to be attracted to the inner surface of the pipe. (2) As the cold water coming into the house travels up the copper pipe surrounding the drain pipe, the heat energy from the waste is efficiently transferred on to it, heating the water. (3) The pre-heated water then goes to the cold side of the shower mixer and the water heater. (4) The result is that the water heater has far less work to do; a) there is a lower volume of hot water being used and b) as it has been pre-heated, it requires less energy to get it up to temperature.

water supplies and detect a leak if one occurs.

Choice of sizes Power-Pipe also offers greater installation flexibility as it’s the only system that comes in two diameters (50 and 100mm) and multiple lengths (from 610 to 2130mm) which gives you the choice to find a unit that best meets your budget and energy efficiency requirements. Finally, our technical team offers free training to plumbers to become approved Power-Pipe installers. They will receive expert advice and one-on-one support to ensure they can fit all systems to ensure maximum efficiencies and to comply with SAP.

The 10 steps to installing a WWHR unit: (1) Turn off the mains water supply and flush toilets. (2) Make a 40mm mark from the bottom of a vertical waste pipe which will be the location for the bottom cut. (3) Starting from the bottom cut, mark the length of the WWHR along the wastepipe for the top cut. (4) Make both cuts ensuring the cuts are square to the wastepipe. (5) Remove the section and file any rough edges. (6) Take steel bands off both drain connectors. Slide one on to the bottom cut of the wastepipe and on the other to the top of the WWHR unit. (7) Insert the WWHR unit onto the bottom connector and then into the upper cut of the wastepipe. Twist to ensure a snug fit. (8) Replace steel bands on to the top of the connectors and tighten all connections with the screwdriver. (9) Connect the cold water supply to the bottom of the WWHR unit. (10) Connect the WWHR unit to the water heating system and the cold feed of the shower mixer. www.powerpipehr.co.uk

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GAS Boilers 37

Why gas remains the fuel for the future Amid uncertainty over the Government’s long-term energy policy and commitment to decarbonisation, Neil Schofield, Head of External Affairs at Worcester, Bosh Group, comments on the future role of gas boilers in the UK’s energy mix.

fter a turbulent six months we find ourselves in something of a hiatus where energy policies are concerned. In July the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) became part of the newly formed Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and we await to see the result of the amalgamation. Recent events have also meant the abandoning of Neil Schofield, Head of certain targets that were External Affairs at Worcester committed to through our membership of the European Commission. While the changes will undoubtedly have implications for the future of the UK gas boiler market, the extent of these effects remains up for debate.

A damming report by the Policy Exchange (see page 19) has outlined the high cost and impracticalities of the Government’s plans to decarbonise household heating. As the report points out, the policy relies on convincing homeowners to do something they have been as of yet reluctant to do – replace their small, compact boilers with heat pumps. If we also consider that the country would need approximately 100 extra power stations, each the size of Hinkley Point, to support the amount of electricity required to replace gas heating systems, the practicality of this suggestion leaves a lot to be desired. I think installers can rest assured that the gas boiler will continue to reign supreme for some time to come. As a country, we should be looking to improving the efficiencies within the existing gas network. Recent figures suggest that there are between 8-9 million noncondensing boilers still in service as well as some eight million properties without a room thermostat. It is vital these numbers are addressed and the maximum efficiency gained from a system before turning away from gas is even considered as an option.

Electric future?

Better control

Some suggest the UK’s energy requirements will, in the future, be met by electricity. In fact, the Government’s current stance on the decarbonisation of the domestic heating market suggests gas boilers should be withdrawn from the mix and replaced with heat pumps in four out of every five homes. This would require an inordinate amount of electricity and while Hinkley Point may have been signed off, we are still a long way from seeing it in operation.

Industry figures clearly show that there are twice as many timers and programmers sold in the UK as there are room thermostats, this is a good indication of the number of houses out there without a room thermostat. One way this may be combatted is by adding to the minimum practice for gas boiler installations via the new ‘Boiler Plus’ scheme. This scheme would require a combi boiler to be accompanied not only by a timer and room thermostat,

Putting advisors in the picture As part of technical support service, Worcester has launched a new oneway video calling facility which will enable the company’s technical support advisor to view a gas boiler or other heating installation at the installer’s request. The video calling service will help customers to share their view and get advice tailored to the specific problem they face. If an installer calls the company’s technical support number from a smartphone, the advisor will then decide if a video call might be appropriate. If agreed with the installer, the advisor can then send a text message with a support link which, once operated, will begin a one-way video session. The advisor can then view the problem through the camera on the installer’s phone as well as provide key annotations on the image, helping to solve the problem quickly. Martyn Bridges, Director of Marketing and Technical Support, comments: “Solving installers’ issues as quickly

and accurately as possible has always been a priority for us. Developments in technology have allowed us to reach installers in a number of different ways, and since its launch our Facetime and Skype facilities have proved incredibly popular. Our latest offering allows those without these smartphone functions to benefit from a video calling service where our advisors can see the problem in question through their eyes.” Comprising 42 expert advisors, Worcester’s Technical Support department responds to over 500,000

telephone calls and 50,000 emails a year. As well as the new video service, the department now also features a hands-on boiler display area that allows advisors to work on the same product as the caller and try to replicate precisely what the installer is having problems with.

Gas boilers are likely to provide work for heating installers for many years to come

but also a weather sensor and one other high efficiency accessory, such as TRVs or a flue gas heat recovery unit. The details are yet to be finalised – installers will know that a weather sensor, for example, is not a feasible option for every new installation (especially when the property is on the tenth floor of an apartment block) – but the industry generally seems in favour of the scheme in principle. In this regard, there may well be some good to come from the merger of DECC with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). Where DECC was concerned solely with the topic of climate change, BIS was, amongst other things, focused on health and safety, and its policing. Given the importance the BIS placed on enforcement, it is possible that the newly-formed department will begin to check that installations comply with both safety and energy efficient building regulations.

Greening the grid A more radical step for our gas market may be to consider the concept of injecting biogas into the natural gas grid or even replace it with hydrogen. A number of trials have already been carried out to look into ways to ‘green up’ the gas used to run boilers and thereby lower the country’s carbon emissions. The most high profile example of this is an investigation into the potential for Leeds to become the UK’s first ‘hydrogen city’, which was explained in a compelling report published in July. All bases have more or less been covered – although we are yet to see appliances successfully working on 100% hydrogen – and the signs are so encouraging that there are suggestions Leeds could become entirely reliant on hydrogen as soon as 2025. We have an enviable gas infrastructure here in the UK, and as such gas fired central heating will remain the norm. By making incremental changes to the efficiency of our current systems, rather than attempting the costly wholesale replacement of the gas network with another energy source, we can achieve cleaner energy use in the short-term. Longer term, we have an array of options available to us which, much as we have seen in the automotive sector, will gain precedence. The key to success of these schemes – and others like it – will be getting installers on board with smaller considerations which will in time lead to overall change. www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

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38 GAS Boilers

Looking after your customers Most manufacturers offer extended warranties with new boilers, but there are usually some rules that need to be followed. Jon Phillips, Head of Product Management at Baxi, explains how installers can help to ensure their customers get their money’s worth.

boiler is a significant purchase for most homeowners, so it’s understandable that they will want to feel like it has been money well spent. Most installers use a boiler’s warranty as a selling point at the quotation stage to help the customer decide on which model to choose, championing those with longer, more substantial warranties to assure the homeowner of trouble-free operation for many years to Jon Phillips, Head of Product Development at Baxi come. However, each warranty comes with its own set of rules and conditions – depending on the product and the manufacturer – and the customer must stick to them in order to ensure their warranty stays valid. Unfortunately, the majority of homeowners will only check their warranty’s small print once they have a problem, and by this time they may have already unwittingly invalidated it. This is where installers can help, by ensuring warranty education is as much a part of the installation process as a walkthrough of the boiler’s control panel.

Communication A quick discussion about the product warranty from the get-go will ensure that homeowners understand what the warranty covers and what their obligations are, particularly relating to servicing and parts. Many will be unaware that they need to ensure their boiler has an annual service to maintain the warranty, or that they need to register the warranty with the boiler manufacturer. In a five-minute conversation, installers can ensure their customers have all the information they need to ensure their warranty remains valid and they are able to access free assistance from the manufacturer should they have any problems. This conversation is also a great opportunity for installers to highlight the support they can offer during the boiler’s warranty period and beyond. When talking to the customer about servicing, it’s essential to highlight the importance of using a Gas Safe registered installer to carry out work on their boiler and explain the reasons why regular servicing is important for their

It’s important to make customers aware of the rules and conditions that may invalidate a warranty

safety. To make it easier for installers to get the message across, there’s a page on the Baxi website that lists all the key points about why servicing is important, including a short video, so they can simply signpost customers to further information. At Baxi we also make it easy for our loyal installers by sending the customers a notification when their boiler is due its next service, allowing them time to get in contact with the installer. With this in mind, joining a manufacturer loyalty programme can pay dividends, helping to ensure the customer relationship continues.

Genuine parts It’s also important to point out to customers that the use of parts not approved by the manufacturer can invalidate the warranty. What’s more, if a non-genuine part is used, the manufacturer can no longer guarantee the safety of the appliance, so the responsibility for it passes to the heating engineer fitting the part, leaving them open to the risk of prosecution. So for the sake of a few pounds, it is worth plumping for genuine parts, which will ensure the boiler stays under warranty and will also offer better performance and longevity.

An explanation about the warranty should be as much a part of the installation as a walk-through the boiler’s control panel

Extended warranties Nothing shows the confidence a manufacturer has in its products more than an extended warranty. This longer warranty agreement is an additional sales tool for installers and added peace of mind for homeowners against the expense of unexpected repairs. At Baxi we have a number of extensions to our standard warranties, including a tenyear warranty on the Baxi Platinum Combi and EcoBlue Advance Combi. Manufacturer warranties have got longer as the way boilers are designed, tested and manufactured means they are more reliable than ever before. As well as giving added peace of mind to the homeowner, they are a key sales tool for installers and a platform from which they can protect customers from dangerous and costly events in the future. This helps the installer establish a relationship of trust, ensuring a positive and fruitful relationship.

New boilers make light work of installation Available exclusively from independent merchants,

Baxi has launched what is described as super light, super compact, super smart combi boilers. The new Baxi 200 and 400 high efficiency combi boilers will help to make light work of installation, with a compact design and timesaving features making it particularly easy to install. The boilers have been designed from the ground up through consultation with installers, meaning that everything from the inner workings to the packaging has been designed with the installer in mind.

Both the 200 and 400 models are available in 24kW and 28kW outputs. Small enough to fit in a kitchen cupboard, they weigh in at just 26kg and come with an easy-to-use hanging bracket. For extra installation flexibility, both boilers also come with a wide choice of flue lengths, bends and accessories. The Baxi 400 also boasts a rigid filling loop that is easy to use and is discreetly hidden out of sight. For extra peace of mind, the Baxi 400 is available with a five year promotional parts

and labour warranty, and the 200 boiler comes with a three year parts and labour warranty.

Customer focus Marketing Director Andrew Keating comments: “From inception through to design and delivery, the 200 and 400 boilers have been created with our customers’ needs in mind. “Not only are both models small enough to fit into a cupboard, they’re also super light and easy-tomove which means that they can be fitted quicker

than other conventional combi boilers. This makes life easier for time-poor installers whilst ensuring a stylish, space-saving option for the homeowner. “Using the latest smart controls, customers can control these boilers from wherever they are, via a tablet or smartphone.” Installers can book a place on a free-of-charge, handson training course to learn about the new boilers and can also benefit from technical support and the Baxi Works online loyalty and business support scheme.

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40 GAS Boilers

Ways to maintain top performance levels How can installers ensure that their customers are benefitting from the most efficient levels of performance from their heating system? Mustafa Findik, MD at Ariston, highlights the importance of regular servicing and making full use of controls technology.

igures released by HHIC show that the number of gas boilers sold in the UK in the first quarter of this year grew by 1.9%. Boiler sales increased for this period from 427,533 in 2015 to 435,612. But what are the reasons behind their continuing popularity? Financial awareness is certainly a factor, as homeowners seek ways of keeping their fuel bills as low as possible in the face of rising energy prices. Mustafa Findik, Ariston MD Given that boilers account for approximately 60% of annual energy bills, utilising the most efficient models will certainly help to reduce those fuel costs. Underneath the cover, a condensing boiler benefits from a larger heat exchanger than its non-condensing counterpart. This enables it to recover more heat, which sends cooler gases up the flue – resulting in more efficient levels of operation. The differences between the two are significant, with a typical non-condensing model being

Auto function will boost efficiency The Ariston range of gasfired condensing boilers includes the CLAS HE evo which boasts a user-friendly interface, high quality electrical connections and advanced control options. Available in outputs ranging from 12 to 38kW, the boilers also feature a stainless steel heat exchanger and best-inclass NOx emissions. To reduce peaks in flow temperature and optimise efficiency levels, the CLAS HE evo has an ‘auto’ function, which monitors the ideal temperature for the heating system. Simply pressing the ‘auto’ button on the control panel sees the boiler automatically choose the ideal output for the central heating circuit by gradually increasing power until the room reaches the set temperature, without any excessive peaks. With the auto function activated and by fitting an outdoor sensor with one of

the modulating controls, savings in excess of 6% can be achieved over a standard condensing boiler without similar controls. For ease of installation and maintenance, the boiler features a simple connection kit, which includes a filling loop, auto-diagnostic system, multiple flue options and instant access from the front of the appliance.

only around 75% efficient, in stark contrast to the 93% efficiencies offered by condensing boilers. Installers should be sure to make customers considering a boiler upgrade aware of the annual savings they could achieve – after all, the Energy Saving Trust (EST) estimates households could save as much as £350 per year by doing so!

Regular servicing Of course, once a SEDBUK ‘A’ rated condensing boiler has been installed, it is essential it is well-maintained and Hands-on training courses are available from Ariston serviced every year, in accordance with Gas Safe standards. cleaned if necessary, before a service report is completed An annual boiler service should include a visual check of detailing all the work undertaken, carefully adhering to the boiler and flame, as well as operating pressure, safety the manufacturer’s servicing instructions. devices and case seals. On top of these checks, the most important is the inspection of the flue (externally and Whole package internally) to ensure it is not blocked. It is also essential While regularly serviced boilers can significantly reduce it is checked and cleaned to enable a clear passage for the customers’ fuel bills, installers need to look beyond the boiler removal of waste gases, as well as fitted in accordance as a single entity and consider the rest of the heating system with Part J of the Building Regulations. as well – which includes how it is controlled. Modern heating Flue systems should adhere to BS 5440-1, which stipulates controls have been developed to ensure boilers operate a boiler must be installed so the flue terminal is exposed even more efficiently, as illustrated by the emergence of the to outdoor air. The terminal latest ‘smart’ devices – with must not discharge into mobile apps, in particular, “Regularly serviced boilers can another room or space (such becoming more prevalent. significantly reduce customer fuel bills” as an outhouse or lean-to) These mobile apps – such and should be positioned to as our own ‘Ariston NET’ allow a free passage of air across it at all times. It needs system – interact with heating systems over a secure wifi to be located with due regard for any damage that may network, enabling end users to control them remotely in occur on buildings in the vicinity, as well as in a place not real time via a smartphone or tablet. Such smart controls likely to cause nuisance. maximise the amount of time a heating system is switched The effect of ‘pluming’ (when water vapour sometimes off, so it only comes on when required. Heating schedules condenses upon leaving the flue terminal in cold or humid can even be adjusted to seamlessly blend in with daily weather) must also be considered. If the terminal is less routines, ensuring greater levels of control over energy than 2m above a balcony, above ground or above a flat usage – and the resulting bills. roof to which people have access, then a suitable stainless Keep up to speed steel terminal guard must be fitted. In addition to checking the flue, the boiler casing needs Installation, servicing and the latest controls are all topics to be removed and all the main components – including which should be covered in manufacturers’ training courses, the burner, heat exchanger, main injector and the spark/ alongside the features and benefits of condensing boilers. sensor probe – thoroughly checked. The boiler should then Unfortunately, some installers can be reluctant to take be fired safely to allow any working faults to be identified. A time off work to attend a training day, but doing so will flue gas analyser will then make sure the boiler is burning undoubtedly be rewarding over time. After all, industry the right mixture of gas and air. Parts should then be recognised courses offer practical, hands-on advice and learning, which will strengthen installers’ skills, broaden their knowledge base – and improve their businesses. Of course, at Ariston, we are dedicated to improving training, having invested in a new network of dedicated centres throughout the UK, each providing free gas boiler and remote diagnostics courses. These offer both theory sessions and hands-on, practical classroom experience – including expert tuition on understanding operational parameters, such as how to range rate the boiler, as well as install a multi-zone system and the latest ‘smart’ controls. We even offer £300 cashback upon completion of the gas boiler course! The boiler sector continues to dominate the heating industry’s sales, with homeowners acutely more aware of the energy efficiency and environmental impact of domestic central heating systems. As long as installers continue to embrace the latest product developments and training offered to them by manufacturers, this should remain the case for many years to come – with condensing boilers going from strength to strength. Consumers can interact with their system with Ariston NET

www.ariston.co.uk

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October 2016

42 Gas Boilers

Why wide modulation ratios matter in combis Combi boilers now account for almost 80% of the market, due in part to technological advancements that have increased their suitability for more applications. Alister Maclachlan, Product Director at Vokèra, examines the advantages of wide modulation ratios.

A good modulation ratio reduces constant ince changes to the Building Regulations on/off cycling, improving efficiency and boiler in 2005 to mandate condensing longevity. If a boiler has a high maximum technology, there has been an increase output at 40kW, for example, yet only has a in the number of combi boilers installed across modulation ratio of 4:1, it will only be able to the UK, and it is easy to see why. They’re modulate down to 10kW. However, when most energy efficient, easy to install and perfect rooms have reached the required temperature for homes where space is at a premium. and TRVs are closed, the demand on the boiler In the past, however, there were limitations will be considerably less than 10kW. This means on the type of property suitable for combi that the minimum output of the boiler will boiler installations, especially multi-bathroom be higher than it needs to be, so the boiler homes. For such a home, a high flow rate is will constantly switch on and off. This will required to keep up with hot water demand, also lead to unnecessary stress on the boiler’s which means a powerful, high wattage boiler of components and parts. around 40kW should be specified. Traditionally, combi boilers simply did not have the power Low output to cope with the hot water demand. A boiler with a high maximum output and a Originally, the majority of combi boilers Alister Maclachlan, Vokèra wide modulation ratio will be able to modulate came from countries in continental Europe where the ambient temperature is higher and, therefore, water down to an extremely low output, reducing wear and tear on coming into the property is naturally warmer. This means primary components (fewer on/off cycles increase component the boiler does not need to raise the temperature as high longevity) and optimising fuel efficiency. Secondly, an appliance (specifically combis) with a poor to provide hot water for the occupants. However, the cooler UK climate requires water to be heated more. This position modulation ratio will not be able to maintain a stable domestic has now changed – technology has improved and there are hot water flow temperature at a low flow rate, and might even now 38kW combi boilers readily available that can provide cause the burner to switch off during operation. This can the right temperature and meet increased demand. This is be a significant issue for end users who prefer showers over baths or who require a constant DHW outlet temperature – where new modulation technology has come into play. for example, where there are people in a household who are Good modulation ratio at a higher risk of scalding. So how does this work in practice? A typical three bedroom With a boiler that is capable of reducing its output from maximum to minimum, the result is a wide modulation ratio. semi-detached house might require only around 10-12kW This area of development has come on leaps and bounds in of heating when the weather is coldest, dropping to 2-3kW recent years. The resulting products allow installers to meet when the property is up to temperature or the weather is a homeowner’s hot water and heating requirements, whilst chilly rather than freezing. A 40kW combi boiler that can only modulate down to 10kW with a ratio of just 4:1 will try to also ensuring the whole system is efficient. For example, if a boiler has a maximum output of 30kW adapt to the heating load but it will just result in short cycling, and a minimum output of 7.7kW, its modulation ratio is less more start/stops and rejected energy. Over time, this will put than 4:1. Meanwhile, an appliance with a maximum output more pressure on the appliance and result in wear and tear of 30kW and a minimum output of 3kW will have a wider and early failures. It will also not provide homeowners with the energy and fuel savings they are looking for. (hence better) modulation ratio of 10:1.

Study looks at best way to retrofit Equipment from Vokèra has been specified as part of a research project that aims to determine the best and most efficient way to retrofit a block of four flats in Lochore, Fife. Vokèra joined forces with Sharp Construction, Ore Valley Housing Association and the Scottish Energy Centre, part of Edinburgh Napier University, to investigate various methods of refurbishment in multidwelling units. In each flat, different techniques and equipment were used to uncover the best and most energy-

efficient solution. Vokèra supplied two different types of boiler – either a Unica

combi or Mynute i system – so the group could test and evaluate the best result. A feasibility study on the property was carried out, with three aspects taken into consideration: CO2 emissions, space heating and water heating. In each flat the gas boiler has been combined with various heating, ventilation and renewables equipment. This includes underfloor heating, MVHR, solar panels, weather compensation controls and Vokèra Fuelsaver (passive flue gas heat recovery).

Before, during and after the installation was completed, readings were taken to assess what impact the new solutions were having on the building. In Scotland the domestic dual fuel bill costs homeowners around £1115 per year, but these retrofitted homes are averaging only around £245 per year, representing a significant saving on fuel bills. The full impact of the retrofit project is still being assessed and the final results are expected at the end of this year.

The Vokèra Linea One boiler is able to memorise a homeowner’s typical hot water use and then pre-heat itself before demand

A similar boiler with a wider turndown ration, say 10:1, will adapt far better and be able to match load to demand more accurately. Our own research has shown that a product with 10:1 modulation will provide an approximate saving of 8.5% on space heating consumption, amounting to an estimated saving of £55 in comparison to a 5:1 modulation appliance. Vokèra has a number of boilers that achieve a 10:1 modulation ratio, including the Linea One combi boiler. It is a 38kW output but with its impressive modulation ratio it can reduce this to just 3.8kW, so when the home only requires 4kW, the boiler will modulate itself down to 4kW. Along with providing an excellent modulation ratio to keep the heating system efficient, this boiler provides an extremely high flow rate of 15.6 litres/min, resulting in quick delivery of hot water and the ability to cope with a larger demand.

Suitably specified Changes to Part G of the Building Regulations place the spotlight on reducing water consumption, e.g. 8 or 10 litres for showers, and as such can enable a suitably powered combi boiler to be specified, where previously it would not have been considered an option for simultaneous drawoffs. Add to this the positive move towards including thermostatic controls (anti-scald devices) at hot water outlets, and it becomes clear that in some cases a high powered combi can meet the hot water requirements of larger dwellings. The Linea One also has some unique features, including a memory function button on the display. The boiler will memorise a homeowner’s domestic hot water pattern for seven days, then for the following seven days it will preheat itself, ready to be operated at the times it was the previous week, meaning the hot water is already up to temperature when someone wants a shower. Homeowners can also activate a comfort button which allows them to fix the temperature of the domestic hot water between 35-45°C. This can be particularly useful if there are young children or elderly relatives in the home and complies with the updated version of Part G. Although combi boilers are now capable of answering the need of more projects, installers still need to consider all the options. Sometimes the best option for large properties is hot water storage, so it will all depend on the individual needs of the homeowners. With their energy efficiency, ease of installation and space saving credentials, combis are a great option and combined with improved modulating technology they can now be used in more applications than ever before. These ‘thinking’ boilers can also adapt more readily to a homeowner’s own lifestyle at the same time as they take efficiency to a higher level. It can be a win-win for both the installer and their customer. www.vokera.co.uk

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Getting better value for money Getting value for money is a major consideration for any consumer, no matter what product or service they choose. Louis Pickersgill, MD of Ravenheat, explains what the industry needs to give installers greater confidence in better value products.

onsumer value for money is an important issue, and this is certainly the case when choosing a new gas boiler. There was once a belief that more expensive boilers represented better quality, but more recently there has been a substantial shift in consumer behaviour which installers are starting to recognise and harness. The biggest challenge in Louis Pickersgill, MD of the present-day market is for Ravenheat installers to keep up with current and evolving regulations, while offering customers energy efficiency advice and products to suit. This ultimately entails looking at new product ranges, including those which incorporate smart controls to automatically manage efficiency and home comfort. But customers who spend more won’t necessarily end up with a better product. Providing the boiler is installed, serviced and maintained correctly, adding £500 to its price tag is unlikely to make a huge difference to how well it performs.

Shopping around Many installers find themselves relying on the same boiler makes and models time and time again. Our industry, like many others, has been slow to change. Installers often rely on the same products because they know how to install them and are confident in sourcing what they need through their preferred merchant. More proactive installers should be keen to try out new boilers and innovative controls, rather than relying on the same product every time. If they do not keep up with innovation, they can – and will – be left behind. Loyalty to a single manufacturer no longer pays in quite the same way as it did in the past. New products are coming onto the market all the time, many of which can offer greater value in energy saving terms. Discerning installers should ultimately want to give their

the boiler can be a major aesthetic turnoff, so installers might want to think about offering a more attractive product with an integral valve kit.

customers the very best products. This involves carrying out some degree of research into deciding which boiler to specify. Weighing up the quality of the overall product, including everything from its components to its ease of installation, will help make sure the boiler is able to fulfil customer requirements.

Better value

Economics play a key role at every stage of any decision making process. From choosing a car or a boiler, to deciding how much to charge in order to install it, What to look for Gas Safe registered engineers should be adding value while delivering a quality There are some features every installer installation job at every step. should look for when recommending a The fact is that value ranges don’t product to their customers, regardless of necessarily constitute lower quality. its price tag. One of the most important At Ravenheat we pride ourselves on is the quality of the components and using top quality components without their ability to stand the test of time. the price tag, giving installers the option Branded components can be a to offer a more affordable solution to good indicator of the boiler’s quality. their customers. Our ever-growing Grundfos pumps and Honeywell gas range of affordable boilers continues to valves, as well as their external control push the boundaries of what discerning packages, are an indication of a boiler’s customers expect. pedigree, as is the use of base metals The CS80 and CS90, for example, rather than plastic composites. It’s also important for installers to put An inside view of Ravenheat’s CS80 boiler represent our value range, while the latest HE80 and HE98 models come with themselves in their customers’ shoes – what would they want from their new boiler? A reliable ErP OpenTherm as standard. This technology is supplied hot water flow and home heating comfort are obviously with the boiler, and the Honeywell sophisticated boiler the two must-haves, but there are other features they control system takes household heat comfort to the next energy saving level. Every boiler we manufacture has would likely consider desirable. User-friendliness is just as imperative for the customer been designed with both Gas Safe registered engineers as it is for the installer. An easy-to-see display screen and and consumers in mind, through features that make both touch controls or remote control via a smartphone can installation and the user operation as simple as possible. Like their customers, installers are starting to realise make a big difference to its day-to-day use. Quiet operation is a major factor for homeowners. Big, you can get a decent boiler without paying over the odds. loud, clunky boilers should be a thing of the past, which is The main challenge we face is convincing installers to not the case with some of the leading brands. We, on the give one of our boilers a try, but the message is starting other hand, have developed compact, smooth technology to get through. We’ve received many compliments about the standard of our boilers, both directly from the trade so the appliance achieves whisper-quiet operation. Unsightliness is another concern for the consumer. and on social media channels. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.ravenheat.co.uk 117 Complicated control panels and valves showing underneath

Fresh beginning for Italian boiler brand

he Ferroli brand has been established for over 60 years, but 2016 will be a particularly significant year for the company as it enters a new era of history. Following its acquisition at the end of last year by Oxy Capital Italia and Attestor Capital, the Ferroli Group has begun the implementation of a restructuring of the business that is geared at delivering high quality appliances, production processes and levels of customer service. For Ferroli UK, based in Burtonupon-Trent in Staffordshire, this means not only the continued development of the Modena HE domestic boiler range but also the prospect of new products, including domestic and commercial boilers. Flavio Buccianti, who has been Ferroli UK MD since 2011, says: “After what has undeniably been a period of uncertainty for the

Ferroli’s installer training facility

company, we are now looking to the future with huge optimism and enthusiasm. “The primary focus for every area of the business and every member of the company is quality, whether it’s the design and build of a new product, the manufacturing and delivery process, or the support

service we provide to our customers. “Our ethos has always been to offer the very best products and service possible, and with the restructure of the business now in place we can be extremely confident that our intentions will become reality.” The domestic boiler range has already seen a new addition this summer with the affordable i25 and i29 combi boiler and next year a range of HIUs (heat interface units) is due to be launched. On the commercial side, the highly efficient New Condens FS 300/600 Series floor standing boiler was also launched earlier this year. Andy Dimond, Commercial Director, says: “To support the increased product range, the domestic sales force is being expanded and new engineers have been recruited in all areas of the UK. A new relationship with service

partner Domestic & General has already been established ready to respond to customers’ needs, and a new Ferroli.com website will soon be launched that will unite the company’s worldwide subsidiaries and reflect the true nature of Ferroli as a modern global brand.”

Flagship range The company’s flagship domestic boiler, the Modena HE, is available in six models: 27, 32 and 38kW combi and 18, 25 and 32kW system. The boiler comes with a choice of a five, seven or 10 year warranty. For members of Installersmate, Ferroli’s loyalty club, there’s currently a valuable offer until the end of the year of a free upgrade from five to seven years for boilers registered via the Installersmate website. One of the innovative features of the Modena boiler that makes it so popular with installers is the

Behind the case of the Modena HE 32c

versatile flue kit. The boiler comes with an extensive range of flueing options, including twin pipe with a very long reach of up to 80m. It is also very compact at only 600 x 400 x 320mm (350mm for the 38c) and lightweight at between 28 and 33kg. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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GAS Boilers

Small margins can make a big difference Small marginal gains in boiler design have lead to evolutionary changes that add up to an impressive shift in performance in commercial boilers. Here, Gavin Watson, Sales Director at Elco Heating Solutions, looks at these incremental improvements.

n the world of commercial boilers, it can be difficult to realise what’s behind the ubiquitous white steel casing, let alone compare an old condensing boiler with a brand new one. Although a new gas condensing boiler might not show much improvement in headline figures, efficiency over a lifetime is what truly determines a unit’s performance. Gauging this usually relies on analysis of the heat exchanger – a component that is put under stress from the first minute a burner is fired. Consequently, the material the heat exchanger is manufactured from is critical, not only for its short term performance but also for the next 10 to 15 years of its life. At Elco, stainless steel is the preferred material for heat exchanger construction. The metal’s properties allow a heat exchanger to maintain published performance figures for its entire operating cycle, which cannot be said for all metals. Other metals have been shown to significantly drop in efficiency over their lifetimes due to the effects of gradual corrosion. This is often very apparent when looking at an ageing heat exchanger where a build-up of sludge from oxides

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Gavin Watson, Elco Heating Solutions Sales Director

leaves its surface pitted and unable to cope with the tough requirements of a commercial heating system. However, these problems can’t be found on stainless steel heat exchangers, as the metal has an inherent resistance to corrosion.

Team effort Some light commercial installations utilise a cascade setup of two or three boilers, while many larger projects will increase the number of wall mounted rigs up to seven or eight. So with a boiler such as our new Thision L EVO, available in six models between 60 to 140kW, there is scope for a variety of outputs, depending on the building’s load. There is even a maximum output of 1.1MW available when combining

Boilers may look the same but it’s the internal components that can make a signiﬁcant difference to performance

eight Thision units, offering an impressive performance from a relatively small footprint. Such a setup was not always possible in previous years, but due to modern day manufacturers refining boiler cascade configurations, great strides have been made, allowing wall mounted units to make further impressions on the market. Furthermore, the setup time on site for these types of systems has reduced significantly, with many wall mounted commercial boilers available as ‘plug and play’ cascade packages. This development not only helps with the installation process but also reduces time on site which, for any commercially focused installer, can easily translate into significant savings on a job. Another incremental improvement and a refinement of boiler design can be seen when comparing the energy consumption of the unit itself. This can emanate from a variety of sources, but it’s vitally important to keep resistance on the flue and hydraulic side as low as possible, as this minimises energy consumption by main components such as the fan and the pump. On the surface, commercial boilers might not appear any different than models 10 years their senior. However, there have been a number of refinements over the years, with the aggregation of marginal gains ensuring a significant leap forward in overall performance. Of course, these small changes will always be shrouded by the casing, so examining the internal components and finer details of design can reveal the engineering excellence. It will also highlight how boilers continue to evolve. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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October 2016

GAS Boilers Taking efﬁciency to the next level Energy efficiency is a major feature of Ravenheat’s new HE range, which boasts an A+ ErP energy efficiency rating. The range consists of two new combi and two system boilers – the HE80, 25kW combi (DHW 10.2 litres/ min at 35°C) and HE98, 30kW (DHW 12 litres/min at 35°C). “These models stay true to the Ravenheat brand by offering premium components and features for straightforward installation and servicing,” says MD Louis Pickersgill. “However, by offering the latest in smart home heating controls, these boilers are also able to take home

comfort to the next level.” Both the HE80 and HE98 combis come with OpenTherm operational compatibility as standard, thanks to a Honeywell round modulating room stat and internet gateway for connection to the Honeywell Total Connect Comfort app. This is available to Android and iOS users free of charge via the App Store and allows customers to achieve ultimate efficiency and comfort in their homes, plus full control and access via their smartphone. The LCD backlit feature screen enables easier visual operation for both the

homeowner and installer, while boiler touch controls make it simpler to set the heating and hot water temperatures and see the system pressure. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Free remote control offer In a special promotion running until the end of this year, Viessmann is supplying its Vitodens 050W wall-mounted gas-fired condensing boilers with a seven-year warranty plus a free remote controller. The offer is available exclusively to Viessmann trained installers who use the company’s Installer Portal to register the boiler with Gas Safe. The wall-mounted Vitotrol UTDB RF2 radio frequency remote controller, which retails for £190+VAT, provides access to all boiler control functions, plus a quick overview of the heating system at a single, convenient location.

Easy to attach to the wall, as no wiring is required, it has a discreet, curved light colour casing and easy-toread grey-on-black digital display screen.

The Vitodens 050-W is offered with two DHW output ratings: 5.9-29kW and 8-35kW. Quiet in operation and one of the smallest boilers in its class, it is said to be ideal for installation in living areas and in multi-storey buildings. Five 050-W boilers on different floors can be connected to one vertical flue system. Sales Director Ian Brookes comments: “This special offer, worth almost £300, will further strengthen the appeal of the Vitodens 050-W, which is already attractively priced and economical to run.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Installer friendly features The latest generation of Logic and Logic+ boilers by Ideal Boilers has been designed based on feedback from installers. New features include a lighter boiler (by approx. 3kg), a backlit full size LCD or dot matrix screen, and fewer components. A wireless programmable room thermostat is also available and internet enabled touch controls are set to be launched in December. The new range also promises improved reliability plus a minimum two year warranty on all Logics and a minimum seven year warranty on all Logic+, until December this year.

“We’ve listened to installers and end users and our design team has

delivered an impressive and comprehensive range,” says Adam Foy, Head of Product & Marketing. “The new boilers are even more reliable and easier to install – two key factors for installers.” The Logic+ combi is Ideal’s flagship boiler. Compact in size and fully modulating down to as low as 4.8kW, the award winning range offers a range of installer friendly features including push & clip connections and telescopic flue options. An LPG conversion kit is also available for 30kW boilers. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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EXTRA TIME FREE WARRANTY UPGRADE FROM 5 TO 7 YEARS ON THE MODENA BOILER

Install a Modena HE boiler with a standard 5 year warranty from 1st July onwards and get a FREE warranty upgrade to 7 years when you register it VIA INSTALLERSMATE.

ErP A R ATI NG

www.installersmate.co.uk | 0330 205 0002 Valid for boilers installed from 1st July 2016 onwards. Boilers must be registered via Installersmate to qualify for the warranty upgrade. Offer available while stocks last. See website for further T&Cs.

www.ferroli.co.uk E

sales@ferroli.co.uk

0330 205 0002

DESIGNED FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY ENGINEERED FOR COMPLETE RELIABILITY ENQUIRY

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GAS Boilers Combi selected for high-end ﬂats The InTec 34C combi boiler from Alpha has been installed in a new high-end residential development in Edinburgh. Located on the seafront at Portobello, less than three miles from the city centre, the complex boasts 55 one, two and three bedroom apartments and features modern, brand name appliances. High quality specification was key for this project and the

boilers were selected for their high-efficiency and energy saving credentials. The InTec 34C is Alpha’s flagship combi boiler and features a stainless steel heat exchanger, designed-in filling loop and seasonality valve to control flow rate according to the temperature of the incoming main. This allows for a higher flow rate in warmer months. The boiler also features a

modulating high efficiency Grundfos pump and is fully ErP compliant. Marc Teague, MD of MNM, the developers of the project, comments: “Alpha is known for its expertise in providing the most efficient heating system for the right properties, and we are very happy with the installation of InTec 34C models. With a consistent hot water temperature in cold weather and minimal water wastage, these boilers meet all the needs of each individual apartment.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Heavenly heating solution Parishioners at a Grade II listed church in north London are now able to worship in comfort thanks to Potterton Commercial and specialist church contractors Christopher Dunphy Ecclesiastical Ltd. St John’s Church in Friern Barnet encountered issues with its heating system after its old non-condensing section boiler – located in a basement plant room – failed. With the basement suffering from regular flooding, a straight replacement would have been impractical. After carrying out an on-site survey, experts from Christopher Dunphy Ecclesiastical identified an alternative location – a hatch originally installed in readiness for a bell tower which was never constructed.

The new plant location meant that two efficient Potterton Sirius Two WH 110kW condensing boilers could be installed using the Sirius Two cascade and pipework header kit. The new system was able to be installed in half the usual time. Church warden Andy Beal says that other suppliers

struggled to suggest a workable solution: “I spoke to three other suppliers, none of which were able to find a viable, cost effective solution to the problem.” Neville Small, Sales Director at Potterton Commercial, comments: “With boiler technology having advanced so much since old sectional boilers were fitted, it’s not unusual for building owners to experience difficulty when looking to replace end-of-life equipment. “By working closely with the church and Christopher Dunphy Ecclesiastical Ltd, and taking a whole life costing approach, we were able to find a solution that would avoid unnecessary outlay now and in the future.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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50 GAS Boilers

Condensing is saving grace in the Cathedral Updating the heating system in a historic building presents its own set of problems, but with the right specification of a compact condensing boiler, St Davids Cathedral is providing its visitors with a warm welcome. James Porter, Sales Director at Remeha, explains.

estled in a grassy hollow beneath the tiny city of St Davids in Pembrokeshire, is the purple-stoned 12th century St Davids Cathedral. An important pilgrimage shrine in medieval times, the cathedral has survived Viking raids, an earthquake and Cromwell’s attacking armies to remain a popular visitor attraction and spiritual centre today. But James Porter, Sales Director for St Davids Cathedral, like other historic buildings, achieving the best environment in which to experience the building and its services can prove challenging. Central to this is the need to avoid the wide fluctuation in temperature and humidity that can cause deterioration in older buildings. And key to creating the perfect conditions is a reliable, controlled heating system. So when the 12-year-old boilers serving St Davids began to fail on a regular basis, immediate action was required, Refurbishing older buildings requires careful planning due to the nature of the building, its fabric and its structure. As many of these buildings still rely on commercial boilers for their heating, an upgrade to condensing boilers is often the most effective, practical and affordable solution. With energy savings in the region of 30%, according to the Carbon Trust, this alone makes a compelling argument. Another is their design. More compact and lighter than other boilers, they are easier to move and handle. The smaller footprint also allows the installation of multiple boilers, which maximises the reliability, security and efficiency of the heating provision. Then there’s the ‘hassle’ factor. As condensing boilers offer improved ease of installation, any disruption is kept to a minimum, allowing the everyday business of the building to continue uninterrupted. Installation is unlikely to require any alterations to the building, which removes any need for listed building consent. With this in mind, the installation on condensing boilers was recommended by contractor Andrew Thomas of GG

The historic St Davids Cathedral needed a modern solution

Two Quinta Ace 160 boilers meet the heat demand efficiently

Thomas and Son. As he explained, the higher efficiencies of the new boilers would soon achieve financial payback while significantly reducing future maintenance costs. “The old boilers were costing the cathedral a lot of money. We were always being called out – typically only one of the four would be working with the other three on lock out. So there was also a strong financial case for replacing them with condensing boilers.”

easy to assemble. It saves a lot of time and hassle.” The cascade system also provided a number of flexible design options, making it even easier to accommodate the boilers and low loss header in the small plant room.

Heritage challenges There were a number of heritage obstacles to overcome at St Davids Cathedral. Firstly, it is a Grade I listed building, so no alteration is permitted without listed building consent. Secondly, the plant room is extremely small and located in the basement. The new equipment would therefore need to be compact enough to fit down the stairs and into the restricted space, yet sufficiently powerful to meet the load demand. Andrew recommended installing Remeha boilers as he was familiar with the products and found them “consistently reliable.” The Quinta Ace 160 is Remeha’s newest boiler and an extension to the popular Quinta Pro condensing range. As one of the most compact, large output wall-hung boilers on the market, it was ideally suited to meeting the cathedral’s heat demand in a tiny footprint. Andrew chose to install the Quinta Ace 160 boilers on a Remeha cascade package. “Installation is a lot easier with a cascade system,” he explains. “All the parts are supplied in the kit and it’s so

Leisure centre workout Four Ideal Commercial Evomax 100 boilers with frame and header kits have been installed as part of an extensive retrofit at the Lymington Health & Leisure centre in Lymington, Hampshire. The new Evomax boilers, which were specified by New Forest District Council, were installed in the boiler room to supplement two older, standard efficiency boilers which were deemed to be inefficient. Rob Sowden, Council Engineer for the District Council, carried out most of

the installation himself and was able to ensure continuous hot water between the old and new systems. Rob says: “The technical back up from Ideal was exceptional, especially in the design stage, making

idealcommercialboilers.com

“It all went really well,” comments Andrew. “Taking into account the output required to heat the cathedral, the space constraints of the plant room and the fabric of the building, the Remeha Quinta Ace 160 was the most suitable boiler for this project. We’re very impressed. Such a compact boiler with such a high output – it’s fantastic.” With the controls reconfigured and the boilers commissioned, the refurbishment project was complete ahead of the autumn. The cathedral is delighted with the boiler installation and the prospect of reliable heating and lower bills in the months ahead. The last word to the Very Reverend Jonathan Lean, Dean of St Davids: “As the outside temperatures drop, we’re looking forward to providing a consistently comfortable and stable environment to benefit our visitors and worshippers, our treasures and our building. The new boilers have provided a cost-effective solution to some complex heritage challenges. The reliable heating they will provide, together with the immediate and ongoing efficiency cost savings, will help ensure the long-term preservation of our beautiful cathedral.” www.remeha.co.uk

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Rail depot gets an update

sure that we complied with all current regulations. The new Evomax boilers also make sense financially. We are predicting a 10% saving on the gas bill every year.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Network Rail Tyseley has updated its equipment with an advanced Modupak R40 Series Boiler arrangement from Stokvis Energy Systems. Following a number of site meetings between Network Rail and Stokvis, the R40 Series Modupak was identified as the ideal solution. The new plant now provides heating to the vast inspection pits where maintenance is carried out. The Staffordshire office of George Brichall Ltd was

appointed to carry out the work, and the Modupak, containing three R40/150 boilers, was duly supplied to site. The company was able to install the Modupak Skid

Arrangement complete with the three R40/150 boilers and associated F&R pipework, along with the boiler pumps, within the same space as the previous redundant boilers. The Modupak presents a cascade solution offering fully modulating high performance and the ability to maintain supply while individual boilers are shut down for servicing. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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52 GAS Boilers

Stepping up to commercial work Installers could be missing out on lucrative business building and career development opportunities if they continue to refrain from large domestic and light commercial heating projects, says John Bailey, Vaillant Sales Director for Commercial & Renewable Systems.

nderstanding the technical innovation of current commercial product solutions, together with accessing freely available training and support from manufacturers, can help prepare domestic installers who wish to take a step into the larger residential and light commercial arena, and seize the multitude of project opportunities that exist there. It is safe to say that there continues to be a degree of confusion as to the separation lines between heating projects deemed to be domestic and those that carry the title of light commercial. Many installers are not attempting to bid for light commercial based projects as they view them to be overly complex, contain challenging technical aspects and carry a higher risk.

John Bailey, Sales Director Commercial & Renewables

In reality, the opposite is often the case for many light commercial projects. Many installers should be well placed to have the confidence to consider undertaking such projects by simply applying the same principles they would follow when tackling a domestic heating system installation. Such confidence

can be reinforced if they also recognise the technical help and support that is available from manufacturers around commercial system design and appropriate product specification. For the purposes of clarity, duly qualified heating installers are permitted to work on appliance installations up to a rated input of 70kW. Traditionally, many installers are prepared to work to a 40kW maximum on domestic projects, but leave larger residential and light commercial scenarios to others because they are a little uncertain of what their domestic qualifications permit. While larger-sized applications, for example a doctor’s surgery or an office block, will require higher input solutions, domestic heating engineers

could, if they wished, expand their service to safely and appropriately offer a 46kW or even 65kW boiler to satisfy the needs of a number of com merc i a l- or ient ated applications.

Train to gain At Vaillant we’ve recognised that taking the step into the light commercial sector can be a worry for installers who are unsure of their qualification suitability and robustness of their current skill set. As a method of supporting installers through what can be a transitional period to tackle the crossover between domestic and light commercial projects, we have instigated a series of free training courses that aim to demystify light commercial projects, alleviate current confusion and help installers to upskill.

The courses cover simple commercial system design and commissioning to startup, through to simple and complex parameter alterations to best suit the requirements of the application in question. They also provide an overview of maintenance requirements and fault finding, as well as reinforcing a key message that the operating principles that apply on domestic projects can be repeated on light commercial projects. As well as the obvious financial benefits on offer from these types of projects, the ability to tackle and successfully install a large domestic or light commercial system brings with it increased job interest as more complex and challenging heating design solutions are delivered, certainly compared with the often repetitive

nature of smaller domestic installations. At a time of increasing market competition, installers who seek to broaden their offering to provide both domestic and light commercial services will stand out and open a gateway to increased business opportunity. With open access to training and ongoing projectbased technical support, installers should no longer be apprehensive about taking on large domestic and light commercial work.

Find out more For further information about Vaillant’s ‘DomesticCommercial Crossover’ training courses, please visit: www. vaillant.co.uk/commercial/ index.engb.html PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.vaillant.co.uk

R40 MODUPAK The multi boiler package for custom-made performance

Back to back

Wall mounted

Combining the highest degree of material quality with intelligent technology. • Allowing for substantially optimised transfer of heat • Setting new standards of efficiency • Corrosion-resistant stainless steel guarantees much less wear and tear • Can be quickly installed • Almost unlimited configurations of boiler size and number • Units can be located against a wall, free-standing or back-to-back • Modupak can be made up from a selection of any of the R40 boiler models • Up to eight boilers can be combined with one another in a cascade operation Free standing

THE CONSULTANTS AND CONTRACTORS CHOICE. For further information or to receive a technical guide tel: 0208 783 3050 or email: info@stokvisboilers.com

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GAS Boilers 53 Less space, more output The Evomax 150 from Ideal Commercial Boilers is a high output wall hung condensing boiler for commercial installations. With a condensing output of 158kW, Evomax 150 is one of the most powerful wall hung boilers on the market. If more power is required, up to four Evomax 150s can be installed in a cascade (632kW condensing and larger bespoke cascade systems are available upon request). A powerful output is combined with a seasonal efficiency of 96.7% and a low NOx measurement of just 38.1 mg/kWh. The Evomax 150 is also already compliant with Ecodesign (ErP) 2018. For added peace of mind, it comes with a five year warranty as standard (subject to the installation being commissioned by Ideal Boilers). What really sets the Evomax 150 apart from its competitors is its relative compact size and low weight. The manufacturer claims that no other wall hung boiler offering a similar level of output takes up so little space (its overall volume is just 0.26m3). As well as taking up minimal space, the boiler’s light aluminium silicon alloy heat exchanger means that its total weight is less than 90kg. Other high output wall hung boilers can weigh up to 39% more, says Ideal.

Flexible cascade solution

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the boiler forms part of Ideal’s wider Evomax range, which means that it comes with a variety of installation, flue and control options. It also shares the family look of Evomax where all output models share the same height and width measurement, allowing for consistency when a cascade of mixed output is put together. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Available in outputs of 70, 110 and 140kW, the XL Series from ATAG Commercial can be installed in a range of flexible cascade arrangements. All boilers in the range feature a durable stainless steel heat exchanger with specially designed hydraulic chambers and smooth tubes to ensure that water turbulence is optimised for maximum heat transfer, while maintaining the lowest possible pressure drop. The heat exchanger’s down-firing arrangement also helps to avoid contamination. The XL Series can be used in cascade arrangements of up to eight boilers, offering a combined total output of 960kW. There is also the option of freestanding in-line and back-to-back arrangements. For ease of installation, the boilers can be supplied with a pre-fabricated cascade frame that can be fitted on site in six easy steps. Cascade pipework headers

and cascade flue systems are also available. Additional features include a fully modulating brushless fan for quiet operation, inbuilt modulating ‘A’ rated pump, an automatic air vent and a modulating gas valve. With low maintenance schedules of every four years

or 16,000 hrs, all boilers in the XL range come with a five year parts and labour warranty as standard. For added peace of mind extended warranties of eight and 10 years are also available. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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54 PRODUCTS in Action

Radiators partner well with GSHP A traditional barn in Caldwell, North Yorkshire, has undergone a major refurbishment to convert it to a comfortable home while using renewable technologies. Property owner and cofounder of Go Geothermal, Sean Sowden, decided to install a ground source heat pump, supported by solar thermal energy and radiators from Jaga. “Given the heritage of the building, we had to ensure that we retained its character,” explains Sean. “As such, we needed a heating solution

that could work effectively with a heat pump whilst accommodating the building’s defining features – for example, keeping the original oak floor in some rooms, as

well as decorative floor tiling in others. Low flow, energy efficient radiators became the natural choice.” In order to meet these objectives whilst ensuring

the property was sufficiently warm, Mr Sowden specified 18 Low-H2O Jaga Strada DBE radiators to be installed throughout the home. These, along with the heat pump, were installed by Trimark Future Energy Systems. “My work with Go Geothermal means that I have come across Jaga radiators before and I was familiar with what they are capable of, particularly with regards to their effectiveness with low flow systems,” he adds. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Council switches to Aico CO alarms North Lanarkshire Council, the largest local authority housing owner in Scotland, has begun a programme to replace its carbon monoxide (CO) alarms with Aico AudioLINK Ei208 lithium battery powered CO alarms. The Council owns over 37,000 houses. A forward thinking body, it was an early adopter of CO alarms, understanding the potential dangers a CO leak can bring to tenants. As these alarms are coming to the end of their

lives, the Council made the decision to switch to Aico Ei208 alarms for their superior build quality, ten year life and AudioLINK technology. The Council is fitting Ei208 CO alarms in kitchens and rooms with a flue passing through. Some 3500 properties will be updated with the new alarms every year as part of a replacement programme. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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HIUs a hit in ﬂats

Residents of luxury apartments at The Franklin in Bournville, Birmingham, are benefitting from heating and instantaneous hot water, thanks to Nexus Futura IS heat interface units (HIUs) from Elco Heating Solutions. In total, 79 HIUs have been installed as part of a network heating system, connected to three Elco R603 floor standing boilers in a centralised plant room. Located in dedicated utility areas in each apartment, the Nexus Futura IS units are capable of providing direct central heating output up to 35kW and hot water via a plate type heat exchanger with heat transfer up to 41kW. The HIUs are also easily accessible for servicing and maintenance. The Elco R603 boilers are supplying highly efficient heat input to the facility, thanks to a gross seasonal efficiency of 95.8% and a proven water-cooled, downfiring, premix burner system featuring an all stainless steel heat exchanger assembly. www.elco.co.uk

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PRODUCTS PR ODUCTS iin nA Action ction n 55 Radiators adia ato t rs partner partner with wiith ground ground source source Deepflow Deepf low delivers deliverrs R in ssocial housing ocial h ousing A£ £1.5m 1.5m project projject c carried arried out out b yL iverpool M utuall H omes by Liverpool Mutual Homes has over 500 h as seen seen o ver 5 00 social social housing properties across h ousing pr operties a cross Liverpool L iv er p o o l rrefurbished ef u r bi she d with w it h M Marley a rle y P Plumbing lu mb i ng g & D Drainage’s r a i n ag e’s Deepf D e epf llow ow guttering as part g utter ing ssystem ystem a sp ar t off a an extensive upgrade o n e xtensive u pg rade iinitiative. nitiative. Deepflow D eepflow w was as sspecified pecifie fi d because b ecause iitt iis sm manufactured anufactured with w ith a advanced dvanced L Life4 ife4 ttechechnology, meaning can n olog y, m eaning iitt c an withstand w ithstand exposure exposure for for up up tto o ffour our ttimes imes llonger onger tthan han sstandard tandard PVCu PVCu C rainwater rain i water gutters, g utters, and and has has high high gloss gloss llevels, evels, iimproving mproving the the overoverall off tthe a ll aesthetic aesthetic o he ssystem. ystem. Liverpool L iver pool M Mutual utual H Homes omes c consistently onsistently u use se tthis his pr product oduct o on n ttheir heir houses, houses, sso o tthis his sspecification pecification m meant eant a all ll pr properties operties would would have h ave a similar similar look look at at the the roofline. roofline. This project also benefited high capacity, durability T his pr ojject a lso b enefited ffrom rom h igh c apacity, d urability and a nd ease ease of of installation installation of of Deepflow Deepflow systems. systems. The The ‘easy‘easyclip’ gutter c lip’ technology technolog y means means it it is is simple simple to to joint joint tthe he g utter and and fitting, fi tting, ensuring ensur ing a fast fast installation. installation. The The gutter g utter can can expand expand and contract without creaking and capable off c carrying a nd c ontract w ithout c reaking a nd iis sc apable o ar r ying up 3.9 u p tto o 3. 9 litres litres of of rainwater rainwater per per second. second. marleyplumbinganddrainage.com ma rleyplumbinganddrainage e.com

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As part As pa r t o off a £ £5.8 5.8 million million rregeneration egenerat ion pr oject tto o project enhance e nhance heating heat ing efficiency ef ficienc y and bills a nd sslash l a sh b ills by by 50%, 50%, four four 1960s 1 960s tower tower blocks blocks in in North North London L ondon have have rreplaced eplaced ttheir heir outdated electric underfloor ou tdated e lectric u nderfloor heating h eating systems systems with w ith nextnextgeneration g enerat ion rradiators adiators from from QRL Radiator Group Q RL R adiator G roup – all all matched m atched with w it h renewable renewable heat h eat sources. sources. Located L ocated in in Brimsdown, Br imsdow n, Enfield, E nfield, the the four four residential resident ial

t o w er b locks were were refurref urtower blocks bished bished in in a joint joint initiative init iat ive between Borbet ween the t he London London B orough off E Enfield, ough o nfield, renewable renewable

energ y specialist specialist Ice Ice Energy Energ y energy and and energy energ y efficiency ef ficienc y conconsultancy sultancy AgilityEco. AgilityEco. Over Over 180 180 flats underwent flat s iin n ttotal ot a l u nder went a

series of of extensive extensive efficiency efficiency series upgrades. upg rades. ground heat A g round ssource ource h eat pump was pump ((GSHP) GSHP) solution solut ion w as devised buildings. dev ised ffor or tthe he b uilding s. The team team at at Ice Ice Energy Energ y then then The specified specified QRL QRL hi-lo hi-lo Compact Compact panel panel radiators radiators to to work work iin n conjunction GSHPs, conjunction with with the the G SHPs, as as ttheir heir super-efficient super-ef ficient design makes design m akes tthem hem tthe he iideal deal partner par tner for for renewables. renewables. PHAM P HAM N NEWS EW S E ENQUIRY NQUIRY N No. o.

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Floor F loor tto o cceiling eiling u upgrade pgrade o off e ensuite nsuite Products P roducts from from Abacus Abacus have hav ve been been upgrade off a an sselected elected ffor or tthe he u pg rade o n ensuite e nsuite bathroom bathroom iin n a lluxury uxur y ssix ix bedroom home b edroom h ome iin n Knaresborough, Knaresborough, Yorkshire. Y orkshire. The The owners owners wanted wanted to to create c reate a room room that that was was practical, practical, but finish. b ut with w it h a sspectacular pectacular fi n i sh . Abacus everything A bacus ssupplied upplied e verything ffrom rom and ssanitary anitary a nd brassware brassware to to lighting lighting and a nd tiles. t iles. A Vessini bath Vessini double-ended doublle-ended b at h was with an w as installed installed complete complete w it h a n Exafill bath filler and E xafill b atth fi ller a nd a tthree-hole hree-hole deck mounted mixer with hand d eck m ounted m i xer w it h h and

shower shower and and diverter. diver ter. On On the t he main main wall, wall, a simple simple double basin with KII m mixers double b asin w ith ttwo wo K ixers was was installed installed with with an an illuminated illuminatted mirror. mirror. There There is is also also a simple simple wall wall mounted WC pan mounted W Cp an with w it h a Trend Trend push Heating push plate. plate. He at ing is is provided prov ided by 600 Linea chrome by a 1700 170 0 x 6 00 L inea c hrome rail rail with w it h two t wo towel towel bars. bars. Beige Beige travertine were travertine ttiles iles w ere used used for for tthe he walls walls and and floor. floor. In addition, Devi underfloor In a ddit ion, a D ev i u nder floor heating heat ing mat mat was was installed. installed. www.abacus-bathrooms.co.uk w ww.abacus-bathrooms.co.uk 139 1 39

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ELECTRIC Heating 57

Busting those myths about electric heating If you thought that electric heating appliances are hard to control and expensive to run then perhaps it’s time to think again. Chris Stammers, Product Marketing Director at Dimplex, looks at some of the common misconceptions about electric heating technology and why the sector has good reason to be optimistic about the future.

illions of UK homes rely on electricity to meet their heating needs, yet there remain some common misconceptions associated with this technology. Here are a few of the myths that need to be dispelled:

Myth 1 Electric heating is outdated If you were to go back less than a decade, it would be fair to say you would be Chris Stammers, Product justified in arguing that Marketing Director electric heating systems were outdated. However, thanks to unprecedented product innovation in the last few years by leading manufacturers, there is now a whole new generation of electric appliances that offer convenience, efficiency and performance like never before. Today’s appliances are innovative and intelligent. You The SmartRad (left) and Quantum radiators from Dimplex represent the latest advances in electric heating technology And it does not stop there. With the opportunity to link Electric heating meanwhile, using an Economy Seven can visit your local merchant or distributor today and buy electric heaters that monitor and adapt to the user’s into forward-thinking initiatives and technology such as tariff and a representative combination of Quantum lifestyle and changing climate conditions, that can tap smart meters and the Internet of Things, electric heating heaters and electric panel convector heaters, would cost just £455 per year for a two-bedroom flat (65m2) refurbished into renewable energy sources, or that have the potential is undoubtedly well placed for the future. to typical 1990s Building Regulations standard, according to link wirelessly to a central hub. In fact, our Quantum Myth 2 to independent assessment using SAP 2012. off-peak heating system can do all three. That works out at less than £38 per month. Many people, Direct-acting panel heaters have come on in leaps and There is no demand for it bounds too. A popular choice in rooms such as bedrooms Consider the current penetration of electric housing amongst of course, will pay the same again each month for a monthly and conservatories due to their quick heat up times, panel the UK’s housing stock. There are approximately 2.3 million mobile phone bill, home entertainment package or gym heaters would, in previous electrically heated homes in membership – or even all three. This common misconception that electric heating is too years, have had a simple on/ the UK, 9.3% of all housing, “Nearly 70% of households with electric off control, with optional and Dimplex estimates up costly is not helped by poor specification which can make heating are completely satisfied” timers for greater control. to two million of these have heating systems unnecessarily expensive to run and in Today’s market-leading outdated electric storage some cases poor advice from manufacturers. Some manufacturers will boldly state that directmodels are unrecognisable from the electric heating heaters in need of replacement. appliances of the past. Our Q-Rad electric radiator, for Electric heating is on the rise, in part due to the influence acting electric heaters, commonly referred to as electric example, includes a self-learning algorithm with delayed of changing housing trends and the large numbers of flats radiators, aluminium radiators or panel heaters, are the ideal replacement for storage heaters. Put simply, it is not start feature so the heaters calculate the shortest run time and apartments built over the last decade. needed in order for the heater to reach the user defined The combination of smaller living space and low heat loss always the case – and installers must recognise this. Whilst direct acting heating is undoubtedly the best target temperature, exactly at the time specified. in well-insulated flats or small homes inevitably makes option for some rooms, it is not always better than storage. the cost of a boiler with conventional radiators unjustified. Those who spend most of the day at home, for example, For many of these properties, of course, electric is the only such as retired or unemployed homeowners, will always heating choice irrespective of cost because gas supply is find it cheaper to have off-peak heaters. not available, usually because of the height of the building or its location. However, the continued growth of electric heating is not just borne out of necessity. Research by Consumer Futures shows that nearly 70% of households with electric heating are completely satisfied with their system.

Myth 3

The Dimplex Q-Rad includes a self-learning algorithm

It is disproportionately expensive for homeowners Another myth that can be easily disproven thanks to some robust Government research. According to the Government’s most recent Housing Factfile, the total cost of running household appliances such as the washing machine, tumble dryer, fridge freezer, TV and lighting costs the average household up to £534 per year – or £44.50 per month.

Myth 4

There is a lack of control This is another myth that belongs in the 20th century. In the 1970s and ’80s, when millions of electric storage heaters were installed in homes across the UK, it was the case that users had no control over when stored energy was released into the room as heat. We also watched films on VHS and listened to music on tape cassettes, but like the rest of the home, technology has moved on. Today, with the continued development of intelligent, easy-to-use controls, users have full command over all electric heating appliances to provide warmth only when it is required, all at the touch of a button. www.dimplex.co.uk

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A more flexible heating solution As homes become increasingly air tight, flexible electric heating can offer an ideal solution. Tom Emson, Product Marketing Manager at Vent-Axia, explains how advances in technology make it an attractive option, especially for those households off the mains gas grid.

as possible. As homes become he heating landscape increasingly air tight, their is changing. The 2012 heating demands reduce, Energy Efficiency thus making flexible electric Directive is driving increased heating an increasingly levels of energy efficiency in attractive option, especially many of the space heating since new controls provide products available on the both the efficiency and market today. Additional comfort occupiers require. features such as distance Electric heating already has control and adaptive start many recognised benefits. technology are helping Offering an affordable heating achieve a 20% energy saving solution for homeowners with target by 2020. low capital and installation Electric heating has costs, the technology is a undergone a transformation Tom Emson from Vent-Axia welcome option in the current as manufacturers have been developing advanced systems that meet the financial climate. The flexibility of the units comfort needs of households and energy is an added financial bonus since heaters efficiency demands of legislation. The can be installed as stand-alone heaters or as introduction of Part L ‘Conservation of Fuel larger systems, allowing households to meet and Power’ in 2000 resulted in the increased their individual comfort and budget needs, popularity of the technology and demand is adding further heaters as finances allow. Using electricity as a fuel makes the set to increase further as energy efficiency legislation and the need for a secure energy technology ideal for rural households that supply drive the uptake of electric heating. are off the gas grid. Recent figures show 3.9 The first step to create an energy efficient million UK households (17%) do not have home is to ensure the building is as air tight mains gas heating, with over half these

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homes (2.3 million) heated by electricity. Many homes that are off the gas grid are in rural areas or in urban high rise flats. Some 13% of remote rural homes in England, 10% in Wales and 22% in Scotland use electric heating compared with 9% of urban homes in England. The majority of these homes have little prospect of being connected to the gas grid and need an effective, efficient alternative. Historically many off-grid homes with electric heating have used traditional manual storage heaters, which can be inefficient and impractical to use. Therefore many off-grid households have often opted for oil or LPG heating as alternatives to electric heating. However, both these fuels have their own disadvantages.

Added costs For oil heating one of the biggest disadvantages is price fluctuations which make it tricky for households to budget. The additional cost of bulk tanks which are required to be mounted above ground means oil systems have a high capital cost, as well as the loss of garden given over to the bulk tank installation. Meanwhile LPG can also prove pricey. All appliances need to be serviced annually by a Gas Safe engineer, adding further costs, plus households either have to rent or buy a fuel tank from the supplier which means another cost to add to the budget. Tanks for oil and LPG can also prove an issue. With oil, households need to dedicate some space for the oil tank on their premises. LPG offers a little more flexibility since it is also stored in a tank but households have the option to have the tank above or out of sight below the ground. Meanwhile, planning is also essential for both oil and LPG, since off-the-grid locations are often rural so households need to ensure they have enough oil or LPG to see them through the winter or plan re-fuels, since it isn’t always easy to reach rural locations in heavy snow or bad weather. Some but not all suppliers do offer a top-up service to ensure households never run out of oil or LPG, but bad weather can sometimes scupper deliveries. Luckily as an alternative to oil or LPG heating there is a new breed of modern electric heating systems that are cost effective to install, easy to use and cheaper to run than traditional manual storage heaters, making electricity ideal for households without a gas supply. Electric heating offers an affordable heating solution for homeowners with low capital and installation costs. Almost maintenance free with no moving parts, electric heating also offers households the comfort of not having to worry about costly annual boiler checks, like LPG. Meanwhile electric heaters cause little installation disruption for any household since they don’t require the pipework needed by traditional boiler heating systems. A simple connection to an electricity circuit makes electric heating easy for installers to

Opal Aluminium Radiators from Vent-Axia feature digital controls and a stylish design

fit it in a few minutes rather than the day or two needed for a traditional boiler heating system. The electric radiator’s flexibility is also an added financial bonus since heaters can be installed almost anywhere in a room as stand-alone units or as larger systems, allowing households to meet their individual comfort and budget needs. What is key to this next generation of electric heating is not only do they offer convenience and greater flexibility to households since electric heating quickly warms a room providing almost instant comfort, but technological developments now mean that their accurate controls ensure they are more energy efficient than ever before.

Energy control New advanced electric heating systems incorporate highly sensitive, integral thermostatic controls. For instance, our range of energy efficient Opal Aluminium Radiators feature a digitally controlled thermostat and a slim and stylish design. This type of electric radiator also features on-board energy monitors. These monitors allow occupiers to see exactly how much energy is being used to heat a room, and thus make an informed decision on thermal comfort. Easy to operate, the radiators come with seven heating schedules and three temperature settings for comfort, economy and frost protection, allowing homeowners to manage the warmth in their homes to meet their needs. The inclusion of highly sensitive silent operating digital controlled thermostats accurate to +/- 0.3° allows electric heating to act quickly to maintain consistent room temperature levels, reducing temperature overrun and minimising energy consumption of the heaters. Allowing homeowners to manage the warmth in their homes to meet their needs, the radiators are easy to operate and come with seven pre-set heating programmes and three user defined temperature settings. So with electric heating now offering efficient heating for every room in the house, homes that are off the gas grid can rest assured that electric heating offers an affordable heating solution this winter. www.vent-axia.com PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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ELECTRIC Heating 59 Inﬁnity with realistic log fuel bed Aimed at homes where it’s not possible to have a gas or woodburning stove, Charlton & Jenrick offers two new Infinity electric fires based on its gas fire range. They are available to fit frameless in the in the wall or into a fireplace suite. The fires feature the new 3D Ecoflame technology, which offers a realistic flame effect with four mood settings. The fires come complete with a realistic log fuel bed

high level buttons for easy manual access if required. Low running costs for the LED flame effect means it can run for six hours using just 1p of electricity. Two generous 100% efficient heat settings are offered – low 1kW and high 2kW, all controlled from the wireless handset. The appliances can all be fully serviced and maintained from the front. and fire bed media kit. The fires are remote controlled

with a timer and built-in thermostat. They also have

Working to the letter Part of the electric collection from Vogue, the Comfort towel warmer has been designed in the shape of an ‘E’ to make a unique design statement in bathrooms and kitchens, particularly where there may be limited space. Engineered with elegant 25mm diameter tubing, the shape maximises hanging space to ensure the efficient warming of towels. Crafted from mild steel, the Comfort is available in Chrome which is polished to a mirror finish.

With a height of 719mm, width of 545mm and a depth of 103mm, the Comfort electric towel warmer delivers 120W from a sealed electric format. Comfort is covered by Vogue’s newly extended Quality Assurance Guarantee of 15 years across all mild steel options, with each electrical component covered by a two year warranty. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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With a ceramic core at its heart, Vanguard aluminium radiators from Electrorad are said to deliver improved heat retention and to provide a totally leak-proof electric heating solution. The mica-coated ceramic plate is described as an efficient electrical insulator and thermal conductor. The thermostats have also been upgraded from relay to triac to ensure even greater accuracy of the room temperature control. Triac also guarantees a completely silent operation, with no clicking sounds when switching on or off. All models offer controllable warmth with nine pre-set programmes and user settable options to suit a variety of lifestyles and preferences. Vanguard is suitable for all electric heating installations and storage heater replacements. These models are available in power ratings from 600 to 1800W. www.electrorad.co.uk

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Combi radiator with smart control

Towel rail with an extra boost The electric heating range from Stiebel Eltron includes the BHE Classic series of bathroom radiators. With curved rails and a heating output of up to 1750W, the radiators are said to be ideal for both warming the bathroom and drying towels. Easy to use and straightforward to install, BHE can be connected directly to the central heating system and wired into a junction box for electrical operation. Room temperature can easily be adjusted and the radiator comes with an electronic temperature controller with four time programmes to ensure accurate timing and efficient delivery of heat The turbo version of the BHE 175 T Classic is equipped with an integral direct heater rod that heats up the bathroom radiator quickly

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The DSR range of Electric Combinat ion Radiators from the Electric Heating Company (EHC) can now be operated wirelessly via a bespoke app, enabling the radiators to be controlled via a computer, smartphone or tablet. As well as time and temperature control, the app will enable the user to monitor electricity and adjust radiator priority settings Manufactured in Germany, the DSR radiators also have an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;open windowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; feature whereby should there be a significant temperature drop

within a short period of time the radiator will switch off to save energy. The radiators are designed to look similar to traditional wet system radiators and are available in a range of

outputs and sizes, including conservatory and vertical models, with outputs up to 2400W. The sur face of t he radiator incor porates a spot welded, high-fin design

which boasts six times the normal radiator surface area to provide a balance of convected and radiant heat. The combination radiators are designed to store heat directly into a Magmatic Heat Retention Tablet. When the required temperature has been achieved the thermostat will cut the power to the radiator. The radiator will then continue to provide heat which has been stored in the tablet for up to 45 minutes with no further use of electricity. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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More effective distribution of heat and directly, calling on up to 1000W. A rapid heater is also integrated when fast heat is required. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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The Avignon range of electric radiators from Hyco are said to offer a convenient yet stylish heating solution that is ideal for both home and office environments. The range consists of four models, ranging from 0.6 to 1.8kW, all of which feature a 24/7 LCD timer.

A high precision thermostat provides responsive control to the nearest degree and

the use of both radiant and convection heating helps to ensure effective distribution

of heat. With built in thermal safety protection and reduced maintenance costs compared to traditional radiators, with no boilers, pipes or leaks, Hyco says that the Avignon range is a cost effective choice for a range of applications. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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ELECTRIC Heating Getting control of energy Described as a new breed of modern electric heating, the range from Vent-Axia is said to be cost effective to install and cheaper to run. With choices for every room in the house, including radiators and towel rails, these products quickly warm a room and are highly controllable. The Opal aluminium radiator (pictured) is said to offer households attractive, energy efficient comfort. It features a slim and stylish design and high thermal inertia. The radiator is manufactured from 100% recycled aluminium derived

from drink cans, and comes with five pre-set lifestyle functions. The fast programmable controls and an energy monitor also mean that households can lower

energy consumption. Also included in VentAxiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electric heating range is a series of attractive towel rails featuring high quality white or chrome finishes with ten different models, split into flat, curved and designer styles. Control is central to the range, with the series featuring an optional advanced controller offering five heat outputs. This not only provides warm, dry towels on chilly mornings but acts as a primary heating source offering greater comfort when in the bathroom. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Flexible solution, home and away

Designer heating specialist Geyser is the UK supplier of the Maradja from French company Atlantic. Described as a stylish product, this electric radiator is also controllable by smartphones and can detect human presence to build up a data profile for auto programming. This product features two forms of heat generation: convected and radiant. Convected heat is produced via the internal cast iron heat exchange, meaning that the unit produces consistent heat similar to central heating. The radiant heat is generated from an aluminium film on the heating element, located just beneath the surface. The Maradja can be fully programmed, and energy consumption can be viewed via a smartphone app, making it a flexible solution for second properties or businesses. All units have built-in radio frequency receivers for wireless synchronisation of multiple radiators. www.geyser.co.uk

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More efďŹ cient than direct Described as a lower carbon alternative to electric immersion heaters, the DEL200 and EDL260 hot water heat pumps from Dimplex are said to make it easier to capitalise on the benefits of electric heating for smaller properties that have to pass Building Regulations. The hot water heat pump uses an integrated high-performance compressor to extract energy for hot water production from the external air using insulated duct work. Using up to three times less electricity than direct acting water heaters, it provides an energy efficient hot water solution for smaller, electrically heated properties such as apartments, social housing, student accommodation and retirement living. Domestic hot water heat pumps can reduce

the dwelling emission rate compared to a direct electric cylinder, which means developers can achieve Part L compliance whilst still specifying electric panel heaters and/ or off-peak electric heating. Suitable for new build properties and cylinder upgrades, Dimplexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot water heat pump comes in a compact design with a highperformance rotary compressor mounted on anti-vibration pads to keep noise to a minimum. The Dimplex EDL hot water heat pump is available in two sizes, 200L and 270L, and is approved for use in the UK under Building Regulations Part G3 unvented hot water storage systems. ENQUIRY No.

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62 MERCHANT & Distributor News

Hot water specialist advances on A specialist in unvented systems and cylinder spares, the Advanced Water Company continues to build on its reputation for hot water expertise and reliable service. Sam Jackson talks to General Manager Adam Davies about the business and its plans for the future.

he relationship a company has with its customers is of the utmost importance to Adam Davies, the newly appointed General Manager of Evesham-based plumbers merchant Advanced Water. “The after-sales side of things is important,” he says. “Product identification can sometimes be a bit of a minefield and to know we are always available for technical advice and assistance is a Adam Davies, General Manager big help to our customers and helps us to maintain our reputation as experts within the industry.” Advanced Water is now an established name in the plumbing industry, serving a wide variety of customers from installers to homeowners and stocking an extensive range of products from some of the most reputable brands in the sector. However, the firm has grown from relatively humble beginnings. “We started out in 2000 with unvented cylinder spares, having seen a place in the market for spares. As time went on the company developed and we brought in more and more products,” explains Davies. The company was also working hard to forge the right connections to expand and offer more to its consumers, something that Davies was keen to emphasise. “We were building up relationships with an increasing amount of manufacturers. We’ve continued to work on that and we now stock items from Ariston, Caleffi, Oventrop, Honeywell, Zilmet and Stiebel Eltron, to name just a few. We have also just introduced Instanta Water Heaters to our website and offer the complete range of products and spares.” There has been a shift in demand from vented to unvented cylinders as the primary water heating option for many homes, but Davies says that it is important to continue to serve both sides of the industry. “There are a multitude of different types of heating and hot water system on the market and we have developed contacts with a vast network of manufacturers to enable us to cater for this. We are always looking out for new products on the market as well so we can offer more to our customers.”

Nominate a hero In order to reward those who have demonstrated good customer service, going above and beyond the everyday call of duty, Graham Plumbers’ Merchant is asking customers to nominate their ‘Graham Customer Hero’ as part of their ‘Graham Heroes’ Awards. The plumbers merchant is inviting customers to name a staff member who they feel has excelled in their role this year. To nominate a member of the Graham

team e-mail heroes@ grahamplumbersmerchant. co.uk by 20th October with a few details, including: the name and location of who you are n o m i n at i n g , why you are nominating that particular member of staff, and your name, company and contact details. The top three short-listed ‘Customer Heroes’ will all be invited to the company’s awards ceremony and dinner at Graham’s annual conference, hosted in Birmingham in November.

“We cater for all types of installations both for domestic and commercial properties. We want to be able to offer more to our customers and always do whatever we can to help. We also offer complete packages for unvented and thermal store cylinders. Having the ability to accommodate the needs of our customers is important.”

Delivery service

A speedy delivery operation is a crucial part of the service

Future direction One particular development in the plumbing and heating market that Advanced Water is keen on taking advantage of is the rise of renewables. Solar, biomass and heat pumps have all played an important role in changing the face of the industry in recent years and Davies cites some of these technologies as having a part to play in the company’s future direction. “The renewable sector is an area we want to develop into, particularly solar and heat pumps. We stock solar expansion vessels but we definitely want to build on that. We don’t supply as much of the renewable products as we would like at the moment and we will be looking to increase our range in the future,” says Davies. “We will still continue to supply everything we already have done in the past and keep supporting the older and the non-renewable sides of the industry, as we want to carry on providing our traditional service. We want to continue to be known for unvented cylinder spares, but inevitably products are always coming out to give cylinders longer lives and make them more reliable.” Alongside the company’s catalogue of spares and products, Advanced Water also offers bespoke services for customers with more niche requirements. “We get asked by people for products we don’t have, but because we have a good name in the industry we go away and contact the supplier and get hold of individual items. We recently had an enquiry for a 3000 litre tank!” recalls Davies.

Those needs often require the company’s sales team to adapt to its varied customer base, but it is something they are more than capable of, says Davies, with the company also aiming to be efficient in their service and delivery. “The way our customers vary means you could be talking to an engineer one minute and a homeowner the next, so our aim is to ensure all of our sales staff have the necessary training and technical knowledge to be able to offer the right support and assistance to everyone. “When things break, the last thing you want is to have to wait two weeks for a part. If we have the item in stock our aim is to despatch that same day via a fully tracked courier service to ensure the orders are received quickly and promptly to avoid delays. In the event of a problem with an order or part, we have a dedicated customer service department to handle queries as quickly as possible to find a resolution,” adds Davies. “It’s not just about us being the supplier. We train sales people to learn about the products that we sell. We also give technical assistance to people and one of the things we pride ourselves on is customer service. We think good customer service affects business and we aim to provide the best product at the best price as quick as possible.”

On the move So what does the future hold? There’s exciting times ahead as Davies provides a glimpse into what we can expect from the ever-evolving merchant in the coming months. “Something on the horizon for us is relocation to larger premises. We have always been situated in Evesham, occupying our current premises since 2008, where expansion has taken place over the years in the form of a new mezzanine floor level and increased office space and car parking to accommodate staff. Our aim is to remain in Evesham if possible, with the objective of completing the relocation within the next 12 months.” www.advancedwater.co.uk

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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One stop plumbing and drainage Customers of Plumb and Parts Center will now find it easier to purchase drainage products from the same source following a move to bring fellow Wolseley UK brand Drain Center into the fold. Responding to customer feedback from across the branch network, the national merchant business has brought the brands together so that customers can trade from a single site. The integration is a number of simple internal changes that enable the brands to trade together and as one team, meaning a full range of drainage products are now available to all customers

from more than 500 locations across the UK compared to the previous 53 branches. The initiative should also give Drain Center customers an improved geographical reach when travelling across the

country for projects. Matt Allcock, Drain Center Director, explains: “Combining the operational models enables Plumb and Parts Center branches to access the specialist

knowledge provided by Drain Center, and all customers now have a hub of product knowledge in one place. We know that installers don’t want to spend time carrying out multiple transactions during their busy day, and this change is all about improving our customer service proposition through making it easier to do business.” Drain Center specialises in the supply of above ground drainage products and pipes and fittings for the transportation of gas and potable and non-potable water in the utilities and industrial markets.

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TOOLS & Workwear 63

Use your head when working at height Ladder safety is too often overlooked, despite the fact that falls from height account for nearly three out of ten fatal injuries to all workers. Paul Bruton, WernerCo’s Product Development Director, highlights the importance of ladder safety at work.

alls from height are a big risk to all professionals, even for those who wouldn’t usually have considered their work as particularly height specific. For most installers undertaking domestic or light commercial work, use of a ladder or an access platform is commonplace, whether it’s to service a boiler, access loft space, install ducting for a ventilation unit or to replace an air conditioning system in an office. Whatever the job, safe Paul Bruton, from WernerCo practice when working at height should be of paramount importance. After all, falls from height most frequently occur not because of a fault in the equipment’s design, but because of the user’s failure to select the proper equipment for the task or to use it correctly.

Grey area The latest Work at Height Regulations came into force over 10 years ago, but understanding the range of ladder options, and knowing when and where you can use them, is still considered by some to be a grey area. So, what are the best options for optimum site safety? The traditional ladder will always have its place on the market, but correct use is vital to ensure that legislative requirements are met. Ladders should only be used for short periods of time, for light work and ideally only as a means to get to an access platform, not as an access platform itself. Making sure the ladder used meets the British or European Standards is also an essential starting point. With counterfeit products now on the market, it’s always advised that users choose a ladder that has been manufactured and tested to meet the quality standards. A pre-work check is recommended to ensure ladders with missing, damaged or loose components are not used. Before use, ensure all working parts move properly and that all connections are secure, being mindful to carefully check spreaders, treads, ropes and safety feet.

Access platforms are ideal when both hands are required

Ladders should only be used for short periods of time

product considerations should be taken into account at the point of purchase. These include factors such as whether the ladder is equipped with secure non-slip treads; if it’s the right size and material for the job; whether it has a secure standing platform with ample standing space; and if the ladder is equipped with a high safety handrail.

For undertaking work at height of over 2m, access towers also provide a practical solution for a range of longer-term tasks, such as maintenance and repairs or for longer-term construction projects. Access towers are a safe and reliable alternative to permanent scaffolding, as all come with an inbuilt guardrail to prevent falls. Access towers are portable and, in some cases, compact enough for easy storage and transportation. For installers unsure of which type of access equipment is appropriate for the job, the Work at height Access equipment Information Toolkit (WAIT) is a free online resource that provides details of some of the most common types of access equipment and where its use is most appropriate.

Easy access For certain tasks, use of a ladder is not appropriate at all, and instead an access platform is required. Work at Height regulations state only that special measures must be taken (the use of an access platform or scaffolding) where it is not possible to maintain a constant handhold on a ladder, something that is particularly pertinent when using a roof ladder.

wwwwernerladder.co.uk

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Think first Before beginning a task where work at height is required, first ask yourself a few questions: Will the task be complete in under 30 minutes? If so, will the ladder be positioned on a level and stable foundation? If not, alternative equipment must be sought. Ideally, ladders should only be used for short periods of time, for light work and should not be used if the user has to over-stretch. Any work that is done with the aid of a ladder should also always be carried out face-on to the job in hand. Work at Height regulations prohibit over stretching, which can ultimately diminish productivity if the installer cannot move around easily, or if they are confined to a very small work area. Ladders are also not suitable if there is likely to be a requirement to lift awkward or heavy loads. With safety of paramount importance, a number of key ENQUIRY

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Have you made the connection? What are connected tools and how can they make a difference to your day-to-day work? Eric Streuli, UK Training Manager for Bosch Power Tools, explains the concept and summarises the practical and time saving advantages of this new technology.

obile phones not only keep us in constant contact with people, but connect us with the internet and its endless possibilities. They can even link us to objects, in the ‘Internet of Things’. By making your tools part of a similar communications network, you can talk to them – and they can talk back. Today you may wonder how you ever got by without mobile phones, but soon you will be wondering how you ran your business without connected tools.

Eric Streuli, UK Training Manager, Bosch Power Tools

Time saver

A variety of Bosch tools can now be linked to smartphones

Time saving is the chief benefit of connected tools. Research by Bosch reveals that only 30% of a tradesperson’s working hours, on average, are spent on productive activities. The rest of the day is largely taken up by preparatory and follow-up tasks, and this is where tool connectivity can substantially reduce time wastage. Improving time efficiency, of course, raises productivity and gives your company a competitive edge. Examples of time-consuming activities avoided or reduced by tool connectivity include: finding the right tool configuration for a task and manually adjusting the settings each time; replacing a tool which, unknown to you, has been overused and which has now broken down without warning; copying out measurements and then dealing with problems caused by transfer errors; checking you have the right tools in your van and searching for the missing one.

receive information and access a variety of time-saving digital aids. The system is cloud-based, meaning that data and software are safely held by distant computers ‘in the cloud’ from which you can easily access them using any connected communication device. Bosch has gone further by linking the Toolbox app to its TrackMyTools facility, creating a complete system that not only networks the tools but provides a way of locating them and managing tool inventories.

Today’s technology Every advance in tool connectivity described here is available now, or in the very near future, and Bosch is continuing to invest heavily in further development. The essential principle is this: a tool is connected wirelessly to your communication device – a computer or, for mobile flexibility, your smartphone or tablet – and to the internet. By installing a tool connectivity app such as the Bosch Toolbox on your mobile device, you can conveniently make use of those connections. Via the network you can send instructions to the tool,

With TrackMyTools (available next year), a Bluetooth tracker attached to a tool connects wirelessly with a mobile phone

The app shows the status of tools and troubleshooting advice

without risk of introducing mistakes along the way. The right tool and accessory – fast: You need to buy a new tool or some accessories for a specific application but you don’t want to spend ages working through catalogues and information sheets. Using the Bosch Pocket Assistant, an add-on to Toolbox, you simply scan a tool or its packaging with your phone and the system recognises it. You can then quickly find advice on the best choices for your situation and order them directly via the network. Similarly, if you want to link a tool to TrackMyTools, register it for a Benefits and advantages warranty or arrange a repair, just scan the product rather Powered screwdrivers, drills, angle grinders, laser measures, than typing its serial number or other details. thermo detectors and workplace lights are just some of No more missing tools: Whether you’re a plumber, a the tools and equipment already benefiting from this heating installer or any other kind of trade professional, technology. A few common scenarios will help to show how you will be familiar with the frustration and wasted connected tools like these will enhance your working life. time caused by lost or hard-to-find tools. From 2017, TrackMyTools will make that a thing of Instant adjustment: You’re preparing the past by showing you exactly where for a particular task and you want to they are. When packing for a job, you tell your drill or angle grinder to apply can use it to make a quick check that all the appropriate configuration and your the tools you need are there. If a tool is preferred performance settings. With missing, TrackMyTools will locate it or wireless connectivity you can do this via tell you who you loaned it to and when your mobile phone – and you don’t even it is to be returned. need to walk over to where the tool is. Should a fault develop, you can What’s more, the system will remember immediately report it via the system. If those instructions and settings for future for any reason you don’t have the tool reference so you can easily apply them you need, it will tell you which of your again. workmates have similar tools and you can Tool health: You want to know the arrange to borrow one. It also provides condition of a drill or a screwdriver before inventory managers with instant, clear signing it out for an important job. Via the and up-to-date knowledge of all your network, the tool can tell you its current company’s tools and helps in planning state and its entire operating history. If it their efficient deployment. Bosch Pocket Assistant lets develops a problem while in use – such as you scan a tool to access Fast forward overheating – it will send you a warning. information and advice If the nature and cause of a fault are not How much more can your current smartphone obvious, you can access troubleshooting tips. These are do for you than your first mobile did? You can expect the part of an extensive collection of relevant and useful same sort of rapid development in tool connectivity. The voracious appetite of connected tools for data is actually reference information accessible through the system. Remote control: Your laser needs to be aligned, or the one of the drivers of progress, as they constantly record brightness of your work light needs to be adjusted, but information on what they are doing. Product developers you are some distance away and up a ladder. No problem such as the design team at Bosch analyse the collected data, along with user feedback, to inspire, guide and shape – just use your phone as a remote control. Quick and error-free site reporting: You’ve taken some future innovations. measurements using your laser measure or thermo Find out more detector and now you want to put them into a report. With networked devices there’s no need to spend time For further insights into what a more connected future could keying them into a document or, worse still, writing them mean for the plumbing, heating and air movement sector, visit down by hand. You can save them directly into the report www.bosch-connectivity.com PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.bosch-connectivity.com 152 document, in the required format, and transmit them

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w it h the t he new new Hilti Hilt i AI A I S1/4 S1 /4 with Scanners. Scanners.

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ging, and ging, ttechnical echnical ssupport upport a nd more. dedicated team more. A d edicated d te am of of software developers will also software d evelopers w ill a lso monitor monitor tthe he service. service. e Sriram Makineedi, Hilti’s Sriram M akineedi, Hil ti’s Professional Professiona al Services Services Manager Manager for Northern Europe, for No rthern E urope, ssays: ay ys: “ON!Track will and “ON!T Track w ill ttrack rack a nd search all assets search ffor or a ll ttagged agged a ssets and assign and minimise minimise llosses, osses e ,a ssign individuals each piece off individuals tto oe ach p iece o equipment, allow equipment, a llow the the rapid rapid reassignment off pr products, reassignment o p oducts, maintain maintain inventory inventory lists lists quickly quickly and and avoid av void timetimeconsuming consuming stock stock k checks.” ch hecks.” PHAM P H A M NEWS NEWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.

www.hilti.co.uk/ontrack w ww.hilti.co.uk/ontrack

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Described as the kind of workwear that looks good on site or down at the pub, Blåkläder’s 1999 Craftsmen Stretch Trousers are aimed at those who want comfort and functionality as well as the latest style. A low crotch and tapered legs mean fashionconscious installers no longer have to compromise between a great look and practical, hard wearing gear. The new 1999 Craftsmen Stretch Trousers come with a lifetime guarantee on all seams and are engineered for ease of use. For instance, the tough Cordura denim is cut to hang easily on the hip. Stretch panels in the crotch and calves make movement more comfortable, while the

Win!

zippered nail pockets can either be loose or fixed to the leg to prevent trapping, for instance when climbing a ladder. “It’s often the small details that make a big difference,” says Keith La Roche, Blåkläder’s MD UK & Ireland. “Take the belt loops. We’ve designed them to be thicker at the rear than the front. This gives better weight distribution through a belt and greater strength when you’re bending or crouching, making you more comfortable and ensuring the loops don’t fail.” For a chance to win a pair, check out the competition details below. PHAM P HAM N NEWS EWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.

www.blaklader.com www.blaklader.com

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THE NEW 10.8V CXT LI-ION RANGE Brushless Drill Driver DF332D Impact Driver TD110D

Drill Driver DF331D Brushless Combi Drill HP332D Combi Drill HP331D

Jigsaw JV101D

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Brushless Drill Driver DF032D

Tile Cutter CC301D

delivers d elivers greater greater spread loading g of of loading a ny sstriking triking any fforce orce w whilst hilst a 45° 45° chamfer c hamfer helps helps to to rreduce educe chips chips from from the substrate the substrate b eing struck. struck. The The being handle h andle is is made made ffrom rom premium p emium pr fibreglass fi breglass a and nd benefits b enefits ffrom rom a comfortable c omfortable g grip. rip. ENQUIRY E NQUIRY N No. o.

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154 15 4 Multi Tool TM30D

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156 15 6 ENQUIRY

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How to handle hole saw hurdles The range of building materials that an installer faces when having to drill holes can throw up a variety of questions, from what tip to use to how to deal with the dust. John Cove, Marketing Manager at Starrett, looks at the top five hole saw hacks that can ease the burden.

he challenge of working in modern environments is that you are going to be cutting and fitting various materials day to day. Surfaces made of metal, timber, engineered wood, plastic, glass, porcelain and masonry, among others, can all require different approaches to create a clean hole. Being able to adapt to your surroundings when you come up against non-standard fittings, jobs that produce a lot of debris and dust, and even environments that are poorly ventilated can be a real hassle. However, making some simple changes to your workflow and choosing the right tool for the job can make all the difference. So here are our top five hole saw hacks to help you do just that.

Porcelain tiles Advancements in production techniques have made porcelain tiles more popular than ever. Ceramic tiles are made from a soft mineral clay substrate topped with a glaze, whereas porcelain tiles are fired at higher temperatures and pressures. This liquefies the mineral into solid glass, so the tile itself is much harder and denser, making it ideal for a wide variety of applications. This strength has made porcelain tiles a popular choice, with tiles being used in areas other than simply on floors, kitchens and bathrooms. However, the hardness of the tile makes it very difficult to cut using a simple tile cutter, and porcelain tiles are also more prone to chipping during the cutting process. When a job requires cutting holes to fit a tile around cables and pipes, or fittings need to be attached to a tiled surface, always use a hole saw with a diamond-grit coated tip. The diamond coating will easily cut through porcelain, glass, ceramics, brick and stone without chipping or breaking. When accompanied with proper water-cooling, you will be left with a clean cut and smooth surface finish.

The right tools can make tricky jobs a lot easier, such as a hole enlargement arbor (left) or tungsten carbide tips when drilling MDF

Hole enlargement Turning up to a job fitting downlights and realising that the 75mm super low voltage spotlights that the customer has specified need to fit into the 50mm holes left by the previous lights can put you in a bit of a pickle. Where it would normally be suitable to simply drill a 75mm hole to fit the light, here there is no obvious way to pilot the 75mm hole saw. In this case, consider replacing the pilot drill with a hole enlargement arbor. The arbor can be fitted with a hole saw that has the same diameter as the existing hole – this acts as the pilot – as well as a larger diameter hole saw, allowing the larger diameter to be cut in one single motion.

Thick steel There’s nothing more frustrating than when a tool breaks unexpectedly. However, for most tools, this is rarely something that happens out of the blue, but is rather caused by longterm wear on a tool that can lead to a sudden break. Cutting steel is a perfect example of something that can cause this. Although

Screws twist to new heights ForgeFast is the name of a new range of screws from ForgeFix described as lying within an ‘elite performance’ category. In independent tests, the new screws outperformed most other premium screws in areas such as drive-speed, camout reduction, corrosion resistance, shear prevention and also environmental protection. Mike Pollard, Product Manager at ForgeFix, explains: “The screws within the ForgeFast range set a new benchmark in so many areas of fastening performance that it made

sense to position them in a new performance category. “Elite performance screws will help the trade to recognise that there are premium screws – and then there are screws which can deliver even higher performance levels.”

The new screws owe their capabilities to an array of features. This includes reinforced countersunk necks, angled or inset lobes, double cutting or sharp points, and anti-friction or self-drilling threads. The new screws also benefit from the company’s Elementech 400 coating, which has been salt spray tested to 400 hours. This is said to give the screws exceptional weather resistance and enables them to last up to six times longer than zinc coated. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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regular hole saws will do the job, cutting thicker steel can cause the tool to become hot, quickly increasing wear on the cutting surface and significantly reducing product life. When cutting thicker steel, consider using a carbide tipped hole saw designed specifically for deep cutting of steel up to 25mm thick. This operates at a higher speed for a faster cut, preventing the saw from getting hot and wearing down. By taking such precautions contractors can increase the lifespan of their power tool accessories and deliver a higher return on investment.

Unpleasant fumes Composite and engineered wood, including medium-density fibreboard (MDF), might provide a versatile, lightweight and strong building material for a variety of applications — from cabinets to desks and flooring — however, cutting it can produce really unpleasant fumes. The density of the fibreboard can cause the hole saw to heat up, potentially melting the glue adhesive in the composite itself. To overcome this problem and speed up the cut, some contractors will drill numerous pilot holes around the circumference of the hole to be cut and then use a hole saw to finish the job. The downside, though, is that this method is time consuming and doesn’t result in a perfect, clean cut. When drilling MDF, engineered and composite woods that contain adhesives, as well as plastics and plasterboard, consider using a tungsten carbide tipped multipurpose hole saw. This will deliver cutting speeds that are up to five times faster than a typical bimetal hole saw and the rapid cut will build up less residual heat, giving less time for the adhesive to reach a melting temperature.

Dust and Debris Most contractors will testify that one of the biggest pet peeves of customers is site cleanliness. Although maintaining a clean working environment is a habit of all good tradespeople, it is inevitable that most jobs will produce excess dust and debris that needs to be cleaned up afterwards. Many solutions have been tried including

A debris collector makes for cleaner work

shoe boxes with holes drilled in them and various arrangements involving vacuum cleaners. Ideas like these might work well for simple tasks or one off jobs, but it can become dangerous for more complex or hard to reach areas where ladders might be involved. This can not only pose an insurance liability, but failure to protect the motor of a power tool from dust and debris, leading to its eventual failure, can also void the warranty on most power tools. When sawing or cutting using a hand held power tool, a debris collector attachment that can catch the dust and debris created during the cutting process, ready for easy disposal, can make things so much simpler. Not only is this quicker, with time saved on clean up, it also eliminates the need to mask high-risk areas prior to sawing or cutting and prevents the ingress of dust and debris into your power tool’s motor housing.

Job done There is no reason for advances in materials and design technology to get in the way of tradespeople achieving perfection. With a little ingenuity and the help of a few specialised tools, people of all trades can stay ahead of the curve and get the job done without hassle. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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TOOLS T OOL O S & Workwear Wo orrk kwear 67 Trainers rain ners are are safe safe Snaking S nakin ing a d drain raiin n easier easier w with ith ccordless ordless T Providing tthe Providing he b benefits enefits of of both both handheld h andheld and and floor-mounted floor-mounted d rain c leaning m achines, drain cleaning machines, Milwaukee’s M ilwaukee’s D Drain rain C Cleaner le eaner iiss a simple simple c cordless ordless ssetup etup ffor or c leaning ssinks, inks, ttubs, ubs, a nd cleaning and o ther sm all d rain llines ines u p tto o other small drain up 8 m llong. ong. 8m Powered P owered b by ya any ny M Milwaukee ilwaukee M 12 R edLithium-Ion battery, battery, M12 RedLithium-Ion tthe he new new tool tool is is said said to to provide provide b est-inclass performance p e r fo r m a nc e best-in-class w ithout tthe he c ord. M ilwaukee without cord. Milwaukee c laims tthe he b atttery p ack claims battery pack

d elivers more more work work per per delivers c harge a nd m ore w ork o ver charge and more work over p ack llife, ife, m aintaining power power pack maintaining

u nderr load load b etterr tthan han c orded under better corded c ompetitors. IIn n ad dition, competitors. addition, e liminating tthe he c ord in creases eliminating cord increases

pr oductivity and and safety safety ffor or productivity tthe he u ser b yp roviding iinstant nstant user by providing sset-up, et-up, a nd rreducing educing tthe he and rrisk isk of of e lectroshock hazards hazards electroshock a ssociated with with A C ttools ools iin n associated AC w et environments. environments. wet T he inclusion inclusion o xe d The off a fi fixed sshield hield around around tthe he d r um drum e liminates the the potential potential ffor or eliminates tthe he sspinning pinning d r um tto oc ome drum come iinto nto contact contact with with the the fixture fixture o ser. orr u user. PHAM P H A M NEWS NEWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.

uk.milwaukeetool.eu u k.milwaukeetool.eu

Dust D ust eextractor xtractor w with ith a auto uto clean clean filter filter T he range range of of d ust extractors extractors ffrom rom F ein h as b een e nhanced The dust Fein has been enhanced w ith the the a ddition o wo n ew pr emium-class w et a nd d ry with addition off ttwo new premium-class wet and dry e xtractors w ith a utomatic fi lter c leaning – tthe he D ustex 3 5M X extractors with automatic filter cleaning Dustex 35 MX A Ca nd tthe he D ustex 3 5L XA C. B oth m achines c ome w ith a AC and Dustex 35 LX AC. Both machines come with llarge arge n umber of of special special equipment equipment ffeatures eatures a nd e xtensive number and extensive a ccessories m aking tthe he ttools ools ssuitable uitable ffor or pr ofessional ttasks asks accessories making professional o n ssite ite o n tthe he w orkshop. on orr iin workshop. T he llaunch aunch is is the the first first ttime ime F ein h as e quipped iits ts e xtractors The Fein has equipped extractors w it h a ffully ully a utomat ic fi lter c leaning ssystem. ystem. A utoClean with automatic filter cleaning AutoClean ttechnology echnolog y reverses reverses the the a irflow every ever y 15 seconds, seconds, b lowing airflow blowing a way any any fine fine dust dust that that may may have have settled settled in in the the filter filter back back away iinto nto the t he secondary secondar y d isposable b ag. Fitting Fitt ing the t he extractors ext ractors disposable bag. w ith AutoClean AutoClean allows allows for for a consistently consistently high high suction suction force, force, with m eaning e ven llarge a rg e v olumes o azardous d u st c an b e meaning even volumes off h hazardous dust can be

rremoved. emoved. B oth d ust e xtractors w ill w ork a cross Both dust extractors will work across w et and and dry dr y applications, applicat ions, rreliably eliably ab sorbing wet absorbing fi ne d u st s a nd lliquids. iquids. fine dusts and T his A utoClean ssystem ystem also also e xtends This AutoClean extends tthe he filter’s filter’s life, life, meaning meaning the the machine machine c an work work continuously cont inuo u usly ffor or llonger onger can b ecau use of of less less ffrequent requent fi lter c hanges. because filter changes. T h is a pproach iis s ssaid aid tto o b e m ore This approach be more effective closed e ffective than than tthe he ttraditional raditional c losed fi lter b ag system system a nd m akes tthe he filter bag and makes e xtractors more more cost-effective cost-effective extractors tto o rrun. u n. PHAM P HAM N NEWS EWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.

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and a nd comfy comfy ffor or ffeet eet Promising flexibility Promising flexibilit y and and comfort c omfor t w with it h e every ver y sstep, tep, B ase has has extended extended its its range range Base off ssafety o afety ttrainers rainer e sw with ith tthree hree new n ew o options. pt ions. F Frisbee r isbee ((top top picture), p i t ure), B ic Be-Shiny e-Sh hiny ((middle) middle l ) and a nd Colosseum Colosseu um (bottom) ( bottom) jjoin oin tthe he e xisting M artin a nd existing Martin and Opera O pera Base Base trainer tra ainer line-up. line-up. Characterised C haracter ised b by y ttheir heir llight ight w eight, F r i sb e e a nd weight, Frisbee and Be-Shiny B e-Shiny a are re described descr ibed a as s fitting fi tting llike ike a g glove love a and nd ffeeling eeling almost a lmost w weightless. eight less. B Both ot h tthese hese ttrainers rainers a are re fi fitted tted w with ith SlimCap S limCap – a metal-free metal-free toe to e cap 35% c ap which which iis s3 5% llighter ighter tthan han sstandard tandard steel steel c caps ap ps and and w with ith bend a pre-shaped pre-shaped protective prrotective b end protection. ffor or additional addit ional pr otect ion. These T hese sshoes hoes also also have have a TPUttough, ough, sslip-resistant lip-resistant T PUsskin, kin, which which m makes akes the the soles soles off tthe o he footwear footwear ultra-flexible, ultra-flexible, tto o cushion cushion the the foot foot and and bend bend ass required. a required. The T he Colosseum Colosseu um ttrainer rainer h has as tthe he ssteel teel ttoe oe c ap b ut is is jjust u st cap but a s fl exible a nd c omfor table as flexible and comfortable

to w to wear, ear, tthanks hanks to to its its Airtech Airtech anti-fatigue a nt i-fat ig ue ssole. ole. Base B ase says says Colosseum Colosseum iis s iits ts most most comfortable comfortable trainer trainer because b ecause it it features feat ures Dry Dr y ‘n’ ‘n’ Air A ir technology, technology, a an ne ergonomic rgonomic with air circulation ffootbed ootbed w ith a ir c irculation tto o keep keep feet feet cool cool and and fresh f r e sh whatever w hatever the t he weather. weat her. PHAM P H A M NEWS NEWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.

www.brianhyde.co.uk w ww.brianhyde.c e o.uk

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68 TOOLS & Workwear Knees need protection from the strain Tough, fashionable, affordable style

Spending even a modest amount of time on the knees has the potential to strain and injure this complex and vulnerable joint. That’s why having a good set of knee pads is important to preventing injury. Redbacks has developed a non-foam/non-gel variety that features a soft and flexible TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer) leaf-spring set within a honeycomb matrix. Redbacks’ technology distributes body weight evenly by elevating the knees to reduce back pain and

pressure on the knee, leg, ankle and foot joints. This cushioning technology is available in both the

original version for pocketed work trousers as well as a new strapped option. Suitable for all round protection in the warmer months or in close, indoor temperatures, they have elasticated straps with dust and particle resistant fastenings. This allows them to be worn on bare skin without chafing, but they are equally effective worn over trousers, staying in the correct position in either case, when kneeling, walking or sitting.

The pads have a waterresistant covering and a breathable, inner fabric that wicks away sweat whilst providing thermal protection from warm or cold surfaces. They reduce point pressure and distribute weight evenly. Impact forces associated with kneeling are absorbed, giving added protection against back and neck pain. Redbacks’ strapped kneepads give the user all-day comfort and longterm protection. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Small but powerful in conﬁned spaces Two new 18V brushless motor LXT drills have been launched by Makita: the DDF483 13mm drill driver and the DHP483 combi drill. Both are characterized by their compact size, with the drill driver having an overall body length of just 162mm and the combi drill with a 176mm overall length. Both are suited for tight space installation

mode and 500rpm in low, and is capable of drilling 13mm in steel and 36mm in wood. The Makita DHP483 combi drill will generate up to 25,500 impacts per minute in high and 7500 in low mode. It is capable of punching a 13mm hole in masonry and steel, and 36mm in wood. work, such as kitchen and bathroom installations.

The drill driver will run up to 1700rpm in high

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Answering the need for functional style on the job, Dickies offers a range of clothing choices. Its classic two-tone ED24/7 trousers (pictured) are made with 245gsm fabric to ensure they are tough but light enough to retain agility. They are free of any exposed metals such as zips and buttons, making them scratch free. Cargo pockets give direct access to tools. The two-tone colours let users easily match the ED24/7 to any other item of clothing in the Dickies workwear range. For those who prefer cover-alls, there is the Redhawk Stud Front, described as an affordable choice. Functional and durable, these garments retain Dickies’ traditional construction standards. The Redhawk coverall has a concealed stud-fronted pocket design to prevent scratches to paintwork.

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A level that measures up for easier reading. The horizontal vial features a 30% magnification lens and luminescent reflector. The strong aluminium profile measures 59 x 26 mm and weighs just 880g. Shock absorbing end protectors come with an anti-slip function so that the tool stays reliably in place while readings are taken.

The redesigned PV 60 level from Hultafors has been created to make finding the level easier. It’s described as having a new, modern design as well as better focus vials and end protectors with an anti-slip function. The robust aluminium profile houses the block vials which are highly transparent and crush-proof. The horizontal luminous vial magnifies at 30%

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Cutting down on cutting time Offering quick cutting is the new C9U3 235mm 2000W circular saw from Hitachi. With external brush caps and an angle setting system to ensure the accuracy of 90° cuts, the C9U3 circular saw is said to be both easy to use and extremely precise. The tool is also extremely sturdy and practical with an aluminium blade cover and heavy duty aluminium base. The very long 4m power lead means the C9U3 circular saw can be taken wherever needed and the cord holder ensures the mains lead ENQUIRY

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is clear of cut line, so it doesn’t get in the way of the operator. Comfort and ease of use is

a fundamental consideration in the engineering of Hitachi Power Tools’ design and the soft grip handles make

the C9U3 circular saw comfortable to work with. A blower moves dust and debris away to ensure the cut line is always visible. The saw also comes with an adjustable metal cut line guide, spindle lock for easy blade replacement plus a dust extraction adapter, wrench and carrying case. Hitachi offers a three year warranty on the C9U3 circular saw when registered online within four weeks of purchase. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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WHAT’S New 69 Cylinders cater for commercial work

Brass ﬁlter delivers results The TF1 Omega Filter from Fernox is a new nickel-plated brass filter for the domestic heating market. Combining a powerful magnet with Hydronic Particle Separation (HPS) technology, the filter is able to capture high levels of system debris and can be fitted horizontally or vertically on 22 or 28mm pipework. It can also be positioned at a 45° angle if required.

Ideal for installations in restricted areas, the compact filter is supplied either with nickel-plated valves or slipsocket connection, making it easy to install even in confined or awkward spaces. Cleaning can be done in situ, with no need to dismantle the unit when extracting dirt collected by the filter. Water treatment chemicals can also be added via the filter, in less

than 30 seconds using the Fernox Express range. “The TF1 Omega Filter really is a next generation brass filter that is capable of market leading levels of debris collection and retention,” says Marketing Director Francine Wickham. The filter comes with a 25 year body parts warranty. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Press ﬁtting system for steel pipe Claiming a 60% reduction in installation time, Viega has introduced its Megapress carbon steel press fitting system to the UK market. Said to offer a fast and effective alternative to traditional methods such as welding, the Megapress system achieves a cleaner and safer method of connection and avoids the need for oils, heavy threading equipment or open flames. The simple-to-use pressing tool means that even

difficult installations, such as overhead pipework, can be completed safely.

The Megapress connectors feature a profile-sealing element that encompasses the pipe in three places at the same time to ensure a leakproof connection, even with coarse and uneven surfaces. This seal makes it possible to press seamless, welded, galvanised, industrially varnished epoxy resin-coated and black steel pipes with one and the same connector, without compromising the integrity of the pipe.

The pressing tool is supplied in a practical case, which includes three press jaws, three press rings and hinged press jaws. Scott James, Director at Viega UK, says: “The Viega Megapress system has proven extremely popular in the US and German markets and we are now hugely excited to bring this groundbreaking technology to the UK.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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The uniSTOR unvented stainless steel cylinder range from Vaillant has been extended with cylinders designed for commercial installations. The range includes models of 120 to 800 litres capacity and encompasses six options, offering a wide range of installation choices to suit both large residential and commercial projects. The new range complies with all ErP requirements, with some cylinders achieving an ErP ‘A’ rated classification and ‘best in class’ heat loss performance. The commercial capacities of 500 and 800 litres come with the option of a

7.5kW immersion heater to provide additional hot water if required. All cylinders come with a 25 year guarantee for the outer shell and are supplied with fittings to comply with section G3 of current Building Regulations. Steve Keeton, Technologies and Marketing Director, says: “The range of options from slimline to heat pump compatible, as well as the exciting introduction of a solution designed for commercial projects, provides installation answers, whatever the requirement.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Space heaters for large areas Compact waste solution The Energysaver gas fired space heater range from Rinnai has been expanded with a new 559FT model and a new streamlined look to the Energysaver 309FT. Designed for large indoor spaces such as schools, community centres, libraries and churches, the range is said to be easy to install and cost effective to run. Changes to the Energysaver 559T have been made to the operation board which is now an easy to use touch-control pad sited conveniently and discreetly on top of the

appliance (rather than on the front with a flip up cover). The unit is also supplied with a child lock to eliminate any risk of small hands tampering

with the controls. Measuring 554 x 750 x 250mm, the 559FT has an input of 6.4kW and output of 5.2kW. The Rinnai Energysaver 309FT has an input of 3.4kW and output of 2.92kW and measures 695 x 465 x 257mm. Also available is the 1104T model that delivers an output of 10.23kW. All models in the range can be powered by natural gas or LPG and feature fully modulating burners to reduce energy use as the space warms up. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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The sanitary equipment specialist Macdee Wirquin has unveiled Nano 6.7, a new basin waste solution that saves space, is quick to install and easy to maintain. Said to be three times smaller than a classic waste, the compact Nano is just 67mm high. It features a waterless silicone membrane that replaces the traditional water seal and helps to prevent bad smells. This membrane is housed inside a protective cartridge, allowing it to be removed from above for easy cleaning. A brass

dome and clear glass lens also helps to ensure clear visibility. For ease of installation, the waste body swivels through

360° horizontally, tilts to an angle of 4° vertically and incorporates a clip system securing the body of the waste into place. This can be done blind, using only one hand. The waste outlet is secured with a captive ¼ turn nut which features an over moulded washer for extra reliability against leaks. Nano 6.7 comes with a five year guarantee and four models are available to suit different basin configurations. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.wirquin.co.uk

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70 WHAT’S New Count on constant Stop water in wet areas water pressure Part of the Lowara brand, ResiBoost is the name of Xylem’s intelligent variable frequency drive (VFD) that matches system demand to maximise pump efficiency and minimise general wear and tear. It is suitable for a wide range of residential applications and is a plugand-play device designed for easy installation and use. Users simply connect the VFD to water and electricity, and set the desired pressure. Lowara ResiBoost automatically controls the speed of the pump while keeping the pressure in the system constant, reducing energy consumption and preventing rapid changes of pressure from damaging pipes, junctions and valves in order to extend the system’s life. The controlled speed also reduces noise and mechanical stress on the pump. The ResiBoost is available

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The Vandex Plug from Safeguard Europe – a specialist in damp and waterproofing, and masonry repair solutions – is a fast-acting cement based mortar that will quickly stop leaks and seepage, and seal cracks in masonry, concrete, earthenware and stone in seconds. It can also be used as an installation mortar for fixings in wet areas, and even underwater. The Vandex Plug can be used to plug leaks in clay pipes, caulking tunnel segment joints, installing fixings in water structures requiring immediate

in pipe and wall mounted versions or as a ready built package for ease of installation. The pipe and wall mounted versions have built-in dry run protection, a control and information panel featuring an LCD screen, and are able to store information on operated hours, number of starts, connections to the power supply and register of alarms. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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use and as a general erosion resistant mortar for elements affected by rain. Setting time is largely dependent on the quantity of mixing water used – standard value at 20ºC is 1kg of plug mortar to 0.25 litre of water. The plug must be added to the water and mixed quickly, with setting taking place in about 30 seconds. The Vandex Plug is available in 15kg resealable plastic tubs, and has a storage shelf life of around 12 months. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Safe, slimline storage in limited space The ESSL1000 slimline oil tank from Kingspan Titan has a total footprint of 1.152m2 and offers safe and secure heating oil storage for domestic and commercial applications with limited space and access restrictions. “The ESSL1000 has an exceptional storage to footprint ratio so customers with limited space can maximise the amount of oil they can store,” says Adrian Gatford, Kingspan Titan Sales Director. “Its slimline profile makes installation quick and simple, enabling contractors to manoeuvre and fit the tank into narrow spaces.”

The robust construction incorporates an integrated bund to safeguard oil supplies and prevent spills or ground contamination. The tanks also have lockable lids. The Titan EcoSafe slimline range currently includes the ESSL4000, ESSL1400 and the recently launched ESSL2000 tank. All have the added-value features of the EcoSafe range, including the Watchman Alarm oil level monitor fitted as standard. The Watchman Alarm uses a transmitter on top of the tank and ultrasonic level techniques to measure oil levels. www.kingspanenviro.com/kingspan-titan 175

October 2016

WHat’s New Rads back in black and white New to the range of designer radiators from MHS Radiators is the Arc Black and Arc White, both available in a choice of 10 models with either single or double tubes. Arc Black is a striking, dark radiator with elongated oval tubes, which blends in with a range of traditional or contemporary interior styles. Finished in Black RAL 9017, Arc Black makes a design statement without becoming overpowering. At the other end of the spectrum, Arc White is a minimalist, subtle radiator finished in Traffic White RAL 9016. Complemented with smooth, rounded edges and straight lines, this is a powerful, modern radiator suitable for a variety of rooms and applications.

COMPETITION

Granting Wishes We’re joining forces with Drayton to offer readers the chance to win one of five miGenie internet connected heating control packs – known as miGenie Wishes. Drayton’s miGenie devices utilise smart technology, enabled by an intuitive app that users download onto an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet, or Apple Watch. British built to last, there is a miGenie Wish pack to suit all homes. Designed with the installer in mind, miGenie can be fitted in as little as ten minutes. Products are pre-bound, are easy to retrofit and boast an industry standard backplate, and can be installed straight from the box.

Arc Black and Arc White are available in heights of 600, 1600 or 1800mm, while there are nine widths ranging from 310 to 1450mm. Single models are capable of outputs from 419 to 1846W, while double versions can achieve

723 to 360W. Both radiators can be operated up to 6 bar and are supplied with a five year manufacturer’s guarantee as standard. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.mhsradiators.co.uk

If the internet is down, homeowners can still control heating via the programmer, which is really simple to operate, featuring familiar buttons and icons. There are three different miGenie Wishes available – each including a combination of complementary products, offering a solution for every installation no matter what the requirements.

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Conditioned for success Now available from Smith’s is the OneStop, a water conditioner that tackles the problem of limescale. It conditions mains water at the point that it enters the home, preventing scale deposits, and also works on removing existing limescale. Because OneStop is not a water softener, it does not require a drain, a bypass for drinking water, or regular doses of salt. It uses a relatively new process, Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC), to change hardness minerals from their ionic form to a harmless crystalline form. In this very stable form, calcium and magnesium do not attach to pipes, appliances, and fixture surfaces. The crystals are so small that they are readily rinsed away by the normal flow of water. The unit itself has a long life expectancy

and the mineral tank is guaranteed for 10 years. It comprises a small tank that plumbers can install comfortably underneath a standard kitchen sink, containing a replaceable cartridge. The cartridge should on average require replacing once every 18 months. Jim Bennett, Sales and Marketing Director, says: “We are very excited to be able to offer the OneStop as a cost-effective and easy-to-install alternative to a water softener. We know that limescale is a widespread problem in the UK so the fact that it is simple to install and easy to maintain benefits both installers and customers. This provides a great opportunity for installers to add value to their relationship with their customers, by offering this product during the annual boiler service visit.” ENQUIRY No. www.SmithsEP.co.uk 181

Fires with a better price tag The Global range of gas fires has been launched by DRU to supply more affordable high efficiency models. There are 17 in total, including balanced and conventional

flue, two and three sided, see-through tunnel, and freestanding fires. The range includes the Global 55XT (pictured). At only 55cms wide and 54cms

high, it fits neatly into a Class1 chimney, has an eye-catching log fire display and can be combined with a selection of frames or fire surrounds. With the addition of the DRU cavity wall kit, the fire can be installed directly into an outside facing brick wall or pre-cast flue, with no need for a false chimney breast and minimal building work. Also recently launched is the Global 70XT CF conventional flue gas fire, which is designed with the UK chimney in mind. The viewing window is 70cm wide and 60cm high, framing a realistic log fire display. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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The prize: miGenie Wish 3 The miGenie Wish 3 pack includes a multi-channel controller, two room thermostats and internet gateway. Also available are the miGenie Wish 1 pack, which includes a single channel controller, room thermostat and internet gateway, and the miGenie Wish 2, which includes the same as Wish Pack 1 but with a dual-channel controller.

How to Enter Simply read the question below and then write your answer on the freepost reader enquiry and registration card inside this month’s issue. So, for example, if you think the answer is ‘Wants’, you should write 101 on the card. Only one entry allowed per person, and the winner will be drawn from all correct entries received before the closing date of 31st October 2016.

What are the miGenie packs called? Wants......104

Desires......105

Wishes......106

www.draytoncontrols.co.uk

October 2016

72 WHat’s New

Maxi valves are big on style

Retractable radiator kit Installers looking to give their customers a little extra value when installing a radiator, Rotarad has launched its radiator valve access kit. Once fitted, it enables the easy and safe lowering of a radiator away from the wall, allowing for easy deep cleaning and decorating by the end user. It is available for either union or compression valves. Merchants supplying Rotarad will receive a starter kit consisting of the Rotarad product and marketing support material including poster, countertop point-of-sale

and leaflets. For distribution, Rotarad selected Robert Lee, whose established network already supplies to retailers, merchants and showrooms. Malcolm Keeling, the inventor of the product, comments: “We are delighted to be working with both IPG and Robert Lee in supporting Rotarad with wider distribution. We look forward to a long and successful relationship. We believe Rotarad will have a good uptake with the trade.” www.rotarad.com ENQUIRY No. 183

Easy to hydronically balance a system and calculations are done automatically in the ‘Go Balance’ app. This is said to reduce time and costs, as the ability to read key data remotely benefits installers and homeowners alike. Grundfos says a correctly balanced domestic radiator or underfloor heating system can generate savings ranging from 7 to 20% on the heating bill. The pump also boasts an

The new Alpha3 from Grundfos is a small domestic circulator designed to work with the Alpha Reader. When combined, the circulator uses a light sensor to read data communications from the pump and send it to a smart device. The installer then follows the steps to hydronically balance the heating system. This solution means that complex data collection

Sporting Chance £100 prize to the winner! Put your sporting knowledge to the test and you could win £100! Anyone who scores a hat-trick of correct forecasts will be in the draw.

Which team will score the most points in the Aviva Premiership in games played 28th-30th October? Northampton

Saracens

Wasps

Which team will score the most UEFA Champions League goals between 18th October and 2nd November Arsenal

Leicester City

Manchester City

Which of these drivers will be highest placed in the United States Grand Prix on 23rd October? Nico Rosberg

Lewis Hamilton

Daniel Ricciardo

How to enter Please send your three predictions, complete with name and address details, to info@phamnews.co.uk before the closing date of Monday 17th October. A draw will take place on 3rd November of all the correct entries.

No winner last month Unfortuanely, we didn’t get a winner last month with Argentina’s victory over GB in the Davis Cup scuppering nearly everyone’s chances. Here’s hoping for better luck this time!

energy efficiency index of just 0.15, said to make the Alpha3 the most energyefficient circulator in its class. It analyses the pattern of use and automatically adjusts the power output down to as little as 3W when the demand is low, offering an energy saving of 87% compared to regular pumps. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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New to the Bristan lineup is a range of maxi valve showers, boasting a selection of classic and contemporary designs. These include Bristan’s Prism, Quest (pictured), Trinity and 1901 designs as well as the newcomer Flute. There are both concealed and exposed options to give even further choice. All of the exposed maxi valve versions come with shower kits, plus options. The new valves have been designed to provide a consistent high flow performance, ensuring customers have an exhilarating shower experience. The range is suitable for all water pressures and comes with optional flow regulators as standard. The valves feature adjustable elbows and enable a centre selection between 136 and 158mm, making them easy to install in retrofit applications. Existing shower valves can be easily replaced with these exposed maxi valves. www.bristan.com

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Oil boiler is true blue on efficiency The latest entry to Docherty Group’s product portfolio is the Blue-Tech oil boiler. This product benefits from the latest Blue Flame technology and is described as being among the most energy efficient domestic oil boilers in Europe. The incorporation of Blue Flame technology ensures a cleaner, soot-free flame through secondary burn of combustion air, which also reduces pollution to

the lowest possible level, achieving an impressive level of NOx emissions of only 65mg/kWh. The Blue-Tech is built with the installer in mind: with four tappings making installation easier and front access to simplify servicing and save time. The boiler is available in three models: Whitecase, Boilerhouse and External, with two fixed outputs, 20kW and 26kW.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.docherty.co.uk

Stone look, smooth finish Bathroom distributor Frontline has unveiled the Aquanatural Collection, a selection of striking, solid surface products that look and feel like stone and feel smooth to the touch. Products in the portfolio include freestanding baths, floor standing cloakroom and countertop basins, and stylish wall-hung furniture. Michael Sammon, Sales & Marketing Director at Frontline Bathrooms, comments: “Natural products are definitely on trend at the moment, with savvy consumers opting for metallic, wood and stone products, which look stunning. Aquanatural responds to consumer demand for natural products with sleek design credentials. Our Aquanatural collection is incredibly versatile and would work equally well in a contemporary or classic setting.” www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk

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October 2016

DIRECTORY 73 Biomass Boilers

Radiators

Heat Pumps

ECO ANGUS

ENQUIRY

01 ICE ENERGY

Controls

ENQUIRY

Heating Controls

Underfloor Heating

Underfloor Heating Systems Total project design High quality products New wireless controls Trade only prices Fast delivery HEATING CONTROLS ONLINE BANICO CONTROLS

ENQUIRY

www.gaiacs.com 0845 434 9488

AEL HEATING SOLUTIONS

ENQUIRY

Dust Sheets GAIA

ENQUIRY

further your ambitions, telephone 023 8066 8900 for information and application pack.

www.idhee.org.uk The professional body We are not a trade association, and we the the Domestic Heating Engineer. recognised forms of study and achievement. IDHEE WILKINSON

ENQUIRY

Safety Products

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Heating (Water)

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October 2016