September 2017

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Research rreveals Research eveals h high igh number n umber o off ttrade rade iinjuries njuries

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Volume V o olume 55 | Issue 8 | S September eptember 2017

As survey urvey of of ccustomers ustomers b by y Toolstation Toolstation has has revealed revealed that that many many plumbers plumbers and and electricians elect e ricians have have suffered suffered e work w ork related related injuries, injuries, b but ut ffear ear o off ffinancial inancial loss loss means means they they are are reluctant reluctant to to take take time time off off to to recover. recover.

New New research research has has revealed revealed that t hat almost almost three-quarters t hree-quar ters of of installers installers have have suffered suffered from work from w ork related related injuries, injur ies, aches, aches, pains pa i n s and with 79% off tthose and sstrains t r a i ns – w it h 7 9% o hose ssurveyed u r ve ye d believing has affected ability carry believing iitt h as a ffected ttheir heir ab ility tto oc arry out as well out ttheir heir work, work, a sw ell as as having having a negative negative impact impact on on ttheir heir personal personal llife. ife.

The The survey sur vey of of Toolstation Toolstation customers customers was was carried carried out out in in June June this this year year and and highlights highlights the t he challenges challenges ffaced aced by by the t he trade t rade when when injuries injur ies occur. occur. Nearly Ne early 75% 75% of of respondents respondents were over were sole sole traders, t raders, with w it h o ver half half of of those t hose surveyed confirming needed sur veyed c onfirming tthey’d hey’d n eeded to ttake ake time off work due time o ff w ork d ue tto o ttheir heir injuries, injuries, resulting resulting in in loss loss of of income income and and causing causing high high levels levels of of stress, as by one s t r e s s, a s ssummarised u m ma r i se d b yo ne rrespondent espondent who who ssaid: aid: “Being “Being self-employed, self-employed, if if you you get get injuries injur ies at at work work iitt can can have have an an extremely ext remely adverse adverse effect effect on on your your mental mental wellbeing, wellbeing, causing causing stress. st ress. If If you you are are unable unable to to work work then t hen you you are earn.” are unable unable tto oe ar n.”

As As a result result of of the t he pressure pressure to to work work and and earn, with ear n, many many in in the t he trade t rade just just ‘get ‘get on on w it h it’ despite pain and as it’ d espite ttheir heir p ain a nd ssuffering, uffer ing, a s

highlighted highlighted in in comments comments including: including: “I “I find find it very hard my continuous it v er y h ard tto o rrecover ecover ffrom rom m yc ontinuous pains and pains a nd sstrains. trains. The The facts facts are are that that these these injuries injur ies rrequire equire resting rest ing the the affected affected areas, areas, but and pains but the t he reality realit y is is that t hat my my aches aches a nd p a i ns are overshadowed off financial are o vershadowed by by tthe he iimpact mpact o financial loss due loss d ue to to not not working.” work ing.”

In In tterms er ms of of the t he nature nat ure of of the t he aches aches and and pains 71% pains that t hat mostly most ly affect affect tthe he trade, t rade, 7 1% reported repor ted back back problems, problems, whilst whilst 64% 6 4% had had trouble with trouble w ith ttheir heir knees. knees. The The neck, n ck, shoulders ne shoulders and were and hands/fingers hands/fingers w ere also also key key problem problem areas. and 65% off areas. Some Some 75% 75% of of plumbers plumbers a nd 6 5% o electricians work electr icians highlighted highlighted difficult dif ficult w ork

postures as main cause p ostures or or movements movements a s tthe he m a in c ause off pr problems, movements and o oblems, rrepetitive epet it ive m ovements a nd working cold and wet were w ork ing iin nc old a nd w et conditions condit ions w er e also a lso important impor tant causative causative factors factors across across all all ttrades. rades.

Other off tthe Ot her respondents respondents sspoke poke o he iimpact mpact with ttheir heir work work had had on on ttheir heir ffamily amily llife, ife, w it h one commenting: body very o ne c omment ing: ““My My b ody iis s v er y ttired i red after work, which makes hard a f t er w ork, w hich m akes iitt h ard to to have have ttime ime with w it h my my kids, k ids, which which upsets upsets me. me. I’m I’m always a lways tired, t ired, which which is is draining draining mentally.” mentally l .”

John Meaden, Marketing Director att John M eaden, M arket ing D irector a Toolstation, highlights T oolstattion, ssays ay ys tthat hatt tthe he rresearch esearch h ighlights tthe he daily daily pressures pressures tradespeople tradespeople are are under unde d r maintain tto o m aintain their t heir income: income: “Our “Our research r e s ea r c h extent rreveals eveals tthe he e xtent to to which which tradespeople t radespeople pains ssuffer uffe er injuries, injur ies, aches, aches, p ains and and strains strains in in getting day g ett ing the t he job job done done d ay tto o day; day; but but more more sso o it it highlights highlights the the financial financial and and emotional emotional on and iimpact mpact o n iindividuals ndividuals a nd ttheir heir ffamily amily llife. ife.

Ass a leading A leading ssupplier upplier to to the the trade, trade, we we believe belie eve we have w e h ave a rresponsibility esponsibilit y to to support suppor t our our customers after and c ustomers iin n llooking ooking a fter tthemselves, hemselves, a nd sso o we we are are working working on on ways ways to to help help improve improve ttheir heir health healt h and and wellbeing.” wellbeing. g”

Concerns C oncerns about about cashflow cashf low for for contractors contractors Cur rent c Current cashflow ashflow problems problems iin n tthe he U UK K construction c onstr uct ion e engineering ng ineer ing iindustry ndustr y a are re unsustainable, u nsustainable, a according ccording tto o The The S Specialist pecialist Engineering Engineering C Contractors’ ontractors’ ((SEC) SEC) Group Group – which which represents represents small small and and medium medium enterprises enter pr ises (SMEs) (SMEs) iin n tthe he ssector, ector, a and nd a acts cts a as sa an nu umbrella mbrella body associations ass BESA body for for trade t rade a ssociat ions ssuch uch a BESA and and S SNIPEF. NIPEF. The The S SEC EC Group Group says says that t hat contractors contractors are are having hav ing to to rely rely y more more and and more more on on ttheir heir directors directors for for funding, funding, given given the the problems problems of of late payment late and and lengthy leng thy p ay yment periods per iods and and lack lack of of access access to to reasonably reasonably y priced priced lines lines of of credit. credit.

Directors construction businesses Directors llent ent ttheir heir c onstruction b usinesses £38 2015/16, £38 million million iin n 2 015/16, a significant sig nificant

increase 2013/4. increase on on the the £29.7 £29.7 million million llent ent iin n2 013/4.

“With “With SMEs SMEs now now relying rely ing more more and and more more on on ttheir heir directors directors ffor or ttheir heir lliquidity, iquidit y, tthe he cashflow cashflow position posit ion iin n tthe he industry industr y is is now now critical,” cr it ical,” ssays ays Professor Professor Rudi Rudi Klein, Klein, SEC SE C Group Group CEO, CEO, who who describes descr ibes the t he figures fig ures as as extremely ext remely worrying. wor r y ing.

This This is is against against the the background background of of the the poor poor state balance off tthe UK’s state of of the the b alance ssheets heets o he U K’s llargest argest construction firms highlighted by constr uction fi rms rrecently ecently h ighlighted b y the debt-ridden problems by Carillion the de bt-ridden p roblems ffaced ac a ed b yC arillion (the construction company). (the ssecond econd llargest argest c onstruction c ompany).

Klein companies are Klein adds: adds: ““These These c ompanies a re ttaking aking longer and pay chains, longer a nd llonger onger tto op ay ttheir heir ssupply upply c hains, with with SMEs SMEs having hav ving to to spend spend the the bulk bulk of of their their

contract up before contract values values u p ffront ront b efore rreceiving eceiv ing any any payment.” pay men nt.”

The SEC The S EC Group Group is is pressing pressing the the Government Government to mandate use to iintroduce ntroduce legislation leg islation tto om andate tthe he u se of project of pr ojject bank bank accounts accounts across across the t he whole whole of of public public sector sector construction, constr uct ion, ring-fence r ing-fence cash and make 30 day payments cash retentions, retentions, a nd m ake 3 0d ay p ayments mandatory. mandator y.

Public bank accounts where Public b ank ac counts ((PBAs), PBAs), w he er e monies are paid by public clients monies a re p aid b y p ublic ssector ector c lients directly firms chain via direct ly tto o fi r ms iin n tthe he ssupply upply c ha i n v ia a ring-fenced ring-fenced bank bank account, account, are are already already used used in Northern and Scotland, and by in No r t her n IIreland reland a nd S cot land, a nd b y some some government government departments departments and and agencies agencies such ass Highways such a Highways England.

England.

Win a Mira Mode!

See page 39

Whale W hale done

Once tthe Once he home home o off D Dippy ip ppy tthe he d diplodocus, iplodocus, tthe he 1 150 50 y year ear o old ld dH Hintze intze H Hall all a att tthe he N Natural atural History H is story M Museum useum in n London Lond don now now plays plays host host the tto o th he skeleton skeleton of of a blue blue whale. whale. Thanks Thanks to to air movement specialist Gilberts and a ir m ovement s pecialist G ilberts a nd tthe he iinstallation nstallation of of a new new ventilation ven e tilation system, system, tthe he hall hall is is also also d delivering eliv ver e ing a an no optimum ptimum environment en vironment ffor or th the he e exhibits xhib bitts sa and nd visitors. visittors s.

The manufactured T he ccompany ompany m anufacture ed and and supplied supplie ed 24 off it its Mistrale 2 4 bespoke bespoke versions versions o ts M istrale Model Model ‘‘A’ A’ n natural atura al v ventilation entilation units, units, with with a further further 42 4 2 s standard tandard W WHF50 HF50 high high performance performance llouvres ouvres tto op provide ro ovide tthe he rrequired equired llevels evels o off ffresh resh air air intake intake and and exhaust. exhaust. Alongside Alongside a w wide ide rrange ange of of p products, roducts, G Gilberts ilb berts h has as tthe he a ability bilit y tto od design, esign, m manufacture anufacture a and nd ttest est b bespoke espoke s solutions olutions tto om meet eet s specific pecific p roject requirements. requirements. project

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September 2017

NEWS N EWS W R Review eview

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Plumbing courses courses E IInside nside this this issue issue Plumbing Editor’s ditor’ss ffailing ailin ng tto oa address ddr d ess Viewpoint V iewpoint Gas the skills gap t h e s sk i l l s ga a p Safety

by C Chris hris JJones ones

Advice on talking to customers about gas g safety issues and an upd update ate on new training g requ requirements quirements

Starts page 41

Heating Controls We get up to speed We d with the latest advances s in smart technology and connected controls s

Starts page 49

Radiators & T owel o W arm a mers Towel Warmers Taking T aking advantage of the a wide range of radi radiator iator options opt o s to ensure e su e you y meet eet the customer’ customer’s s nee needs eds

Starts page 65

Oil Fired Heating How installers can n help oil users to maxim maximise mise energy savings i an and nd d emissions reduce carbon emi issions

Starts page 77

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

Incorporating: Incorporating: Plumbing & Heating Ne News wss Plumbing & Heating Equipment Equippment News News

UK colleges UK colleges and and training t raining p rov i d e r s h ave b e en providers have been c r it icised ffor or fl ooding tthe he criticised flooding market m arket with w it h trainees t rainees who who only o nly have have basic basic plumbing plumbing q ualificat ions rather rat her than t ha n qualifications tthe he h igher skills sk ills needed needed higher tto o address address tthe he sskills k ills gap. gap.

The T he Building Building g Engineering Eng ineer ing Services S er vices Association Association claims claims tthat hat too too many many training t raining pr ov iders pr omote llower o w er providers promote cost plumbing courses c o st p lumbing c ourses tto o employers att tthe expense e mployers a he e xpense of of tthe he w wider ider sscoped coped b building uilding services se r v ices apprenticeships. apprent iceships.

According A c c o r d i n g tto o BESA’s B E S A’s Director D irector of of Training Training Tony Tony Howard, many colleges H o w a rd , m any c olleges promote plumbing pr omote p lumbing sshort hor t courses c ourses because because they t hey are a re cheaper c heaper tto o d deliver, eliver, b but ut employers e mployers rreceive eceive ffar ar better better value v alue for for money money iiff tthey hey enrol e nrol ttheir heir staff staff on on more more ttechnically e c h n ic i a l l y demanding d m a nd i ng de ttraining. raining. ““You You sshouldn’t houldn’t tthink hink iit’s t’s not n ot your your money money because because you y ou aren’t aren’t paying pay ing the t he Apprenticeship Ap prent iceship Levy, Lev y, he he a rg ues. ““You You w ill sstill t ill b e argues. will be out o ut o off p pocket ocket iiff y you ou have have tto o fill fill the t he skills sk ills gaps gaps left left b y training t raining providers p ov iders and pr and by p ay ffor or tthe he w astage a nd pay wastage and re fits created created b y unskilled unsk illed refits by workers.” wo rkers.”

He adds adds that that the the regulatory regulattory compliance box’ culture c ompliance ‘‘tick tick b ox’ c ulture

Time tto Time og get et tthe he cash cash flowing f lowing Tony Howard, Tony Howard, D Director irector of of T raining at at BESA BESA Training

that dominates that d ominates constructionconstructionrelated pr ofessions h as related professions has forced down forced sskills k i l ls d ow n tto o tthe he level off b basic competence level o asic c ompetence rat her tthan han focusing focusing on on rather higher higher skill sk ill levels levels that t hat can can contribute cont r ibute tto o better better performing per for ming buildings. building s.

“As “As a rresult, esult, there t here is is a surfeit sur feit of of short shor t courses courses designed get desig ned ssimply imply tto o g et people people iinto nto tthe he iindustry, ndustr y, which has undermined ourr which h as u ndermined ou skills sk ills base. base. We We have have ended ended up with off p people only up w it h llots ots o eople o nly capable carrying outt basic cap pable of of c arrying ou basic activities plumbing activities – the the p lumbing and and gas being worst gas ssectors ectors b eing tthe he w orst offenders. offenders.

“I “I believe believe in in competency competenc y training training and and assessment, assessment, but but a short shor t programme prog ramme or quick or q uick course course is is not not the t he way way to to set set up up our our ffuture ut ure workforce.

On contrary, workfo orce. O n tthe he c ontrar y, it it is is setting setting people people up up to to fail,” fail,” says Howard. says H o w a rd .

For some For some plumbing plumbing a and nd h heating eating e engineers, ngineers, g getting etting w work ork iisn’t sn’t ttoo oo m much uch o off a pr problem, oblem, b but ut g getting etting p paid aid ffor or tthat hat w ork can can occasionally occasionally be be a challenge. challenge. IIff y ou’re a ssole ole work you’re ttrader, rader, iit’s t’s n not ot e easy asy tto o fi find nd tthe he time time to to chivy chiv y along along slow slow payers, p ayers, and and some some installers installers simply simply feel fe eel uncomfortable uncomfortable about ab out reminding reminding the the customer customer that that they they need need to to be be fully fully rrecompensed ecompensed for for ttheir heir services. ser vices. Delayed Delayed payment payment and and bad debt can put any business, but b ad d ebt c an p ut a strain strain on on a ny b usiness, b ut some some debts you’re small d ebts are are bigger bigger than than others. others. IIff y ou’re rrunning unning a sm al l business and b usiness a nd engage engage with with larger larger enterprises enterprises or or undertake undertake projects pr ojects on on a commercial commercial scale, scale, the the potential potential rewards rewards might be greater, but m ight b eg reater, b ut of of course course so so are are the the risks. r isks.

Slow payment and cashflow S low p ayment a nd c ashflow problems p oblems iin pr n tthe he construction nothing new, but c onstr uc ction ssector ector iis sn othing n ew, b ut the the Specialist Specialist Engineering E ng ineer ing Contractors Contractors (SEC) (SEC) Group Group suggests suggests that that it’s it’s an becoming crisis month’s a n iissue ssue e tthat hat iis s ffast ast b ecoming a c risis ((see see tthis his m onth’s cover). c over). IItt sseems eems that that companies companies are are taking taking longer longer to to pay pay y providers down which means many sservice ervice p roviders d own tthe he lline, ine, w hich m eans tthat hat m any ssmaller malller contractors contractors are are having having to to spend spend considerable considerable ssums ums up before u p front front b efore sseeing eeing any any returns returns on on that that investment. investment. estimated dozen UK contractors are IItt iis se stimated tthat hat tthe he ttop op d ozen U Kc ontractors a re withholding almost w ithholding a lmost £1 £1 billion billion worth worth of of retentions retentions from from chains. ttheir heir supply supply c hains.

As well A sw ell as as contributing contributing to to a slowdown slowdown in in the the market, market, SEC poor cashflow has number off tthe he S EC points points out out tthat hat p oor c ashflow h as a n umber o knock-on effects, as k nock-on e fffects, ssuch uch a s rreduced educed iinvestment nvestment iin n ttraining raining and Legislation enforces payment within a nd ttechnology. echnology. L egislation tthat hatt e nforces p ayment w ithin 30 days may not be popular with boys’ but 3 0 d ays m ay n ot b e p opular w ith tthe he ‘‘big big b oys’ b ut ssurely urely has has to to be be considered considered a serious ser ious option option and and has has already been countries a lready b een iintroduced ntroduced iin nc ountr ie es such such as as Sweden Sweden and can only be delayed a nd Australia.

Australia. Payments Payments c an o nly l b e d elayed ffor or sso o before whole house off c cards collapse, llong ong b efore tthe he w hole h ouse o ards sstarts tarts tto oc ollapse, hitting att tthe bottom hardest. h itting the the people people a he b ottom tthe he h ardest.

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Tectite T ectite passes passes the the test test

Published b by: y: Pi d Publishing Pinede P bli hi | 16/18 16/1 18 Hawkesyard H Hawkkesyard H Hall, ll Armitag Armitage A it e Park, Park, k Nr Rugeley, Rugeley, Staf Staffordshire fordshire WS15 1PU T el: 01889 577222 | Fax: Faxx: 01889 579177 Tel: info@phamnews.co.uk Email: inf o@phamnews.co o.uk www.phamnews.co.uk www .phamnews.co.uk Managing Manag ing Editor Editor Chris Chr is Jones Jones Assistant Editor Editor Carol Hitchcock Car ol H itchcock Publisherss Publisher Chris Chr is Evans Evans Russ Jackson Jackson

Advertisement Southern A dvertisement Manager Manag er Nathan Wood Wood Classified Sales Sharon Sharon Nutter Magazine Mag azine Administrator Administrator Green Helen Gr een

Southern Sales EEditorial d i to r ia l & S outhe r n S ales Office: O f fic e: PHAM P HAM News News | 1b 1b SStation tation SSquare, quare, FFlitwick, l it w ic k , Bedfordshire B edfordshire M MK45 K45 1 1DP DP Tel:l : 01525 Te 01525 7 716143 16143 | Fax: Fa x : 01525 01525 715316 715316 EEditorial ditorial Email: Email: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk SSales ales Email: Email : na nathan@phamnews.co.uk than@phamnews.co.uk No r thern O f fic e: Northern Office: P inede Publishing Publishing | Argyle A r g y le B u sin e s s C entre, Pinede Business Centre, 8 LLeicester eicester SStreet, treet, SSouthport, outhppor t, LLancashire ancashire PPR9 R9 0 0EZ EZ Tel: Tel : 01704 01704 501090 50109 0 | Fax: Fa x : 0 01704 1704 5 531090 3109 0 Email: Email : rruss@phamnews.co.uk uss@phamnews.co.uk S Subscription ubscription Enquiries: Enquiries: T Tel: el: 01889 577222 | Fax: Faxx: 01889 579177 EEmail: mail : ccirculation@phamnews.co.uk ircullation@pha h mnews.co.uk

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ABC ABC A Audited udited circulation c i rc u l a t i o n Jan-Dec Jan- Dec 2016 2016 | 29 29,032 ,032 Subscription Subscription n Rates United Kingd Kingdom gdom £65.00 Overseas Ov erseas (Surface) (Su ( urface) £95.00 Overseas Ov erseas (Airmail) (Airmail) £110.00 1368-9061 ISSN 1368-9 9061 Printed b Printed by: y: Precision Pr ecision C Colour ollour Printing Printing Ltd. Origination Or igination by: by: Design & Me Media edia Solutions

©C Copyright opyright 2017 2017 | Plumbing, Plumbing , Heating Heating & Air Air Movement Movement News N ew s All rrights ights rreserved. eserved. No par partt of this ppublication ublication ma mayy be rreproduced eproduced or stor stored ed in a rretrieval etrieval system without w wr written itten consent from fr om the publisher publisher.. A Attributed ttributed ar articles ticlees rrepresent epresent the vie views ws of the A Author(s) uthor(s) and ar aree not the necessa necessarily arily those of the EEditor. ditor.

The T he publisher publisherss accept no rresponsibility esponsibility ffor or claims made bbyy man manufacturers ufacturers or adv advertisers. ertisers. TThis his mag magazine a azine includes a nnumber umber of colour editor editorial ial photo photographs graphs paid ffor or bbyy supplier suppliers. s.

How strong How strong is is the the Tectite Tectite Pro Pro metal metal p push-fit ush-fit fitting? fitting? Strong Strong enough e nough tto o llift if t a 1 1440kg 4 4 0kg M Mercedes ercedes c car ar off off the t he ground. g round.

Manufacturer M anufacturer Pegler Pegler Yorkshire Yorkshire recently recently decided decided to to provide provide a demonstration d emonstration o off tthe he p performance erformance o off iits ts T Tectite ectite Pro Pro 54mm 54mm fitting fi tting by by unconventional unconventional means. means. Eleanor Eleanor Johnson, Johnson, Tectite Tectite Market M arket Manager, Manager, explains: explains: “It’s “It’s sometimes sometimes difficult difficult to to convey convey tthe he actual act ual strength st reng t h of of our our fittings fitt ings to to those t hose that t hat have have not not yet y et e experienced xper ienced tthem, hem, b but ut tthe he iimage mage o off a c car ar b being eing llifted i f ted off o ff tthe he g ground round iis sq quite uite a arresting r rest ing a and nd c certainly er tainly sshows hows tthe he iimmense mmense strength streng t h of of Tectite.

Tect ite. It It enables enables our our customers customers to to visualise v isualise its its performance per for mance and and strength, streng t h, which which can can only only rreassure eassure them them that that Tectite Tectite will will provide provide a g guaranteed uaranteed joint joint under u nder the t he most most extreme ext reme conditions.” condit ions.”

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September 2017

NEWS Review

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Things to consider New minimum ratings for water heaters in boiler upgrades

Installers are being reminded of the impact improvements to the fabric of a building can have on the efficiency of a heating system.

Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester, says heating engineers should consider the age of the entire heating system, and the heat loss of the property, when replacing a standard efficiency boiler with a condensing appliance.

Martyn comments: “Given that around 80% of houses in the UK were built before 1960, the majority of our properties have been designed during a time where energy efficiency was not front of mind.

Modern improvements such as double-glazed windows and fibreglass roof insulation significantly improve a property’s heat loss, and this can have a knock-on effect for the most suitable

water temperature inside radiators.”

He points out that when a heating system is first installed, the property will have been sized on the original heat loss calculation.

If the home has been made more energy efficient over the years, the existing radiators may be oversized.

“With this in mind, the flow temperature to the boiler and return temperature from the radiators can often be reduced accordingly, allowing the boiler to condense fully while still heating the living space to the desired comfort level,” he explains.

Martyn advises installers to check the age of the system when changing a boiler and, if possible, trace the history of the heating system.

Otherwise, he recommends undertaking a full heat loss calculation to determine correct radiator sizes.

This month will see the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations (ErP) enter its next phase, taking effect on the 26th. Heatrae Sadia is advising installers that the minimum rating for standard size domestic direct water heaters will be ‘C’, or ‘B’ for size 3XS and 2XS units. Manufacturers will no longer be allowed to introduce models beneath this efficiency level, although merchants will be able to sell remaining stock that is compliant with the current regulation requirements.

Alan Clarke, Heatrae Sadia

In addition, indirectly heated water storage tanks, which previously had no

minimum class requirement, will have to meet a minimum of band ‘C’.

The energy label itself will also be changing to encompass a new ‘A+’ rating, whilst the ‘G’ band will be removed. Although the colours associated with each rating will change, the actual efficiency parameters per band will stay the same.

Alan Clarke, Technical Support Manager at Heatrae Sadia, says: “As we approach the latest phase of ErP, it’s vital that installers stay up to date with upcoming

changes to ensure they choose compliant products.

Whilst the energy label is a helpful starting point, it is by no means infallible, and it is important that installers refer to the technical fiche in order to determine whether a product will reach the necessary level of performance when it is in situ.

“By checking through the technical fiche of a product, installers can feel confident that they are choosing a unit which genuinely reaches the rating advertised.”

Installer influence Join the movement to promote safety New research has shown that bathroom fitters influence the type and brand of bathroom products purchased for a third of all new installations. The study was carried out by home improvement trend experts Trend-Monitor in partnership with online bathroom platform Foam & Bubbles, and surveyed over 1200 UK bathroom buyers.

This bathroom industry report investigates the purchase of a new complete bathroom and the key influences on consumers as they progress through the purchase process, such as budget, family circumstances, brand aware-

ness, research methods and advice sources.

Compared with a year ago, 46% more people are researching online for lower-budget bathrooms, and 45% more people are researching websites for higher-budget bathrooms.

The report says that as the instalment date draws closer, the bathroom fitter becomes highly influential, not only recommending the type and brand of fixtures and fittings to purchase for 27% of bathrooms, but even going so far as to purchase all fixtures and fittings without prior consultation with the homeowner for a further 6% of bathrooms.

The seventh annual Gas Safety Week is set to run 18th to 24th September and will see organisations from across the UK work together to encourage gas consumers to make sure they have their gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer and protect against the dangers of unsafe gas appliances, such as fires, leaks, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Gas engineers are encouraged to pledge their support and help spread the word during Gas Safety Week. Gas Safe Register will provide supporters with a free toolkit including the official logo, web banners, a press kit and leaflets. To become a supporter, go to www.gassaferegister.co.uk/gassafetyweek to register your interest. Also, don’t miss PHAM’s coverage of gas safety in a special feature this month, starting on page 41.

Plumber wins multi trade competition A plumbing and heating engineer has been named winner of Screwfix’s competition, Britain’s Top Tradesperson. Lluis Dalmau, who trades under the name LCD Heating and Gas Services in Clydebank, beat thousands of entries to land the title.

And as well as being crowned the best of the best, he also receives the keys to a brand new Toyota Hilux or Proace vehicle worth £32,000.

During a competitive national final at Wembley Stadium in July, it was Lluis’s reliability, passion to continue upskilling, and commitment to apprentices and customers that impressed a panel of judges made up of industry experts.

Lluis comments: “It is an absolute dream come true being crowned Britain’s Top Tradesperson. I was so shocked when they told me I had won! I can’t wait to share the news with my customers.”

Earn as you learn Thinking dirty

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As part of its campaign to educate young people on skilled career options, Pimlico Plumbers is set to hold its first apprenticeship open day this month. 20 prospective trade apprentices have been invited to the company’s London HQ for a chance to embark on an ‘earn as you learn’ career in plumbing, heating or electrical work. The open day will include a number of activities, such as trade workshops, interviews and the opportunity to quiz qualified trades men and women on their careers. With help from the recruitment team, CEO Charlie Mullins will then choose three stand-out individuals to join the company, bringing the total number of new recruits to eight. Charlie has also announced plans to open an apprenticeship centre close to the company’s headquarters.

Installers are being encouraged to ‘think dirty’ as part of a new campaign

by Sentinel which aims to raise awareness about the importance of cleaning up the UK’s circulating water. Supported by boiler manufacturers, merchants and industry bodies, the tongue-in-cheek promotion

highlights research in 50,000 homes where 35% of heating systems under five years old and more than 50% of systems over five years have dirty circulating water, while 87% have insufficient inhibitor protection.

To find out more, visit www.sentinelprotects.com/ dirty and join the campaign.

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News Review

Women installers gather in London

The Hellenic Centre in London will stage the first conference

The first ever conference for the Women Installers Together group is set to take place on 13th September at London’s Hellenic Centre.

The event is free to attend and will offer delegates the chance to meet key manufacturers, develop new product skills, as well as access peer support networks.

There will also be an opportunity to take part in a series of workshops, including: a session on how to deal with people/customers in difficult situations; the importance of managing how others see you; and how to make it in a man’s world, delivered by Hattie Hasan,

founder of Stopcocks Women Plumbers.

The conference has received the backing of a number of industry sponsors, including Fernox. Francine Wickham, Fernox Global Marketing Director, says: “We are continually looking to support equal opportunities within the plumbing and heating sector. By sponsoring this event, we hope to encourage more women into the industry and celebrate the inspiring achievements of female plumbing and heating installers.”

For more information about the conference, visit http:// stopcocks.uk/event/womeninstallers-together

Conference devoted to building services BESA (the Building Engineering Services Association) will hold a combined national technical conference and awards dinner in October at the Park Plaza Riverbank hotel in London. The full day event will focus on four key areas for the building engineering sector: indoor air quality; district heating and tall buildings; heat pumps; and digital construction, including modular systems and BIM. The event will feature expert presentations but is also designed to encourage active participation from delegates during a series of workshops aimed at knowledge sharing and practical outputs. It will also feature an exhibition of latest products and innovations. In addition, the conference will address other issues, such as mental health, diversity and training funding.

The conference will conclude with a black tie awards dinner celebrating the best of the sector’s national apprenticeship talent as well as the awarding of management and Contractor of the Year awards.

For more information and to register for the BESA National Conference and Awards go to: www.thebesaconference.com

6.indd 1

Energy efficiency winners News in brief

The 16th annual Environment 2020 Awards organised by Worcester has revealed a new crop of winners. The awards recognise industry best practice and celebrate those who have demonstrated their commitment to recommending energy efficient heating and hot water technologies over the past 12 months.

Hundreds of first-class installations from across the country were entered, and the winners of the seven categories received their prizes at a ceremony at Spring Grove House in Worcestershire.

Special guest Mike Foster, CEO of Energy and Utilities Alliance, and Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester, Bosch Group, were on hand to dish out the awards, with senior industry representa-

• A second Queen’s Award for Innovation has been presented to ADEY for its R&D work in chemical and water treatment.

This year’s winners of Worcester’s Environment 2020 Awards

tives from the CIPHE, IDHEE and OFTEC also in attendance to congratulate the recipients.

The full list of winners is: Greenstar gas-fired boiler installation: Kevin Roughton, KR Plumbing and Heating, Buckinghamshire.

Greenstar oil-fired boiler installation: Vaughan Maule, Vaughan Maule Plumbing and Heating, Gloucestershire.

Solar installation: Scott

Baker, Scott Baker Plumbing & Heating Ltd, Cheltenham.

Total system solution: Stephen Harris, Stephen Harris Plumbing Ltd, Dorset.

Ground source heat pump installation: Peter Carruthers, P A Carruthers Ltd, Wales.

Light commercial installation: Robert Heath Heating, Bromley.

Social Housing project: whg Housing Association, Walsall.

Celebrating important work This year’s Quality Plumber Week, organised by the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC), will run from the 2nd to the 8th of October with the aim of highlighting the important work plumbing and heating engineers do to keep people healthy and safe in our communities.

APHC is calling for manufacturers, suppliers, plumbers and heating engineers to pledge their support and get involved over social media using the #QPW17 hashtag. During QPW17, APHC will be asking the industry to take part in Twitter polls, to answer daily plumbing questions, to showcase their work by sharing photos of their

installations, and by sharing images of their qualifications and membership certificates.

APHC President Mark Antrobus says: “As a plumbing and heating engineer you can show your support by using the official QPW17 logo and promotional materials, available on APHC’s website.”

CEO John Thompson adds: “As part of our efforts to highlight the importance of continuous skills development, we will have 25 Training Reward Vouchers worth £150 each to give away. More information will follow on this during QPW17.”

To download free promotional materials visit: aphc.co.uk/quality-plumber-week.asp

• Increasing gasification in Asia has seen China and South Korea overtake the UK as world’s biggest market for domestic boilers.

• Xylem has moved the manufacture of its Lowara brazed and gasketed plate heat exchangers to its inhouse production facility in Axminster, Devon.

• Certsure has renewed its deal to sponsor Luton Town FC for the 2017/18 football season, with the NICEIC and ELECSA logos appearing on the home and away shirts of the Hatters.

• Staff at Kohler Mira recently staged a football fun day at Cheltenham Town FC to raise £1500 for Cancer Research UK. • Teddington Electronics, Teddington Appliance Controls and Teddington Bemasam have now consolidated under the single trading name of Teddington Systems.

• Alzheimer’s Society has been designated as Baxi Heating’s national charity partner in a deal that will last for two years.

New video guides show how Vault breaker Some great prizes are in store for Baxi installers when they join in the Works Vault campaign.

Those who register between three and nine eligible Baxi boilers before 30 November will be able to select from extra rewards such as experience days, power tools and more by unlocking virtual ‘vaults’. Each boiler must be registered through Baxi Works, and the rewards can be claimed online between 1 December and 31 January 2018. Find out more: www.baxiworks. co.uk/vaults

Boiler manufacturer Intergas is producing a series of how-to videos that not only provide a visual reminder when installing a boiler, but are also based on comment and feedback from training courses run by David Stanley, the UK Technical and Service Manager. David was able to isolate the installation and service issues that installers are most interested in so he could address these concerns in the video series.

The five new video guides cover: Installing and programming the HRE and Eco RF; Installing and programming the Rapid; Intouch pairing with Eco RF and using the app; Servicing and commissioning; and Scale

protection, water testing and venting. All these videos can be viewed on Intergas’s YouTube channel.

Intergas is continuing work on further videos and would like to know if

there’s an area they should be covering in the next phase of filming. If there is, please send an email to info@ intergasheating.co.uk and put ‘How to’ in the subject line, or call 01527 88800.

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September 2017

NEWS N EWS R Review eview

8

Controls C ontrols promotion promotion offers offers big big rewards rewards President President tto o ffocus ocus o n sector’s sector’s youth you uth on Installers of H Honeywell oneyw ell products pr oducts can no now n w take ad vantage of a sc h heme that advantage scheme turns points on pur chases purchases of qualifying pr od ducts into products such rrewards ewards suc h as a Costa coffee games co onsoles or coffee,, games consoles e ven a F ord Conne ect v an. even Ford Connect van.

P oints can be e claimed Points for e very £50 spent s on every pr oducts, with bon nus points products, bonus aw warded when p urchasing awarded purchasing aL y yric T6 smart th hermostat Lyric thermostat or a W1 W i-Fi W ater a Leak Wi-Fi Water

reeze Det tector. Ev ery and F Freeze Detector.

Every a an entr y claim counts as entry aw to win a aw into a prize dr draw new F ord Conne ect v an. new Ford Connect van.

H oneywell’s And A y Mansfield Honeywell’s Andy sa ay ys: “W We ha ave launc ched a says: “We have launched rrewards ewards sc chem me to g ive our scheme give installers the c chance hance to win

some some gr great eatt prizes, some w make their of whic which h will working working li lives ves easier easier,, while others will help them to enjoy their fr ee time .” enjoy free time.”

The rrewards scheme ewards sc heme runs until 31st December,, 3 December and the winner w of the Ford Connect draw Ford Conne ect prize dr aw will be ann announced nounced on 8th December.

December.

For more For mor e information, please visitt www www.rewards. .rewards. honeywelluk.com honeywellu uk.com

Triton T riton on on the the telly telly Sharing S haring the the love love o competition on to highlight JG Speedfi Speedfit’s fit’s range ra ange In a competitio of second-fix plumbing products, p prro oducts, the company com mpany is take asking installers s to tak e a photograph photograph whenever when ne ever they they purchase purc hase or install insttall one of its tap connectors, stop taps valves or service v alves and send it in, together with wiith a brief why description of w hy they the ey love love Speedfit products. pro oduc cts.

The competition from end of The competiti ion is open fr om now now until the t November, each No vember e r, and the best entry eac h month will w win a Love2Shop £500 Lo ve e2Shop p gift card, along with a sample sam mple kit of range. the second-fix plumbing p ra ange. A £250 Love2Shop Love2 2Shop gift awarded to a runner-up, card will be a warded a runnerr-up - , and every eve ery entry competition receive to the competiti ion will receiv ve a Speedfit goodie goo odie bag. bag.

To installers should To enter t th the competition, titi i t ll shou h uld ld email il submissions competition@johnguest.co.uk their submission ns to: competition@johngues st.co.uk

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This a This autumn utumn w will ill see see Triton Triton Showers S howers hit hit the the telly telly in in a national n at ion a l advertising a d v e r t i s i ng campaign c ampaign o on nC Channel hannel 4 4,, IITV TV and a nd Sky Sky with with the the tag tag line, line, first Britain’, ‘‘See See you you fi rst tthing, hing, B ritain’, depicting morning de picting the the h m orning off tthree sshower hower rroutines outines o hree characters.

The commercial c haracters. T he c ommercial will be accompanied by w ill b e a ccompanied b y digital advertising and d ig ital a dvertising a nd an interactive online app a n in teractive o nline a pp which encourages users w hich e ncourages u sers tto o discover own d iscover ttheir heir o wn ‘‘First First Thing’ T hing’ personality. personalit y.

The Building T he B uilding g Engineering Engineering Services Se rvices Association Association (BESA) (BESA) has Tim Hopkinson h as welcomed welcom med T im H opkinson ass its 2017/18. a its President President ffor or 2 017/18.

The MD off d ductwork T he M D o uctwork ffirm ir m and Son E Poppleton Popplett on a nd S on took took office att tthe o ffice a he Association’s Association’s annual general a nnual g eneral meeting meeting in in London, and he L ondon, a nd h e ssucceeds ucceeds Malcolm M alcolm Thomson.

Thomson.

Tim T i m Hopkinson Hopk i n s on ssays ay s off h his year tthe he main main focus focus o is y ea r ass P President would be a resident w ould b e tto o drive d r ive emerging emerg ing talent talent into into tthe he industry industr y and and empower empower young y oung people people tto o sset et tthe he agenda forr tthe Association’s a genda fo he A ssociation’s ffuture. ut ure. Tim T im added added that t hat he he would be unveiling major w ould b eu nveiling a m ajor new att tthe annual n ew iinitiative nitiative a he a nnual BESA Lunch B ESA President’s President’s L unch iin n September would S eptember that that w ould sset et a new n ew direction direction ffor or o tthe he ssector’s ector’s ffuture ut ure leadership. leadership.

The Association also makT he A ssociation iis sa lso m ak kprofile iing ng an n effort effort tto o rraise aise tthe he pr ofile off tthe o he building building g engineering engineering profession and make careers p rofession a nd m ake c areers more attractive iin n tthe he iindustry ndustry m ore a ttractive tto o young young people. people.

Tim H Tim Hopkinson, opkinson, tthe he n new ew President P resident o off B BESA E SA

The The new n w President ne President also also called Government c alled on on tthe he G overnment tto o press with negotiations pr ess on on w ith iits ts n egotiattions with EU UK w ith tthe he E U sso o tthat hat U K would be better able iindustry ndustry w ould b eb etter ab ble plan tto op lan ffor or tthe he ffuture. uture.

“We considerable “We have have a c onsiderable and growing a nd g rowing skills skills gap gap – not not llikely ikely to to be be helped helped if if there t here iisn’t sn’t a sswift w ift rresolution esolut ion tto o tthe he issue issue of of freedom freedom of of movement and off m ovement a nd tthe he sstatus tatus o EU E U workers workers in in this this country,” countr y,” he ssaid. aid.

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10 NEWS Review Helping to deliver Innovative flush drinking water Returning to the Farnborough Exhibition Centre for its fifth year, Screwfix LIVE, the free to enter trade and DIY show, will open on 29th September.

The three day event is set to be bigger than ever, with over 50 new exhibitors, and all those who pre-register will automatically receive a free gift bundle, said to be worth over £30 when they visit the show.

As in previous years, this year’s event will feature the latest products and demonstrations from some leading brands, including power tools and controls manufacturers such as DeWalt, Bosch, Hive and Nest. Visitors to the show will also be able to take advantage of some exclusive on-stand offers and competitions.

To register for free tickets, please visit the website: www.screwfixlive.com

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Mira Showers has become a brand partner of ‘charity: water’, an organisation that aims to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries.

It is estimated that over 660 million people in the world live without clean and safe drinking water, and the charity specialises in funding sustainable projects – such as freshwater wells, rainwater catchments and biosand filters – to provide local solutions, especially to those in isolated rural areas.

Mira MD Liz Hazeldene comments: “Charity: water is a natural partner for us.

Our business is based on the functional and enjoyable use of water – showering – and so it’s right we remember that for many, even safe water to drink is a scarce luxury.

Such a fantastic aspiration to make clean water available to everyone inevitably resonates powerfully with

Two directors of UK building services company the G&H Group have launched a new water saving idea – a cistern that uses condensate from air conditioning units to flush the toilet. Graham Kelly and David Davis (pictured) have designed Encore, a cistern that holds 18 litres of water, three times more than a conventional model, and features a dual chamber to contain 6 litres of water from the mains and 12 litres from air conditioning units. The company estimates that, if used in 114 hotels that are currently being built in the UK, the cistern would save enough water to fill the equivalent of 87 Olympic sized swimming pools every year.

Mira, and we look forward to working with and supporting the charity.”

The company is also continuing its support for Cancer Research UK. In 2016-2017, Mira was able to donate £92,000 to CRUK. This year, fundraising will be undertaken for both charities in parallel – with both separate and shared activities being staged.

To find out more about ‘charity: water’, visit: www. charitywateruk.org

Committed to the Terriers

Graham Russell, MD of Viessmann (centre) joining colleagues and club representatives out on the Huddersfield Town pitch

Premiership new boys Huddersfield Town will be receiving the backing of Viessmann for the 2017/18 season, with the heating manufacturer extending and increasing its sponsorship. As official heating partner to the football club, Viessmann will continue as team sheet sponsor and become exclusive title sponsor of ‘Club Town’, a new area of 64 executive heated seats situated behind both home and away dugouts.

Viessmann branding will appear on the heated seats, in the matchday programme, on pitch-side display boards, on the team sheets themselves and via social media.

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September 2017

NEWS Review 11 Poor air circulation wastes heating Winning installer Building operators and managers are said to be missing out on significant energy savings by failing to ensure the effective distribution of heat in areas with high ceilings.

The statement comes from air movement specialist Elta Group who argues that owners and occupiers are overspending on maintaining a comfortable temperature at floor level due to the poor design of HVAC

systems in their facilities.

The impact is said to be particularly pronounced in sectors such as warehousing, manufacturing and logistics, where large cavernous spaces are the norm.

Richard Johnston, National Business Development Manager Destratification at Elta, says: “Building operators and managers are increasingly investing in advanced technologies to reduce heating costs, yet a small

change to the way heat is distributed could make a significant impact on annual energy bills. Recirculating the hot air wasted at ceiling level can save as much as 40% on annual heating bills.”

Box fans have traditionally been used to address the issue of thermal destratification, but due to the direction of air flow and limited power, their effectiveness is being called into question.

Elta says that the latest destratification fans work by channelling a gentle, tight column of hot air to ground level, resulting in a temperature differential as low as 0.5 to 1°C from floor to ceiling and wall to wall.

The company is currently offering free on-site surveys to help operators identify where savings can be made.

For further information please visit: www.eltafans. co.uk/zoofans

Nick Gawthorpe of Worksop has won £100 worth of Love2Shop vouchers thanks to an ongoing PHAM News promotion run in partnership with Gas App Uk. Nick, a qualified heating engineer who works for Safe Gas Network based in Sheffield, was thrilled to receive the unexpected prize, but in the end he decided the best way to spend the vouchers was to surprise his kids with a new trampoline.

New partnership for ECO scheme

Adrian Wright, CEO of Happy Energy (left), with David Hall, UK Director of Firebird Products

Oil boiler manufacturer Firebird and Happy Energy, a major funder of ECO schemes in the UK, have gone into partnership to help supply oil-fired boilers to households on low incomes. Under the scheme Happy Energy will provide free and grant funded Firebird replacement boilers together with financial assistance to off-set the cost of the installation.

The ECO (Energy Company Obligation) scheme is an

energy efficiency scheme set up by the Government to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. As part of the scheme, obligated energy suppliers must provide funding to help families on low incomes by working with installers to replace unrepairable or old boilers with more energy efficient models. Happy Energy works directly with the energy suppliers to help with access to the available grants.

Back in the scrum

For the third year running, Grant UK is a Business Partner of Bath Rugby, supporting the boys in blue, black and white for the 2017/18 season. The company will be redesigning its hospitality area at the club ground, which will allow guests to take in all of the action from the game while enjoying the comfort of corporate hospitality. In addition, the distinctive Grant branding will also be on show with the iconic red display boards located pitch-side.

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PEOPLE P EOPLE on on the the Move Move Commercial heating Commercial heatting manufacturer manufacturer Remeha Remeha has has appointed appointed Chris ass its Sales C hris Meir Meir a its new new S ales Director.

Director. Chris Chris brings brings industry industry knowledge k nowledge a and nd ssenior enior m management anagement e expertise xper t ise tto o tthe he role, g ained ffrom rom h is 15 y ears iin n tthe he h eating ssector. ector. T his role, gained his years heating This includes includes tten en y years ears w with ith B Baxi axi He Heating ating U UK Kw where here h he ew was as Remeha National Nat ional S ales M anager and, and, most most recently, recent ly, Remeha Sales Manager Sales Sales Director Director a att A Andrews ndrews W Water ater He Heaters. aters.

Following a year Following year o off sstrong trong g growth, rowth, Stiebel Stiebel E Eltron ltron U UK K has named Buttree as Key Account Manager h as n amed Andrew Andrew B uttree a sK ey A ccount M anager ffor or m merchants. erchants. W With ith 1 17 7y years ears e experience xperience iin n tthe he m merchant erchant ssector, ector, Andrew’s Andrew’s remit remit will will be be to to grow g row awareness awareness of of tthe he company’s company’s electric electr ic heating heating range. range. He He will will also also work work a longside sspecifiers pecifiers to to increase increase the the Stiebel Stiebel Eltron’s Eltron’s presence presence alongside iin n the the residential resid i ential development development sector. sector.

Andrews Water Andrews Water Heaters Heaters has has strengthened streng t hened its its presence presence home counties with appointment off a n new iin n tthe he h ome c ount ies w it h tthe he a ppointment o ew Area A rea Sales Sales Manager.

Manager. Peter Peter Spurway, Spur way, w who ho h has as o over v er 1 12 2 years y ears o off e experience xper ience a as sah heating eat ing e engineer ng ineer a and nd ttechnical echnical specialist, specialist, will w ill be be working work ing w with it h c customers ustomers iin n tthe he a area r ea to to specify, specif y, ttender ender a and nd d deliver eliver w water ater heating heating solutions solutions iin n commercial commercial applications. applicat ions.

Shower a Shower and nd tap tap manufacturer manufacturer M Methven ethven h has as a appointed ppointed Mark as Area central M ark Irving Irv ving n a sA rea Sales Sales Manager Manager for for tthe he c entral rregion. egion.

Mark M ark h has as a wealth wealth of of experience, experience, having having worked worked in in sales sales d irector a nd ssales ales m anager rroles oles ssince ince 1 989 a cross a rrange ange director and manager 1989 across off manufacturing, o manufacturing, building building supplies supplies and and corporate corporate rewards rewards iindustries. ndustries. In In his his new new rrole, ole, M ark w ill b e rresponsible esponsible ffor or k ey Mark will be key llocations ocations iin nc central entral E England ngland a and nd W Wales. ales.

San itar y e Sanitary equipment qu ipment sspecialist p e c i a l i st W Wirquin i rqu in h has as w welcomed e l c om e d David as Specification Manager Scotland and D av id Cutter Cut u ter a sS pecificat ion M anager ffor or S cotland a nd tthe he No North rth E East a st o off E England. ngland. D David av id jjoins oins w with it h a w wealth ealt h o off e xper ience, having having spent spent 20 20 years years working working for for merchant merchant experience, W William illiam W Wilson ilson iin nav variety ariety o off rroles. oles. He eh has as a also lso w worked orked a as s a nA reas Sales Sales Manager Manager for for tthe he V aillant G roup, IInvensys nvensys an Areas Vaillant Group, C ont rols, Testo, Testo, and and Wilo.

Wilo.

Controls, Two T wo new new appointments appointments h have ave been been made made att Intergas.

Intergas. Ja Jamie mie Penny Pe nny and and d Lee Lee Morfitt Morfitt (pictured) (pictured) have hav ve jjoined oined a as s A Area rea Sales Managers Managers c overing tthe he No r th W est a nd Y orkshire/ Sales covering North West and Yorkshire/ L Lincolnshire incolnshire rregions, egions, rrespectively. espectively. JJamie amie i w was as pr previously eviously a an n ASM ASM at at Ideal Ideal Boilers, Boilers, while while Lee Lee has has 25 25 years years of of industry industry e experience xperience iin n ssales ales and and management management roles roles with with merchants, merchants, m manufacturers, anufacturers, contractors, contractors, and and regional regional developers. developers.

Tony T ony o Carling Carling h has as joined joined S Spirotech pirotech a as s iits ts n new ew S Specification pecification and a nd T Technical echnical Sales Sales Manager Manager for for tthe he No North rth o off E England. ngland.

Tony Tony has has extensive extensive experience exper ience in in both bot h technical technical sales sales and and specification, specificat ion, having hav ing previously prev iously worked worked in in the t he same same p position osition o over ver tthe he p past ast sseven even y years ears ffor or a U UK Kp pumps umps distributor. distributor. In In his his new new position, position, T Tony ony w will ill pr provide ovide ttechnical echnical and and design desig n ssupport uppor t for for a rrange ange o off c clients lie ents iin n tthe he No North. r t h.

JG Speedfit JG Speedfit has has promoted promoted N Nigel igel Sa Sanger nger tto o the the newly newly l created creatted rrole ole o off D Divisional ivisional D Director, irector, S Speedfit peedfit Technical Technical Support.

Support. Nigel Nigel w will ill p play lay a g greater reater p part art iin n pr product oduct d development evelopment a and nd b best est pr practice actice iinstallation, nstallation, ttogether ogether w with ith o overseeing verseeing tthe he pr product oduct c compatibility ompatibility o off S Speedfit’s peedfit’s rrange ange o off p pipes ipes a and nd fi fittings. ttings.

He joined joined JJG GS peedfit iin n2 002 and and has has developed developed a w ide Speedfit 2002 wide k nowledge o he c ompany’s rrange ange a nd tthe he w ider iindustry. ndustry. knowledge off tthe company’s and wider Poly pipe Surestop, Polypipe Surestop, the t he manufacturer manufact urer of of leak leak defence defence sstopcocks, topcocks, has has announced announced the t he appointment appointment of of M Mark ark Earnshaw E arnshaw wa as s the the company’s company’s new new Managing Managing Director.

Director. Mark Mark brings br ing s a w wealth ealt h o off m managerial anager ial e experience xper ience tto o h his is n new ew p position, osit ion, h having av ing worked worked within w ithin the the Polypipe Poly pipe group g roup for for a n number umber o off y years, ears, most most recently recently as as Business Business Development Development D Director irector a att P Polypipe oly pipe B Building uilding Products.

Products.

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Luke @lukeperry1986 Customer: “The guy who lived here before us did a lot of the plumbing himself.�

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September 2017

Step by Step 17

A guide to fitting the Grant Vecta external biomass boiler When a homeowner wants a biomass system but space is limited within the home, a weatherproof boiler could be the solution. We follow the installation of a Grant Vecta external biomass boiler at a rural stone barn in Settle, North Yorkshire.

T

he Grant Vecta 4-16kW external biomass boiler was installed and commissioned by Fieldhouse Heating Services, a Grant G-One Accredited Installer based in Ingleton, Lancashire. Tim Goundry of Fieldhouse Heating Services has been trained on Grant’s biomass boiler ranges and has been G-One accredited for over four years. The heating system within the barn consists of three circuits, all of which are now being heated by the Vecta, including the underf loor heating throughout the property, the towel radiator circuit, and the domestic hot water.

The Grant Vecta has its own 80kg integrated pellet store,

specifically designed for filling with pellets from bags.

In addition, a 140kg side pellet store can also be fitted to increase the combined pellet storage capacity.

Both the Vecta external boiler and side store have a high quality powder coated finish which is weatherproof. The boiler itself has automatic pellet feed and ignition, as well as having a self-cleaning system for its heat exchanger and burner brazier. Furthermore, the external model comes with a remote indicator kit which is located internally and provides the user with a clear indication of when the pellets need to be topped up and when the ash pan requires emptying.

5 The boiler is filled with pellets and then is ready to be commissioned

2 The external side hopper is fitted to the boiler to provide additional pellet storage

1

6

The Vecta boiler is craned into position

3 The Grant biomass flue is installed using extension pieces to ensure plume is kept away from windows and doors

17.indd 1

Installer Tim Goundry makes sure that the boiler is ready to be handed over to the householder

4 Plumbing connections are made inside the property and a Grant MagOne filter fitted

7 The installation is complete and ready to fire www.grantuk.com

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September 2017

EXHIBITION XHIBITIO I N Preview Preview 18 E

Making M aking cconstructive onstructiv ive u use se o off ttime ime Now in Now in iits ts tthird hird y year, ear, U UK KC Construction onstructtion W Week e eek iis sa an ne exhibition xhibition w which hich e embraces mbraces n nine ine sspecialist pecialist sshows, hows, a all ll u under nder o one ne rroof. oof. T Taking aking p place lace a att Birmingham’s NEC, visitors be able B irmingham’s N EC, v isitors will will b ea ble tto o explore explore exhibitor exhibitor stands, stands, attend attend conferences conferences and and CPDs, CPDs, and and enjoy enjoy entertainment entertainment events. events.

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he U he UK K C Construction onst r uct ion W Week eek sshow how returns ret ur ns for for its it s tthird hird year, year, taking tak ing place place at at the t he NEC NEC in in Birmingham Bir mingham once again 10th-12th October. o nce a gain ffrom rom 1 0th-12th O ctober. The The exhibition exhibition e encompasses ncompasses n nine ine sspecialist pecialist sshows hows all all under under one one rroof. oof. E Each ach sshow how will will be be ttailored ailored tto om meet eet tthe he needs needs and and requirements requirements of of sspecifiers, pecifiers, engineers, engineers, installers, installers, contractors contractors and and architects architects off e expertise and The iin n their their chosen chosen areas areas o xpertise a nd iinterest. nterest. T he sshows hows iinclude: nclude: H VAC, E nerg y, tthe he B uild S how, C iv i l s E xpo, P lant HVAC, Energy, Build Show, Civils Expo, Plant & Machinery M ac h i ne r y L Live, i v e, S Smart ma r t B Buildings, u i ld ing s, S Surface u r f ac e M Materials ater ials S how, T imber Expo, E x po, and and Grand Grand Designs Desig ns Live.

L i v e.

Show, Timber

IIndustry ndustry hi highlights ighlights H VAC 2017 HVAC 2017 is is an an event event dedicated dedicated to to heating, heat ing, ventilation vent ilat ion a nd air air conditioning conditioning a nd h osts a sselection election o he iindustry’s ndustr y’s and and hosts off tthe lleading eading brands. brands. It It will w ill focus focus on on renewables, renewables, innovation innovat ion and a nd power power solutions solutions within within the the building building environment environment and and will explore off c costs energy w ill e xplore tthe he rreduction eduction o osts tthrough hrough e nerg y ssaving av ing iideas. deas. T The he show show will w ill provide prov ide a range range of of attractions attract ions for for its its visitors, with att tthe an v isitors, w it h sseminars eminars a he HVAC H VAC hub, hub, a n iinnovation nnovat ion as constructive one-to-one consultations ttrail, rail, as as well well a sc onstructive o ne-to-one c onsultations with with exhibitors, e xhibitors, and and entertainment enter tainment ssuch uch as as the t he beer beer and and ale ale ffestival, est ival, casino casino night night and and award award ceremonies. ceremonies.

TV T V broadcasters broadcasters and and industry industr y experts exper ts Steph Steph McGovern, McGovern, George Clarke G eorge C larke and and Tom Tom Dyckhoff Dyckhoff will will kick kick off off proceedings p oceedings pr over o ver the t he three-day t hree-day event event by by introducing int roduc ing the t he show show from f r om

HVAC H VAC 2017 2017 w will ill play play host host to to a number number of of the the industry’s industry’s leading leading brands brands and and will will include include a series series of of seminars seminars at at the the HVAC HVAC hub hub

main where whole host off ttopics will be tthe he m a in sstage, t age, w here a w hol e h o st o op ic s w ill b e discussed. d i sc ussed. A As s w well el l as as hearing hear ing ab about out tthe he m most ost rrecent ecent visitors can part llegislation eg islat ion changes, c h a ng e s , v isitor s c an ttake a ke p ar t iin n iindustry n du s t r y d iscussions, p ract ical workshops workshops and and networking net working events events discussions, practical tto o ffurther urther both both their their personal personal a and nd b business usiness de development. velopment.

The Carbon Trust will be delivering an educational T he C arbon T rust w ill b ed elivering a ne duc cational sseminar eminar promoting pr omoting d debate ebate a and nd d discussion iscussion o on nk key ey tthemes hemes ssuch uch a as s micro-district m icro-distr ict ground g round source source heating heating and and its its potential potential in in pr oviding a rreturn eturn o n iinvestment. nvestment. F urthermore, ffollowing ollowing providing on Furthermore, rrecent ecent tragic trag ic e events vents a and nd iin n rresponse esponse tto op public ublic d demand, emand, HVAC 2017: H VAC 2017 2017 has has incorporated incor porated a new new addition addition ffor or 2 017: Free Free CPD C PD certified certified workshops workshops that that tackle tackle safety, safety, quality quality and and fire fire prevention p revention tto oh help elp p protect rotect b both oth b businesses usinesses a and nd o occupants ccupants off buildings o buildings across across the the UK. UK. The The one one hour will h our presentation presentation w ill address address the the sspecification pecification a and nd u use se o off pr products oducts iin n b buildings uildings tto o e ensure nsure tthat hat a all ll participants p articipants are are given g iven the the most most u p-to-date a dv vice and and guidance guidance on on up-to-date advice tthe he m ain iissues ssue u sa ffecting tthe he b uilt main affecting built en vironment. environment.

Exhibitors E xhibitors

Last L ast y year’s ear’s sshow how a attracted ttracted iin n eexcess xcess o off 3 30,000 0,000 v visitors isitors

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An number u mb er o off ffamiliar a m i l ia r n names a me s w will ill b be e ssetting et t ing u up p sstands tands at at HVAC H VAC 2 2017 017 to to d display isplay y ttheir heir latest latest products products a and nd iinnovations. nnovations.

F or e xample, G r u nd fo s w ill b e sshowcasing howcasing tthe he S cala 2, For example, Grundfos will be Scala a compact compact v ar iable sspeed peed w ater b ooster pump pump that t hat has ha s variable water booster b een sspecifically pec ifical ly d e s ig n e d a nd b u i lt tto od el iv er a p er fe c t been designed and built deliver perfect w ater pressure pressure to to wherever wherever it it is is needed needed in in the t he home. hom e. water S tokvis E nerg y S ystems will will be be exhibiting exhibiting its its new new range range Stokvis Energy Systems o volut ion b oi le r s a long w it h a c omprehensive sseries er ies off E Evolution boilers along with comprehensive

o packaged plate plate heat heat exchangers. exchanger s. Potterton Pot ter ton will w i l l also a l so off packaged b e there t here to to highlight highlight its it s range range of of energy enerrg y efficient ef ficient boilers, boilers, be a nd TSI TSI Instruments Inst r uments will w ill show show off off the t he AirPro, A irPro, a new new line l i ne and o off v ventilation ent i lat ion me measurement asurement ttools. o ol s .

Other O ther attractions attractions The UK The U K Construction C on s t r u c t i on W Week e ek B Beer eer Festival Fest ival was was a hit h it with w it h e x h ibitor s a nd c l ient s iin n 2 016, and and this t h is year year promises prom ises exhibitors and clients 2016, build With over beers on offer tto o b u i ld on on tthat hat ssuccess. uccess. W it h o ver 15 b e er s o n o f fer a nd a selection select ion of of hot hot food fo o d a va i lab ble, llive iv e m u s ic a nd and available, music and e nter t a inment tthis his a r ea w ill b eaw ay tto ou nw ind a f t er entertainment area will be way unwind after with and a busy busy day day and and a chance chance to to network net w ork w it h clients cl ient s a nd c olleag ues. T he B eer F est ival w ill b ea ull c apacit y b ot h colleagues.

The Beer Festival will be att ffull capacity both n ig ht s a nd o p en a ll d ay. nights and open all day.

V isitors a re also also iinvited nvited tto oad edicated U KC onstruction Visitors are dedicated UK Construction W eek casino casino night night on on the the second second e vening o he sshow how ((19 19 Week evening off tthe O ctober) tthat hat w ill b eh osted b y tthe he G enting IInternational nternational October) will be hosted by Genting Casino att R Resorts World, five-minute walk NEC. C asino a esorts W o orrld, jjust ust a fiv e-minute w alk ffrom rom tthe he N EC.

How H ow to to register register UK C UK Construction onst r uct ion Week Week 2017 2 017 will w i l l take t ake place place at at tthe he NEC NEC in in Birmingham Birmingham and a nd rregistration egistration iis sq quick, uick, easy e asy and and free. f ree. Just Just go go tto o tthe he w website ebsite (www. (w w w. hvaclive.co.uk/register) h vaclive.co.uk /reg ister) tto o g get et y your ou r p pass. a s s. Y Your ou r give you place tticket icket will w ill g ive y ou access access tto o all all nine nine sshows hows ttaking ak ing p lace att the a t he same same time t ime over over the t he course course of of the t he 10th 10t h through t hrough the t he 12th 1 2t h o off October.

October.

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Ant

In the second of a new series of articles, Antony Provan – the man behind Gas App Uk – talks about concerns about the underpricing of installation work and the market for stolen tools.

Charging a fair price for a job well done Some engineers out there will happily charge less than 150 quid to fit a boiler. On the face of it, this sounds great for the client who isn’t forking out their hard-earned cash on something as unglamorous as getting a new boiler installed.

But in reality, this pricing practice is hugely problematic for both engineers and clients alike.

It is also a real bugbear of mine, and a bone of contention for many engineers on Gas App Uk. The problem? If you’re fitting a boiler for £150 you can’t possibly be incentivised enough to do a decent job. There’s just not enough profit in there for you to put in the necessary time and to give the fit-out the attention it deserves. You won’t have time to flush out the system and adhere to manufacturers’ instructions. Also, what happens Antony Provan if something goes wrong, such as spilling fluid on the client’s carpet? Is there any money in your pricing to get it cleaned?

It’s true that our work is price sensitive and we have to be competitive, but racing to the bottom is counterproductive. And where does the bottom drop out – doing the work for free for testimonials and experience?

True, the market has become awash with engineers and we are all fighting for work and lots of it. But if we’re charging £150 to fit a boiler, then our value as a trade as a whole is being lost, alongside our credibility.

I personally think there should be a benchmark where we are all charging a similar and fair amount. Then the customer’s decision will be based on factors such as experience and quality of service rather than on price alone. I think we should be charging at least £500 – a fair price for our time, effort and a job well done.

Why you shouldn’t fuel the market for stolen tools This is another controversial subject, inspired by talk within the app. To cut a long story short, there have been a few instances of engineers’ vans being broken into and their tools being sold down the pub for the price of a round of drinks.

Fortunately, when this has happened, Gas App Uk has been able to help out by calling on manufacturers and other engineers to rally round and help members to get their toolkits together again. Unfortunately, this is not something we can afford to do every week or for every member that it happens to.

The real answer is to stop feeding the black market. It can be tempting to pick up a ridiculous bargain on tools that you have had your eye on for a while, but

I would encourage engineers to think twice before handing over money in any dodgy pub deal.

Put yourself in the shoes of the engineer whose equipment has been stolen. Not only have they spent thousands on tools, they probably have a family and kids to feed, and without tools their livelihood has gone. Then there’s the cost of claiming on their insurance and having the premiums go through the roof. You wouldn’t want this to happen to you.

I might be stating the obvious here, but I’d really encourage engineers to think twice and avoid fuelling the cycle. If no one is buying these stolen tools, then the practice of breaking into vans in the first place should start to diminish.

What’s new for members of Gas App Uk? As always at Gas App Uk HQ, we have been busy adding new features to keep our members happy. Firstly, we have updated the news room with live RSS feeds from key trade titles – PHAM news is in there, of course! Secondly, we have a new feature for apprentices and newbies, allowing them to attach an L-plate to their

profile. This gives them access, within the Break Time tab, to support from mentors and more experienced engineers. We have also updated the Tool Box section with really useful, comprehensive PDF documents, and in the Fires section we have added a complete back catalogue of thousands of fire manuals.

To join the Gas App community simply visit the Apple or Google store and search for Gas App Uk and get a 7-day free trial.

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22 GADGETS & Tools

Headlamp frees your hands to work When you need both hands to work in dark spaces, the Pathfinder LED headlamp will illuminate the area with a clear, white beam of light. It straps on to your head and provides a 135º adjustable angle to suit the situation. It can be used in dark lofts, under sinks or even outside for activities like dog walking, running and camping.

There are four modes to choose from: Power Save using one LED; Bright using 8 LEDs; Ultra Bright using all 21 LEDs; or Blinking Alert, to signal distress in emergencies. Powered by three AAA batteries, the headlamp will offer full-

power light until the battery goes down to 15%.

In addition, the battery has a life of 200 hours in the discharged mode.

Adjustability and versatility are two other user-friendly properties of this headlamp. It not only fits comfortably around your head with the adjustable anti-slip band, but also allows you to wear it for long periods of time without any discomfort.

The Pathfinder is available from a number of online sellers, including Amazon. It retails for around £20 but is currently being sold at a significant discount.

Putting a stop to the drips Dripstoppers is the name of a new product designed to help prevent sludgy drips from a variety of equipment, from boilers and radiators to cylinders and tanks to all hoses and piping systems up to 1½in.

It’s a universal stepped rubber bung that will adopt the shape

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required when inserted. It works by simply pushing it in and twisting to seal.

It’s easy to use when removing installed plumbing products to prevent them from damaging the customer’s flooring, plus it can prevent leaks in the van and help keep your clothing dry.

Silicone-free, the

Dripstoppers are temperature rated to -25ºC to 90ºC and are available in the standard size to fit 5 to 22mm applications while the large size fits 13 to 42mm applications.

The products are available from PlumbPal, a Bristol based plumbers merchant. For pricing and to order, visit the website (www.dripstoppers.co.uk).

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Pencil screwdriver makes light work The latest versions of Makita’s compact 7.2V pencil drill driver and impact driver offer a host of enhanced features: more rpm, more tightening torque and enhanced controls. These pencil screwdrivers weigh just over half a kilo and can be used in either pistol grip mode or as an ‘in-line long handle’ powered screwdriver. The impact driver is particularly popular for light installation work such as bathrooms or kitchens.

The Makita TD022DSE 7.2V pencil impact driver will now run up to 2450rpm, deliver up to 3000 impacts per minute and generate 25Nm of tightening torque, which is sufficient to drive home an M8 standard bolt or machine screw. A new rotary switch conveniently placed on the motor body selects forward variable speed and reverse rotation.

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24 ENERGY Matters Hydrogen future looking feasible The Government has decided to invest £25million into exploring the feasibility of using hydrogen for heating, a move welcomed by Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester.

Martyn says the possibility of using hydrogen as an alternative domestic heating source to natural gas is encouraging for the industry and for homeowners.

“The decision to invest such a large amount into the feasibility investigation of hydrogen is a great sign of just how committed it is to curbing emissions in a practical and realistic way,” says Martyn.“Unlike some of the proposals put forward in the past, the replacement of natural gas with hydrogen would theoretically require no change to how we interact with our heating and cooking appliances, which gives it the feel of a viable option.”

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Martyn Bridges, Worcester

The cost of converting domestic gas pipes, and heat ing and cook ing appliances to hydrogen is said to be in the region of £100billion. While Martyn concedes ‘a colossal amount of funding’ would be needed to convert the current infrastructure, he says “we are keen to support BEIS with the testing and development of new hydrogen-fuelled appl iances, which may help to pave a clear pathway towards greater heating efficiency.”

New solar targets need practical work The recent publication of the Mayor of London’s Solar Action Plan, which sets out actions to more than double London’s solar energy generation capacity by 2030, has been welcomed by the Solar Trade Association. To achieve the new targets, the STA says the industry must stay focused on practical measures that will help boost London’s solar markets and which will enable Londoners to make the most of the FeedIn Tariff (FiT), which has less than two years left to run.

Successful projects in London include the Blackfriars Solar Bridge

Leonie Greene, Head of External Affairs at the STA, says: “Solar is vital to any green and modern capital city. London is now

starting the work it urgently needs to do to catch up on solar, not only with the rest of the UK but with other world cities. However, the

Mayor is quite right that national Government needs to provide a better enabling policy framework to support his ambitions – particularly on the tax treatment of rooftop solar.

“We are keen to see better policies for solar in the new draft London Plan published later this year. There is scope to deliver far more solar onsite in new developments across London – developers should not be able to buy their way out of taking every due opportunity.”

Green homes deliver premium benefits A new report published by real estate advisors CBRE Residential has shown that 82% of homebuyers would pay more for an environmentally friendly property, with Millennials being the most willing to pay extra.

The report, entitled ‘Sustainability: simple steps to better homes’, cites research conducted by the Department of Energy and Climate Change which found that making energy saving

improvements to a home could increase its value by up to 38% in some regions.

Jennet Siebrits, Head of Residential Research at CBRE UK, comments: “A green home is designed to be environmentally friendly and sustainable. The underlying design focuses on using as little water, energy resources and building materials as possible, thereby creating a smaller impact on the environment.

“Energy from fossil fuels consumed in the construction and operation of buildings accounts for approximately half of the UK’s emissions of carbon dioxide. Housing alone generates 29% of UK emissions, of which 82% is used for space and water heating.”

The report goes on to investigate techniques that can be used by both producer and user to maximise sustainability and produce green homes.

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ENERGY Matters 25

National Trust farm goes green As part of the National Trust’s commitment to reduce its environmental impact, Stiebel Eltron has provided a ground source heat pump system at a Pembrokeshire property that produces renewable energy for heating and hot water in the farmhouse and activity centre.

G

upton Farm, a National Trust property in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, is using heat pump technology to provide its heating and hot water. The farm complex recently underwent a huge renovation project to become an activity centre and National Trust visitor base at Freshwater West.

The site, which opened this spring, also features camping, farmhouse accommodation and community facilities.

During the renovation, Haverfordwest based renewable energy specialist Green Warmth installed a Stiebel Eltron WPF 35 G ground source heat pump to provide heating and hot water for the farm house accommodation, new reception area with warden accommodation and activity centre. The renewable system was delivered as part of the National Trust’s Renewable Energy Investment Programme, which is well on the way to halving the use of fossil fuels in the Trust by 2020.

Gupton Farm is now producing renewable energy with a Stiebel Eltron WPF 35 G ground source heat pump

The installation A 1200m ground loop was installed with the heat pump to extract required heat from the ground and supply heat to the buildings, linking back to a central plant room 70m away. Green Warmth also upgraded the heating distribution system within the farmhouse and provided a new underfloor heating solution to the renovated reception and warden’s accommodation. The farmhouse was also upgraded

with insulation within the loft to improve heat loss and to meet current regulations.

Commenting on the installation process, Michele Bromley from Green Warmth says: “The install took approximately six weeks, carried out over a period of twoand-a-half months, with the final commission in February. Initial sizing of the heat pump was confirmed with Stiebel Eltron who provided any required support throughout the project. The client is

extremely happy with the system.

We will continue to monitor its performance to provide the National Trust with data on running costs and energy efficiency.”

Installing a ground source heat pump also qualifies the Pembrokeshire farm to take advantage of the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Michele adds: “Heat pumps are an excellent way to future-proof energy needs for properties in rural areas, and for organisations such as

the National Trust it helps them to demonstrate their green credentials.

Another positive is the payments available through the RHI.” Stiebel Eltron UK MD Mark McManus says: “We have a strong relationship with the National Trust and have worked with them on a range of refurbishment and heritage projects, ensuring that we provide them with a product and system that meets a specific brief.

“Gupton Farm encourages visitors to learn about sustainability and how agriculture can give back to the environment – the fact that the site is now using green energy further enhances these messages and is a great showcase for the Trust.”

The WPF G series of heat pumps was developed specially to supply larger residential complexes as well as commercial and industrial buildings with heating and hot water.

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www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk

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September 2017

26 COMPANY Spotlight

Good grounds for future growth The UK market for ground source heat pumps may have declined in recent years, but West Country based Kensa Heat Pumps believes the technology still has a big part to play in addressing the country’s energy needs. PHAM News visited the company to find out more.

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ith uncertainties about Government incentives and its commitment to supporting renewable technologies, the UK heat pump market has failed to reach the levels that many people were predicting some 10 years ago. In fact, recent years have seen a decline in numbers and the current level of demand for ground source heat pumps suggests that it remains very much a niche market, with just Guy Cashmore demonstrates the Evo heat pump 2120 units installed in 2016.

Disappointing returns on investment have meant that some larger manufacturers decided to cut their losses, leaving the field open to early adopters like Truro based Kensa Heat Pumps. While acknowledging disappointment at the size of the market, MD Simon Lomax is proud that the company is now, by some distance, the market leader for ground source heat pumps in the UK. “It might surprise some people, but we’ve sold more ground source heat pumps than anybody else for some time now,” he says. “Some global or pan-European companies have walked away from the UK market because they simply decided that it’s too tough. So we’ve benefited from their absence and filled the void.”

Keeping it simple Kensa was founded in 1999 by two former marine engineers – Richard Freeborn and Guy Cashmore – who, having spent a number of years working on heat pump installations for luxury yachts in the Mediterranean, recognised the opportunity to transfer the technology to applications closer to home. From early on, they also recognised that the key to success was to come up with a simplified and less costly alternative to what they considered to be often over-designed and unnecessarily complicated imported products.

Guy, who is now the company’s Technical Director, explains: “The original idea, and it still runs through the business today, is that a Kensa heat pump would be transported as a kit to anywhere in the country, and then a plumbing or heating engineer – who had probably never seen such a product before – would be able to get it installed, working, and fully commissioned, with only phone support. It’s not necessary for a Kensa engineer to go anywhere near it during the installation process. Of course they are available if needed, but we kind of feel if they have to go out to a job, we’ve got something wrong.

The 350m2 factory, built on the site of an old tin mine, has the capacity to produce 1800 heat pumps on a single shift

I think that’s a significant reason why we’ve succeeded enabled the company to address the needs of large social in this market while others have failed – we’ve made the housing projects and the growing demand for district design so simple and easy, which means that we’ve not heating solutions. Equally important was the launch had to incur the cost of having a fleet of service vans.” of the company’s Shoebox product – claimed to be the A central part of the company’s thinking is that its world’s smallest and quietest ground source heat pump products should be installed by heating and plumbing – which has proved to be an ideal solution for multiengineers who know their way round a domestic heating occupancy dwellings, where the heat pumps can be fitted system rather than newly qualified renewables specialists in a cupboard or under a kitchen sink and linked to a who may have come from outside the industry. micro heat network.

“We try to mimic the technology that installers are Although Kensa can lay claim to having been involved familiar with,” says Simon. “It’s still a box that produces in a number of prestigious projects over the years, and can hot water, and what you do with that hot water can count the RNLI as one of its regular clients, its the prospect essentially follow the same paths as if you had a gas or oil of being able to reduce energy bills for those people who boiler in place. Obviously need it most that presents we give them lots of the strongest case for the “We’ve got plenty of evidence that these support in the areas where wider adoption of ground things work and do save money” they have no knowledge – source technology. the size of the ground array “We’ve got plenty of and what you might have to do with the heat distribution evidence now that these things really work and do save system – but the actual work they do using the tools is money,” says Simon. “It’s not about putting a fancy bit going to be straightforward and familiar work for them.” of kit into a big house – there’s a social purpose to this business. I get most satisfaction when we get letters from Homemade social landlords, or their tenants, which say that you Designing and manufacturing products in the UK for actually told us it would save this much, but it’s saved installation by British plumbers in British homes perhaps even more. If you have an elderly resident in a two bed gives the company an edge over some of its competitors, bungalow, previously paying a thousand pounds a year but another key factor is the relatively modest size of the for night storage heaters, and we’ve suddenly knocked business which has enabled it to adapt quickly to shifts that down to £500, well it actually transforms their in the market. lives. In many cases they’re actually heating more of the “If we made a plan 10 years ago and stuck to it we property for longer and still saving money.” probably wouldn’t be here today,” admits Guy. “So we have to be resourceful. One of the benefits of being a Looking up small company is that we can be more flexible than some It’s such real life case studies that give Kensa confidence of our bigger competitors.” that the prospects for the UK ground source heat pump The development of a contracting side to the Kensa market remain positive and such technology should play business was not part of the original plans, but it has a central part in the Government’s carbon reduction plans.

“We are dependent on government decisions and it’s hard to get away from that,” says Simon. “They need to be involved because our technology is more expensive than the alternatives, but it’s also the most energy efficient option available.”

Despite the ongoing challenges, Simon is proud of what the company has achieved so far and relishes the prospect of continuing to beat the odds. “There is a perception that engineering businesses don’t reside in this part of the world, so we’ve had to fight that a little bit, but for us it’s all part of this underdog story – a small company in deepest Cornwall battling against the panEuropean giants – and winning! That’s the message I’m always telling to staff – never forget how good we are – the market numbers are telling us we’re number one.”

All Kensa heat pumps are designed and assembled by skilled workers at the company’s Truro factory

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Kensa’s manufacturing team stand behind a heat pump from the recently launched ERP A++ rated Evo series

www.kensaheatpumps.com

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September 2017

CIPHE Viewpoint 29

Water efficiency really matters

Can we do more to encourage people to use less water? Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), discusses the importance of water labelling and the role it can play in influencing consumer behaviour.

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ncreasing human demand for water, coupled with the effects of climate change, means that the future of the world’s water supply is not secure. Currently there are 1.1 billion people who do not have access to safe drinking water, and yet the global population continues to grow rapidly whilst the water available remains the same. There are 330 trillion gallons of water on the planet, with only 3% of this water classified as fresh, in which 2% of this is frozen. The remaining 1% of the world’s drinkable water is then shared amongst a rapidly growing population.

Less than 10% of the total water consumed is for domestic consumption. Therefore, the efforts of the plumbing industry will be generally limited to conservation from this 10%. Additionally, from a consumer point of view, 25% of energy bills is associated with heating water and therefore there is a potential to achieve great savings.

Kevin Wellman, CIPHE CEO

To protect our dwindling water supply, water efficiency is one of the best solutions. This means reducing water wastage by measuring the amount of water required and then delivered for a particular purpose. It is different from water conservation as it focuses on reducing waste rather than restricting use. Examples of water efficient steps range from fixing leaking taps, taking showers rather than baths and installing displacement devices inside toilet cisterns.

With trends displaying a larger increase in western use of potable water and with water stress and shortage impacting on greater parts of the world, governments are seeking to address and implement water efficient technologies and better practices. This is where sustainability initiatives, good communication and education is so important – from manufacturers and distributors through to the plumbing and heating professionals who have influence over the products specified and installed for consumers.

Water labelling Labelling water-using products has an influential role to play in changing consumer behaviour. Labelling not only equips the consumer with the required information to make an informed choice at point of sale, it also provides the manufacturer with a competitive tool, as well as aiding research and development for greater sustainable products.

Here in the UK, Yvonne Orgill, Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) and voluntary member of the CIPHE’s External Affairs Group, is championing water sustainability and has played an active role in developing the European Water Labelling Scheme (EWL).

The award-winning EWL has flourished into a stand-alone, notfor-profit water labelling scheme, encompassing 129 major bathroom brands and supporting a database which exceeds 9850 live and current products across 36 countries.

Both the scheme’s database and product label clearly outline the water consumption characteristics of bathroom and kitchen products.

This information hub provides industry professionals with all the relevant information they need to select efficient products. In addition, the corresponding Water Calculator (www.thewatercalculator.org.uk) helps ensure relevant regulations

are met – with 8500 architects and house builders currently using this quick and easy method.

Supporting role In the UK, the water resources long-term planning framework, published in 2016, outlined that the seriousness of future droughts is likely to increase and will affect all parts of the country. With this in mind, the new water efficiency leadership group is a welcomed approach to unite water leaders on this topic and is very much supported by the CIPHE. CIPHE members should be the first port of call for all consumers wanting to conserve water by undertaking plumbing health checks to minimise water wastage and maximise water saving and efficiency.

For more information about water efficiency and for membership enquiries, please email: info@ ciphe.org.uk or call 01708 472791.

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Sponsored column

September 2017

BUSINESS Matters Offering a discount for cash

In today’s age of fake news, no matter how good a product is, there’s always the odd misconception circulating about it. So PHAM News has teamed up with Geberit to separate fact from fiction regarding the company’s Mapress press fitting systems.

Myth: The tools are too big and bulky to press smaller sizes and in tighter spaces.

Geberit Mapress fact: Geberit Mapress tools are light and small enough to work in cramped conditions.

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f all the benefits offered by press fitting, the ability to press small sizes and complete jobs in tight spaces comes near the top of the list.

Most plumbing projects include spots where workspace is tight, particularly when fitting pipework retrospectively, and there often isn’t much room for wielding a tool.

As more and more installers move away from traditional methods of pipe joining, such as soldering and welding, press-fit systems are becoming more prominent. Geberit

Mapress tools are light and small enough, making them the perfect fit for tight areas.

It actually doesn’t matter what size of pipe you are connecting, Geberit Mapress is suitable for all pipe dimensions. That’s because the range extends from handy pressing tools for bathroom renovation to electrohydraulic tools for fast work progress on large building sites, rounded off with corresponding pressing jaws and collars. Compatibility 1 tools (ACO 102) can press 12-35mm. Compatibility 2 tools (ACO 203, ACO 203XL ECO 203, EFP 203) can press 12-66.7mm. Compatibility 3 tools (ECO 301) can press 12-108mm.

When working in a tight spot, Geberit Mapress is the ideal solution. Not only is it easier to make the connection, but you also do not have to worry about getting a hot works permit. This makes it the ideal solution for renovation and prefabrication projects.

Pressing is not just

about tight spots though; using Geberit Mapress helps installers save time on each fitting, which frees them up to do more work on site and allows them to move on to their next project faster, maximising efficiency and keeping customers happy.

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A recent survey by home service marketplace, Plentific. com, has revealed that almost half (46%) of UK adults admit to having paid a tradesman cash in hand for work in order to get a cheaper deal.

The statistics show that adults aged 55 and over are more likely to pay a tradesman in cash (56%), compared to young adults (18 to 34-year-olds), of which just 33% admitted they had handed over notes in the hope of getting a discount.

Stephen Jury, spokesperson for Plentific, says: “Tradesmen are often painted in a bad light by the media when it comes to things like cash in hand

payments. Our statistics show that actually, it can be the customers who are driving this option to save a few pounds.

“Plentific allows homeowners to find and pay tradesmen securely online.

Paying in cash is costing the Government an enormous

amount of money and people are putting themselves at unnecessary risk.

Ultimately, those who seek a cheaper deal by paying in cash in hand are doing the Government and economy a great deal of harm.”

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CIPHE TenderSpace saving Members of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) can now benefit from discounted access to the online TenderSpace platform.

TenderSpace has been designed to make it easier to collaborate and connect with others involved in property and construction.

As a member, it allows you

to protect your business by using its credit rating tool and offers access to a large number of planning leads and public sector jobs.

CIPHE members can join TenderSpace for free and can then choose to upgrade their subscription – with the CIPHE exclusive offer – whenever they need more advanced services.

Tim Sainty, Membership

Director at the CIPHE, comments: “This new partnership brings real business advantages to our members – from those who are looking to expand, to those who simply want to get paid on time.”

For more details visit the members area of the CIPHE website or visit TenderSpace at: www. thetenderspace.com

App gives you buying power TradeHelp, an online service that provides discounts and finance options to heating and plumbing installers, has launched a new mobile app that offers a range of time and money-saving benefits at the touch of a button.

Available for free on both Android and iOS, the TradeHelp app brings together a host of features designed to help installers to operate their businesses more efficiently.

Access to the app includes a handy quotation tool that allows users to create professionally presented customer quotations quickly and easily. Through the app, members can also access 0% interest free finance options for their customers, and it can also be used to generate and send purchase orders to a merchant of choice.

The Buying Group leverages the bulk buying power of TradeHelp members to offer significant discounts

and cash back on a variety of essential purchases, including ‘big brand’ boilers, filters, fittings and other related products.

Additional benefits of the app include an appointment management system, third party offers and discounts, and a useful Tool Box feature, providing access to support and help with day-to-day tasks, including gas industry forms.

TradeHelp was established three years ago by Martin Jones, who has over 25 years experience of the industry, with the aim of

helping smaller installation companies compete with larger businesses.

“The app has been created to help installers buy smarter, improve professionalism and, ultimately, increase their profit margins,” he explains. “Using the collective buying power of our members, we have negotiated better purchasing terms and special offers from leading manufacturers and merchants, delivering savings to our members.

“What’s more, members have access to extended warranties of up to 10 years on leading manufacturer brands, plus financing solutions that allow them to offer customers a wider range of payment options.

This enhances their service offering even further and helps installers stay competitive in a crowded marketplace.”

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September 2017

32 BUSINESS Matters How to offer finance to customers A company that provides installers with finance solutions that they can offer to homeowners is on course for a record year of trading.

Manchester-based Improveasy anticipates ending the year with its highest number of installers using the service.

The company has seen a spike in enquiries from installers as more consumers use finance options to fund home improvements such as boilers, central heating

systems, solar PV and air source heat pumps.

MD Austin Barcley comments: “We’ve identified an upward trend over the last 18 months of more installers using our services.

Consumers demand flexible payment options as they look to spread the cost of installing measures such as a new boiler or central heating system. This has resulted in an increase in installers using our finance solutions.”

The company enables installation companies to offer finance to their customers without having to become an FCA-authorised firm and taking on the responsibilities of this status. The model offered by Improveasy means installation companies become appointed representatives (AR) and appear on the FCA register. They can then begin offering finance options under either their own brand or the Improveasy brand.

As well as its core finance products, Improveasy also provides Green Deal finance, as Austin Barcley explains: “Although the Green Deal relaunch has been met with some scepticism, we see momentum gaining quickly.

My advice would be to get involved with Green Deal, as the more options you can offer your customers, the more business you will win.”

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Switching off does not mean cut off The Millennial generation is most likely to want more time offline compared to their older work colleagues, according to a survey of small business owners. The survey

by Moneypenny, the telephone answering service, found that 73% of 25-34 year olds would like more time unconnected, compared with 53% of 45-54 year olds and 40% of over 55s who would like time switched off from devices.

However, Millennials are also more likely than older business owners to worry about possible consequences of switching-off: only 9% said they had no worries about disconnecting, compared with 40% of 45-54s who said they weren’t worried about switching off.

Joanna Swash, MD of Moneypenny, says: “It’s interesting to see those who grew up with the digital revolution are more likely to want to release themselves from the ‘always on’ work culture. Fortunately, there is a wealth of solutions available to ensure business keeps working during the holidays, from virtual PAs to automated answering systems.”

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Payment pains Almost two in three (63%) engineering services firms were not paid within 30 days by public sector bodies during the second quarter of this year, according to new survey findings from the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), the ECA and SELECT. The figures represent a decline in prompt payment performance on the first quarter of the year, when 55% of businesses were not paid within 30 days by public sector bodies such as local authorities and NHS trusts. In many cases, this directly contravenes government legislation on prompt public sector payment. Four in 10 firms said over 3% of their turnover is being held in retentions by firms up the supply chain.

All set for launch

With 5000 tradespeople already signed up to HaMuch, the new comparison website for the trades is expecting to double its membership to 10,000 by 1 October when it officially launches to the general public.

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can be a decisive factor for customers when choosing a tradesperson. The service includes trades ranging from electricians, plumbers and heating engineers to builders, gardeners and cleaners.

The website also allows customers to post feedback and rate the particular tradesperson or provider, allowing tradespeople to showcase their services.

Find out more online: www.hamuch.com

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September 2017

34 MERCHANT & Distributor News

Focus on backing professionals Having access to a good and reliable merchant is vital to the business of most installers who expect quick delivery of whatever they may need to get the job done. Karl Foote, Commercial Manager at Plumbase, looks at plans for supporting the heating professional.

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erchants in the plumbing and heating sector have been challenged in recent years to demonstrate value in an age where online transactions and digital access to product information is rife. The truth, however, is that there is actually far more benefits to be gained by those businesses open to the opportunity to evolve to offer the ‘best of both worlds’.

After all, putting the needs of plumbing and heating engineers first should be the main objective for any merchant, and for Plumbase this has consistently been at the forefront of our strategy and decision making. In fact, earlier this year we worked with the CIPHE to conduct an in-depth research programme to learn more about our customers and their own set of needs.

This research and work behind the scenes influences everything – from which products are stocked to the ways we work with customers to offer sales support and advice, in addition to what events and added value offers and promotions we run. In 2017, and beyond, it is so important to not lose sight of the customer, as only through listening to them can we make sure we offer the right kind of service.

Customer focused As an established national plumbing and heating merchant with 170 branches nationwide, we have a history and farreaching heritage which we hold in high regard and would never want to turn our back on. For Plumbase, this means taking pride in who we are and where we have come from, but it doesn’t mean taking a backward approach either.

A lot of work has been done this past year to bring out our best qualities through researching what our customers know and like, while also exploring developing those areas they want to see more of. What was apparent, although not necessarily surprising, is that traditional values such

Online opportunities

Merchants must do more than just deliver the goods

as customer service, technical expertise, and product availability still always come first. Also, coming to speak to a friendly and dedicated branch counter team is another pull, so while the convenience of reserving and ordering online is undeniable, for many there is absolutely no substitute for having a merchant on standby who they can trust to offer that all-important added value.

The rise of digital channels is something an increasing number of merchants are accommodating for and investing in. At Plumbase we already offer online ordering and delivery. We know how important having an online presence is and, as a result, we’re committed to investing in our website for 2018.

Online social media channels, including Twitter and Facebook, are also playing a part in the culture of our industry too. With over 9000 Twitter followers and counting, Plumbase is engaging with customers and influencers as well as industry bodies on a regular basis – something that ten years ago we may have found a lot less straightforward.

We know that building on our strong relationships with customers and suppliers, both on and offline, is a strength of ours and is something we see as being pivotal to our future success. This is why earlier in the year we created the National Sales Development Team and our Plumbase Response team.

The National Sales Development Team are reaching out to our new account customers as well as existing and inactive ones to discuss their individual business needs. Additionally, the Plumbase Response team is armed to support customers that are operating over very large geographical areas and is on hand to support these particular customers with logistics of UK-wide orders and despatch.

Live events We are also continuing to invest in putting on great events and have brought back our popular ‘Innovation Nights’, which give installers a chance to take a look at the latest products on offer, while being able to network with likeminded professionals, industry leading suppliers and their local Plumbase branch team.

With lots of exciting developments and plans for the rest of 2017 and 2018, the future is definitely looking promising.

As long as we continue to take pride in the service we offer and the ways we are supporting the plumbing and heating professional, we will always be ‘Proud to be Plumbase’. www.plumbase.co.uk

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Chester showroom for bath and tiles Spares expansion National trade bathroom and tile supplier Easy Bathrooms has launched its first showroom in the North West, following a £200,000 investment. Located in Chester, the new facility has 10,000ft2 of space and over 100 displays on offer. It boasts popular ranges from Burlington, Heritage, Calypso and Vitra and showcases on-trend styles, such as moonlight and geometricpatterned tiles.

Show room manager Donald Hunter comments: “At Easy Bathrooms, we have built our reputation on great service levels, providing a

wide variety of choice and being competitive on price.

We will continue to deliver this excellent experience for new customers across the

Chester area and further afield throughout Cheshire.

“Our employees are very knowledgeable about our products and the latest trends, so when a client walks into one of our stores, we can help them to choose the best products for their own customers.”

Trade buyers are welcomed and will be offered incentives if they open a business account. The store is open seven days a week.

brings rewards

North East based Flame Heating Spares reports that it has more than doubled its turnover after another successful year in business. The heating and plumbing merchant recorded sales of £14.5m, up from £6.4m in 2016, and has seen its employee count rise to 42 members of staff.

The company currently operates seven trade counters across the region, having launched outlets in Ashington and Newcastle over the last 12 months, and has invested a further £200,000 to launch three branches in Scotland.

MD John Savage has been shortlisted for a number of awards, including North East Director of the Year Awards and the English SME Business Awards 2017.

Van theft victim back to work Who is your customer hero?

When a young plumber found himself a victim of van theft, Plumb Center stepped in to help him get back to work with a donation of a toolbox full of essential plumbing products. The merchant has also pledged to continue to help out victims across the UK. The Plymouth-based plumber lost some £1700 worth of tools and was almost forced to stop working after thieves raided his van.

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Wolseley branch staff spotted his story in a local newspaper and rallied round to source replacement tools from various suppliers including John Guest, Rothenberger and Milwaukee.

The plumber was given the tools at his local Plymouth Plumb Center by Branch Manager Keith Whitley.

He said: “I’m grateful to Wolseley for the kind donation and think it’s

important that industry leaders continue to raise awareness of this issue.”

Keith Whitley says: “When someone decides to take tools from a tradesperson, they’re taking more than their property, they are also jeopardising their livelihood. I think it’s vital that companies like Wolseley continue to support tradespeople with this issue and ultimately help put an end to it.”

To reward members of its team who have demonstrated exceptional customer service, Graham Plumbers’ Merchant is asking customers to once again nominate their ‘Graham Customer Hero’ as part of their ‘Graham Heroes’ Awards. This award recognises members of the Graham team for their outstanding work and excellent customer service.

The Customer Hero Award is an opportunity to highlight those individuals that go the extra mile, always display a fantastic attitude or just

brighten their customers’ day with a positive and helpful approach.

To nominate a member of the Graham team for the ‘Customer Hero’ Award, email heroes@ grahamplumbersmerchant.co.uk by 30th September including who you are nominating (name and location), why you are nominating that particular member of staff, and your name, company and contact details. The top three shortlisted Customer Heroes will be invited to the company’s awards ceremony and dinner at Graham’s annual conference in December.

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September 2017

36 TRAINING Update

Proudly sponsored by

Professional development on UFH

Looking at LPG

A new RIBA-approved CPD course on underfloor heating is now available from South Gloucestershire based Giacomini UK. Aimed at architects and construction professionals, the presentation explores the theory behind radiant heating, the benefits of underfloor heating, and the make-up and design of a system.

The course also explains heat transfer, design factors

Trainee gas engineers recently attended Calor’s third workshop to learn more about the benefits of installing LPG heating for off-grid homes and businesses. The workshop was held in partnership with gas training provider Kier at the Kier Gas Training Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne.

The course allows trainees to complete their Accredited Certificate Scheme (ACS) qualification, offering full instruction on the technical differences between natural gas and LPG, and how boilers and appliances should be altered correctly.

and component applications, and gives participants an understanding of how and why underfloor heating

systems work. Other issues addressed include types of floor build-up and factors influencing output.

RIBA members can take the course to contribute towards their CPD qualifications.

The presentation runs for about an hour and is designed to complement the company’s existing CIBSEapproved CPD offering on underfloor heating and heat interface units.

To register your interest in the CPD courses, please visit the website below.

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October workshops Commercial added to pump offering Throughout October, the APHC, in partnership with Gas Safe Register and Baxi, will be holding free technical workshops aimed at plumbing and heating contractors.

Those who attend will have a chance to meet manufacturers and suppliers as well as speak with representatives of the Gas Safe Register.

Baxi will be covering the latest developments in the forthcoming Private Rented Sector Energy Efficiency Regulations and APHC’s Graeme Dryden will speak about fire prevention arrangements in buildings.

The next event takes place in Leeds on 9 October followed

by Newport (17th), Exeter (18th), Dartford (19th) and North Wales (30th). To book a place, email: marketing@aphc.co.uk

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The Grundfos Ecademy has expanded its online training with the inclusion of learning modules that focus on larger commercial applications. This means that consultants/specifiers, as well as relevant distribution partners who work on larger types of projects and applications, can get access 24/7 to a range of online modules covering: commercial heating, the Magna 1 and Magna 3, water boosting, air conditioning and life cycle costing. To take part, log onto www.grundfos. co.uk and click on the ‘training’ tab.

Recognising a gap in the current training, Kier enlisted Calor to bring its expertise on LPG, offering information and guidance on LPG storage options and how LPG should be stored safely at a customer’s premises.

Hosted by Calor’s Specifier Sales Manager Ian Digby, the workshop also took a look at LPG for the domestic and commercial markets, as well as the benefits of working with Calor.

For more information on how to get involved with future Calor training events, please visit www.calor.co.uk

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September 2017 Proudly sponsored by

TRAINING Update 37

Yutaki course condensed to one day

Qualifications for F-gas installations A new range of F-gas qualifications has been launched by Logic Certification. Following recognition by DEFRA as a certification and evaluation body, the awarding organisation now offers Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications from Logic Certification approved centres throughout the UK. Developed in partnership w it h indust r y ex per t s Business Edge, Logic Certification has reviewed the existing F-gas qualification framework and introduced a

Level 3, splitting out the four different categories to make learning more suitable for operative requirements. The Level 2 qualifications cover categories 3 and 4, designed for those checking the leakage and recovery of F-gas systems.

Level 3 focuses on Categories 1 and 2, the more complex tasks of installation, servicing and maintenance, and testing and decommissioning.

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Heat pump specialist Hitachi has launched an intensive one-day course on its Yutaki air source units and controllers.

The original version of the course was initially run over two consecutive days covering design, installation and electrical considerations as well as the monobloc and splits products. Following feedback from both distributors and installers, the content has now been packed into a oneday course to make it easier for contractors to fit training into their work schedules.

The course runs weekly in Maidenhead (and by request in Dublin) and is usually priced at £95+VAT per delegate but, for a limited time only, Hitachi is providing its Yutaki heat pump training free of charge to suitably qualified installers. To find out more, email the team at aircon. training@jci-hitachi.com or visit the website below. www.hitachiaircon.com

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Workshop focuses on district heating Find out more about district heating at Rehau’s free workshop to be held on 4th October, from 9am to 2pm, at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. This event is aimed at consultants, contractors, local authorities, developers and housing associations.

This is the last in a series

of events where attendees will be able to hear presentations from industry experts and take part in breakout sessions to discuss topics in more depth. There will also be a talk from a case study so delegates can understand how district heating works in practice, not just in theory.

Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical for the Building Solutions division, says: “There are lots of people out there that want to know about district heating, and our workshops offer them expert advice and information all in one day.

We’ve refreshed the delivery of the workshops a little

from last year, breaking content down into smaller segments, and adding in new breakout workshops so delegates can get involved in discussions.”

For further details and to register your place on the workshop, log on to www. rehau.co.uk/districtheating and click the ‘our events’ tab.

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September 2017

Health & Safety Getting on top of the numbers In support of Know Your Numbers Week (18-24 September), ECIS, the employee benefits company for the construction industry, is urging workers to get their blood pressure checked and take action to reach and maintain a healthy blood pressure.

ECIS points out that factors contributing to high blood pressure include not doing enough physical activity, being overweight or obese, having too much salt in your diet, regularly drinking too much alcohol as well as having a family history of high blood pressure.

Client Relationship Manager Vicki Leslie comments: “As

high blood pressure often has no symptoms, many people are simply unaware they have it. This highlights the importance of having your blood pressure measured by a nurse or doctor as part of a healthcheck, particularly

if you are over 40. A blood pressure check is standard procedure in the health assessments ECIS offers as part of the employee benefits schemes we run for trade bodies in the contracting sector.”

dust related respiratory illnesses. These illnesses include lung cancer, asthma and chronic obstruction pulmonary disease. However, contracting these illnesses is avoidable with effective preventative measures as well as the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) or respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

As well as offering advice on how employers can monitor dust levels and ensure their staff are safe at all times, the guide also showcases a range of products available that are designed specifically to

help protect construction workers from harmful substances such as construction dust. The guide offers assistance on the types of masks required for different environments including both disposable and reusable respirators, half masks, full masks and Powered Air respirators.

The guide also showcases the importance of face fitting and steps employees can take to ensure their masks are being used effectively.

The free guide can be downloaded by visiting the website at: www.arco.co.uk/ constructiondust

Step up to proper footwear Despite 50% of UK tradesmen spending over nine hours a day on their feet, new research has revealed that 90% of workers feel the industry doesn’t do enough to educate and promote the importance of foot health.

The survey, conducted by footwear brand Dr. Martens, contacted over 600 tradesmen

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Win oade

Mira M r e w o h digital s

Protection from the dust A free guide addressing construction dust has been released by safety expert Arco, which says that in the UK 23 new cases of work related respiratory diseases are diagnosed every day. As a member of the Construction Dust Partnership (CDP), Arco is dedicated to reducing this figure by working with both CDP and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to raise awareness and offer guidance to customers.

Those who regularly work on building sites where there is excess dust are more likely to be at risk from construction

COMPETITION

to determine whether foot health was considered a priority within the trade.

Most agreed that industry leaders need to do more to help educate the workforce, with 35% of employees admitting to only spending between £20 and £60 on a pair of work boots, in spite over half (53%) requiring S3

protection, the highest level of protection on the market. Over a quarter (33%) admitted to buying their work boots from non PPE specialist retailers.

Global Category Manager Jon Marchant believes this resistance to investing in a good pair of work boots could be down to lack of education: “Work boots are perceived as an annoyance and an unnecessary expense instead of a preventative measure to injury. The research clearly indicates that employers are a key source of information and could do more in terms of educating workers to look after their feet. We’re urging employers to put foot health on their agendas and ensure their employees fully understand the importance of correct footwear.”

s r e n n i 3 lucky w

If the summer has felt like a bit of a washout – especially a very mixed August – then cheer yourself up with a real drenching courtesy of Mira – the brand most trusted by UK installers.

Helping us mark the ‘un-summery’ showers and the approach of colder days and shorter nights, the company is seeing off the season with a fantastic digital shower competition. The Mira Mode was only launched a couple of months ago, and to give you the opportunity to experience this superb leap forward in technology, we’re giving you the chance to win one of three Mira Modes.

The Mira Mode is a high aesthetic, accessibly-priced mixer that offers users the added convenience of app control from smartphones. The Bluetooth app allows on/off operation, while enabling the user to programme maximum temperatures and shower duration.

Additional features include switching the shower on via the app to warm-up, remote control setup and up to 10 personalised bath-fill settings (with the appropriate Mode variant).

For the commissioning installer, the app allows for straightforward setup, maximum temperature setting and easy troubleshooting. A crucial benefit is the ability to configure feeds and outlets with the app. This means pipework can be installed as convenient or obviates the need for awkward additional work – such as passovers – when trying to align with existing pipework, as outlets can be nominated subsequently through the app.

12 Mode product options are offered with either ceiling or rear fed fittings available, and a choice of valves – a high pressure valve for mains pressurised systems or combi boilers, or a pumped valve for low pressure or gravity fed systems – to choose from.

Eight valve-only options are also available.

Outlet options include a single outlet shower; a dual outlet with a 200mm drench head and handset that can be used together or independently; a shower and bath fill option (rear-fed, single shower outlet only) and a solus bath-fill.

How to enter To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the question below by entering your answer on the freepost reader enquiry and registration card inside this month’s issue. So, for example, if you think the answer is ‘Chippenham’, you should write 101 on the card. The three winners will be drawn from all the correct entries received before the closing date of 2 October 2017. Only one entry allowed per person.

Since 1937, where has Mira’s head office been located?

Chippenham 101

Collingham 102

Cheltenham 103

www.mirashowers.co.uk

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GAS Safety 41

How to communicate with customers about staying safe with gas Selling a carbon monoxide alarm at the same time as a boiler can be a tricky task, but there are some effective ways for installers to start the discussion with their customers.

Jonathan Blomfield, a regular installer of Honeywell Home Safety Products, explains how.

I

In rental properties, while the t’s never easy to encourage Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm customers to spend extra when they are buying or servicing a Regulations 2015 stipulate that boiler, but this is often the best time landlords must ensure CO alarms to capture a homeowner’s attention are placed in all rooms containing a and help them to understand the solid fuel burning appliance in a rental dangers presented by CO, and how property – this doesn’t account for gas to mitigate against them. fuelled products such as boilers and Customers who have just had cookers. their boiler serviced might not think Easy to justify they need a CO alarm – after all Selling something that your customer their boiler should be working well does not understand the benefits of if it is new or recently serviced. is always tricky, but I often find that But it’s important to highlight the the price can be easily justified when importance of ensuring a safety you look at the amount of time the system is in place, just in case of alarm will protect the household for. emergency – remember, you would A typical seven-year sealed battery not expect a boat to sink, but they alarm will cost the customer around always have life-jackets.

For this reason, a professional Installer Jonathan Blomfield argues that the £29 upfront – as I explain to them, that works out at less than a penny installer should want to ensure price of a CO alarm can easily be justified per day over the course of its lifetime. that every household they visit is Another way is to look at the benefits of the alarms that protected by an appropriate CO alarm and that it is sited correctly so that it will respond to leaks of this poisonous you’re going to install is that it’s a fit-and-forget opportunity, because if it’s a selad unit the homeowner will never have gas as soon as possible.

Reliable alarms are easily available and they help to to worry about the alarm unless it goes off or it reaches give you as the installer peace of mind before you leave the end of its lifespan. In the latter instance, you should a property. They take less than 10 minutes to fit once you always make sure you mark up when you fitted the alarm are in a customer’s home, so they make a minimal impact in your notebook so that you can follow up when it’s time for them to get a new one. The unit itself already has a on the time you are required on site. latest replacement date printed on it.

I often come across Every home must have working, properly people who have bought sited CO alarms, and as an installer entering their own alarm and a customer’s home you have the perfect propped it up on a opportunity to share insight and encourage coffee table, but in the event of a leak them to invest in the right protection. CO this would mean the can be deadly, but by spreading the word alarm would respond about the dangers and the right forms of slower, leaving the protection, installers can help to ensure homeowner and their homeowners across the UK are kept safe family less time to from this silent killer. react to the danger.

ENQUIRY No. 117 www.homesafety.honeywell.com Instead, a CO alarm should be positioned high up in a room typically 30 centimetres from the ceiling, and at least a metre away from boilers, fires, cookers or heaters. It can either be fixed to a wall or free-standing on a shelf, as long as the recommended positioning requirements are met.

By installing an alarm while you are in the property, you can make sure it is positioned in the correct place so it can react as quickly as possible in the event of a leak.

You’ll likely find that there’s a real mix of knowledge levels when you talk to customers about CO. Some have a genuine understanding, while others are not aware of the danger or simply misunderstand it. Currently there is little in terms of legislation in privately owned properties, which means homeowners have no legal obligation to buy one.

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September 2017

42 GAS Safety

Raising the skills of gas industry entrants The route to becoming Gas Safe registered is changing to improve training standards and introduce more rigorous and consistent appraisals. Steve Mulvany, Scheme Director for Logic Certification, looks at what’s changed and the thinking behind those changes.

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he Gas Safe Register has identified that new entrants to the sector are the group most likely to carry out unsafe gas work or fail to identify potentially dangerous installations.

In most cases these issues happen due to a lack of knowledge, experience and skills, rather than negligence or just being careless, which could be attributed to the short Steve Mulvany, Scheme duration and poor quality Director at Logic Certification of training.

To combat unsafe installers, from October this year the route to becoming Gas Safe Registered is set to become more rigorous, with new training standards introduced to meet the requirements of the newly published IGEM/ IG1 Standards of Training in Gas Work. These standards provide a benchmark for training developers and providers, in order to create and deliver training programmes that meet the requirements of becoming ‘Gas Safe’.

What’s changed?

Prior to 1st October, training providers have been able to deliver training with little or no quality assurance or scrutiny by a third party. While most providers do an excellent job, this lack of regulation meant that the system was open to abuse, with criticism quite rightly pointed at so-called fast-track courses, delivered with commercial interests, rather than what’s best for the trainee, consumer or gas industry, at their core. This type of short course has no place within the industry and has the potential to cause great harm.

To bring a halt to the inconsistency in the duration and quality of training delivery, all training programmes are now subject to a rigorous external quality assurance audit to ensure training meets the required IGEM/IG1 standard. Any training programme that fails to meet the required standards will not be recognised and therefore not considered suitable for anyone seeking a career in the gas industry.

This change will provide assurance to Awarding & Certification Bodies and the Gas Safe Register that any learner applying for ACS assessment or completing a gas utilisation qualification has undertaken a robust training programme meeting agreed industry standards and is ready to take their next steps to becoming a Gas Safe Registered installer.

Who will this affect?

The changes only affect new entrants to the gas industry.

If you’re already Gas Safe registered, your five-yearly reassessment will take place as normal without any additional or mandatory training requirements. However, you may wish to undertake a refresher on the changes to standards prior to your reassessment. Likewise, should you want to extend your scope of certification – although training would be strongly recommended in this case, it is not mandatory.

For those who are already registered and currently undertaking a managed training programme with a training centre, providing it is completed no later than

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The new syllabus places more emphasis on practical, hands-on training, both within the training centre and on-site

31st September 2018, progression to ACS assessment or completion of your gas utilisation qualification will not be affected.

Ongoing learning

Maintaining standards of safety and quality within our industry does not stop at our initial training. Every Gas Practical skills Safe registered engineer has a responsibility for their The new syllabus has an emphasis on practical, hands- customer’s safety and quality of work by maintaining on training, both within the training centre and on-site their own competence, ensuring it is kept up to date under the supervision of an experienced Gas Safe registered with the changes to standards, technology and working engineer. The practical element is supported by theoretical practices on an ongoing basis, not just every five years learning to provide the underpinning knowledge required at ACS reassessment.

According to a survey to be able to carry out gas last year, gas engineers work correctly and safely.

“Maintaining standards of safety and are the most trusted of all There is now a recognition quality does not stop after initial training” tradespeople – great news. that an understanding of However, the research also gas is not the only skill set a gas engineer needs to have. For example, knowledge of showed that end users put their lives in danger by employing heating design, controls, energy efficiency, different hot and people based on their appearance and behaviour – politeness, cold water systems and electrical safety are all important confidence, clothing, etc, rather than qualifications and elements of being a gas installer. As a consequence of experience. Once you’ve got your Gas Safe registered ID these new areas of study, the length of time required to card, you must show it – every year around a quarter of complete training – in the classroom and on site – will a million illegal jobs are carried out by bogus fitters and inevitably be longer. Timings will however be consistent it’s about time that number was reduced. across all training providers.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.logic-cert.com 118

Signing up to a recognised course From 1st October all qualifications and certificates that are accepted and recognised by Gas Safe Register, including ACS and any regulated qualification or modern apprenticeship (Trailblazers) where gas is included, must be recognised by the Standard Setting Body (SSB) and published on the E&U Skills website.

L o g ic C er t i f ic at ion’s M a n age d L ea r n i ng Programmes (MLP) have been designed to provide a flexible approach to

training, offering a costeffective way to achieve a recognised qualification and subsequent access

to Gas Safe registration.

The programme has been recognised by the SSB and is available across

its network of approved training centres.

For learners with prior experience in a trade related to gas work, or those who are already working alongside Gas Safe registered installers, there may be the option to claim Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), depending on an assessment of their existing skills, knowledge and experience.

For more information, and to find your nearest approved training centre, visit: www.logic-cert.com

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September 2017

44 Gas Safety

Promoting safety all year round With Gas Safety Week entering its seventh year, it’s important to highlight the risks associated with cutting corners and using nonregistered installers. Darran Smith of Alpha Heating Innovation looks at how manufacturers can help to support the cause.

O

ne of the main culprits of carbon monoxide poisoning is the ‘zombie boiler’ – essentially, those boilers that keep on going despite being upwards of 20 years old. However, we need to ask whether we even want our boilers to last that long.

Not only do they sometimes become life threatening but they are often very inefficient systems with higher CO2 emissions that damage the environment Darran Smith from Alpha and are costly to run as well.

After years of neglect parts may no longer work in the way they used to, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide leaks. This can also happen when they have been fitted incorrectly or are poorly maintained.

The need to incentivise consumers to upgrade their boilers was recognised in 2016 by the introduction of the London Boiler Cashback Scheme, which allowed customers to claim money back for replacing their old, inefficient boilers. However, the scheme has now been suspended because ‘all the available funding has been allocated’. If we are to help customers in improving the efficiency and safety of their heating systems, installers need to feel confident they too can help teach homeowners. This is where manufacturers can lend a helping hand.

Manufacturers can work towards addressing the issue of gas safety by providing training that focuses on promoting best practice for installation and maintenance and also helping installers to understand any industry changes. At Alpha we offer training that spans both of these elements in order to equip installers with an extensive set of skills.

Product training, whether that’s on-site training or training within centres, is valuable because it helps installers to become really familiar with the boilers, supporting correct installation and servicing techniques,

More households need to benefit from a boiler upgrade

Good product training can help to ensure customer safety

as well as their understanding of which boilers are best suited for a particular project. Furthermore, covering industry changes within training courses helps to maintain compliance with any new legislation, meaning installers can confidently advise those customers who may ask about how it affects them.

of carbon monoxide.

Once the service is taking place, the heating engineer should take the opportunity to check for any other faults and inspect all areas of the boiler, identifying if parts need replacing to ensure the boiler is operating correctly and efficiently. More importantly, this is where potential safety concerns are also highlighted. Any concerns can then be dealt with quickly before it becomes life threatening.

If the engineer notices that the boiler is already quite old and seems to be running inefficiently, they can then introduce the customer to newer technologies. Having attended training courses and maintaining their knowledge of industry changes, this is where engineers can use what they have learned to sell in their installation services.

By taking all of this on board, installers can feel confident that they are contributing to the industry in a positive way.

Initiatives like Gas Safety Week are great opportunities to talk to customers about the safety of their heating systems. Whether it’s to help crack down on zombie boilers, sharing something learned on a training course or reminding them a service is due, they all play a vital part in saving lives.

Supporting role By working with manufacturers that offer support and guidance throughout the specification, installation and maintenance journey, installers can be assured that they are advising their customers appropriately. From understanding any new legal obligations themselves or the homeowner may have, to supporting them in choosing a new boiler in place of an inefficient existing system, reducing zombie boilers and improving the quality of customer service comes hand-in-hand.

A great opportunity to share this advice is when a customer’s service is due. Making a point to show them the Gas Safe card and highlighting the importance of installs and services only carried out by registered gas engineers is the first step. You can then make a note of whether the homeowner has fitted CO alarms and direct customers to resources that further explain the dangers

www.alpha-innovation.co.uk

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

119

Flue gas analyser connects to your mobile Measuring instrument specialist Testo has added a new flue gas analyser to its portfolio. In addition to the existing Testo 310, 327 and 320B analysers, there is now a new domestic Bluetooth flue gas analyser, the Testo 320, described as a trusty and reliable companion for all engineers who specialise in installing, inspecting and servicing heating systems.

The 320 enables heating engineers to carry out all measurements in and around heating systems with only one measuring device. It provides complete flue gas analysis including ratio, CO, O2, CO2, efficiency, excess air and temperature. The analyser also measures draught, ambient CO tests, tightness and letby tests, gas pressure, ambient air, plus flow and return temperatures.

Its wide measuring range

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makes it a reliable partner for eliminating malfunctions and emergencies, monitoring legal limit values or for daily routine work servicing heating systems. The numerous measurement menus are clearly structured for ease of use. Standardised menu structures, which are stored in the instrument, simplify operation – applying country-specific measurement standards. The high-resolution colour display enables a detailed presentation of the measurement procedures and can be clearly read even when the light is poor.

Better connected A key feature of the new Testo 320 flue analyser is that it offers the possibility to connect to Android smartphones and tablets. With the free Testo combustion app, mobile devices can be used as a second display

and remote control via Bluetooth. Users will be able to display all measurement results as a report in the app, irrespective of the measuring location, and this data can be immediately emailed back to the office or straight to the customer.

The new instrument is also supported with a wide range of optional probes and accessories. An optional gas leak probe connects to the analyser, allowing gas detection and gas pipe tests selectable for methane or propane, and detecting from a few ppm to 10,000ppm. An optional CO probe or CO2 probe is also available for detailed measurement in ambient air or around boiler housings.

The probe has been designed to allow the user to choose the exact probe for each specific requirement and easily change it.

With just one hand all channels for flue gas measurement via the probe coupling can be securely connected (gas paths, draught, temperature probe integrated in the basic flue gas probe).

www.testo.co.uk

ENQUIRY No.

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46 GAS Safety

Beware cheap copies of branded spares As Gas Safety Week approaches, Ross Graham, Manager of Gas Appliance Spares, underlines the importance of buying reputable branded spare parts rather than cheap imitations to avoid potential safety risks and ensure they meet quality standards.

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here is often debate on whether branded goods are better than no-frills brands and this applies to all walks of life, whether it be cereal, clothes, car parts or gas spares. A common assumption is that we get what we pay for and in the case of gas spare parts, this is categorically true.

Let’s look at the car analogy. When you take your car to a dealership for repairs, you know you’re getting original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car parts. However, if you take your car to an independent Ross Graham, Manager for garage, you’re most likely Gas Appliance Spares going to get aftermarket car parts. An aftermarket car part is any part for a vehicle that is not sourced from the car’s original maker.

The gas spares world is no different. There is also much discussion over the difference between the terminology of ‘cheap’ and ‘affordable’. Competition is high amongst businesses on today’s market and customers expect a good deal. However, that does not mean quality should be compromised.

This is where the term ‘affordable’ is highly relevant to the quality of goods. Often products are cheap for a very good reason, and if it’s quality you are after…this is not the path to venture down.

Quality v cost When purchasing gas spare parts, there are many points to consider, such as quality, reliability, safety and inevitably cost. Cutting costs is often a decisive factor, particularly in the economic environment we currently face. It is not uncommon for installers and engineers to opt for the lowest priced product available and overlook the quality of the part which best meets the job at hand.

In the case of counterfeit products, the price may seem too good to resist but there are many downfalls to not buying from a reputable supplier. The same of course is

true when purchasing replacement parts from a different manufacturer. Counterfeit parts and imitations are typically of sub-standard quality. They may have been manufactured from poor quality materials which impacts substantially on the design and strength of the product.

Another concern is that the part could even be dangerous.

In the event of a system failure, or an accident, the responsibility lies with the service and repair engineer, rather than the product.

Let’s put this into context: If you’re in need of a part for a Baxi boiler, you have several choices: buy the genuine Baxi part which was designed to fit the boiler, or buy an imitation or alternative make. A substitute part may look identical, but it could have a negative impact on the work you intend to carry out.

This is because it won’t have been manufactured to the same standard as the genuine part which was deemed fit for purpose. The branded part should work exactly as the one you are replacing. This not only gives greater assurance of quality but it is exactly what the boiler part was manufactured for. What’s more, it provides peace of mind in its familiarity and performance.

Taking risks There are many potential problems that could arise by using alternatively sourced parts. For example, with a heat exchanger, leaks could occur which could cause damage to the boiler and to your own/your customer’s property.

The strength of the part could also be in doubt – if it’s under too much tension, fixings could break. There are also potential health and safety issues, as the domestic hot water side could become contaminated. Furthermore, if you have no idea who manufactured the part, you’re unable to claim under warranty, as its untraceable.

Buying branded spare parts is cost effective, as the parts will be more durable. This in turn cuts down on the unnecessary cost of buying replacement parts, as well as avoidable downtime.

Safety week Gas Safety Week is just around the corner (18-24 September) and this is an ideal time to highlight the urgency of annual servicing and gas safety checks of all appliances in the home. Winter is fast approaching and boilers will soon be switched on.

Gas Appliance Spares holds over 30,000 products in stock

It’s vital to stock up on spare parts now, ready for the emergencies and issues that will subsequently occur. The Gas Safe Register has found that one in six gas appliances are unsafe. Unsafe gas appliances can put people at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions.

Furthermore, Gas Safety Week also presents installers and engineers the perfect opportunity to carefully review the efficiency of products that are currently in place. Once checks have been conducted, it may appear logical to switch to branded spare parts which will provide longer-lasting and more economical results, plus giving customers the reassurance that they are in safe hands.

Consumers naturally turn to brands and companies they can trust. Let your customers have faith in your work and ability to choose suitable and reliable parts. This will only further enhance your reputation and produce more business over the long-term. We recommend you always look for parts which are fully compliant with all European standards and legislation.

At Gas Appliance Spares, we pride ourselves on selling genuine, branded spare parts. It’s important to us that everything is of exceptional quality and highly reliable.

Furthermore, safety is paramount. Purchasing reputable brands may cost slightly more at times, but can you put a cost on time and business success?

About the company Based in Preston, Lancashire, with access to over 30,000 products in stock, Gas Appliance Spares holds a wide range of products from different manufacturers. Parts can be sourced on request with orders made online, via telephone or in person at the trade counter. For further details, please visit the website below. www.gas-spares.co.uk

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Making a noise about the benefits of portable CO alarms Installers are being asked to encourage their customers to take a portable CO alarm away with them on holiday to ensure that they remain safe wherever their holiday destination might be.

Director of the CO awareness campaign Project Shout, Rob Lyon comments: “We all think about taking some safety essentials with us on holiday, whether it’s travel insurance or first aid kits, but a carbon monoxide alarm should also be front of mind when packing your case.

“The nature of carbon monoxide means only an alarm will alert you to

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its presence. Popping one of these on to a shelf in your villa or apartment can give you peace of mind that you and your family are protected at all times against the deadly gas. Installers can provide parents with peace of mind when servicing a customer’s appliances by recommended a portable CO alarm to ensure they remain safe whilst they’re away.”

Portable CO alarms, such as the Fire Angel CO-9X seven year CO alarm (pictured), will alert families to CO emissions from boilers, cookers, BBQs and other fuel-burning appliances.

Its light and compact design means the alarm is no bigger than a bar of soap and can simply be placed on a shelf or table, or anywhere where there is a fuel burning appliance. The alarm has been designed to comply with all British standards and incorporates an advanced electrochemical sensor designed to measure even low levels of CO (50ppm). It is supplied with a sealed-for-life lithium battery, meaning the alarm will continue to detect CO for at least seven years.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.fireangel.co.uk

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September 2017

Gas Safety

Each month, PHAM News shines the spotlight on installers around the country to get a picture of what life is like for them at work and at play.

Housing provider protects tenants A North West based housing business has launched a major investment programme to improve carbon monoxide detection across its portfolio.

The Regenda Group, which manages over 13,000 properties, has organised the installation of Aico’s Ei208 CO alarms which allow engineers to quickly extract data from the unit via a smart phone application. A simpleto-read report is generated immediately, giving details of any incidents along with historical data.

Regenda points out that while many private landlords have been required to install both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms since the introduction of new legislation in 2015, there has been no

such legislation for providers of social housing. However, it has decided to put customer safety first and roll out the new installations across both its Regenda Homes and Redwing Living properties.

Andrew Grice, Compliance Technical Manager at Regenda Homes, says: “We are passionate about protecting our customers and reducing any risks to the lowest level possible. The CO alarm installation programme is a 10 month project and will be carried out by our in-house contractor, M&Y Maintenance and Construction, at the time of the gas service.”

Neal Hooper, MD of Aico, adds: “We are delighted to see Regenda taking the lead in protecting tenants from

NAME: Nathan Zamczynskyj COMPANY: PND Plumbing & Heating the potential dangers of a CO leak. CO is known as the silent killer – you can’t see it, smell it or taste it. It can be emitted from appliances such as cookers, boilers, wood burners and open fires.

Fitting a quality CO alarm such as our Ei208 offers another level of protection to tenants, keeping them safe in their homes.”

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.aico.co.uk

123

Safe gas pipework solution Approved for use by BSi, Geberit Mapress Stainless Steel and Copper gas fittings can be used for gas applications, offering a nofuss alternative to soldering while always giving safety top priority.

Mapress Stainless Steel Gas is available in sizes 15-108mm and should always be used with the company’s Mapress Stainless Steel system pipe press fittings for natural and liquefied gases. As it is HTB approved, this can be laid on the wall as well as concealed in the wall. For technical gases, Geberit Mapress Stainless Steel silicone-free pipe and fittings must be used.

The fittings for gas installation are

marked with a yellow seal ring for clear differentiation. This seal ring, which is made of hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR) ensures reliable sealing.

Before installation the fittings are protected with a yellow protection plug, and a pressing indicator helps to eliminate the risk of potential errors.

Geberit says that the absence of a working flame during installation minimises the risk of damage to existing fittings and fixtures, making press fittings the ideal choice for refurbishment projects and when installing gas supply lines in domestic situations.

ENQUIRY No. 124 www.geberit.co.uk

Talking alarm keeps users alert to potential danger The latest generation of the Nest Protect combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarm does more than sound an alarm when there’s danger in the home, it also voices where the danger is and what the problem is. If the alarm detects that CO or smoke levels are rising but have not yet reached emergency alarm levels, it provides an early warning to residents and also tells users when batteries are running low.

The alarm itself glows blue to indicate that it is in

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good working order. A quick green glow will activate after the lights are turned off to show that the batteries are working. The unit also operates as a night light, with its LED lights helping to illuminate the way as people

Getting to know you

walk underneath it in the dark.

When Nest Protect sounds the alarm for CO, users will be able to view the app to see how much CO was in the air and how long it was there before the alarm was triggered.

The Nest app can also be used to set up, control and receive alerts.

When used in combination with a Nest Learning Thermostat the device will automatically turn off gas appliances.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.nest.com/uk

125

FROM: Lincoln

At work...

At play...

What time do you start working in the morning?

“I usually start my day at 8am, but it can vary depending on whether there’s any emergency call outs and how many customers I’ve got to see that day. If I’m working at the weekend, which I sometimes do, it might be a bit later as nobody wants an early start on a Saturday!”

What’s your favourite breakfast?

“I usually just have a bowl of cereal – Cheerios if we’re being specific – and that will keep me going throughout the morning. On a special occasion I might have a full English, but during the week it’s more a case of something I can grab quickly before I leave the house.”

Have you ever attended a trade show?

“I’ve not had the chance to attend a trade show yet, but the one I’d consider going to is PHEX. Anything that looks at the future – particularly around sustainability and renewable energy – would also be of interest for me, but my workload will always dictate whether I can spare a day off to attend one.”

What’s the best part of the job?

“For me, it’s how diverse the industry is. There’s always something changing, meaning the type of work that we carry out always differs. But at the end of the day, it keeps you on your toes, and there’s a sense of achievement when you’ve found an innovative solution to a problem.”

Which one tool couldn’t you live without?

“My set of small mini crescent grips.

They’re universal so fit on most of my jobs and they’re something I reach for every day – they also fit in my pocket for easy access. Another one is an adjustable spanner.”

How important is it to look smart at work?

“Really important. As a rule, I think you should always aim to have a clean and presentable van – inside and out – and also have clean branded workwear. If you’re quoting against someone who turns up covered in dust and silicone it’s a big advantage, as homeowners are more likely to go with someone who looks professional.”

Copper or plastic?

“I’d definitely go with copper, without a doubt. When I’m on a callout to fix a problem with the boiler, more often than not it will be a system with plastic, and I generally find that copper wears better over the years. But everyone has their preferences, and sometimes it will come down to what the customer wants and what their budget allows for.”

How much tea/coffee do you drink each day?

“Gallons! I always have tea but it all depends on how many customers you’re seeing that day and how generous they are with the tea rounds.”

Would you rather give up alcohol or meat?

“I don’t really drink that often, so I’d probably have to go with alcohol. I sometimes go months without drinking so it wouldn’t be too much of a change for me. Meat on the other hand…”

What’s the best thing on TV at the moment?

“I’m not massively into watching TV, but the show I’m really enjoying at the moment is Ripper Street. It’s one I’ve watched for a while and the recent series has just finished, but it’s one that always has me gripped.”

What’s your favourite sport to watch?

“Probably football. I support Lincoln City, my local team, and I try to catch the games when I can.

I do like to go and watch the match at the stadium but it all depends on my workload and whether I can make everything fit.”

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

“It would have to be the ability to stop time – if I could have all the time in the world to get things done and never be late, that would be great!”

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September 2017

PRODUCT Spotlight

Helping to save water for 40 years Now celebrating its 40th year, the hydraulic valve from Cistermiser has been designed to reduce water consumption in commercial washrooms. David Meacock, Technical Director, explains why the automatic flush control valve continues to stand the test of time.

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he heatwave of 1976 saw the hottest summer average temperature in the UK since records began, with highs of more than 32.5°C throughout the country for 15 consecutive days. The drought came at the end of what had already been an unusually dry year and some areas saw no rainfall for 45 days straight, leading to serious water shortage issues nationwide. Naturally, people began to think about ways they could save water. Alan North, who ran a plastic-injection moulding business, observed how cisterns flushed and realised there was an obvious way to reduce water consumption on a mass scale. From this, the hydraulic valve was born.

Although the country’s waning water stock was eventually replenished, Alan North’s invention endured, proving itself invaluable in saving water on a national scale. Alan designed and manufactured the valve himself, and its immediate popularity caused him to cease his trade moulding work and instead focus entirely on producing the valve. This shift was marked by his decision to change the name of his company to Cistermiser, a name that has now become synonymous with the hydraulic valve.

40 years on, the hydraulic valve employs exactly the same mechanical principle as in 1977. Now manufactured in Woodley, Reading, it is a simple, patented mechanism that prevents water wastage by ensuring that an auto-flush cistern is only filled, and can only flush, when the washroom is in use.

Its sustained popularity can be largely attributed to the valve’s hydraulic mechanism, which means that no electrical supply or batteries are required. The mechanical basis means that it provides fit-and-forget quality, reliability and maximum convenience for installers and commissioners alike.

How it works

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The hydraulic valve is installed on the supply pipe to the urinal cistern. It remains closed unless activated by the drop in pressure that occurs when a tap or WC is in use. When this happens, the valve will open and water will pass to the urinal cistern until the pressures on both sides of the internal diaphragm are equalised. When the cistern is full, the autosiphon will flush.

The installer or user can adjust the time the valve will remain open for, and, consequently, how long the cistern takes to fill, and how much water will be used. When the washroom is not in use, the water supply pressure remains constant and the valve remains closed to prevent water passing into the

cistern. Therefore, the cistern can only flush during periods when the washroom is in use, eliminating unnecessary water consumption and cost.

Cistermiser offers three different models, each suited to a different range of water supply pressures: r 4UBOEBSE 7BMWF EFTJHOFE UP BDDPNNPEBUF mains water or tank-fed systems above 5m head. r -PX 1SFTTVSF 7BMWF EFTJHOFE GPS UBOL GFE systems with 3m to 5m head. r )JHI 4FOTJUJWJUZ -PX 1SFTTVSF 7BMWF B NPSF BDVUF WFSTJPO PG UIF -PX 1SFTTVSF 7BMWF which can accommodate tank-fed systems with a 0.5m to 3m head.

For ease of identification, the valves come in different coloured QBDLBHJOH m QVSQMF GPS UIF 4UBOEBSE 7BMWF HSFFO GPS UIF -PX 1SFTTVSF BOE PSBOHF GPS UIF )JHI 4FOTJUJWJUZ 7BMWF In buildings where the washrooms are vacant for long periods of time, a hygiene cycle attachment is available to ensure a regular flush every 12 hours to prevent washroom odours. The bypass screw should be set to permit a slow drip into the cistern to initiate a flush approximately every 12 hours.

Test of time 4JODF JUT DPODFQUJPO TPNF IBMG B NJMMJPO units have been installed in public buildings throughout the UK, including pubs, clubs, restaurants and leisure centres. A testament to its reliability is that it is now recommended that a hydraulic valve be installed in commercial washrooms under the Water Regulations.

5IF 8BUFS 4VQQMZ 8BUFS 'JUUJOHT

Regulations 1999 states that: ‘Except in the case of a urinal which is flushed manually, or which is flushed automatically by electronic means after use, every pipe which supplies water to a flushing cistern or trough used for flushing a urinal shall be fitted with an isolating valve or another equally effective automatic device for regulating periods during which the cistern may fill’.

It also holds a position on DEFRA’s ECA Water 5FDIOPMPHZ -JTU NFBOJOH UIBU QVSDIBTF BOE installation tax are deductible, making it a highly cost effective purchase for installers.

4P XIJMF UIF $JTUFSNJTFS SBOHF PG XBTISPPN products becomes ever more sophisticated with infrared and other high technology solutions, there will continue to be a place for this pioneering and simple, yet highly effective, invention. www.cistermiser.co.uk

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September 2017

HEATING Controls 49

Why installers should embrace smart tech The smart controls market has grown rapidly in the last few years. As the notion of a connected, more energy efficient home becomes mainstream for consumers, installers need to recognise what it could mean for the future of their business. Simon Allan, Category Director for smart controls at Wolseley, explores the opportunities.

C

onvenience is the driver of modern society and at the centre of this is smart technology.

The telecommunications industry registered a huge leap in subscriptions to 4G broadband over the last three years, rising from 2.7 million to 23.6 million, with two thirds of the UK population now owning, and heavily relying on, smartphones.

Of course, smart technology has also had a big Simon Allan, Category impact on the heating Director for smart controls industry, particularly with the introduction and evolution of smart controls, with manufacturers like Nest, Honeywell and Drayton all investing heavily in both product and installer development.

There is healthy profit to be made too, for both self-employed installers and larger contractors, with a variety of connected products available for all budgets and heating systems.

Right now we’re in the midst of change, with installers falling on a spectrum between those who are confidently specifying smart technology and those who have yet to make the first step. Wherever your business sits, one thing is for sure, smart controls are here to stay. Embracing them now will help to futureproof your business and your livelihood.

Fresh ideas Young, up-and-coming industry talent are likely to consider smart controls a standard part of their skillset, with apprentices being trained on the virtues of the connected home as well as specification and installation best practice.

Remember, today’s apprentice is tomorrow’s installer – and riding the smart controls wave will enable these young, more tech-savvy installers to climb the ranks quickly.

For established businesses which are habitually specifying conventional controls, these ‘smart’ apprentices can pose a real threat. They have the knowledge and confidence to specify what the modern homeowner is looking for, and in many cases they understand the value of taking the time required to demonstrate the smart controls app to each customer.

The good news is, for those installers sold on the virtues of smart controls for their business, it is relatively straightforward to transform your conventional central heating offering into a smart control solution compatible with the connected home.

As with any business shift, it will of course take time and some financial investment, but the rewards will be plentiful and your ‘new look’ business will be a compelling offer for consumers searching for the latest in energy efficiency and heating controls technology.

There are just two main elements to transforming any heating installation business into one which is dedicated to the installation of smart heating systems: upskilling and marketing. It’s worth looking at both of those factors in more detail.

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will provide access to sales tools and affiliate branding, which will support the second element of your business evolution, marketing.

Marketing Whether your new marketing materials are going to be manufacturer affiliated or not, consideration must be given to developing an online presence which will catch the eye of digital-savvy customers. After all, homeowners interested in smart controls will also be inherent internet users.

Consider changes to your existing website, or starting afresh if you need a site which is mobile-responsive, because smart phones are now the number one device for internet browsing. A social media presence is important too, with Facebook and Twitter both being key to attracting business in the digital age.

Nest controls offer users the potential to control and monitor There are tens of thousands of Google searches each their heating even when they’re away from home month in the UK for smart controls, so employing a web designer or Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) professional Upskilling who can help your website appear at the top of search When designing smart controls, manufacturers have engine results could really pay dividends. been mindful to create devices that are compatible with It goes without saying that as purchasing decisions move conventional heating systems, and easy to retrofit with more online, your on-screen presence needs to be an ongoing pre-existing backplates. That said, installers who are new concern, just like the calibration and maintenance of your to smart controls will need to invest time and money in equipment. That said, when it comes to raising awareness gaining the appropriate product knowledge and electrical of your business in your local area, your van, or van fleet, competence. remains a key marketing tool.

This is easy to achieve, with all the major manufacturers Manufacturer affiliated van graphics can certainly be eye offering a range of comprehensive training courses catching, but ensure your telephone number or website throughout the UK for installers who are interested in address is clearly visible, memorable or easy to note down. specifying and installing their smart Consider the sales process too. Do controls. you have any marketing materials Begin by researching the to leave with homeowners? Join a technology that is available and manufacturer’s installer network consider how each would fit with and you may be furnished with your customer base. In recent something suitable, but leaflets and years, smart controls have become small brochures are also easy to affordable for all budgets, with have designed and printed yourself basic kits starting from around by searching for a local company £150-£200. If your customer base online. is more affluent, consider the Nest The decision-making process intelligent ‘learning thermostat’ or for smart controls may be longer a system which is compatible with than that of a conventional heating Apple Home or Amazon’s Alexa. Also, system, so offer your customers by connecting boiler controls to CO something to read through after alarms, you are adding an additional The miGenie smart thermostat from Dryaton your visit. This can be helpful to layer of safety to the home, as it will enable potential customers to digest shut the boiler down as soon as it detects carbon monoxide. energy efficiency facts and figures, associated installation You may choose to train with a number of manufacturers costs and the logistics of controlling a home heating system so that you are skilled enough to specify a variety of via an app. technologies, or you may feel that one manufacturer – Helping hand perhaps the one you are already affiliated with – offers To take the first steps towards becoming a smart controls enough product choice for your customers.

If you are a contractor operating a number of small teams, expert, speak to your merchant. You can discover more about give careful consideration to how many employees need to the technology each manufacturer is offering, including improve their skillset. You may be able to create just one any state-of-the-art products due to be released in the or two ‘smart experts’ who can support your traditional coming months.

Your merchant is best placed to advise you on local installers, which will save you money on training in the shorter term whilst you reposition your offering within manufacturer training, cost prices, product reviews and availability, making them your go-to resource during your the market.

If you can affiliate yourself to one manufacturer you smart controls business transformation. Visit your local could meet the criteria to become part of their network branch or the website below to find out more. www.plumbcenter.co.uk/resource-zone/smart-home ENQUIRY No. 127 of dedicated installers. Creating a partnership like this

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September 2017

50 H HEATING EATING C Controls ontrols

Central C entral ccontrol ontrol ol o over ver ssmart mart d devices evices Devices li Devices like ke tthe he A Amazon mazon E Echo cho a and nd G Google oogle H Home ome a are re cchanging hanging tthe he w way ay p people eople iinteract nteract w with ith ttheir heir h homes. omes. H Here, ere, A Andy ndy M Mansfield, ansfield, M Marketing arketing and Director a nd Communications Communications D irector at at Honeywell, Honeywell, discusses discusses the the impact impact digital digital assistants assistants are are having having on on the the heating heating controls controls market. market.

A

s tthe he nu number umber o off sm art appliances appliances per per smart ho usehold iincreases, ncreases, household sso o does does tthe he need need for for one one c entral means means of of control. control. This This central iiss where where digital dig ital assistants assistants c ome in: in: voice-activated voice-activated come h elpers tthat hat c an a djust tthe he helpers can adjust h eating or or turn turn lights lights on/off on /off heating w ith just just a ffew ew w ords. W hile with words.

While tthey hey a re c onsumer pr oducts are consumer products a heir core, core, iinstallers nstallers c an att ttheir can b enefit from from understanding understanding benefit e ach device dev ice a nd how how it it can can each and b e iintegrated ntegrated iinto nto a h eating be heating ssystem. ystem.

Andy A ndy M Mansfield, ansfield, Honeywell Honeywell

Big B ig business business The T he h home ome a automation utomattion m market arket iis sb big ig b business, usiness, w it h recent recent studies st udies indicating indicat ing that t hat 43% 43% of of with p eople n ow w ant a sm ar t c ontrol a sp ar t people now want smart control as part o t heir heating heat ing system. system. This This opens opens u p off their up new n ew p possibilities ossibilit ies fo forr iinstallers nstallers tto o u upsell p s el l connected c onnected tthermostats her mostats and and increase increase their their rrevenue evenue sstream. tream. However, However, it it is is essential essent ial tthat hat iinstallers nstallers a re e quipped w ith tthe he llatest atest are equipped with developments d evelopments iin n sm smart ar t technology, technolog y, along along

Google Google Home Home and and Amazon Amazon Echo Echo work work with with Honeywell’s Honeywell’s smart smart thermostats: thermostats: evohome, evohome, Lyric Lyric T6 T6 Series, Series, and and Single Single Zone Zone

w it h an an understanding understanding of of what what actually act ually with makes a control cont rol sm ar t a nd h ow tthe he h ome makes smart and how home can become become ffully ully c onnected. can connected.

Take tthe he phenomenon phenomenon o omeow ners Take off h homeowners using a smart smar t hub hub to to control control all all elements elements using of their their c onnected h ome. R ather tthan han u sing of connected home.

Rather using a number number of of different different apps, apps, people people are a re increasingly increasingly u using sing a c central entral ‘‘device’, dev ice’, ssuch uch as as A Amazon mazon E Echo cho o orr Google Google Home, Home, w which hich have have iin-built, n-built, v voice-activated oice-act ivated a assistants ssistants that llisten isten out out for for commands commands a nd a ct u pon that and act upon

them a them accordingly. ccordingly. F For or iinstance, nstance, a user user can can call c all upon upon ttheir heir d digital ig ital a assistant ssistant tto oc change hange ttheir heir temperature, temperature, fi xad ate iin n ttheir heir d iar y, fix date diary, orr e o even ven a add dd iitems tems tto o a sshopping hopping llist i st w with it h jjust ust a few few ssimple imple rrequests. equests.

Digital Dig ital a assistants ssistants a are re a also l so b built uilt iinto nto a number n umber of of smartphones s ar t phones a sm and nd tablets, tablets, such suc u h a iPhones o Pads. Ap ple H ome K it-enabled ass iPhones orr iiPads.

Apple Home Kit-enabled tthermostats her mostats ((such such a as s tthe he L Lyric y r ic T T6) 6) c can an b be e c ont rolled v ia tthe he Si ri v oice function f unct ion o n controlled via Siri voice on an a n iPhone iPhone o orr iiPad, Pad, w while hile tthe he IIFTTT F T T T web w eb sservice er vice adds adds a an ne extra xtra llayer ayer of of functionality functionality ffor or tthe he u user, ser, o often ften iincreasing ncreasing tthe he n number u m b er o tasks that t hat can can be be carried car r ied out. out. IFTTT IF T T T off tasks ((which which sstands tands for for ‘‘If If T his, Then Then That’) That’) is is a This, ffree, ree, web-based web-based application applicat ion which which can can be be used u sed o on nb both ot h iO iOS Sa and nd A Android ndroid d devices. ev ices. IItt e nables u sers tto oc reate ttheir heir o w n ssimple imple enables users create own a utomation pr ocesses – k nown a sa pplets – automation processes known as applets b ased on on a series series of of conditions. conditions. A ne xample based An example c ommand ffor or e vohome c ould b e: ‘‘if if c urrent command evohome could be: current w eatther condition condition c hanges tto o sn ow, sset et z one weather changes snow, zone ttemperature emperat ure tto oX °C’.

X°C’.

Setting S etting up Since these Since t hese products products are are available available tto o purchase p urchase tthrough hrough c consumer onsumer rretail etail channels, channels, tthe he q question uestion o on nm many any iinstallers’ nstallers’ llips ips iis s llikely ikely tto ob be: e: h how ow a are re tthey hey rrelevant elevant tto om me? e?

The The answer answer is is simple. simple. A As s tthese hese p products roduc ct s become b ecome m more ore p popular, opular, tthey hey w will ill b begin eg in tto o iinfluence nfluence h homeowners’ omeow ners’ d decisions ecisions w when hen purchasing p urchasing thermostats t her mostats and and other ot her sm smart ar t home As will h ome ttechnology. echnolog y. A s ssuch, uch, iinstallers nstallers w ill need advise on which n eed tto o a d i se o dv n w hich tthermostats her mostats are a re compatible compat ible w with it h h home ome h hubs ub s a and nd sset et up work as part off tthe tthem hem u p tto o w ork ttogether oget her a s p ar t o he iinstallation nstallat ion p process. rocess. T This his rreduces educes tthe he rrisk i sk off disgruntled o disgruntled c customers ustomers c calling alling u up pb because ecau use will not with ttheir heir tthermostat hermostat w ill n ot iintegrate ntegratte w ith ttheir heir ability sshiny hiny new new gadget. gadget. What’s What’s more, more, tthe he ab ility tto o talk tal k c confidently onfidently a about bout w which hich c connected onnected smart work with smart hubs sm ar t thermostats t her mostats w ork w it h sm ar t h ub s great way off iintroducing and upselling iis sag reat w ay o ntroducing a nd u pselling tthem hem tto oc customers. ustomers.

Ther mostat m anufact urers ssuch uch a s Thermostat manufacturers as Honeywell can advise on which devices are H oneywell c an a dvise o nw hich d evices a re compatible with For c ompat ible w it h ttheir heir product product range. range. F or example, e xample, our our Lyric Lyr ic T6 T6 series, ser ies, evohome evohome and and Single Zone are all compatible Si ngle Z one tthermostats hermostats a re a ll c ompatible with w ith the the Amazon Amazon Echo Echo home home control control system system and The Lyric T6 a nd are are IFTTT-enabled.

IFT T T-enabled. T he L yr ic T 6 sseries er ie i s also works with Google Home and Apple a l so w orks w it h G oogle H ome a nd A pple HomeKit. H omeKit. ENQUIRY

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Installers Installers need need to to know know which which home home hubs hubs are are compatible compatible with with which which smart smart thermostats thermostats

Online as well as Online resources resources a s w el l a s sspecialist p e c i a l i st manufacturer courses available m anufacturer ttraining raining c ourses are are a vailable assist understanding how tto o a ssist with w it h u nderstanding h ow tthese hese smart sm ar t thermostats t her mostats work work with w it h home home hubs. hubs.

For Honeywell connected F or example, example, tthe he Ho n y w el l c ne onnected course c ourse not not only only covers covers technical technical aspects aspects of of but iinstalling nstalling its its product product range, range, b ut also also where where tthey hey fit fit in in the t he world world of of the t he smart smar t home. home.

As as and desk As well w el l a s ttraining raining a nd d esk rresearch, e s ea r c h , with iinstallers nstallers are are advised adv ised tto o sspeak p ea k w it h homeowners early on about h omeowners e arly o na bout ttheir heir llifestyle ife f st yle and a nd heating heat ing requirements. requirements. This This enables enables iinstallers nstallers to to recommend recommend a tthermostat hermostat tthat hat compatible with customer’s iiss not not only only c ompatible w ith ttheir heir c ustomer’s hub, ssmart mart h ub, but but also also suits suits their their needs. needs. After After all, a ll, an an incorrectly incorrectly specified specified control control will will not not work potential, and ability w ork tto o iits ts ffull ull p otential, a nd tthe he ab ilit y tto o explain how e xplain h ow the the recommended recommended tthermostat hermostat works with smart w orks w ith a customer’s customer’s sm art hub hub u is is helpful helpful closing ffor or c losing a sale. sale.

Brave B rave new new world world As tthe As he d digital igital w world orld ttransforms ransforms c consumers’ onsumers’ everyday e veryday llives, ives, there there are are implications implicattions ffor or tthe he rrole ole o off tthe he iinstaller. nstaller. R Rather ather tthan han ttrusting rusting tthe he iinstaller’s nstaller’s recommendation, recommendation, iitt iis s llikely ikely tthat hat ttech-savvy ech-savvy h homeowners omeowners w will ill b begin egin tto o rrequest equest c onnected tthermostats hermostats tthat hat a re c ompatible connected are compatible with w ith other other smart smart home home devices. devices. And And whilst whilst change c hange is is inevitable, inev itable, it it also also presents presents new new opportunities o ppor t unit ies for for iinstallers nstallers tto og grow row ttheir heir business b usiness and and seize seize the the connected connected home home of of the th e ffuture. uture.

PHAM P HAM N NEWS EW S E ENQUIRY NQUIRY N No. o.

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September 2017

52 HEATING Controls

Making the switch to smarter technology With the ability to switch to cheaper tariffs, improve comfort levels and also display family pictures, the latest smart controls from Warmup offer a range of features that take heating control technology to a new level. PHAM News recently visited the company’s offices in north London to find out more about the main features and benefits.

T

he introduction of ‘smart technology’ has undoubtedly made a difference to how people now interact with their heating system, with devices that are capable of responding to our daily routines and settings that can be altered many miles away from home. Such technology doesn’t stand still, however, and it’s important that consumers Andrew Stimpson, CEO should be aware that some smart controls are just that bit smarter than others.

As Spencer Sheen, who runs the Smart Devices Division at Warmup, points out: “It’s one thing saying a product has an app, but not all apps are created equal.”

He argues that there’s not a huge amount of value in simply controlling something from a mobile phone that was previously controlled from the wall, but he does believe that, if applied in the right way, the latest controls technology has the potential to not only make a significant saving in fuel bills but also deliver big improvements to comfort levels and quality of life.

Expansion plans Warmup is a name that most people would associate with electric underfloor heating, but recent years have seen the company expand its heating offering to encompass wet systems, heating panels and towel warmers. The biggest investment, though, has been directed at the heating controls market and the latest versions of its fast growing range of smart thermostats – the 4iE and wireless 5iE. The company’s R&D facility and team of programmers were tasked with coming up with a heating control that saves users money, is easy to use and is also good to look at – and Warmup’s CEO, Andrew Stimpson, is confident that they have delivered on all fronts.

“What we’ve tried to do is develop a control that will save the user the most amount of money for the least amount of effort,” he explains. “I don’t think there’s any other system that does it with the accuracy ours does.”

A switch in time One feature that is likely to generate a lot of interest is ‘EasySwitch’. It’s a technology which will monitor prices and works on behalf of the user to seek the best energy tariff available, switching automatically to the best deal when appropriate. The company estimates that this could save households an average of £210 a year, with larger homes saving over £500.

“About 80% of people are on the wrong energy tariff,” points out Sheen. “There are plenty of ways to switch, but for some reason people aren’t doing it. They want the house to be comfortable, and cost as little as possible to run, but they don’t really want to do anything to achieve that. So we’re trying to give them less to do and simplify the switching process for them. If they’re happy to tick a box and let us do that on their behalf, they won’t have to think about it again.”

Trust is clearly an important issue if consumers are

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going to let a heating product manufacturer, or any other company, make decisions on utility suppliers on their behalf and Andrew Stimpson acknowledges that it’s vital for Warmup to be independent from the energy market.

“If you’re going to allow somebody else to make a decision regarding your energy provider then it’s clearly important that you trust them,” he says. “From a consumer confidence point of view, being transparent and being independent from suppliers is crucial.”

Before allowing the system to seek out the cheapest energy supplier, the user will have the option of prioritising some providers and removing others from the matrix. For example, if they are particularly interested in renewable energy they may only want to support those suppliers who access energy from renewable sources.

Others, it is suggested, may only want to compare prices from the ‘top six’ because some people like the comfort of using a ‘big name’.

With fluctuating prices and deals that may only be available for a limited period, selec t in g the most b en ef ic ial deal f or u sers w it h dif f eren t requirements is clearly a complex b u sin ess, but Warmup is confident that it has developed a system that will meet most requirements.

“The algorithm will need to take into account a number of different factors to ensure that the user is getting the best value for money at any given time,” explains Stimpson, “including early termination fees and things like that.”

On location ‘SmartGeo’ is the other important feature that will help users to save energy and also improve comfort levels. It works with the location services built into smartphones, learning routines, but also ensuring that the heating system is up and running if users were to return home unexpectedly. By responding to the heat up and cool down rates of different homes, Smart Geo will also turn the heating off at the right time to avoid wasting energy.

“We’ve spent a huge amount of time working on SmartGeo – it’s incredibly complex, but the end result is incredibly simple,” says Sheen. “We like to say that it works like magic – and that appears to be something that people find appealing.”

The controller has been designed to learn the routines of users, but also cope with variations in behaviour.

Warmup estimates that SmartGeo will deliver a 25% saving over other programmable thermostats, which, for a typical UK home, could equate to £170 a year.

“It basically delivers a really efficient programme, but then overrides it when required,” says Stimpson. “The idea is that the user is going to be comfortable but they’re

not going to be paying for it inefficiently.”

“The EasySwitch app and SmartGeo allow us to take control of comfort levels without the user having to do anything about it,” adds Sheen. “It’s like having one of us there programming it for you. Most people don’t want to spend a lot of time looking at their app. We take a lot of pride in most of our users only glancing at it for a few seconds to see that all the setting are correct. But for those who do want to play about with it, who want to monitor their energy use on a regular basis, it’s all there for them as well. It’s designed for people who don’t want to do anything ever, but it’s also great for those who want to know how much energy has cost them in the last hour.”

Looking good While addressing the key issues of energy saving and comfort levels, Warmup has not neglected the importance of aesthetics. How ever much people might want to save on their fuel bills, few people want to spend money on something that they would rather not set their eyes on.

“We don’t want people to think they need to hide these things away,” explains Stimpson.

“So we think we’ve come up with a groundbreaking design, with a reflective surface and bevelled edges, cut at certain angles so it reflects the colour of the wall.”

An attractive feature to many users will also be the option of being able to personalise their control with their own chosen images.“Some people might think it’s a gimmick, but I think users like the idea of being able to regularly change the look,” says Andrew. “We wanted to see if we could offer something different to the ‘white thing on the wall’. If something looks different, then people are more likely to think that it might actually be different. So with our latest control you can now upload a picture of your pet dog or cat on the screen – there is no other thermostat on the market that allows you to do that.”

As well as pictures of their nearest and dearest, the programmers will also enable users to quickly view how much energy they’ve saved, with graphs which demonstrate usage and energy costs over time. Natural language programming, which avoids reference to any unfamiliar terminology and spells out exactly which settings are being programmed by the end user, also helps to avoid any potential confusion.

“The experience has got to be easy for the consumer,” concludes Stimpson. “It’s our name on the thermostat, so it’s important that they have a positive experience.

It’s also important to exceed the expectations of both consumers and trade customers – and with the 4iE and 5iE programmers I think we’ve done just that.” www.warmup.co.uk

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54 HEATING Controls

Everyone benefits from the upsell As heating controls become more and more sophisticated and smart homes continue to become more the norm, installers need to know about the options they can provide their customers. Dean Jepson, European MD of Salus, discusses the opportunities of upselling.

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e’ve all been at a restaurant, shop, or fast-food takeaway and been offered the option of enhancing our purchase for a small extra cost. From croissants to crisps, and from fries to meal deals, we’re constantly bombarded with extra purchases and addons galore. There’s no harm done, and we don’t have to say yes. When we do, we might find ourselves with a better deal, or even with options that we might not otherwise have Dean Jepson, Salus MD considered.

Motivated customers

Salus’s Smart Home system controls more than just heating

The iT500 smart thermostat is supported by an app

be asking the following questions: Why does the customer need new controls? What controls do they currently have?

What’s the size of their home? What’s their lifestyle like?

What’s their budget?

in their homes over the next five years, this is going to be a common situation. So, now’s your chance to talk to them about a ‘connected home’ – a home that not only features smart heating controls, but a whole a series of other ‘connected devices’ that can improve convenience, control, make energy savings, and create an overall much smarter home.

With a series of connected devices, all the customer needs to do is set the schedule, and the rest is automated based on personal preferences. They may be interested in smart plugs, door and window sensors, or an electric monitor that provides data on any particular product. If that doesn’t whet their appetite, how about a smoke alarm, CO2 alarm, or even a camera? All to be controlled via a smartphone app.

Heating controls are no different. Since the customer is already intent on changing their controls, where’s the harm in encouraging them to upgrade to something more advanced, like smart controls? This is called the ‘upsell’, Clear communication and selling an upgraded product to someone who is already The next step would be to provide information about the buying is possibly the easiest way to increase sales and controls you recommend, highlighting the features and boost profits. Many installers struggle with upselling as benefits. For example, if you’re being asked to replace they don’t want to feel like they are pushing products onto a mechanical on/off thermostat, you should use the someone. However, if you engage with your customer and opportunity to encourage the customer to consider a discover that they are often away at weekends, then by modern digital room thermostat. By pointing out all the not recommending smart energy-saving features and controls which would give the superior comfort and “The majority of people appreciate being accuracy of control, the them greater freedom and flexibility of their hot water customer will be quick to updated about additional products” and heating, you would not realise their benefits. be doing your job properly.

Maybe the customer lives The customer is putting their trust in you as a heating in a large property. So, how about upgrading the customer advisor, and to ignore their needs may mean they are left to wireless controls that will enable them to place the with controls that simply aren’t suitable. Customers today thermostat almost anywhere? Not only will it avoid long are more savvy than ever about energy efficiency and are cable runs, the customer will be pleased to know that keen to learn about energy savings. Therefore, don’t worry there’s no dust, no damage to room décor, and no visible about irritating or offending them by suggesting an upgrade. cables. And, of course, the added benefit for you is that Research shows that the majority of people appreciate they are simple and quick to fit with no time-consuming being updated about additional products or services. In holes to be drilled. any case, most of them could never be manipulated into Maybe the customer has heard all about smart controls a buying something they didn’t want. and wants to upgrade to a product that can offer flexibility Successful upselling starts with asking the customer lots of control, energy savings, and improved comfort too. With of questions and carefully listening to what they have to say. recent findings from MTW Research suggesting that 50% With so many control options to choose from, you need to of consumers are likely to install smart heating products

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Meeting needs As you can see, upselling can take many different forms and any one of the above scenarios could seriously help boost your bottom line. What’s important to understand is that upselling is not only about selling more products; it’s about establishing the customer’s real needs and requirements.

Providing more value and benefits to your customers is the key. Asking relevant questions will not only elevate your sales, but your overall customer experience will become more positive.

Find out more For more information on the range of heating controls from Salus, enter the number below.

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56 H HEATING EATING C Controls ontrols

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but but providing prov iding reliable, reliable, e evenly venly l d distributed istr ibuted heat homeowners. heat ffor or h omeow ners.

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that that rradiators adiators m may ay accidentally accidentally o overheat verheat o orr underheat underheat a room room A ttemperature emperat ure range range limiting l im it ing pin, pin, included included w with it h e every v er y D Drayton r ay t on T TRV, RV, llets et s you you rrestrict estr ict the the temperature temperrature for for iincreased ncreased heating The pin also makes heat ing efficiency. ef fic ienc y. T he p in a l so m akes it it simple simple to to limit limit the the temperature temperature for for certain certain rooms.

For r o om s . F or example, example, restricting rest r ict ing the t he top t op temperature temperat ure available ava i lable in in a bedroom bedroom or or similarly similarly llimiting imit ing tthe he ttemperature emperat ure w within it hin children’s children’s or or elderly elderly relative’s relat ive’s rooms. rooms. Each Each Drayton Dray ton TRV T RV includes includes one one temperature temperat ure limiting pin as with additional l im it ing p in a s sstandard t a nd a r d w it h a dd it ional pins att a n nominal pins available ava i lab ble a om inal cost. c o st . www.draytoncontrols.co.uk w ww.draytoncontrols.co.uk

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HEATING Controls

Benefitting from smarter heating Modern technology enables installers to tailor heating systems to meet the different needs of diverse households. Nigel Sanger, Divisional Director – Technical Support at John Guest, explains.

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emand for smart heating has grown considerably in recent years, as people are becoming more conscious about sustainability and reducing energ y bills.

Modern consumers demand convenience in every facet of their lives, and heating is no exception.

When it comes to heating a home, the convenience aspect of heating control is often just as important as energy efficiency. Installing heating control comes with its own set of challenges, but by taking a few key points into consideration, installers can tailor heating systems to meet the precise needs of end users, helping them to maximise cost and energy savings and to create a more comfortable living space. Given that heating accounts for 70% of the overall running cost of an average UK household, addressing a number of installation considerations can make a huge difference.

Lifestyle choice When considering which zones to include in a heating system, it is important also to understand the routine of the occupants of a property.

For example, some bedrooms may not need to be heated at a particular temperature until occupants return home from work and school, meaning that a lower daytime temperature is more appropriate.

When installing a heating system, it is essential to get a picture of the routine of the occupants of the house, and when in the day they are most likely to need heat, so that heating times can be configured accordingly.

Inside the zone The term ‘zone’ is used to describe an area to be heated and controlled by one thermostat. Typically, a home will be sectioned into set zones, with the temperature and heating duration tailored

occupancy patterns of the house is crucial to an effective smart heating installation.

Householders should be provided with a user-friendly system which allows them to control the specific times that they want to activate their heating. The greater the degree of heating control is, the greater the potential cost and energy savings.

Cutting bills

Installing a wireless TRV, such as the JG Aura, will help to ensure that the right zones are heated at the right temperature

to the requirements of each zone. In many cases two rooms, such as an open plan kitchen and dining area, will be grouped together to form a single zone. So plan out your zones and agree them with the customer before installing the thermostats.

It is not uncommon for some installers and homeowners to use one thermostat to control more than one zone, but this is not considered best practice and is likely to waste energy.

By attempting to maximise the effect of thermostats by programming them to control multiple zones, the temperature of one room will be influenced by another, having an adverse impact on energy efficiency. To make the most of cost and energy savings, it is therefore essential to use separate thermostats to control individual heating zones.

About time As with most things in life, timing is everything. There is no value in heating an unoccupied house, and so understanding exactly when and how the space in a house is used is crucial.

Programming individual zones in line with the

Simply installing heating controls in a home does not save money. In contrast to the one-size-fits-all approach to heating of days gone by, smart controls can be used to save money and energy but only when they are used in the right way. For example, heating only rooms that are in use can save money and energy consumption when compared to heating an entire house. Reducing overall heating times is decisive in achieving cost savings, and central to this is careful planning.

The heating times, durations and temperature zones of a house should be based closely around the routine and habits of its occupants. This helps to reduce unnecessary energy consumption and cost.

Locked on A boiler is only as good as the device controlling it, and this is where the interlock function of smart heating controls can add real value, ensuring that the boiler is switched on and off as required. When the desired room temperature has been achieved, the interlock activates a cooling unit which is used to lower the overall temperature of the system.

Using a poorly designed, inefficient, or unreliable interlock will often result in energy wastage, which defeats the purpose of installing smart controls.

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58 HEATING Controls

Maintaining comfort whatever the weather With weather compensation technology set to play a more significant role in the heating industry, Jon Phillips, Head of Product Management at Baxi, explains that its wider use will result in both savings in energy costs and improvements in system performance.

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ore than a decade since it was mandated that all domestic boiler installations use a condensing boiler, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Future of Heat consultation represents the first substantial change to Part L heating requirements since 2005. The consultation features a proposal to introduce new requirements for heating system controls Jon Phillips, Head of Product whenever a replacement Management at Baxi boiler is installed, with weather compensation amongst a list of options.

Despite countries such as Germany and Holland making weather compensation a legal requirement, until now the UK has been lax on the subject, with no mandate enshrined in Building Regulations. However, not only can weather compensation offer energy savings, aiding the country with carbon reduction targets, but they can also cut homeowner bills too.

Statistics show that over 95% of homeowners have a boiler, yet less than half of these are fitted with adequate controls, resulting in serious energy wastage issues. This presents a perfect opportunity for the Government to reduce energy use in the nation’s homes whilst simultaneously reducing consumers’ utility bills. Over a million new gas boilers are installed every year, and if each of these were accompanied by a full suite of heating controls, the carbon and monetary savings would be substantial.

A recent survey found that 65% of consumers would be willing to pay a higher initial cost for long term boiler savings. Given that weather compensation can potentially

A weather compensation control will help to ensure comfort levels are maintained, whatever the time of year

Made to measure

Baxi’s wired weather sensor constantly monitors the outside temperature and adjusts boiler output accordingly

offer homeowners hundreds of pounds of savings over a boiler’s lifetime, these controls should be an easy sell for installers. Not only that, but weather compensation is on the less costly end of the spectrum when it comes to other energy saving options – a real win for all involved.

Taking this into account, it’s vital for those in the heating industry to familiarise themselves with this technology to understand how it works, and why it’s important.

Full control of heating and cooling The RDJ100 programmable digital room thermostat and RDH100 thermostat from Siemens Building Technologies are claimed to represent the ultimate solutions for those looking for improved control and high levels of comfort in their home.

The RDJ100 is designed with domestic users in mind as it allows occupants of the building to take full control of their heating system with automatic energy saving, comfort and frost protection modes. It also utilises TPI control to ensure high control efficiency and accuracy.

Siemens has focused on providing customers with a number of userfriendly features, including daily programming and a large, easy-to-use LCD display

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Easy to install

which allows users to view the temperature of the room and ensure that their heating system operates efficiently.

The thermostat also comes with advanced and override functions, volt free contacts (24-250) and is available in either RF or fixed installation models.

The RDJ100 comes with a large control dial for settings which allow users to access information which will ensure that they have full control of heating and cooling while also maximising efficiency levels.

Those looking for simplified solution can choose Siemens RDH100 thermostat.

It comes with volt free contacts, a manual override switch and is designed for use with combi boilers. www.siemens.co.uk

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The Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) defines weather compensation as: ‘A device, or a feature within a device, which maintains the temperature inside the building by sensing and limiting the temperature of the water circulating through the heat generator and heat emitters in relation to the temperatures measured outside the building’.

So, what does this mean? Essentially, weather compensated heating systems utilise a small outdoor sensor to adjust the system flow temperature in order to compensate for changes in outdoor temperature automatically. This means that the boiler modulates the amount of fuel burnt to match the heat lost from the building by using external temperature as a reference point, meaning the internal temperature is more consistent throughout the year.

On the other hand, traditional ‘on/off’ controls have no measured temperature reference point for the boiler to interpret.

As a result, when the boiler is on, it runs at full power regardless of how much heat is required.

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From the perspective of a heating engineer, installation is straightforward. Once the heating curve is set (the approximate thermal performance of the building and the type of heat emitters present), there is no end user interaction required. The end user simply operates the room thermostat and programmer as normal and the weather compensation system will maintain the boiler flow temperature accordingly.

Even if weather compensation isn’t included during a boiler’s initial installation, the external sensor can easily be retrofitted, making it the perfect add-on to sell during a boiler service. At Baxi we offer expert training on heating controls, allowing installers to learn more about what’s available.

Installers need to polish up on weather compensation technology in preparation for a policy which could make a significant impact on homeowners’ energy bills and UK energy targets overall. Understanding the benefits that weather compensation offers customers, and being able to explain the technology behind it, can pay dividends and help installers to win business at any time of the year – no matter what the weather. www.baxi.co.uk

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Options to suit every customer From simple dial controls to more complex digital units, there’s a range of options to suit every type of user. Tristan James, Sales Director at ESi, takes a look at the different controls on offer and how they might contribute to saving money and boosting efficiency.

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he decision as to which controls to include in a heating system – whether new build or a replacement project – is not as straightforward as it once was. The selection of programmers and timers available today are many and varied and range from the simple to the far more complex. So it is important to choose the controls you install based on the homeowners who will need to use them.

In a recent survey of housing association direct labour organisations and contractors, the majority of call outs to heating system failures were as a result of the often elderly tenant being unable to master the controls – there was usually nothing wrong with the heating system itself!

Using the latest wifi controlled touch screen controls, whilst to many internet savvy homeowners may represent a huge plus, to others, perhaps older people or vulnerable individuals who need simplicity in their controls, the modern screens and flashing lights may well be a step too far.

Channel hopping Whilst most boilers these days feature in-built controls that look after the level and flow of heating and hot water, the range of heating controls that can be used around the home has grown to allow you to be in far more control day to day.

At ESi we offer a range of programmers from a relatively simple 1 channel version to a 3 channel multi-purpose programmer which enables the installer to comply with Part L of the Building Regulations by providing separate timed heating control for living and sleeping zones. These programmers also

feature a ‘landlord’ option to encourage tenants to allow access for annual maintenance, often a real challenge for landlords.

Our ESRTP4 model provides 7 day, 5/2 day or 24-hour programming options, with up to six time and temperature settings for each day.

Because these are also available in wireless versions, they can be installed absolutely anywhere in the home. Easy to use, with a large, easy to read LCD display, the ESRTP4 helps to save energy by use of a delayed start and optimum start/stop function.

Easy does it For people who prefer a control dial to push button controls, our electronic room thermostats offer the simple answer they are looking for.

Available with or without an LCD display, the homeowner simply has to turn the dial to the desired temperature. Again, either hard wired or wireless options are available. And for people who simply want a standard mechanical room thermostat, we offer these as well. It’s horses for courses and there are options for every potential user.

For heating systems that have a cylinder for storing hot water, a cylinder thermostat switches on and off the heat supply from the boiler to the hot water cylinder.

It works by sensing the temperature of the water inside the cylinder. It switches on the water heating when the temperature falls below the thermostat setting, and switches it off once the set temperature has been reached.

We recently developed a new electronic dual cylinder thermostat that offers a direct and economical replacement for traditional mechanical dual cylinder thermostats. It

offers real safety and energy saving benefits and provides accurate temperature control with a clear and informative LCD display. Hot water can be stored at any temperature between 25 and 65°C. It has the added advantage of a weekly automatic one hour ‘boost’ that can be set at a time that is best for the homeowners. This boost lifts the temperature of the water in the cylinder to above 60°C to eradicate any legionella bacteria. This results in substantial energy saving compared to traditional systems storing the hot water at a constant 60°C. The clear LCD display on the unit shows the current water temperature, and when adjusted the set point temperature. And the weekly boost can be disabled or adjusted depending on the requirements of the homeowner and the installation.

In the zone Most homes in the UK still tend to have a single heating zone – and the only control in the rooms is by thermostatic radiator valves. When a new heating system is installed it’s possible to fit a full zone control that has different pipe loops and separate thermostats for two or more areas. This can save significant amounts of fuel in larger houses.

We offer a range of zone valves which are a direct replacement for existing valves if they fail. These are very quiet in operation and have minimum power usage. They come with a five-year warranty and easy fit components, with a simple clip on/off detachable actuator head and an option of a ‘plug and play’ cable.

By offering a range that includes the simplest of controls right through to the more complex wifi based units, we hope to enable installers to choose the right controls for their customers for every installation they carry out. www.esicontrols.co.uk

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Reaping the rewards of monitoring boilers remotely As heating controls continue to evolve, end users have been provided with more opportunities to save on energy. However, smart controls and remote monitoring also offer installers plenty of business opportunities – says Alex Boweren, Product Manager at Ariston.

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mart technology and controls have been making waves throughout the heating industry, particularly with the Internet of Things (IoT) connecting people with a wide range of devices online. We have seen controls develop to a stage where people can now control the heating in their homes remotely with ease via apps on their smartphones or tablets. Today, users don’t even need to be at home to alter their heating programmes.

The latest smart heating controls allow thermostats to be set remotely via a mobile app. So, if someone is going to be late home, they can adjust their boiler so the heating comes on later than planned. Of course, this is not merely due to an app alone – modulating room thermostats, outdoor sensors and even zone management devices all contribute

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Remote diagnosis

Ariston NET enables the remote diagnosis and monitoring of boilers

to a system’s levels of functionality and efficiency.

Affordability has become a key factor for end users, as they continually search for the best method of lowering their energy bills. While smart meters allow people to monitor their energy

usage, self-diagnosing mobile apps take things a step further by also adjusting parameters in relation to user behaviour. By remembering and analysing routine energy use, smart apps and controls can then use this data to set heating preferences automatically.

However, it isn’t just end users who can reap the benefits of modern heating controls. Apps like Ariston NET now mean installers can enhance their businesses and offer customers improved long term value by remotely diagnosing boilers in real time. Having direct access to all system functions, fault codes and boiler parameters at the click of a button minimises heating downtime, as any realtime notifications can be seen and reacted to instantly.

In addition, having the ability to continually monitor customers’ boilers, and solve any potential issues before they are even aware of them, is beneficial as an extended business offering. The capacity for remote monitoring and fixing are added value services, which can be

further supplemented by enhanced service offerings and maintenance contracts.

Remote diagnostics also bring the added benefit of operational efficiency by enabling remote fixing via changing a parameter or resetting the boiler. Such live monitoring capabilities and fault notifications also help to maximise time and productivity.

Intelligent controls are set to become key elements of heating system installations for the foreseeable future. With this being the case, installers need to ensure they have a thorough understanding of the options available – not just to satisfy their customers, but also to maximise the many benefits offered by devices with remote diagnostic capabilities.

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HEATING H EATING Controls Controls 61 Heralding eralding the the use use of of smart smart control control Remot Remotely o ely manage manage H radiator r adia attor valves at valves A smart, smart, app-based app-based controller controller is is now now available av vailable for for Lochinvar’s Lochinvar’s Herald boilers.

Herald range range of of gas-fired gas-fired condensing condensing b oilers. The The Con-X-us Con-X-us system users connect system lets lets u sers c onnect ttheir heir smart smart devices, devices, including including phones and on-board phones a nd ttablets, a lets, tto ab o tthe he o n-board boiler controls boiler c ontrols so so they they can can monitor monitor and and adjust adjust tthe he ssystem ystem operation operation a and nd heating heatting parameters parameters from from anywhere anywhere in in the the world. world.

Con-X-us C on-X-us is is an an ancillary ancillary option option that that can can be be ordered ordered and and fitted fitted to to the the boiler boiler before before despatch, despattch, or or retrofitted retrofitted on on site. site. There There are are no no ongoing and provides ongoing costs costs a nd iitt p rovides ffull ull control control over over the the boiler boilerr with with email email or or text text alerts, alerts, keeping keeping users users connected connected and and updated updated 24/7.

24/7. It It can can also also be be adjusted adjusted to to allow allow temporar y a ccess tto oo ther u sers ffor or temporary access other users

The second-generation The second-generat ion E Eco co rradiator adiator tthermostat her mostat from from Danfoss D anfoss p pr provides ov ides h heating eat ing control c ontrol u using sing the the Danfoss Danfoss Eco Eco app ap pp tto o programme programme individual individual rradiator adiator thermostats t her mostats via v ia Bluetooth.

B luetoot h. It It is is said said to to offer offer an easy a n e asy and and cost-effective cost-effect ive ttransition ransit ion to to intelligent intelligent heating h eating ffor or h homes omes a and nd sm small all commercial c ommercial premises. premises.

The T he app app enables enables u users s er s tto o pr program og ram the t he h heating eat ing tto o ssuit uit their their daily daily schedule schedule and and keep k eep rooms rooms comfortably comfor tably warm w ar m when when occupied, occupied, and a nd cooler cooler when when e empty. mpt y.

Eco can be E co tthermostats her mostats c an b e programmed pr og rammed individually indiv idually smartphone ffrom rom a sm ar t phone ffrom rom a distance off up d istance o up to to 10m.

10m. Eco E co can manually c an be be adjusted adjusted m anually using u sing the the turn-wheel turn-wheel option. option.

According A Ac cording tto o Da D Danfoss nfoss Marketing Ma rketing Director Directo t r Bjorn Bjorn Sejr Nielsen, S ejr N ielsen, the the secondsecond-

m aintenance o fter ssales ales ssupport upport sso o tthat hat a ny o perational maintenance orr a after any operational problems can p roblems c an be be resolved resolved as as quickly quickly as as possible. possible. The The system system can c an a also lso be be configured configured by by the the main main user user to to allow allow up up to to three three extra service ser vice personnel personnel tto o rreceive eceive e-mail e-mail or or text a lerts. text alerts. ““Smart Smart ttechnology echnolog y really really comes comes into into its its own own in in this this kind kind of of application,” application,” ssays ays Lochinvar MD MD David David Pepper.

Pepper. “Our “Our app app Lochinvar reduces service service a nd repair rep pair costs costs and and avoids avoids reduces and potential system system downtime downtime by by acting acting as as potential an a n early early l warning warning system. system. It It also also enables enab bles continual monitoring user can continual m onitor ing sso o tthe he u ser c an adjust adjust settings settings at at any any time time of of day day or or night wherever are.” n ight ffrom rom w herever tthey hey a re.”

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generation generation Eco Eco is is the the perfect perfect plug-and-play plug-and-play ssolution olution ffor or all all kinds off d domestic and small kinds o omestic a nd sm all commercial commercial radiator radia i tor heating heating systems. systems. He He comments: comments: “Together, “Together, our our new new Eco Eco radiator radiator thermostat thermostat and and app end-users app enable enable e nd-users tto o experience experience some some of of the the key key benefits benefits of of intelligent intelligent heating heatting for for a rrelatively elatively llow ow iinvestment nvestment cost.

Eco ensures optimum cost. E co e nsures o ptimum comfort and potential comfort a nd p otential ssavings avings of up 30% on of u p tto o3 0% o n heating heatting bills.” bills.”

The Eco T he new new E co rradiator adiator thermostat t her mostat is is compatible compat ible with w it h 90% 90% of of all all radiator radiator valves.

This makes valves. T h is m akes it it suitable s u i t ab l e for f o r upg u p g rading r ad i ng ex e x iist st ing i n g iinstallat n s t a l l a t ions, ions, either eit her as as a replacement replacement on on all maximum all radiators radiators ffor or m aximum energy orr sstarting energ y ssavings, av ing s, o tar t ing with w it h just just the t he one. one.

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Multi o Multi occupancy ccupancy buildings b uildi d ngs sorted sortted The T he R RXLC XLC Landlord Landlord Control C ontrol He Heating at ing S System ystem ffrom rom C Consort onsor t Claudgen Claudgen iiss a heating heat ing system system for for sstudent tudent accommodation, accommodation, hotels, h otels, or or anywhere any where where w here a c central entral c control ont rol unit u nit is is required required to control control tthe he ttemperature emperat ure o off a all ll heaters h eaters iin n a b building uilding orr rooms. o rooms. It It consists consists of of a n MRXLC MR XLC controller controller an ((pictured pict ured ttop op rright) ight) a and nd o ne o ore C R X LC one orr m more CRXLC c ontrollers ((pictured pic i t u red controllers bottom b ottom right) r ight) c connected onnected tto o Consort’s Consor t’s RX R X heaters. heaters.

The MRXLC T he M RXLC can can control control any any number number of of CRXLCs CRXLCs depending depending on o n tthe he b building uilding construction. const r uct ion. It It sets sets the t he same same seven-day seven-day programme pr og ramme with w it h six si x time t ime settings sett ing s per per day day for for all all CRXLC C R X LC controllers. c ontrollers. Room Room occupants occupants can can temporarily temporar ily y adjust adjust the t he rroom oom ttemperature emperat ure on on tthe he C CRXLC R XLC ffor or a pr predetermined edeter mined off ttime before device programmed llength ength o ime b efore tthe he d evice rreverts everts tto o tthe he p rogrammed temperature. te mperat ure.

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62 H HEATING EATING C Controls ontrols

Simple Simple l T Touch ouch tto o R Radio adio ffrequency requency m makes akes iinstalls nstalls eeasy asy a ppeal to to all all u sers appeal users Touch iiss Ideal Touch Ideal Boilers’ Boilers’ new new ffull ull colour colour ttouchscreen ouchscreen R F RF tthermostat, hermostat, compatible compat a ible with with all Logic+ and a ll Ideal Ideal Logic, Logic, L ogic+ a nd Vogue V ogue b boilers. oilers. T The he T Touch ouch c an be be installed installed in in under under can fi ve minutes minutes u sing a ‘‘click click five using and a nd control’ control’ m method ethod and and rrequires equires no no hard-wiring. hard-wiring.

Ass soon A soon as as the the transceiver transceiver clicked boiler, iis sc licked iinto nto tthe he b oiler, iitt automatically a utomattically pairs pairs with with the the Touch control T ouch c ontrol unit. unit. colour A fully fully interactive interactive c olour ttouchscreen ouchscreen enables enables heating heating programmes pr ogrammes to to be be set set quickly quickly and a nd e easily. asily y. S Such uch e ease ase o off u use se will mean control w ill m ean iimproved mproved co ntrol and a nd therefore therefore iimproved mproved efficiency, e fficiency, ssays ay ys IIdeal. deal. ““Our Our iin-house n-house technical technical tteam eam carefully carefully sselected elected tthe he iideal deall e lectronics, plastics plastics and and electronics, even e ven pr process ocess of of assembly assembly to to pr oduce a smart, smart, yet yet simple simple produce h eating c ontrol w hich h as heating control which has b een de signed specifically specifically been designed tto ow ork in in harmony harmony with with our our work b oilers,” ssays ays C hief T echnical boilers,” Chief Technical O fficer El aine Lan caster.

Officer Elaine Lancaster.

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““We We c arried out out e xtensive carried extensive field trials trials with with installers installers field and homeowners homeowners tto oe nsure and ensure it w orks perfectly perfectly ffor or b oth. it works both.

Installers w ant a control control they they Installers want can fit fit in in minutes minutes and and won’t won’t can require require call calll backs; backs; consumers consumers want want o one ne tthat’s hat’s c child’s hild’s play play to to o operate perate a and nd ssaves av ves tthem hem money. money. T Touch ouch d delivers elivers it it all.” all.”

IIn na addition ddition to to being being sold sold in in merchants, can merchants, iinstallers nstallers c an use use their their rreward eward points points on on Ideal’s Ideal’s loyalty loyalty scheme scheme to to purchase purchase a Touch a nd e arn £5 £5 of of reward reward Touch and earn points points ffor or e each ach u unit, nit, once once installed and registered. installed a nd re gistered.

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Suitable ffor Suitable or b both ot h g gas as a and nd e lectric he atting ssystems, ystems, tthe he electric heating new n ew RF R F Room Room Thermostat Ther mostat and a nd R Receiver eceiver from from EHC EHC iis s d designed esig ned tto o b be e b both ot h easy e asy to to install install and and easy ea s y tto o use. use. Products Products in in this t h is rrange ange a are re pre-configured prre-config ured tto o m make ake installation installat ion as as sstraightforward traightforward as as possible. possible.

The T he tthermostat her mostat iis s ssupplied upplie i d w ith ttwo wo A AA b attteries, a nd with AAA batteries, and a freestanding freestanding m ount g ives mount gives tthe he product product the the flexibility flexibility to to be b e wall wall mounted mounted or or used used as as a mobile mobile tthermostat. her mostat.

The k ey features feat atures o he The key off tthe

RF Room Room Thermostat Thermostat and and RF Receiver Receiver include include a llarge arge a and nd easy-to-read digital display easy-to-read d d igital d isplay and and dial, dial, with with lock lock ffeature; eature; 0.2ºC 0.2ºC temperature temperature differential; differentiall;

a temperature off 5 5-35ºC; temperatture rrange ange o -35ºC; and and a 20m 20m range. range.

Commenting Commenting on on tthe he ideas ideas behind behind the the h development development of of EHC’s EHC’s controls controls products, products,

Operations Calum Operations Manager Manager C alum Black Black ssays: ays: “At ay “At EHC EHC we we pride pride ourselves keeping ourselves iin nk eeping things things simple.

All simple. A ll our our heating heating controls are designed controls a re d esig ned tto o be be clear clear and and easy easy to to use. use. The The right r ight heating heating controls controls will w ill let let you you keep keep your your home home at at a comfortable comfortable temperature temperature without without wasting wasting fuel fue u l or or heat. heat.

“There many benefits “There are are m any b enefits tto o using using a quality qua ality heating heating control, contro oll, from keeping from k eeping bills bills down down to to keeping keeping the the home home comfortable comfortab ble and and under und der control.” control.”

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Get G et on on top top of of electric electric heating heating zones zones The The MRX1 MRX1 Multizone Multizone wireless wireless controller controller from from Consort Consor t Claudgen Claudgen offers offers zoning zoning of an electric heating of a ne le c t r ic h eat i ng system. s y s t e m . This Th i s central cent ral control cont rol unit unit can can control control up up to to eight using existing eight heating heating zones zones u sing tthe he e xisting CRX2 CRX2 controllers, controllers, where where each each CRX2 CRX2 can can operate multiple Consort RX heaters operate m ult iple C onsor t R Xh eaters in in the t he same same room room or or zone. zone.

The has colour LCD The MRX1 MR X1 h as a llarge a rg e c olour L CD touchscreen, touchscreen, is is simple simple to to set set up, up, and and is is easy easy to to programme. prog ramme. A ssevenevenday day programme prog ramme featuring feat ur ing six si x time t ime periods per iods a day day can can be be set set separately separately

adjustments all zones can also adjustments ffor or a ll z ones c an a l so be The MRX1 be done done ssimultaneously. imultaneously. T he M R X1 has different has four four d ifferent operating operat ing modes modes which minute boost with which iinclude nclude a 15 5m inute b oost w ith temperature temperat ure control control to to provide prov ide the t he maximum maximum comfort comfor t quickly. quickly.

The The control control options opt ions and and energy energ y saving sav ing features feat ures enable enable the t he MRX1 MR X1 controller provide energy and cost controller tto o pr ov ide e nerg y a nd c o st saving, sav ving, making making it it suitable suitable for for home home or or commercial property owners. commercial p roper e ty o w ners. for for each each space, space, or or duplicated duplicated across across other areas required.

Temperature ot her a reas iiff req uired. T emperat ure

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PRODUCTS in Action Efficiency built into the floor Underfloor heating systems from the Omnie range are a key feature in a residential development in Devon. The four properties at Clearwater Court in Clyst St. Mary – two of them conversions of a former industrial building and two new builds – are nearing completion by Vision Developments (SW) Ltd. and have been designed to deliver spacious, energy efficient homes with character.

The space heating is provided by high performance gas boilers distributed by two Omnie solutions. The boiler in each property is connected via two Axios manifolds located at ground floor and first floor levels.

Across the kitchen and other downstairs rooms, the Staple system has been installed

over insulation before being covered by screed. Then in the bedrooms and bathrooms, the specification switches to LowBoard 15 panels installed over the particleboard flooring, with insulation between the timber joists.

Omnie provided Vision Developments and the installer, Exeter-based Radiate Heating and

Plumbing, with detailed layout drawings showing the different pipe runs and manifold positions in relation to the room layouts. The design support included heat loss calculations and flow settings for the commissioning of the underfloor heating.

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Bespoke HIUs fit the bill A total of 32 bespoke heat interface units from Stokvis Energy Systems have been specified to replace existing models serving separate apartments within the Unison Building on London’s Euston Road.

Because the old interface units were installed within small cupboards accessible from the corridors, the dimensions of any replacement were strictly confined by the space available. The design for the new HIUs, therefore, had to take account not only of the heating system’s thermodynamic char-

acteristics – with delivery being via underfloor heating circuits – but also the need to make all necessary connections from the front.

Commissioning and future maintenance work also had to be considered.

Gareth Jones, the founder of GPJ Consulting, which worked on this job, comments: “Stokvis came up with a good solution, and although there were some technical issues early on, they responded well in dealing with the problem.” www.stokvisboilers.com ENQUIRY No. 144

Showing off R32 refrigerant Coolair Equipment Limited has just installed Mitsubishi Electric’s latest wall-mounted system in its Cheshire office to showcase the future to its customers. The air conditioning company chose the new M Series MSZ-LN R32 air conditioning for its Dunkinfield office to highlight the change in refrigerants now being offered to UK customers and the significant advantages this can bring.

“The existing split heat pump system in our manager’s office had come to the end of its life, so we chose the perfect replacement – with this stylish unit which also shows off the full benefits of the new refrigerant in a fantastic stylish unit,” explains Steve Valentine, Regional Director of Coolair.

The M-Series MSZ-LN wall mounted split system is the first in the Mitsubishi UK line-up to use R32 refrigerant, which has a low global warming potential (GWP) of 675 – less than one third of the most popular refrigerant, R410A. Following recent changes in legislation, R32 refrigerant is expected to become the standard for split type air conditioning systems.

“This new unit gives us a cost-effective method of future-proofing our air conditioning systems at Coolair House,” adds Mr Valentine. “The 3.5kW unit also includes automatic room sensor technology and wifi control as standard and it was easy to connect to our existing controls.”

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Advertisement Feature

September 2017

Products in Action

64 PRODUCT Spotlight

Balancing the risks: scalding vs legionella

Hot water at the rugby club supplied by heat pumps Four Ariston Nuos FS 200 heat pump water heaters have been fitted in the newly-built sports pavilion at Hull Wyke ARLFC. The floor-standing units were fitted by Hull-based building contractors Martin Dixon Ltd and will primarily be supplying water to the showers in the changing rooms. The units consist of an unvented cylinder combined with an integrated air source heat pump, and operate by drawing air in from outside the building to heat domestic hot water.

Installer Alec Hardie comments: “The four Nuos units are all running the showers in the changing rooms. Not only do they have excellent capacities and heat up times, the fact they are electric as well is perfect, as there is no gas on site. The products are ideally equipped to cope with the hot water demands after a hard fought rugby match. We are really pleased with them – they should certainly help see the club’s teams through the season and many more to come!”

U

nder general health and safety law, duty holders must take appropriate precautions to control the risk of exposure to legionella. Offices, shopping centres, leisure centres and schools all face the same challenge: how to produce and deliver hot water at temperatures that eliminate legionella bacteria without scalding the user.

Until recently, thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) were widely installed to prevent scalding incidents. However, an alternative technology has emerged which offers a mechanical solution to pointof-use temperature control.

or physically disabled water. Where there is high people. Here, the guidelines visitor turnover, pressurerecommend installing TMVs balancing mixers can provide on sinks and hand washbasins. an intermediate anti-scalding The ceramic This means that accessible solution. showers and washrooms cartridge, sensitive to pressure must have a TMV3 certified changes, has an internal shuttle that continually mixer to provide full antiadapts to the scalding safety. incoming hot and In all other public cold water supply areas there is an pressures, ensuring intermediate risk The deck- a constant mixed level. Although mounted water temperature unfamiliar with BIOSAFE at the outlet. If the the facilities, pressurecold water supply those users balancing mixer fails, hot water is w ithout reduced to a trickle. any sensory or mobility issues can use This, coupled with a pre-set washbasins or showers maximum temperature safely, especially if there are limiter, means a significantly visual warnings about hot reduced scalding risk.

TMVs are not the only answer – pressure-balancing mixers also provide a reliable point-of-use solution. The key is determining the level of risk of exposure to legionella and also the risk of scalding. The duty holder can then decide which technology is appropriate to keep users safe.

Find out more For more information on Delabie’s solutions, visit the website below.

As the cold water pressure falls, the shuttle compensates and the outlet temperature remains constant

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LST protects the vulnerable

HSE guidelines The Health and Safety Executive’s guidelines HSG274 Part 2 state that: ‘The use and fitting of TMVs should be informed by a comparative risk assessment of scalding risk versus the risk of infection from legionella.’

HSG274 Part 2 guidance suggests that: ‘Where a scalding risk is considered significant… then type 3 TMVs (TMV3) that are pre-set and failsafe should be provided.’

To failsafe, the hot water must shut off if the cold water fails and vice versa. The highest scalding risk is where users are fully immersed in either a shower or a bath. The scalding risk is also significant for infants, the elderly, those with sensory loss, the infirm, or significantly mentally

www.ariston.co.uk

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Manor Grange luxury care home in Corstorphine, Edinburgh, has installed 223 Dunham-Bush System Low Surface Temperature radiators fitted with SAV/ Danfoss PT 40 flow and pressure monitoring thermostatic valves.

James Culbertson, Director of The Keenan Consultancy which designed the heating system, comments: “We were tasked with providing a system design for a care home with 83 luxury bedrooms. Safety

is of paramount importance in buildings such as care homes, hospitals and nurseries, where occupants are deemed at risk

and may be vulnerable to accidental scalding from heat emitters.”

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Attenuating the city sounds Ventilation equipment from Titon has been specified for the newly constructed Honduras Wharf project in Birmingham. 75 SFX Sound Attenuator vents were used in the building comprising 99 residential apartments.

The SFX Sound Attenuator

is a compact slot ventilator said to provide high levels of sound attenuation compared to similar ‘acoustic’ products.

The vents and accompanying canopies for the Honduras Wharf project were coloured Matt Graphite Grey in keeping with the décor of

the building’s façade and window frames.

Commenting on selecting the vents, Gary Burrows, Project Manager at Unique Window Systems, says: “Due to the city centre location, acoustic vents were required in order to adhere to the necessary building and planning regulations. Having used Titon’s products for many years now, we knew the SFX Sound Attenuator was perfect for the application in hand. Not only are these vents easy to fit, they are excellent at minimising noise while maintaining the required levels of background ventilation.”

The SFX Sound Attenuator is part of Titon’s SF Xtra range.

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Radiators & Towel Warmers 65

There’s something to meet all requirements A like-for-like replacement panel radiator may be just what the customer wants, but an increasing number of homeowners are looking for something out of the ordinary. Chris Harvey, Head of Marketing at Stelrad, highlights the wide range of options now available.

T

he days when a radiator was, well, just a radiator, are long gone. The selection of types, designs, models and end uses are many and varied and it’s clear that installers and specifiers are becoming far more selective when they look for a new radiator for an application.

Replacing like-for-like heat emitters isn’t difficult. A standard steel panel radiator can usually be selected that can exactly fit the wall space and the piping Chris Harvey from Stelrad that already exists in the home or property in question, making replacement as simple as it can be. But when it’s a new residential home or development, a new commercial property or a building that hasn’t previously had radiators as its means of sharing heat, or the elderly heating system is being ripped out and replaced by a sparkling new one, the choice becomes wider and less straightforward and the radiators selected will depend on a number of things.

Popular choice Standard steel panel radiators are still the largest sellers in the UK by far. The compact design, although far more aesthetically pleasing than its counterpart of ten or more years ago, with smooth lines and rounded edges, excellent paint finish with side panels and grilles, is still the most basic radiator available for selection. And the modern versions of the traditional column radiators that adorned most pre-1960s built schools and church halls are also very popular, although lighter and far more effective at providing heat than their usually cast iron ancestors.

But with the advent of the property selling, decorating and make-over TV programmes and the rise in life style magazines with their home make-over articles, consumers have begun to take an avid interest in every aspect of the décor in their homes, and instead of relying on the installer or building designer to select the components that go into their revamped buildings, they are taking an ever closer interest in every detail, including wanting a say in the choice of radiators.

It’s no coincidence that this change in attitude has been paralleled by the rise in popularity of designer and decorative radiators. It’s a trend that started with the acceptance, 15 to 20 years ago, that a bathroom should have a towel rail rather than a standard radiator – usually a chrome plated ladder towel rail that was often under sized and under-powered that left the posh new bathroom more like a large refrigerator than a room in the house to pamper yourself in. But the trend has developed and we now have the option of attractive radiators throughout the house, both traditional horizontal and perhaps more contemporary vertical models.

Installers are now able to offer their customers welldesigned and effective heating appliances, for bathrooms and kitchens in particular, with radiators becoming focal points of the décor of a home or commercial property.

We’ve also seen a big growth in the number of colour

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The Compact K3 is ideal for low energy heating systems

The Stelrad Aqua Vertical Ultra with towel rail bars

options which allow the radiators to match or contrast with building interiors.

Many people are looking for something a bit special when they have a new heating system – whether in a new build property or a replacement heating system in an existing home. That’s where the designer and decorative ranges come in very handy – with a wide range of options from the slimline, flat fronted designs, to the more elaborate decorated panels and the weird and wonderful tubular designs that appeal to some homeowners.

The options available for bathrooms and kitchens these days is huge and vary from curved tubular models to traditional ladder rails, and bathroom and kitchen versions of decorative and designer radiators that appear elsewhere in the home, designed to match the radiators throughout a property.

And there’s the Compact Xtra Protection – a new rust resistant radiator range designed for rooms with on-going high humidity – showers, bathrooms, wet rooms and changing rooms in sports halls and facilities.

To top it all, there’s the energy saving range – our Radical radiator range, the first serial feed radiator that means you feel warmer faster, and it’s less costly on the pocket and to the environment – saving up to 10.5% on your energy bills.

So next time you’re faced with a slightly different challenge when you’re asked to install a replacement system or perhaps the customer wants something a little bit different to meet a specific need, take the time to study the various options available because there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to find exactly what they’re looking for.

Something special Installers and specifiers now also have access to a range of radiators that meet specific requirements for particular applications. Special low surface temperature (LST) radiators are designed to protect the young, the old and the vulnerable with attractive casings that will never exceed 43°C and are safe to touch. These ensure no burns to delicate skins – and are widely specified for nurseries, public buildings, hospitals, surgeries, nursing and care homes, and sheltered housing schemes.

There are more special ranges too for installers and specifiers to select from. At Stelrad we offer a Special Application Series designed for very specific applications – our new Heavy Duty Planar, for example, comes with a sturdy 2mm one section integrated steel fascia incorporating side and top panels. It’s stylish, but robust enough to withstand the knocks of heavy traffic in commercial environments.

For applications where the customer is looking to use renewable technologies, we have the Compact K3 which is designed for low energy heating systems driven by ground source or air source heat pumps or simply for applications where higher heat output is required. They feature three panels and three fins – upping the steel in contact with the hot water flowing through them and generating additional heat for the room in which they are installed.

There’s also the new Compact 300 – a series of smaller radiators – all 300mm wide – designed for smaller rooms and those where excellent insulation and modern windows mean less heat is required to keep a room cosy.

Home made Stelrad Radiators have been made in the UK for more than 80 years, with the first one manufactured in 1936, and the company takes pride in sourcing its raw materials from close to home. For decades, the steel has been delivered to its South Yorkshire base in huge coils from Port Talbot in South Wales. The factory uses in excess of 30,000 tonnes of steel each year.

There are also a large number of other components and packaging items that are manufactured in the UK. Radiator valves come from Dunstable, brass fittings from Stafford, whilst other metal fixings arrive from Tyne & Wear, from Doncaster, St. Helens in Lancashire and Heathfield in East Sussex. Plastic parts come from Milton Keynes, while packaging materials come from across the UK – from Wakefield in West Yorkshire, Glenrothes in Scotland, from Selby in Yorkshire, and closer to home in Rotherham. The shrink wrap for every radiator and all the pallets comes from Brigg, just down the M18.

“It makes huge sense to get raw materials and machinery from as close as possible to our manufacturing base, but in these days of specialist manufacturers for so many products we have to bring in what we need from wherever it’s manufactured,” says Operations Director David Taylor. “Many of the companies we deal with have changed ownership over the years – our main steel supplier was always British Steel but is now Tata for example, but we’re pleased that much of what we buy in goes towards supporting British jobs.” www.stelrad.com

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66 RADIATORS & Towel Warmers

Why premium panels can fill a gap in the market The introduction of premium panel radiators is giving specifiers and installers a wider choice when it comes to choosing the best heating solution. Kelly Smith, Solutions Product Manager for Myson, explains how they offer an effective alternative to both decorative and traditional radiators.

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n many commercial settings such as hotels, conference centres and public buildings, end users are looking for radiator models that provide style as well as output, so many specifiers are now turning to radiators which not only provide great outputs but also give the setting a designer feel.

Traditional panel radiators, such as the Myson Premier HE or Select Compact, remain popular, but with the growing trend to have clean lines and open spaces we are seeing an increase in non-traditional decorative radiators and the emerging premium panel is becoming increasingly popular in ultramodern, new build commercial spaces.

Decorative radiators with their versatility to have either vertical or horizontal options opens up a whole new world to specifiers and installers. They now fit neatly in smaller spaces and, with models such as the Myson Column or Décor, it means you can install modern contemporary radiators which both look fantastic and also have outstanding outputs.

The new range includes Décor Compact, which is made with thicker steel and performs to a working pressure of 5 bar.

This is a great option for commercial spaces as they are durable, produce high outputs but at the same time offer a great deal of style and sophistication.

Smooth operator A premium panel radiator, with the same high performance of decorative radiators, incorporates a f lat front and side panels which provides great hygiene and practicality, but lifts the radiator to another level in terms of its appearance.

Placed directly between the traditional panel radiator and the decorative radiator,

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The Plan Compact Plus features subtle horizontal lines for a more distinctive look

Myson’s premium panel radiators will suit most domestic settings or commercial environments

the premium panel combines aesthetics with tried and tested radiator technology, resulting in radiator sizes such as single or double panel being selected in the same way as traditional panel radiators.

As some commercial décor schemes will call for completely opposing looks, there are a number of premium panel styles. The most popular for sophisticated, understated surroundings is the minimalist flat front of the Myson Plan Compact. In others areas, where more of a design statement is desired, the Plan Compact Plus has fine detail to the front panel which consists of a subtle horizontal line pattern which adds elegance and distinction.

Due to their design, premium panel radiators have also become popular with architects and specifiers as a very cost effective way of delivering designer looks

in a range of commercial spaces. Used as a standalone product, or in partnership with other types of heating technology.

They can be successfully teamed with solutions such as hydronic underfloor heating and fan convectors, in large scale commercial applications when a mixed system approach is needed, giving a broad scope of possibilities for any specifier.

Selling opportunity It is no wonder that the premium panel is emerging to be a very popular alternative for architects and specifiers. However, installers are also seeing the benefit as the premium panel now gives them the opportunity to upsell from a traditional panel radiator to the premium panel.

Standard sizes can be specified like-for-like against traditional panel radiators and makes

changing to the premium panel simple and effective, as existing pipework can be used.

The results however uplift a space and give the building a designer feel with very little disruption.

The premium panel also gives great scope to smaller commercial applications such as offices and allows the installer to develop a complete solution which fits in with décor preferences as well as heating requirements.

As with large scale commercial applications, the premium panel can be teamed with a variety of other heating solutions such as towel warmers, electric underfloor, heating valves and electronic controls.

On a whole the introduction of the premium panel has seen a shift within the heating solutions market and is currently emerging to be an extremely popular alternative with architects, specifiers and installers for a variety of large and small scale commercial applications.

With a vast variety of sizes, great designer appeal, ease of installation and tried and tested radiator technology, why wouldn’t you choose premium panels for your next project?

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68 RADIATORS & Towel Warmers

Good quality doesn’t have to bust the budget Chris Gotts, National Sales & Key Account Manager at Rads 2 Rails, a new division of MHS Radiators, outlines why price and quality are not mutually exclusive, and why installers should seek the best of both when specifying radiators and towel rails.

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ecent research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) reported how rising material prices are squeezing margins, mainly due to the depreciation of sterling following the EU referendum.

When small building firms were asked about the specific materials that have increased in cost, they identified a number of key products, including timber, bricks and blocks. But, further down the list, the humble radiator was also recognised as being hit Chris Gotts, Rads 2 Rails by rising prices.

Now, this is no secret and has been common knowledge across the industry. However, this heightened emphasis on prices brings into sharp focus the need to balance cost with quality, especially when it comes to important finishing products, such as radiators and towel rails. Selecting these items correctly can make a project a complete success in the eyes of a homeowner, whether it is a large extension, heating system upgrade or a bathroom refurbishment.

So, with the marketplace awash with different products at various price points, how do installers decide on the best model for the job and strike the balance between cost and quality?

Durable appeal Considering radiators initially, there are a number of factors to take into account. The first is the quality of the material used in the manufacturing process and how this translates to performance. Using steel panel models as an example, not all gauges of steel are the same, which can make a

The Hammersmith fully chrome plated flat tube towel rail

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The Fitsrovia mutli column radiator in anthracite finish

Making an impression – the Edgware tube-on-tube radiator

significant difference to the durability of a product. As an Rail road example, our Sutton radiator is manufactured with 2mm Acting as both towel hangers and radiators, coupled with steel front waterways and 1.1mm rear panels. These not only their space saving capabilities, have led to the increasing ensure superb outputs and performance but also deliver number of towel rails being fitted in most bathrooms. After unbeatable durability.

Of course, despite steel panel radiators continuing to all, the latest models are fully capable of heating up quickly dominate the market in terms of sales volumes, many and maintaining their warmth, providing heating not just homeowners are now embracing a whole host of designs. for the towels but to the rest of the room as well.

From a design perspective, heated towel rails have evolved Indeed, there is a vast array of styles, configurations, finishes significantly over the years, progressing from simple and materials available – and one type with notable growth ladder styles to impressive chrome and stainless steel in recent years is the multi column radiator. Manufactured designs, available in a variety of spiral and asymmetrical from steel columns welded into sections, they offer impressive shapes. Indeed, they have levels of outputs, while also almost become works of providing a stylish aesthetic, “There is a vast array of styles, art in their own right. Of which suits all ages of homes. configurations, finishes and materials” course, to ensure longevity, This flexibility allows them to manufacturing quality is key. be chosen for both traditional With this in mind, models should be welded neatly and and contemporary interiors, which is a major part of their smoothly, while tubes should be polished before plating and continuing success. any surface coatings or chroming should be of the highest Due to their popularity, there is a wide variety of multi quality to prevent premature deterioration. column radiators to choose from. So, when considering multi column products, a few key aspects should be considered to Primary source ensure price and quality remain balanced. The first is the output, which will come down to the width and number Another important decision to be made is whether the of the columns, as well as the quality of materials used. towel rail is to be used as the primary source of heat for Comparing radiators from different manufacturers is sure the bathroom, or if it is chosen to complement another to highlight how outputs can vary from product to product. emitter. This is usually dictated by the size of the room, and how much actual wall space is available – i.e. a fullFinishing touch size towel rail that’s capable of heating a large bathroom The next key element is the finish, which is arguably the will probably take up most of a wall. most important aspect, especially as homeowners choose Should space not be an issue, owners can opt to have a multi column radiators for their style and aesthetics. As heated towel rail and a radiator, or even consider a radiator standard, most manufacturers supply models in white. which has towel hanging options. However, whatever model However, the consistency of this painted finish can vary is chosen, it should be proportional to the room size in order widely, so it is recommended to choose a factory painted to provide the desired heating requirements. finish to ensure the overall quality is high.

With homeowners continuing to improve and extend Of course, not all homeowners look to white radiators their homes, upgrading their heating systems or refurbish anymore, which is why a selection of special finishes are bathrooms, demand for good quality radiators and towel usually available. Here, it’s worth checking that the offered rails is likely to remain high. However, for installers, the finish does not constitute an ‘overpainting’ of the standard uncertain economic climate will continue to emphasise factory white finish; this can add significant cost and doesn’t the importance of balancing the cost of everyday projects, always provide the best effect. However, many manufacturers without sacrificing quality. By selecting the right rads and will offer alternative factory finishes from stock. Certainly, rails, installers can ensure that they will help to make a this is the approach we’re taking at Rads 2 Rails, where it job, rather than break one. is important to accommodate the increasing number of PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.rads2rails.co.uk 152 everyday projects that are now using ‘non-standard’ finishes.

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70 RADIATORS & Towel Warmers

Ways to help fight fuel poverty Making the switch to more energy efficient radiators can help to reduce the stresses caused by rising fuel bills and is also a good way for installers to grow their business. Phil Mangnall, National Sales Manager at Jaga Heating Products UK, explains more.

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uel poverty is not a phrase you would normally associate with modern day Britain – after all, we’re the fifth largest economy in the world.

But it’s a sad fact that around 4 million UK households are having to choose between whether to heat their homes or feed themselves. What’s more, every year 25,000 older people die as a result of living in a cold home – that’s one person aged over 65 every seven minutes. The Phil Mangnall, National Sales consequences of a cold home Manager at Jaga also have a wider impact, costing the UK health service £1.3 billion each year.

High energy prices are one of the main drivers of fuel poverty in the UK. At the time of writing, British Gas has just announced a 12.5% rise in electricity prices which will increase the average annual fuel bill (including gas) by £76 to £1203. However, a property having higher than typical energy costs will also cause families to struggle to pay their bills. Insulation – or lack of – can greatly impact on the expense of staying warm.

There are over 12 million homes across the UK that are less efficient than a modern home. In 2014, Fuel Poverty England Regulations set a target to ensure that as many fuel poor homes as is reasonably practical achieve a minimum

Guard against risks of burns

Jaga’s range of low surface temperature (LST) radiators includes the Guardian, available in two options: wall mounted (WM) and flush to the floor (FT). The Guardian LST is easy to install thanks to a robust single piece casing that can be lifted with ease by a single installer. The casing also features rounded corners to minimise the risk of injury to occupants from accidental impact.

The Guardian LST is available in 196 different

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sizes and output applications, which are all available for fast delivery directly to site.

Typical applications include care and nursing homes, educational buildings, social housing, retirement villages, healthcare centres and public buildings. It is designed so that the temperature never exceeds 43°C, and therefore remains within the Building Regulations Approved Document M, NHS Estate Health Guidance Notes and all other current legislation.

A low water content radiator, such as Jaga’s Low H2O products, reponed quicker to heating demand, while a TRV adaptor (right), available across the company’s range of LST radiators, also helps arthritic users to adjust temperatures.

energy efficiency rating of Band C by 2030. This included interim milestones of Band E homes by 2020, and Band D homes by 2025.

Whilst the Government is legally obliged to tackle fuel poverty, installers and heating engineers must too recognise their responsibilities, especially as often the most fuel poor are the elderly or the vulnerable. The best long-term strategy to minimise fuel poverty is to make it easier for people to heat their homes through combining good insulation and a variety of energy-efficient heating technologies and products.

Efficiency advice Installers and plumbers who are visiting homes all year round are best placed to offer sound advice on efficiency improvements, whether that be upgrading to a modern condensing boiler, installing a smart meter, or fitting energy efficient radiators. Installers who find ways to minimise fuel poverty and heat homes more effectively by being proactive with efficiency advice will help their customers and could significantly increase their workload.

When talking to customers about energy-saving measures, initial cost outlay can be a big stumbling block. That’s why it’s crucial to champion the long-term cost savings and the fact that such technologies can generate more heat, more quickly.

To kick-start the process and provide customers with more value for money heat-wise, their first port of call should be ensuring that the radiators installed are highly energy efficient. In the current HVAC market, there are innovative technologies which can be utilised such as low water content radiators, which contain a tenth of the water compared to a standard steel panel radiator. With less water being used, low-H2O radiators can respond quicker, consequently consuming less energy. Less demand is placed on the boiler system, meaning people will get more heat for their money over its lifetime.

Quicker response To put the importance of low water content into perspective, a Jaga Low-H2O radiator, which utilises approximately 3.2 litres of water, has a warm-up time of just two minutes.

By comparison, a traditional steel panel radiator contains 11 litres and takes 15 minutes to warm – beyond this, wet system underfloor heating needs a whopping 29 litres of

water and will take up to four hours to reach the desired temperature. This also correlates to gas consumption, with a Low- H2O requiring 0.05m3 of gas, as opposed to 0.38m3 for steel panel radiators, and 1.97m3 for wet system underfloor heating.

Equally, Low-H2O radiators have no heavy steel plates to be heated. Instead, Low-H2O heat exchangers are constructed from super-thin, ultra-light sheets of aluminium and copper (55 fins per foot of heat exchanger). This means you feel the warmth generated by these radiators faster than any traditional heater.

For example, our Tempo LST Low H2O radiator has been independently certified by KIWA in the Netherlands as the most economical radiator in the world, with energy savings between 5-16% compared to standard steel panel radiators. In short, low H2O means lower lifetime cost, reduced running costs and improved comfort.

Fan assisted DBE (Dynamic Boost Effect) technology increases the efficiency of these radiators when working with lower water temperatures, making them the perfect partner for heat pump systems.

Incentive measures Installing low temperature water systems such as heat pumps and pairing them with low water content radiators, which are highly responsive even at low temperatures, improves the comfort of the residents whilst helping them save money on their energy bills. The Government has introduced support measures in the form of the Renewable Heat Incentive which can help to offset the costs of installing renewable systems – such as heat pumps or biomass boilers – by effectively paying back on the energy produced in the long run. Then, by installing the Low- H2O radiator technologies that allow for affordable warmer homes the residents’ bills will drop to more manageable levels, year after year.

In a country as economically stable and technologically forward-thinking as the UK, fuel poverty shouldn’t be such a prevalent issue. Supporting people to install energy efficient solutions will not only enhance their living conditions, making their homes warmer, but will also have a significant effect on improving their health, ultimately reducing the cost burden to the NHS. www.jaga.co.uk

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RADIATORS & Towel Warmers 71 From modern to traditional style With three new radiator ranges, Frontline Bathrooms is offering a choice that will suit customer tastes for the modern look as well as more traditional styles.

The new Garda (pictured) is available in chrome, white and anthracite options, with the latter colour providing a contrast against white walls or a touch of character to any modern bathroom.

Customers looking for a classic chrome finish may be interested in the timeless Statton towel warmer, while Frontline’s new Edwardian towel warmer is said to make the ideal companion to any period style bathroom.

For more information on the range of radiators and towel warmers from Frontline Bathrooms, enter the number on the reader enquiry and registration card inside this issue.

Available in all shapes and sizes

Direct to the trade Rads 2 Rails is a new division of MHS Radiators that has been created specifically for merchants and heating installers. The new collection, which is now available nationwide, offers designer radiators, towel rails and accessories in a wide variety of sizes from stock. This allows products to be on site within two to three working days, with standard towel rails available via a next day delivery service.

With an emphasis on quality and value, Rads 2 Rails encompasses 17 rads and nine rails. Completing the lineup is a specially designed range of modern and traditional valves, plus selected accessories complementing each model.

Alex Bradley, Operations Manager, says: “There are some great products in the Rads 2 Rails range which have been specifically chosen for projects of all styles and sizes. Factor in quick delivery times, and we’re confident it will be well received by the trade up and down the country.”

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With a focus on both value and service, Supplies4Heat provides a wide range of radiators – from oval tube to steel multicolumn, to flat panel designs – all in a variety of sizes.

Contemporary designs include the Chaucer radiator, which features round tubes, and the Beaufort, with flat tubes.

The Cornel multicolumn range (pictured) now features over 50 sizes available from stock and can be painted in one of 25 RAL colours.

The latest brochure features new designs as well, such as the Faraday flat panel radiator, the Tallis oval tube model and the Saxon aluminium.

They come with a 10-year guarantee.

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72 7 2 R RADIATORS ADIATORS & Towel Towel Warmers Warmers

uan ntum cuts cuts the the bills bills in in Quantum Hang iitt Q Hang off-gas rural household o ff-gas ru ral h ousehold tto o dr y dry Partially upgrading Partially upgrading a system system o manual electric electr ic sstorage torage off manual h eaters to to a combination combination heaters o implex Quantum Quantum and and off D Dimplex Q -Rad heaters heaters has has helped helped Q-Rad h omeowners lliving iving iin n a n homeowners an e nd-of-ter race p pr opert y c ut end-of-terrace property cut ttheir heir heating heating bills bills by by more more tthan han £ 500 p er y ear – a nd £500 per year and tto o improve improve c omfort a nd comfort and c ontrollabilit y ttoo. oo. controllability Situated off off the the gas gas grid g r id Situated iin n a small small Warwickshire War wickshire

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village, tthe he h ome w as heated heatted village, home was using m anual electric electric n ight using manual night storage heater heatterr ttechnology echnology as as storage w el l a an open open fire. fire. It It also a l so well ass an suffers heat heat loss loss d ue tto op oor suffers due poor insulat ion. insulation.

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Gorgeous G orrgeous finishes finishes The R The Radiator adiia ator C Company ompany iis sh highlighting ighlighting tthe he n new ew fi fin finishes nishes a available vailable ffor or tthe he A Ancona ncona ra range. ange. e A fiv fi five-stage ve-stage p process rocess p produces roduces g galvanized alv vaniz zed fi nishes iin n antique antiq que copper, copper, antique antiiq que brass brass (pictured), (picctured), and and satin satin finishes nickel. n ickel. S Sections ections a are re e individually individually y dipped, dip pped, hand hand finished finished and and then th hen joined join ned with with clear clear gaskets. gaskets s. Two Two and and three three column column options optio ons in n set set s sizes iz zes with witth welded welded feet feet a are re e available available le from frro om the the brochure, bro ochure, and a nd a four four ccolumn olumn option option ccan an b be eo ordered rdere ed o on n rrequest. equest.

A lso new new to to the the Radiator Radiator C ompany a re four four new new designer designer Also Company are rradiators, adiators, including including the the contemporary contemporary feature feature e radiator, radiator, the the IImmagina, mmagina, and and classic classic style style with witth the the Linton Linton 3 column column cast cast iiron ron rradiator. adiator. T here a re 1 1n ew ttowel owel rrails ails tto oa dd e xtra There are 11 new add extra cchoice, hoice, iincluding ncluding the the Piano Piano and and Sitar Sitar Lato Lato two two side side loading loading rrails ails and and the the Step Step ccollection ollection o luminium ttowel owel rrails. ails. off a aluminium T o request request the the latest latest brochure, brrochure, please ple ease visit viis sit the the website we ebsite below. below.

To www.theradiatorcompany.co.uk w ww.theradiatorcompany.co.uk

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Curve appeal in The stage is set for a traditional look designer models New to Apollo Radiators is the Malpensa range of aluminium products. Made in Italy, these lightweight designer radiators come with an anthracite metallic finish and are available as vertical, horizontal and low level sizes.

The Malpensa is available in three styles. The ‘flat’ design gives a simple, minimal look, while the ‘curved’ provides an elegant finish. The ‘wave’ design (pictured) has the appearance of an undulating surface.

Apollo says that the aluminium construction means the radiators provide a quick heat-up time and also cool very quickly, resulting in more efficient heating and lower heating costs.

The new Malpensa range is available within three days from stock.

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The Hamlet towel warmer from Vogue (UK) is described as a petite wall-mounted heated towel rail with traditional and stylish looks.

Measuring a modest 235 x 575mm, with a depth from 125mm (depending on the style of ball joint chosen), it is said to be ideal for installation in an ensuite bathroom, shower room or downstairs cloakroom.

Suitable for any hot water, dual fuel

or sealed electric system, Hamlet is made from high quality brass which is chromed to a mirror-finish. It has a maximum heat output of 79W and comes with a 30 year manufacturer’s guarantee.

The towel warmer can be controlled with Vogue (UK)’s Crosshead 2 VL018 valve, which echoes the traditionally styled ball joints. www.vogueuk.co.uk ENQUIRY No. 161

Stelrad adds a splash of colour Stelrad is on track to offer some of its popular radiators in a choice of colours directly from stock, starting with the Vita Column Concept radiator, a 600mm high traditional column radiator now available in anthracite grey. It is available anywhere in the UK within 72 hours of order. A similar design is also available in Stelrad’s sister brand, Henrad, with the Henrad Column Concept now available in slate grey.

“We are seeing the number of orders for coloured

radiators increasing month by month and it was a natural progression to

begin to stock some of our best performing coloured radiators for immediate

delivery,” says Marketing Manager Chris Harvey.

“Some customers have been willing to order them with the eight-week lead time that special paint jobs require, but we have begun an inevitable trend towards stocking a small number of those colours and models that we see ordered regularly for immediate delivery. The first of these is the Vita Column Concept in anthracite grey, but others will follow.”

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OIL Heating 77

Low carbon measures need to be realistic OFTEC recently unveiled a two stage proposal which, it says, offers a practical and affordable way for oil heating users to save energy and reduce carbon emissions. Here, Chief Executive Paul Rose highlights some of the key arguments.

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mproving energ y to replace the 970,000 oil boilers in use across England efficiency and carbon and Wales alone. reduction for off-grid The intentions behind the domestic RHI were undoubtedly homes, including t he positive but the scheme has failed to deliver on expectations 970,000 oil using households – and it’s not difficult to see why when you consider the across Great Britain, is an high upfront installation and running costs of heat pumps, urgent issue which must particularly compared to the continued low price of oil. How be addressed. Current heat many households realistically have thousands of pounds policy provides little or no to spend on installing a heat pump, especially when doing support to help the majority so would substantially increase their energy bills? of off-grid households Consumers need affordable, easy-to-understand and achieve this goal. With the simple-to-implement measures to cut carbon output and domestic Renewable Heat reduce energy bills. A boiler replacement programme ticks Incentive (RHI) geared all these boxes. towards carbon reduction for OFTEC CEO Paul Rose Our independently verified calculations show such a the wealthy minority, and the Energy Company Obligation scheme would, for the same amount of government spend, (ECO) for those on very low incomes, most rural households prove five times more cost effective in reducing carbon are left out in the cold. emissions from oil using households than the domestic A new way forward must be found and earlier this year RHI and could provide a valuable part of the solution.

OFTEC launched a new two stage proposal which puts Idealistic vs realistic forward a practical and affordable route for off-grid homes Whilst heat pumps and other renewable heating systems to cut their energy bills and carbon emissions.

Our plans recommend the introduction of a nationwide offer a good solution in certain settings such as Sweden, boiler replacement programme in the short term (2018- Norway and Finland where there is a large proportion of Additionally, most consumers only buy a new heating 2022) to incentivise the upgrade of the estimated 400,000 new builds and highly insulated homes, the UK market is system in ‘distress purchase’ situations when their existing standard efficiency oil boilers still in use across Great very different with its housing stock amongst the oldest boiler breaks down, so will look for the quickest, cheapest Britain. This should be supported by mandated controls and least energy efficient in Europe. solution. This is invariably a replacement boiler, not a Figures show 15.9% of people in the UK live in ‘leaky’ renewable technology. such as functional timers and thermostats to further reduce homes compared to just energy use.

5.7% in Finland and 7.9% Greening the fuel Alongside the boiler “Consumers need affordable, easy to in Norway. Furthermore, a A boiler replacement programme, similar to the successful replacement programme, large proportion of the UK’s scheme run in Northern Ireland which saw 27,298 oil boilers we are seeking government understand and to implement measures” lowest EPC rated properties upgraded between 2012 and 2016, would prove an effective endorsement to develop a are located in rural off-grid short-term carbon reduction measure. low carbon liquid fuel as However, we recognise this doesn’t go far enough and a direct replacement for kerosene by 2022 to provide a areas – the very same households that government is industry must offer a long-term, future workable, long term solution. Building on work already primarily targeting to switch to renewable proof solution. We believe the answer lies underway in the transport sector, our approach is similar heating. in ‘greening the fuel’ and bringing to market Enormous investment would be needed to biofuel schemes proposed by the heating industry for a low carbon liquid fuel which can be used to bring these properties up to the standard both mains gas and LPG-using homes. in existing heating systems subject to minor We are already in talks with a number of organisations required for heat pumps to become a viable modifications. across Europe who are taking the lead on biofuel production, option, not to mention the cost of increasing At this point it is difficult to predict the and have commitment from UK manufacturers to trial renewable electricity generation and price of a new low carbon liquid fuel, but a low carbon liquid fuel once it becomes available. We improving grid supply and capacity. In the given that replacement fuels are already have already communicated its proposals to government current economic climate, it’s unlikely this being developed and used for other would be forthcoming from government. officials with the aim of securing backing. applications such as transport, most of the The UK also has a far higher proportion of We are hopeful government support will be forthcoming cost would be associated with production people who can’t afford to adequately heat for our vision which has been specifically designed to rather than development. Therefore, it is their homes 6.2% compared to just 1.2% in support the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial likely that the price of these new fuels will Norway, 1.6% in Sweden and 1.8% in Finland.

Strategy’s (BEIS) four key objectives: to keep energy bills gradually fall due to economies of scale This helps to explain why the rate of excess low; reduce carbon emissions cost effectively; ensure the through wide spread deployment. As winter deaths in the UK is 87% higher than UK has a secure and resilient energy system; and avoid OFTEC’s proposal document low carbon liquid fuels are also required in Norway.

With fuel poverty in the UK more unreasonable upfront costs for consumers which could for heating in other European countries, as well as for prevalent in rural locations (14% vs 11% in urban areas) discourage home improvements. and many more families struggling to pay their fuel bills, transport, we are confident the eventual price will be Time for change these households simply can’t afford to install and run competitive against other alternatives.

To date, government has pushed renewable technologies, costly renewable heating technologies.

Government must look at the bigger picture and recognise and in particular heat pumps, as the main route to carbon We must be realistic and work with the situation we the advantages of low carbon liquid fuels as a potential reduction for off-grid homes. However, this idealistic policy actually have in the UK. In pursuit of impractical ideals, replacement to kerosene for home heating and reflect this has had little impact on the UK’s fast approaching carbon we risk missing out on an opportunity to rapidly and cost in future policy. We need to keep focused on the end goal of targets, and the disappointing figures speak for themselves. effectively increase the efficiency of existing oil heating carbon reduction, and how this is achieved shouldn’t matter.

According to the domestic RHI deployment data for June systems to reduce their carbon emissions now. A further We can’t afford to waste any more time concentrating on 2017, just 6035 ground and air source heat pumps have advantage of a boiler replacement programme is that the impractical strategies that simply aren’t working. been installed through the scheme since it launched in oil installer, servicing and fuel supply network is already in PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.oftec.org.uk 164 April 2014. At this rate, it would take more than 160 years place, unlike renewable technologies such as heat pumps.

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78 OIL Heating

Proactive approach to servicing Regular servicing can help to ensure that oil heating systems continue to run efficiently, but they can also present business opportunities for oil heating engineers, says Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester.

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hen you consider the market share for oil-fired boilers in comparison to the UK market for gasfired boilers, it makes up a much smaller part of the overall domestic heating market. However, with the uptake of renewables lagging far behind, the oil-fired market still has a very important role to play. Oil remains the best fuel for domestic heating and hot water in off-mains gas areas and, following the price drop we witnessed in 2016, many homeowners in these rural areas have seen their oil fired heating systems continue to deliver value for money.

The additional measures added to the amended Building Regulations give us a good indication of the Government’s current thinking on energy – namely that reviewing and improving existing infrastructures would be a more efficient and effective approach than carrying out a complete overhaul. While this mainly affects gas-fired boilers, it doesn’t mean that the same approach of improving the performance of oil appliances should be forgotten.

As many homeowners are concerned about running costs and efficiency, this presents heating engineers with the perfect opportunity to upsell energy saving features such as controls, system filters and TRVs. Manufacturers have also succeeded in producing oilfired boilers which are both more efficient and, with lower emissions, are less harmful to the environment.

For homeowners, the reduction in water content and the subsequent improvement in heat up times can go a long way in helping to reduce fuel bills.

However, no matter what energy efficiency technology is installed, if the inside of a system is not at its best, this will ultimately impact on its performance. With that in mind, it’s up to installers to advise homeowners on the importance of servicing if they want to keep their running costs down.

replace the oil filter(s) within a system at the point of an annual service.

We’ve listened to feedback from time-strapped heating engineers in an effort to make their day-to-day lives easier through the design of our appliances. Efficiency and space are among the key considerations that many manufacturers have made, and carefully considered component layouts are a great example of improvements made to provide easier access inside the boiler and make servicing that much simpler.

Across the board

Training is available to assist installers with servicing issues

Ensuring any heating system is healthy and wellrunning is essential, but installers are also presented with opportunities beyond servicing current systems and fitting new appliances. More often than not, the replacement of an oil boiler will see the new appliance connected to an existing oil tank and line which have been in place for a number of years. With this comes the risk that the boiler is being installed in an environment whereby the oil pump could get contaminated by issues with the oil line or tank.

As this can have serious consequences for the operation and reliability of the boiler, so installers are presented with the opportunity to upsell the benefits of installing a new tank alongside the boiler.

Ensuring a domestic oil supply remains free from contaminants will make the most of the comparatively low fuel cost and ensure that it will be even more costeffective to run the boiler. In order to achieve this, we would remind installers of the need to check and, if necessary,

Once installers have mastered a certain type of installation, it should not be too difficult for them to apply the same principles across a range of products, so manufacturers looking to enhance the design of their products can do so without a major shift away from the designs and features installers have become familiar with.

To further assist with servicing and fault finding, most manufacturers have both physical and online training courses available to ensure installers are up to date with the latest product developments. They also provide technical helplines where specially trained advisors can assist in the diagnosis of faults, installation issues and other enquiries.

The benefits of maintaining an efficient and effective heating system are plain to see, and by encouraging customers to take a proactive approach to servicing, the negative attitude homeowners can have towards boilers and the role of the heating engineer can perhaps be avoided.

Not only does servicing present additional opportunities for engineers working with oil but will also ensure that heating systems remain efficient for years to come. www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

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PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

The importance of an often neglected safety device The fitting and regular testing of remote acting fire safety valves should be a fundamental part of any oil-fired boiler installation.

Kenneth Maxwell, Sales Manager of Teddington Appliance Controls, manufacturer of the KBB fire valve, explains more.

A fire safety valve may be a relatively simple and straightforward component – but failure to fit one, correctly install or carry out regular maintenance checks can have a potentially devastating impact and put lives at risk.

Regional building regulations require all oil-fired boilers to be fitted with a fire safety valve and insurers will also often look for fire valves as a key safety device on an oilfired system. It is therefore essential that technicians performing new boiler installs or replacement works ensure a properly fitted fire valve is in place.

Installation The fire valve needs to be installed in the oil supply pipeline outside the building, a minimum of 50mm from the ground and close to the fuel tank, with the sensor mounted firmly inside the appliance casing above the burner in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to check correct operation of the valve before fitting.

Those with a capillary tube connecting the sensor to the valve – such as the KBB – should run in a protected position without

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over-sharp bends, particularly near to the sensor.

When the temperature at the sensor exceeds the set value (either 85°C, or 60°C if using a KBB) the valve will snap close, cutting off the flow of oil to the property.

Whatever type of valve is used, the valve manufacturer’s advice should always be taken regarding the maximum acceptable activation temperature.

The valve will remain in the shut-off position until the appropriate action has been taken to restore normal operating conditions and the reset button has been pressed.

When installing a fire valve, it’s important to consider the following: • The valve should be installed in the oil supply line outside the property • If an external boiler is used, then the valve should be installed in accordance with the boiler manufacturer’s instructions • If installed in any orientation other than horizontal, then it must be protected from the weather • Do not cut, crimp or compress the capillary tube and avoid tight bends • Failure due to any water ingress –

because of incorrect fitting – will often invalidate any warranty

Up to standard OFTEC’s OFT-10-600A and OFT10-105E training courses cover the installation of fuel supply systems and the installation of fire safety valves.

British Standard 5410-1:2014 sets out the code of practice for oil fired appliances up to 45kW output used for heating and hot water supply purposes.

Section 16.4 on the Oil Supply System makes clear that oil supply fire valves should be inspected and checked for proper operation, including testing their reset function where appropriate, at least once a year. Where leakage is suspected from an oil supply line, pressure testing should also be carried out.

Field testing procedures for both mechanical and electrically operated remote acting fire valves are given in OFTEC Technical Books 2 and 5 along with further advice on oil line testing procedures and replacing flexible oil lines in OFTEC Technical Book 2.

Technicians are advised to visually

inspect the valve for signs of damage and/ or oil leakage at joints with the oil supply pipe. The sensor capillary tube should be checked throughout its length for any kinks or damage and to ensure that it is adequately supported and protected.

Due to the high risk of scalding open to technicians, OFTEC no longer supports the once common method of using boiling water as a test to prove the operation of fire valves.

Instead, the correct operation of the fire valve should be checked using appropriate electronic test equipment. Teddington’s KBT1000, for example, checks that the operation to close the fire valve takes place at a specified temperature as well as ensuring that the valve can be manually reset once the sensor temperature has reduced to a normal operating level.

As industry guidelines make clear, fire safety valves should not be overlooked.

Although it may never be needed, they perform a crucial and often unknown role, safeguarding properties against the risk of fire and potentially saving lives. teddingtonsystems.co.uk

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80 OIL Heating

Opportunities with OpenTherm With the launch of a new oil burner that works with OpenTherm technology, Martin Cooke, Technical Manager at EOGB Energy Products, provides an overview of how OpenTherm works and the advantages the technology can bring to the oil heating industry.

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ater this year, EOGB How does it work? is set to launch an Most boilers currently have industry first – a a simple on/off control fully-modulating domestic system with mechanical oil burner which runs room thermostat and time on kerosene. Our new clock which means that the Sapphire burner satisfies boiler is switched on and off stringent EU regulations at intervals to either provide on NOx emissions, which full heat power or no heat come into force in 2018, at all. and will deliver the best in Modulating control means energy efficiency and carbon the heating power is inemission reduction of any creased or reduced based on domestic oil burner on the the actual output needed. market today.

Boilers can be told when to As well as running on Martin Cooke from EOGB adjust their heating water kerosene, B30K and gas oil and incorporating an engineer-friendly touch temperature and how high to set it, which screen display, a standout feature of the means that only the amount of fuel needed Sapphire burner is the fact that it is fully to reach the water temperature set by the thermostat is used. integrated with OpenTherm technology.

In the past, modulating oil burners have Previously only available for gas boiler installations, OpenTherm is the name given been rejected by the oil industry because it to a form of communication of information was believed that they had no advantage between modulating (condensing) central over standard on/off burners. However, it is heating appliances and room thermostats. clear that by using a modulating oil boiler The term ‘open’ means that boiler and with OpenTherm we can be much more controller manufacturers can easily precise with temperatures by removing the bring their products together and work in on/off cycling and over shooting.

So, what are the advantages for the oil partnership – something that has not been industry? Currently, package labels are so easy in the past.

required to show the combined efficiency of the installed components of the system. This efficiency band must be included when contractors provide a quotation for work to be undertaken.

Previously oil boiler controls could only be in Class 1 or Class 2, but with the new control system installers can offer up to Class 8 which automatically gives a control efficiency increase of 5%.

Testing undertaken by Danfoss has revealed that by implementing modulating OpenTherm controls to a system, an energy saving of 14.3% and a carbon reduction of 15% is achievable. So now oil installers can enjoy the same controls as the gas industry and pass on the benefits to the customer, whilst helping towards cutting carbon.

Savings add up The UK Energy Statistic’s (DUKES) Report 2016 stated that 2015 domestic consumption of kerosene was 2,373,417,722 litres

(24,564,873,423 kWh). After applying SAP carbon emission factor for domestic heating oil (0.298 kg CO2 per kWh), we produce a total of 7,320,332,280 kg CO2 per annum.

If we then take away the 15% saving from using OpenTherm controls, we have the potential to reduce carbon emissions by an impressive 1,098,049,842 kg.

It is well known that replacing a whole heating system is an expensive exercise, especially if you are changing to another energy source. By simply changing the boiler/ burner to a fully modulating system with controls, the existing system can still be used, providing it is fit for purpose.

Our vision is to continue the use of kerosene and explore future biofuel options, but in a more efficient manner. With the technical advancements that we now have available to us we believe that oil still has a very positive future. www.eogb.co.uk

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Oil combi overcomes the problem of size David Hall, UK Director of Firebird, discusses how the company’s new combi range addresses some of the more common issues faced by oil-fired combi boilers, such as space availability and aesthetics.

Providing heat and domestic hot water without the need for a separate hot water cylinder, the combi boiler is usually the first choice for smaller households where space is limited. So size was one of the key issues when we designed our new Combi HE boiler, reducing the width to under 600mm so it could be easily incorporated into new and existing kitchen and utility room configurations.

As oil-fired combi boilers have to perform two functions (heating and DHW), the width of a standard boiler has predominantly been in excess of 600mm. To overcome this, instead of the twin circulating pump approach used in most oil-fired combi boilers to provide both functions, we’ve used a single, ‘A’ rated Grundfos pump and electronic diverter valve. As space heating and DHW require different circulating conditions, the Grundfos UPS 2 pump uses integrated pressure-control to meet these requirements.

This not only means that the size of the Firebird Combi HE can be reduced to a slim 595mm in width, but can also provide overall energy savings when compared to heating system circulators due to the energyoptimisation of the Grundfos pump.

As white goods are becoming more technologically advanced, not just in terms

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The Combi HE has a concealed control panel

of performance but also in their design and aesthetic properties, it has never been more important for a boiler to blend in with other high-end white goods and appliances. By taking advantage of advances made in injection moulding, the sleek new design of our new combi, with its concealed control panel, will hold its own in any modern kitchen or utility room.

Easy access The combi boiler may be the simplest type of boiler to install, but it is also important to have a boiler that is easy to service and maintain. Along with accessible pipework connections, front service access and multidirectional flue options, long-life serviceable components are all important considerations

for the installer. As oil-fired combi boilers typically use a number of components to create the specific central heating and hot water conditions required, it was important to adopt technological advances to reduce the potential for boiler failure.

One such component is the electromechanical flow switch which activates the hot water function. To eliminate this risk of failure, we have replaced it with a temperature sensitive thermistor. When a hot water tap is opened, the thermistor will sense a change in conditions and electronically activate the boiler control circuits to run the circulating pump and divert the store water through the compact plate heat exchanger.

Corrosive debris that may be present in the primary pipework can potentially cause premature failure of the primary heat exchanger through pitting corrosion.

Best practice flushing and inhibitor dosing reduces this risk (along with the fitting of a magnetic filter), but the flow through the heat exchanger is also a key factor. In line with standard European practice, we have designed a complete unit which houses the secondary heat exchanger beneath the primary heat exchanger.

By locating this unit at the bottom of the appliance, a wet top/bottom that promotes

consistent flow through the boiler jacket is created. This type of design means that the potential for corrosive debris product buildup in the jacket flow paths and cavities is significantly reduced.

Popular choice Installed in over 70% of homes, the combi boiler is undoubtedly the most popular type of boiler in the UK and our new boiler will ensure that oil-fired boilers maintain their competitive edge in off-gas areas of the UK. Our new combi features multi-directional flue options and is available in two product ranges with outputs of 20, 26 and 35kW. The Enviroblue Combi HE and Enviromax Combi HE both feature Riello RDB burners, in blue and yellow flame options respectively. firebird.uk.com

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OIL Heating 81 Property expert warms to VortexBlue Oil burners will boost efficiency When the TV and radio property expert Martin Roberts needed a new heating solution, he turned to Devizes based heating specialist Grant UK. The company’s VortexBlue condensing oil boiler incorporates the latest Riello blue flame compact burner to reduce emissions and further boost efficiency levels.

“My previous Grant oil fired boiler had given me many years of reliable service, so when it came to replacing it, as far as I was concerned, there was only one choice,” explains Martin.

Martin’s new Grant VortexBlue 36kW internal combi was fitted with minimal disruption, by professional and friendly G-One approved installer Ford Fuel Oils.

Dimensions of the VortexBlue models are the same as the existing ranges, so older products are very easy to replace.

This new generation of clean burning, low emission and high efficiency condensing boiler already exceeds European emission targets, planned to come into force in 2018.

“I’m told that the improvements in technology and efficiency that have

occurred, plus Grant’s state-of-the-art design, mean that I’ll notice significant savings in heating fuel used,” continues Martin. “The fact I’ve been given a reassuring 10 year guarantee provides peace of mind for many winters to come.”

warranty period on the new blue flame oil boiler models, we not only reinforce the quality of Grant products, but can also hopefully encourage customers to consider a low NOx green alternative to our standard Vortex range.”

Grant also points out that modern oil fired boilers are no longer the inefficient machines of the past: new condensing appliances can operate at almost half the cost of a typical 25 to 30 year old boiler, providing an instant return on investment and making it an easy decision for householders.

Making a statement “The 10 Year Warranty is five times longer than standard Grant boiler warranties and demonstrates our belief in the VortexBlue range,” explains Anna Wakefield, Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager for Grant UK. “As an environmentally aware business, we actively promote the benefits of our sustainable heating technologies. By offering a longer

Happy customers – Martin and Kirsty Roberts with their VortexBlue boiler www.grantuk.com

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Based on blue flame technology, Riello’s new RDB burners have been designed to meet the most stringent standards for NOx emissions in oil fired residential boilers. The new models include RDB BG BLU, and RDB BX and BT Yellow/BLU, as well as two-stage variants on both model families.

The two stage operation system, together with suitable controls, enables a significant increase in the overall efficiency of oil fired heating systems, along with reduced electrical consumption.

The RDB BG BLU burners are suitable for use with kerosene and gasoil, using Riello’s new BG combustion head design for cleaner combustion. They use a single motor to drive the coaxial fan and the pump, the latter delivering two stages of pressure.

The BX version, with a new BX combustion head, is suitable for use with kerosene and also features an advanced head-setting system.

Easy to install and service, all Riello RDB burners comply with the ErP Directive and can be used in a balanced flue or conventional flue configuration. www.rielloburners.co.uk

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82 Vans & Racking

Van test: Volkswagen Crafter Winner of the International Van of the Year 2017 award, the second generation Volkswagen Crafter aims to provide improved styling, comfort, smoothness, safety and handling. Our van tester, Mike Smyre, spent a week with the Crafter and files this review.

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hichever way you look at it, the VW Crafter is an imposing van, and the medium wheelbase high roof model that we had for a week is not even the largest in an extensive range of body styles. It’s certainly the most spacious we’ve had on test, and probably larger than most engineers require, but if you’re looking for something with 5m3 plus change, listen up...

Mike Smyre, van expert Test model: CR35 panel van Trendline with medium wheelbase, 140 PS 2.0 TDI engine, 6-speed manual front wheel drive The very size of this The load area floor is nearly 3.5m long and Driver assist machine brings me to the first of my very few Integrated systems 1832mm wide, narrowing to 1380mm at the gripes with the van. Like most test vehicles, Even more impressive is the dashboard.

There is a comprehensive electronic package the manufacturer provided us with the mid- This is a sophisticated van, with more wheel arches. The wooden floor has a tough to assist the driver. As well as ABS, the range spec, and for the most part this was features than a week’s use had time to plastic covering and six well-located strap Crafter comes with load-adjusting Electronic pretty comprehensive. But when you have reveal, yet VW have managed to make the hooks, but there is no insulation or panelling Stability Programme and cross-wind assist, 12 feet of van and a solid bulkhead behind dash simple, ergonomic and intuitive to use. on the walls. Access is by a large side door a driver alert system that chastises you if you, I would expect a reversing camera or at Vehicle information, satnav, music system (1311 x 1822mm) or by the 50/50 split rear you change lanes without indicating, hill the very least reversing sensors, but these and phone have been integrated into one doors, which will open 270º and secure to the start assist and a function that turns on only come as standard on the top-of-the- seamless system that can be operated almost side of the van magnetically. No fumbling your hazards if you have to brake hard. Get range model. While somewhat mitigated by entirely from the steering wheel. First time with greasy catches on this van. too close to someone while you have the the excellent mirrors, this omission made in the cab, one press of a button will import cruise control on, and the Crafter will back In motion reversing up to a hazard an uncomfortable your entire mobile phone directory into the On the road the Crafter continues to impress. off the throttle to maintain a two-second experience. van’s memory, allowing you to make and The 2.0 litre turbo-charged in-line four diesel gap. If that is not enough, it will even apply receive calls with both hands on the wheel.

About the size of it engine is not what you’d call exciting but the brakes for you. All clever stuff.

Sure, there are arguments that any call in Overall, it’s a very pleasant drive, and you Step up into the cab and you’re again aware a moving vehicle is a distraction, but until quickly get used to the size of the vehicle. of the van’s size. It’s a big step up, and we reach the point when all calls are illegal, you have a commanding view of the road. this has to be the safest system available.

Fuel economy There are three full-size seats which will The excellent sound system is equally VW claims fuel consumption figures of comfortably accommodate the driver and easy to use. Every station you could possibly 34.0 mpg urban, 40.9 extra-urban and 38.2 two hefty passengers, not like some so- want is pre-programmed in to the DAB radio combined. This seems perfectly consistent called three-seaters which will actually seat and you scroll between clear, large icons to with the 37.2 mpg I registered over a week of two plus an anorexic super-model – or your reach your preferred choice. Sound quality mixed driving. The auto stop/start certainly lunch box. The driver’s seat is firm and has is great too, with no distortion even at high helps the urban figures, with a claimed a fantastic range of adjustments that allow volumes. However, this is not standard on saving of 10% in this cycle. This is a Euro you to get your driving position exactly the mid-range Trendline and costs a hefty 6 rated engine, and the small blue cap under as you want it, so remaining comfortable £840 extra. the diesel filler might be a new concept and alert over long drives is not going to Heating controls are on three large dials to some users. This is for AdBlue, a fuel be a problem. which, like all the controls, have a reassuringly additive consisting of urea and water that Height, rake, lumbar and thigh supports, solid Germanic feel to them. Our test week is injected into the exhaust gases to help the dual armrests and headrest can all be was during the fortnight we laughingly call reduce nitrous oxide emissions. The 18 litre adjusted either manually or electrically. If ‘summer’ in the UK, so the air conditioning tank will need filling every 5000 miles or that’s not enough, seat heating and even a was greatly appreciated. Not a standard feature so, but more and more filling stations now massage function are available as options. even on the top-of-the range Highline, aircon have a pump, reducing the need to mess will set you back an additional around with funnels and containers. £1650.

Tallying up

Loading zone

The 50/50 split rear doors open to 270º and conveniently attach to the sides of the van magnetically

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As said, our test model was the medium wheelbase version (actually the shortest version of this model) with the high roof. This gives an overall length just shy of 6m and a height of nearly 2.6m.

This might exclude a lot of car parks, but gives a load area which will take four Euro pallets and a capacity of 10m3 and up. Still not enough for you? The LWB and LWB plus will take six pallets with a maximum volume of 18.4m3.

Plenty of space in the back for bulky items

is perfectly adequate to the task. It moves you swiftly away from the lights, and while you get some induction roar if you push it through the gears, at motorway speeds all you hear is a bit of wind noise from the large mirrors and some muted thumps from the suspension. No rattles, no buzzes and no vibration. The six-speed gearbox driving through the front wheels is slick and precise; the clutch is light enough and the brakes and steering are nicely weighted.

The tuning circle is 3.6m, which is not bad at all for a 6m long front-wheel drive van.

This is not a cheap van. The range starts at £29,737 OTR inc VAT and with the media and aircon, plus the metallic silver paint and Titanium Black upholstery as extra, our test model tips the scales at just the wrong side of £40k. But is it good value?

Factor in the 100k miles/3 year warranty, good economy and low depreciation plus 3 year’s VW assist (which you’re not likely to need!) and it seems a lot more reasonable.

Leases start at £291 per month, so if you need something a bit larger than the average installer does, the Crafter may be worth a closer look.

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WHAT’S New 85 More options with new digital shower Developed after extensive market research, Triton Showers has launched a new wireless digital mixer.

With wireless controls, the new Host shower enables precision siting – either on the wall of choice, in the centre of a tile, or on the grout line – combatting the restrictions of cable (although a 10m one is supplied for

those who prefer cable).

An optional portable wireless remote boasts a warm-up function, ideal if the combi boiler is far away from the shower. It can be placed within handy reach beside the bed but also comes with a magnetic wall mount.

The shower is claimed to deliver superior flow rates than a standard brass mixer used with a gravity-fed cylinder, and more precise temperature control when paired with a combi or mains fed cylinder.

Triton has even introduced its digital brushless quiet motor technology into the pumped model, ensuring the model runs silently without compromising on pressure.

The contemporary wireless panel is available in black, white or cloud grey, with a clear digital display that allows users to choose one

Megapress goes extra large

of three pre-set programmes, or select their own custom settings using 16 temperature and 10 flow steps.

Mix and match accessory items offer a wide range of style options, meaning Host can be combined with a number of fixed showerheads, secondary handsets and holders. Alternatively, all in one packs are available, equipped with the most popular combinations for hassle free selection.

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Engineered for use with larger thick walled steel pipework, the new Megapress XL system from Viega is claimed to deliver time savings of up to 80% when compared with welding.

Megapress XL allows thick walled steel tube with diameters between 2½ and 4 inches to be press connected.

The specially engineered sealing element within the connector ensures a robust, leak proof seal on a range of materials including seamless, welded, black, galvanised, epoxy-resin-coated and industrially painted tube.

As no heat is required, the press connection system eliminates the fire and burn risks associated with welding and the heavy machinery needed to create a threaded tube.

The zinc-nickel coated steel connectors are suitable for applications including heating and cooling systems and is rated for operating

temperatures up to 140°C. The system comes with a wide range of sleeves, elbows, adapters, reducers, T-pieces and flanges to meet the demands of almost any installation.

The lightweight Pressgun press booster, developed for use with larger Megapress XL connections, can be used for overhead pipework or where space is limited. It is also compatible with existing Viega tools.

“For many contractors thick walled steel tube is still the preferred material due to its durability, and our Megapress overcomes many of the issues associated with its installation,” says Scott James, Director of Viega.

“With the launch of the XL range we are delighted to bring the benefits of press connection technology to a wider range of applications.”

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Launch of flexible pipework system Connected security Rautitan is a new universal 10 bar pipework solution for drinking water and heating systems from Rehau. The flexible PE-Xa pipework system is available in both coils and straights, and also as a pre-insulated pipe system, offering installers a solution for virtually every application.

The Flex version is a five layer polymer pipe, available from 16-63mm, and the multilayer Stabil pipe range is available from 16-40mm.

The WRAS approved system features a smooth surface to prevent deposits from forming in the pipe, while

cavity-free impermeable joints eliminate the risk of microbial contamination.

Rautitan is also suitable for radiator connections and can be used for installations

through the floor, skirting board or wall, and uses a compression sleeve jointing system which produces a permanently sealed joint without O-rings – even at temperatures as low as -10°C. Fittings are available in polymer, stainless steel and gunmetal, offering further flexibility and interoperability for installation specifications.

Using the specialist Rautool device, installers simply expand the pipe end, insert the fitting and apply the compression sleeve.

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Responding to growing demand for connected appliances in the home, Honeywell has expanded its Lyric family of products to include the C1 Wi-Fi Security Camera. Installers can therefore now offer customers a surveillance camera that works with other smart technology in the Lyric family, such as the T6R thermostat or the Lyric Water Leak Detector.

As well as offering motion detection and round-the-clock protection against intruders, the security camera features intelligent sound detection that can recognise if a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is activated and will send an alert, turning any standard alarm into a connected device. The same built-in speaker also facilitates two-way communication.

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86 WHAT’S New Made for the professional Aimed at installers looking for quality showers at affordable prices is the new Trade-tec collection from Inta. The range comprises two thermostatic bar showers, a concealed shower, and a bath shower mixer.

All come with Inta’s builtin anti-scald technology – the failsafe function that prevents scalding in the event of water supply failure on either the hot or cold feeds.

The Trade-tec bar shower is described as a stylish fit-andforget product that does not compromise on quality. The thermostatic shower comes with a flexible slide rail kit and fast-fix brackets.

The Trade-Tec Coolflow comes with a flexible slide rail kit, multi-function handset, safe-touch body and fast-fix brackets, while the Concealed Shower has 15mm direct inlet

and outlet connections and single function handset.

The Bath Shower Mixer has adjustable fixing points for the riser, a flexible riser kit and deck-mounted legs. The Coolflow and Bath Shower Mixer are also TMV2-approved for domestic, leisure and hotel applications.

Safe to touch The range has been designed to enable easy installation with set fixing centres, while fast-fix brackets provide wall

High output units can ‘go anywhere’

Designed for the commercial and industrial markets, the Econoflame R600 Evolution range of gas boilers by Stokvis come in seven models with outputs from 142 to 540kW. Each unit features compact dimensions, making them a ‘go anywhere’ solution for confined spaces.

The new high efficiency boilers are all designed to pass through standard doorways, with boiler widths of between 466 and 746mm, and can be easily located in position because they incorporate wheels. For those really difficult access sites, the boilers can be dismantled and then reassembled in the final position.

The R 6 0 0 E v olut ion

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boiler options are equally appropriate for tall buildings, offering 8 bar maximum pressure, while being lightweight (between 290 and 595kg when empty) meaning the range is also suitable for roof top applications where structural limitations may be a consideration.

Then for further siting flexibility, inspection glass and ignition electrodes can be fitted in different locations to suit space limitations.

And there is also the option to specify a room sealed version, with no change to the standard boiler. R600 models are designed for single or cascade applications.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.stokvisboilers.com

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mounting, compression joint and shower connection in one convenient solution.

Direct compression connections reduce the number of wet connections to be made when fitted with 15mm pipework.

Stuart Gizzi, Director at Inta, says: “We’re pleased to unveil our latest range, which has been specifically engineered to meet the exacting demands of the professional installer. Each of the products performs exceptionally well and offers the superlative performance and reliability that all our customers expect. Each is easy to fit, but we also offer a dedicated technical helpline for installers.”

Like all Inta showers, the Trade-tec range comes with a five-year warranty and is WRAS approved.

Toilet seat locked in with secure screw Sanitary equipment specialist Celmac Wirquin has launched Lock+, a component that prevents a toilet seat from moving or coming loose. Lock+ fits on all types of WC pans, works with both plastic and stainless steel hinges whether bottom fix, top fix, quick release or soft close options. It now comes as standard and at no extra cost on a selection of Celmac’s Thermoset and Thermoplastic toilet seats. Lock+ is said to be not only extremely simple to fit, but to actually increase the overall lifespan of the seat, can be installed and re-installed, and is guaranteed for life.

The Lock+ plastic device holds the screw secure, in a similar way to a rawl plug, within the ceramic screw hole.

A small but effective device, it is malleable enough to adjust to the pan hole, yet strong enough to avoid movement.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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www.intatec.co.uk

www.wirquin.co.uk

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

177

Next generation of OEM circulators As well as a supplier of standalone pumps to installers through merchants in the UK, Wilo is also an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for combi and system boiler manufacturers across Europe. With the recent launch of the Wilo-Para, the company is now able to offer its OEM customers a new generation of pumps from the Wilo-Yonos Para product family.

Thanks to its optimised and compact design and the

direct access to the signal connector, the installation and commissioning of this circulator is simple and straightforward – it is also fully

‘downward compatible’ with the existing Yonos-Para range, which makes the replacement of a pump straightforward.

The option to adjust preconfigured settings later down the track offers OEM customers greater flexibility.

Intelligent functions such as maximum venting ensure the reliable operation of this new pump. The manual reboot function allows resetting of the pump to factory settings and subsequent reconfiguration at any time.

An LED interface displays the current operating status while a QR code offers access to current product information.

“We are committed to the continuous development of our pumps and our new Wilo-Para allows us to face the growing challenges within the OEM marketplace head on,” says Richard Harden, MD of Wilo in the UK. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.wilo-oem.com

178

All in one grouting for walls and floors Thread sealant

The latest generation of Henkel’s Loctite anaerobic adhesives is the Loctite 577, a medium strength, generalpurpose thread sealant for parallel/parallel and taper/ parallel threads and fittings. It is designed to lock and seal all metal pipes and fittings as well as other threaded assemblies, providing an instant, low pressure seal that will not creep, shrink or shred. Once fully cured Loctite 577 will provide a high pressure seal, resisting the burst pressure of the pipe in most instances. It also has a higher strength on contaminated surfaces. This means it will provide an effective seal even if time or circumstances do not allow pre-treatment of the substrate to remove all grease and grime. www.loctite.co.uk

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

180

GX-500 is Dunlop’s most advanced tile grout yet and provides builders and contractors with an all-round grout in eight colours. Suitable for wall and floor tiling, the GX-500 can be used for almost any situation and with most tile types including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone and mosaic tiles. It’s also water and frost resistant.

The flexible nature of the grout means a reduced risk of cracking, leaving a smooth but hard-wearing finish without patchiness or surface discolouration.

It also means it can be used in complex installations where flexibility is required, such as over underfloor heating, swimming pools and heavily trafficked areas. Because of its formulation, it can be used from 1-15mm joint widths – meaning it can be used for almost any tiling design with large or small format tiles.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.dunloptrade.com 181

29/08/2017 15:06

September 2017

What’s New Help to size continuous flow New from Rinnai is a Site Sizing Service designed to give the right amount of hot water delivery to meet existing and planned needs.

The service is available via email, iPhone and site visit and is designed to give contractors and users the right mix of products and system which fit the needs of the site, rather than a ‘one size fits all approach’ seen with traditional hot water heating systems.

“Every site is different, as all installers know, and the tradition of oversizing a system ‘just in case’ is a costly way for a site to have hot water on demand,” says Rinnai Head of Operations, Chris Goggin. “We are inviting contractors, designers, installers, end users and consultants to contact us in person to discuss their new installations so that we can recommend the right system specific to the site.”

The Pure & Simple collection of baths from Abacus Bathrooms now includes eight models manufactured with the ‘Armour Plus’ coating, which is said to offer a superior finish and greater durability.

Extra deep with sleek lines for a luxurious bathing or showering experience, there are three freestanding models in both acrylic and solid surface resin along with two double-ended, two single-ended and one inset bath.

The Pure & Simple portfolio offers a complete bathroom solution covering brassware, sanitaryware, tiles, furniture and accessories. The products in this range are priced to suit the mid-market. www.abacus-bathrooms.co.uk

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Jonathan Kidner, Product Engineer at Alpha Heating Innovation, responds to some frequently asked questions about the safety of gas appliances and the best guidance to offer customers.

What is the current situation regarding the ‘flue in a void’ legislation?

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.rinnaiuk.com

182

To help engineers find the right thermistor when designing sensors in either new or existing products, ATC Semitec has launched a sample case featuring NTC thermistors. With samples in hand, engineers can quickly identify the best mechanical fit before considering temperature ranges, accuracy levels, speed of response, etc.

The kit was initially developed to help heating engineers make the best choice of thermistor in response to the Eco Design Directive (2009/125/EC) and Energy Labelling Regulations (811/2013).

ENQUIRY No.

www.atcsemitec.co.uk

184

Foam with eco credentials As a specialist in the development of synthetic foams, NMC has launched Naturefoam, which is based on renewable raw materials. This innovation has improved the climate and energy performance of NMC products and helps towards protecting resources.

Naturefoam is made mainly from polyethylene manufactured from sugarcane, a renewable resource that grows back every year, absorbing CO2 as it grows. Naturefoam is available for NMC brands Climaflex and Exzentroflex.

Technical pipe insulation

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products carrying the brands Climaflex and Exzentroflex are improved by the use of at least 50% renewable materials.

Recycled

manufacturing scrap and additives to improve insulation values and fire protection complete the composition.

Climaflex and Exzentroflex

TECHNICAL Tips BURNING QUESTIONS

Sample kit for resistor

Suit up in armour for a durable bath

Advertorial

incorporating Naturefoam have the same technical properties as the previous Climaflex in terms of insulation values, fire performance, ease of installation and longevity.

NMC says the environmntal product declaration for Climaflex with Nat urefoam shows that the CO2 emissions in the produ c t i o n process could be reduced to zero, a significant improvement over the previous formulation.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.nmc-naturefoam.com

185

From January 2011 gas engineers have been obliged to advise customers on the importance of being able to inspect the whole length of a boiler flue as part of a service or safety inspection. Where the flue is installed in a void, such as in ceilings or behind false walls, steps must be taken to ensure the condition of the flue can be checked. The recommended course of action is to install inspection hatches at appropriate points along the route of the flue to allow visual examination.

However, where inspection hatches are impractical the alternative is to install a CO2 monitoring system interlocked with the boiler.

A phased introduction of new guidance has meant that since January 2013 if a flue cannot be inspected and no monitoring system is in place engineers should issue an ‘At Risk’ notice, even if there are no other indications that the boiler is unsafe.

With the permission of the responsible person, usually the homeowner, the appliance should be switched off. If the homeowner does not give permission they must take responsibility for the safety of the boiler and sign an acknowledgement to that effect.

The Gas Safe Register website and technical bulletin TB008 can offer further guidance on this.

What’s the best gas safety advice for engineers to give landlords?

Landlords are responsible for the safety of their tenants. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 details a landlord’s duty to make sure gas appliances, fittings and flues provided for tenants are safe. Any new gas appliance or flue must be gas safety checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer within 12 months of installation and should be checked annually after that. Although not a legal requirement, a gas safety check before a new tenant moves in should also be considered as it may help to identify any issues as well as demonstrate their diligence as a landlord.

Copies of gas safety certificates should be kept for at least two years, and copies issued to new tenants before they move in. Following each annual service a copy of the certificate should be issued to the tenant within 28 days of completion.

Although there is no legal obligation for landlords to have gas appliances serviced annually, it is considered best practice to do so to not only ensure the safe operation of the appliances but also to avoid costly breakdowns. Similarly, there is no legal obligation to provide carbon monoxide detectors where only gas appliances are present, however it comes highly recommended by the HSE and gas

safety campaigners and helps landlords show that they take their responsibilities towards tenants seriously.

Where can I find guidance on flue terminal position?

Correct flue terminal position is very important as it will affect whether products of combustion are safely discharged and also ensure the safe operation of the appliance. Specific advice should be sought from the manufacturer’s instructions for the appliance being installed. This will often include useful diagrams showing the correct terminal locations.

Furthermore, to ensure the terminal position can be sited correctly, many boiler manufacturers offer innovative flexible flueing options, such as Alpha’s telescopic CD Easyflue that features a directable turret to disperse condense plume. Extensive plume management kits are also available to assist with difficult installations. Additional guidance on this issue can be found in British Standard BS5440-1: 2008 and Approved Document J of the Building Regulations.

When do I need to check the safe performance of a boiler?

Gas engineers may be required to undertake combustion performance analysis when carrying out certain types of work to ensure the appliance is operating safely and efficiently. This includes: • Commissioning a new appliance • As part of a ser vice, or when determining if a service is required • Following the replacement of parts Gas Safe registered engineers holding current relevant ACS qualifications, will have completed CPA1 Combustion Performance Analysis module demonstrating the required competence to check the combustion performance of an appliance using a flue gas analyser.

To carry out the checks, Gas Safe registered engineers should use a BS7967 approved flue gas analyser that has been calibrated within the last 12 months. The manufacturer’s instructions for the appliance should also be used to ascertain target CO, CO2 and CO/CO2 ratio figures and also to ensure the boiler is being tested at the correct output i.e. in ‘service mode’.

Alpha is on hand to help with any technical questions, and in addition to the full instructions available online we also offer in-depth product training at our dedicated training centres.

Find out more For further information about Alpha Heating Innovation, please visit the website:

www.alpha-innovation.co.uk

31/08/2017 15:20

September 2017

88 What’s New Deep cleaning solution for HVACR New from Aspen Pumps is a range of chemicals designed to clean and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.

Storm Chemicals have been designed to offer effective and deep cleaning of HVACR equipment to promote a healthy indoor environment and improve energy efficiency.

Featuring Micro-Tech deep cleaning technology, the Storm Chemicals range has been formulated to meet the

needs of today’s challenging maintenance requirements.

Unlike conventional cleaners,

Showerpipe is an all-in-one system The new Croma 280 overhead showers from Hansgrohe is designed to appeal to those looking for an extralarge showerhead and all-inone shower system.

The showerpipe combines all components: overhead shower, hand shower, shower holder, thermostat, and hose – a complete package convenient for both new construction projects and bathroom remodels. The horizontal shower arm can be used to swivel the overhead shower to the desired position. This is an advantage in small shower areas – for example, in situations where there is only room to install the showerpipe near a corner.

The s pr ay d i s c, measuring 280mm, is

www.hansgrohe.co.uk

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.aspenpumps.com

186

Three sided fires

generously sized and it is made of metal, making it durable, robust and detachable for easy cleaning.

Thanks to airenriched water drops, the lavish shower spray splashes less than conventional shower jets. The showerheads are available for ceiling or wall installation.

The Croma Select 280 shower pipe comes in two additional versions: one comes with a single-lever mixer for bathtubs, and the other is a model for use with existing taps and mixers in bathroom renovation projects.

ENQUIRY No.

this technology provides microscopic cleaning deep into the surface, beyond the

biofilm, resulting in a longer lasting clean and an improved indoor environment.

In addition, within the Storm range are a series of products powered by Green XL, a probiotic cleaner that uses ‘good’ bacteria to remove dirt and cleans beyond the microscopic layer (biofilm), ensuring a product remains clean in between service intervals.

188

Mirror makes the finishing touch A new range of six mirrors and four mirrored cabinets from Abacus Bathrooms’ Pure & Simple portfolio is designed to provide a finishing touch to any design scheme.

The cabinets come with shaver socket, adjustable shelves and LED lighting.

The illuminated mirrors are available in a range of sizes.

Abacus Bathrooms’ Pure and Simple collection provides a complete bathroom solution covering brassware, sanitaryware, tiles, furniture and accessories. www.abacus-bathrooms.co.uk

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

187

Taking the tedium out of pipe scraping A three-sided gas fire has been added to the Maestro collection from DRU. The Maestro 75XTU can be installed with a false chimney breast and stone hearth or as part of a room-dividing wall. It features DRU’s dynamic burner system, which is said to generate exceptionally high and dense flames. Used with the Eco Wave app, the flame pattern and gas consumption can be controlled from a tablet or smartphone.

The fire is constructed almost entirely from glass, incorporating Clear View non-reflective glass that makes the glass almost invisible.

The balanced flue system of Maestro 75XTU means that it can be located anywhere in proximity to an outside facing wall. The addition of the DRU PowerVent extended and motorised flue system means that it can be installed in previously inaccessible locations, such as high-rise apartments, hotels, restaurants and much more. Versions are available in natural gas or LPG.

Although pipe scraping is necessary to ensure an optimal connection, it can often be a time consuming, awkward and tiring task, which is why Geberit developed the d110 Pipe Scraper. It takes just five seconds per scrape, significantly reducing labour

times for the installer.

Designed for use with all Geberit HDPE and Silent-db20 pipes and fittings, the easyto-use Pipe Scraper prepares the surface of the pipe or fitting ready for electrofusion welding, with minimal effort required by the installer.

Simple to use as an attachment with a standard cordless drill, the d110 Pipe Scraper for drainage pipes with dimensions of 110mm has an easily-replaceable blade so it will always be ready when required.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

ENQUIRY No.

drufire.com/en-GB

www.geberit.co.uk

189

190

Commercial gas heat pump Kitchen additions to bathroom taps

Large-scale commercial projects are the target market for Panasonic’s latest generation of gas heat pumps (GHP) units. They utilise a gaspowered engine to deliver heating, cooling and hot water. The use of a gas-driven engine reduces the consumption of electricity to just 9% of an equivalent-sized electricity powered VRF solution.

The low electricity consumption ensures that the GHP range is suitable for projects where there are restrictions to the power supply, enabling the building’s power supply to be used for other critical infrastructure such as IT servers or commercial refrigeration. The GHP runs on either natural gas or LPG and just a singlephase power supply.

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The GHP unit is able to meet high demand for DHW through capturing waste heat from the engine generated during heating and cooling operation. This free generation of DHW makes Panasonic’s GHP a suitable solution for commercial applications as it is able to deliver hot water at 65°C without requiring additional electric heaters.

The GE3 range can offer 100% heating capacity and DHW at temperatures as low as -20°C without requiring a defrost process. Multiple units can be combined in configurations up to 60 HP, providing a full-scale heating, cooling and hot water solution.

PHAM ENQUIRY No.

www.aircon.panasonic.eu

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The recently introduced range of Clever bathroom taps from Westco has been expanded to include a selection of Chef and Mixer taps designed for use in the kitchen.

The Clever Mixer and Chef Taps come with a range of eco-efficient solutions said to achieve maximum cost and water savings. A fiveyear warranty and WRAS flexible connectors are also available. Functionality within the range includes

Econature (water saving), ColdOpen (anti-scald), Magnet (magnetic system fastening), Super Fix (stop movement), Easy Fix (easy assembly without tools), and Thermolimit (temperature control).

Commenting on the expansion of its Clever portfolio, Westco MD Nick Horton says: “With the kitchen the heart of the modern home, it’s important to combine

striking aesthetics with the most advanced technology and water saving functionality available. Clever is recognised as an innovative brand in Europe and with a very realistic price point, we are sure these designs will resonate with plumbers and homeowners in the UK.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

westco.co.uk

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September 2017

WHAT’S New 89 High flow delivery Boiler house red Described as top quality showering at an accessible price, the new Mira Relate is a bar valve shower that is suitable for retrofitting as well as enabling easier installation at the second fix stage.

The contemporary design of this chrome shower complements modern interiors and benefits from thermostatic mixing valve technology, so it not only looks good but is also safe for all the family. Separate temperature and flow controls with override buttons enable the user to fine tune their perfect showering experience, while the Mira Beat 90mm single spray showerhead has rub-clean nozzles for easy limescale removal.

Guaranteed for five years, the Mira Relate is suitable for all water systems at all pressures with genuine performance at 0.1 bar and above. Mira’s Magni-f lo technology means the mixers deliver up to three times more flow than competing products,

even at low pressure. Through a combination of design features which optimise internal water ways within the valve body, Magni-flo enables water to flow through more efficiently.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.mirashowers.co.uk

Boiler house models have joined Grant UK’s Vortex oil boiler range, increasing the number of heating outputs on offer. Boiler house models are suitable for locations which are difficult to access, where a white cased version is not the most appropriate solution. The existing Vortex Boiler House range consists of four blue range-rated units with heating outputs from 26 to 70kW. Later this year, the range will introduce new models to cater for properties that need smaller boilers.

New sizes include 15/21kW and 21/26kW, with the remaining four having 26/35, 36/46, 46/58 and 58/70kW outputs. The boilers will continue to be supplied with an externally mounted Riello RDB burner and thermostat, achieving seasonal efficiencies of up to 93.3% (SAP 2009).

The new Vortex Boiler House models have a red powder-coated casing and black snorkel tube.

The new colour gives these units a fresh look with a durable casing. The blue cased versions in the range will be discontinued.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.grantuk.com

193

194

Closing the door on heat losses

A range of air curtains have joined Smith’s Environmental Products’ extensive commercial product portfolio.

These air curtains are designed to reduce the loss of energy used for the heating or cooling of a building while also acting as a barrier to dust, insects and odours. The range includes Stella, S2 and PS air curtains. The Stella and S2 are available in metallic finishes, suiting them for offices, hotel lobbies, atrium areas and showrooms. The PS Series of industrial air curtains deliver high-efficiency outputs for larger areas.

Stella air curtains can separate climate zones within different temperatures by creating strong air flow in

the vicinity of open doors and gates. S2 and S2 metallic series of electric air curtains are suitable for smaller commercial spaces such as small retail outlets.

The PS series is a high performance, high efficiency unit for large commercial spaces such as production premises, warehouses, logistics centres and sports facilities. These products have two performance modes, 70 or 100% Smith’s air curtains come with a free three-year parts and labour guarantee. For specialist projects, Smith’s technical sales team is available to offer advice on the best solution for a premises.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.smithsep.co.uk

195

DIRECTORY Biomass Boilers

ECO ANGUS

Heating Controls

Controls

ENQUIRY

Underfloor Heating

01

www.phamnews.co.uk

BANICO CONTROLS

ENQUIRY

01359 243 516 projects@gaia.co.uk www.gaia.co.uk

02 HEATING CONTROLS ONLINE

ENQUIRY

03

GAIA

ENQUIRY

04

DripStoppers

Dripstoppers stop your drips!

Dripstoppers is a great new innovative product.

A universal stepped rubber bung that will adopt the shape required when inserted.

SIMPLY PUSH IN & TWIST TO SEAL. Boilers, Radiators, Cylinders, Tanks, all hoses and piping systems, iron pipe drip sizes up to 11/2”, emptying your drip tray.

• Designed to help stop the sludgy drips and mess.

• Easy to use when removing installed plumbing products to prevent them from damaging customers flooring and No more dirty black sludgy van!!!

PLUMBPAL – DRIPSTOPPERS

• No more drips over your clothes.

• No more (waste) easy to clean and easy on the eye!

• Silicone free and temperature rated -25°C to +90°C, • Sizes to suit each application: Large Dripstoppers – 13mm to 42mm I.D Standard Dripstoppers – 5mm to 22mm I.D • A simple easy-to-use tool for all size entrances and exits.

www.plumbpal.co.uk are the sole UK distributors for @Dripstoppers - @hotun - @PipeSnugs facebook/plumbpal.com

@plumb_pal

For further information or to order email sophie@plumbpal.co.uk, ring 07769217912 or enter the PHAM No. Visit our new websites www.plumbpal.co.uk www.dripstoppers.co.uk

Run by Plumbers, for Plumbers, from a Bristol Plumbers merchant ENQUIRY

05

89-91 Pham SEPT17:Layout 1 31/08/2017 15:14 Page 90

September 2017

90 DIRECTORY Radiators

Training & Assessments

AQUALISA

ENQUIRY

09

STEVE WILLIS TRAINING & ASSESSMENTS

APOLLO RADIATORS

ENQUIRY

12

ENQUIRY

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

06

Safety Products

www.idhee.org.uk IDHEE

ENQUIRY

13

Advertiser’s Index MR COMBI

ENQUIRY

10

Advance Appliances Ltd

14

Nest

Altecnic Ltd

32

Novellini

38

Ariston Boilers

55

Nu-Heat UK Ltd

75

OFTEC

81

84

Pegler Yorkshire Group Ltd

31

18

Pitacs Ltd

71

33, 43

Plumbase

19

Polypipe plc

59

Bathroom Manufacturers Association BES Ltd Calor Gas Ltd Carrara & Matta (EMEA Bemis Ltd)

28

City Plumbing Services GOTEC

ENQUIRY

07

Water Heating

Redring Xpelair Group

Danfoss Ltd

57

Rems GmbH & Co KG

Delabie UK Ltd

64

Rettig UK - Myson

69

Docherty Group

4

Roca Ltd

37

Drayton Controls

51

Screwfix

2

Esi Controls Ltd

54

Sentinel Performance

SOUTH WEST PENINSULAR TRAINING LTD

08

29 Inserts

The Electric Heating Company 10

Solutions Ltd

12

Firebird Heating Solutions Ltd 79

Stelrad

67

Flir Systems Ltd

22

Stiebel Eltron UK Ltd

24

Ford Motor Company

23

Supplies 4 Heat

72

Tacotherm (UK) Ltd

61

21, 30

Gledhill Building Products Ltd

63

Testo

41

Grasslin UK

50

Timoleon Ltd (OMNIE)

35

Grant Engineering (UK) Ltd

76

Triton plc

53

1, 92

UK Construction Week

83

Viega Ltd

15

Ideal Standard International 27

Viesmann Ltd

Improveasy

36

Vokera Ltd

45

8

Intatec Ltd

11

Wirquin Ltd

48

Intergas Heating Ltd

20

Wolseley UK Ltd

40

John Guest Speedfit Ltd

62

Worcester Bosch Group

Kamco Ltd

56

Wunda Group plc

Kensa Heat Pumps Ltd

25

9 16

MHS Radiators (Rads 2 Rails) 66

01924 225 200 ENQUIRY

74

The Radiator Company

85

MV Fluids Handling Ltd HYCO

73

13

Systems Ltd

hyco.co.uk

5

QRL (Barlo Radiators)

CMR Controls Ltd

Honeywell Control

See the Full Zen Range from Hyco with working models at Grand Designs Live Show NEC Birmingham 11-15th October

Protean Software Ltd

(Travis Perkins)

Geberit Sales Ltd

Now Available New Zen Brochure

7

KIWA

ENQUIRY

3

11

ENQUIRY

14

89-91 Pham SEPT17:Layout 1 30/08/2017 10:28 Page 91

September 2017

INFORMATION Centre 91 Danfoss & Honeywell Book of Wiring

Central Heating combination boilers fault finding & repair

For years electricians and heating engineers have commented that wiring heating controls is a difficult subject to learn, existing diagrams are not always easy to follow.

Mr Combi® Training has developed a fantastic set of easy to follow coloured wiring diagrams for Danfoss and Honeywell Controls, 2 / 3 port systems, Faults, Frost stats, testing components, everything you need in one handy A5 book.

John Reginald has released his easy to read, easy to understand book that takes the reader through the background and operation of each major component within combi boilers past and present.

The comprehensive fault finding logic guides provide professional solutions helping you to achieve professional standards.

Priced at £26 this Industry leading book is available from all High Street and Online Book Stores.

COPPER JOB

ENQUIRY

371

Abode Pronteau 3 in 1 Steaming Hot Water Taps

ENQUIRY

372

Snickers ‘FLEXIWork’ Clothing – Better Working Clothes That Really Make a Difference

ENQUIRY

373

Launch of New Slim line Multi-fuel Stoves Charlton & Jenrick have launched slim line versions of their popular Purevision stoves. New models available in the new slim line format are the PV5W, BPV5W (Black) and the Classic CPV5W. The new versions keep the same look, design and feel but benefit from being shallower and in the case of the Classic stove also shorter. There is a significant price decrease across the Purevision range and the new RRP on the PV5W/BPV5W slim lines is £1,175. The CPV5W slim line is £1,455 including VAT. For more information or to arrange a display please ring the sales office 0845 519 5991 visit the website www.charltonandjenrick.co.uk or enter the PHAM No. CHARLTON & JENRICK

ENQUIRY

374

376

The new renowned catalogue from Plumbfix, available to collect for free from all 520 Screwfix stores nationwide, is packed full of thousands of products and exclusive deals, with a variety of top brands including Titan, Stanley and DeWalt. All products ordered through the catalogue are available for next day delivery seven days a week, or via the Click & Collect service, which allows products to be picked-up from one of Plumbfix counters in as little as one minute.

Browse thousands of products online as well as in the latest Plumbfix catalogue www.plumbfix.com To find your local Plumbfix store visit www.screwfix.com ENQUIRY

Firebird have launched a new Boiler Handbook which provides an ultimate guide to their extensive range of oil-fired boilers. The new easy to use brochure contains detailed product information, technical specifications and a handy step-by-step guide on how to select the right type of boiler. Also included is a comprehensive overview of the Firebird range of condensing flue kits and accessories.

For further information on the Firebird Ultimate Boiler Guide and the range of high-performance oil-fired boilers and renewable heating systems please visit www.firebird.uk.com Ring 01752 691177 or Email sales@firebird.uk.com FIREBIRD

ENQUIRY

377

Check out the best gear for working on site in the latest full colour brochure which can now be downloaded free of charge.

This catalogue has all you need to know about the world’s leading range of working clothes for professional tradesmen and women whatever your working environment. Complimented by Snickers Profiling and Embroidery services and the UK’s most extensive range of garment sizes, Snickers’ Workwear System delivers the ultimate solution to make every man and woman’s workday easier and safer.

Download the New Workwear Catalogue www.snickersworkwear.co.uk SNICKERS

ENQUIRY

378

375

MR COMBI

381

ENQUIRY

Paragon Conventional and Balanced Flue Gas Stoves

Paragon branded efficient, realistic high quality gas flame technology is now available in a freestanding stove design both for conventional and balanced flue systems.

Both models are manufactured with heavy-duty, seam-welded steel bodies and doors in keeping with high quality solid fuel originals. Being gas fired, all the aesthetic advantages of a freestanding stove can be enjoyed without the effort of starting and maintaining a fire or having wood and ash to deal with. The RRP of the conventional stoves is £1,072 Inc. VAT and the balanced flue stoves are £1,499 inc. VAT. For more information visit www.charltonandjenrick.co.uk to arrange a display please ring the sales office on 0845 519 5991 or enter the PHAM No. CHARLTON & JENRICK

382

ENQUIRY

The Solid Gear Safety Shoe That Will Put A Real Spring In Your Step!

The REVOLUTION INFINITY from Solid Gear is exactly what the name suggests – a revolutionary safety shoe.

There’s endless cushioning and comfort which has until now, been difficult to get in safety shoes.

With a ‘bounce back’ mid-sole which gives a 55% ‘energy return’ to reduce fatigue and stress on your back, legs and feet. Water-resistant, with a non-slip sole and a composite midsole, it also has a heel counter for foot stability plus with Solid Gear’s newly developed NANO toecap. It’s 40% stronger than fiberglass, lighter than other materials and thinner than other non-metallic toe-caps. Your feet will notice the difference.

Visit the website www.solidgearfootwear.com HULTAFORS

New Salamander Website

The complete Twyford Collection of quality bathroom products is now available to view in a new brochure. Presented in an easy-to-use format, the brochure spans 100 pages. A handy reference tool for specifiers looking to incorporate the latest design trends into their bathroom projects, the brochure details each of the Twyford brand’s series at a glance, making it simple to find the most suitable solution with ordering a simple process.

SALAMANDER Pumps has launched a new website to make life easier for installers. It includes a range of innovative additions including a noise section where users can listen to a pump in action, see it rated against everyday noises such as a boiling kettle, and find more information around dBA ratings across the range.

It also includes a product comparison facility, an improved pump selector, a dedicated installer hub and more extensive technical information. The site also features the newly launched Right Pump range and a new events section.

Visit the new website www.salamanderpumps.co.uk

For your copy of the new Twyford Collection brochure call 01926 516800 or visit www.twyfordbathrooms.com TWYFORD

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Choosing the perfect kitchen sink has never been simpler with the BLANCO à la Carte Inset and Undermount Studio Collection brochure. With over 40 sink models on display, descriptions and helpful information such as dimensions, pricing and materials of each sink plus detailed information on taps and BLANCO ISE waste disposal units this brochure provides information on how to get the very best out of every BLANCO product.

All brochures can be ordered online www.blanco.co.uk Ring 01923 635200 email info@blanco.co.uk or enter the PHAM No. BLANCO

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SALAMANDER

Saniflo spells out the showering possibilities

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New Twyford Collection brochure

New BLANCO à la Carte brochure

More ‘Trade Rated’ Products Than Ever Before

PLUMBFIX

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NEW Snickers Workwear Catalogue

While Fabric, Functionality and Fit have always been hallmarks of Snickers’ working clothes, it’s the innovation and technology in the design of FLEXIWork garments that really sets them apart.

There’s Waterproof Jackets, Fleeces, T-shirts and Hoodies plus marketleading WorkTrousers.

Designed for professionals who rely on their gear in demanding environments, they’re a must for everyone who takes a pride in their work on site.

For more information call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788 or visit the website www.snickersworkwear.co.uk where you can download a digital catalogue SNICKERS

CIBSE DBSP

Firebird Launch Ultimate Boiler Guide

The latest innovation from Abode is PRONTEAU 3 IN 1, steaming hot water tap in two symmetrical designs and five ‘on trend’ different finishes, plus a new, compact two litre, UK manufactured PROBOIL2 boiler which sits neatly in the cupboard under the sink, all at value-formoney, affordable prices.

The two new styles are made of solid brass construction with an insulated body and spout which is 360º rotational for ease of use.

Pictured is the PROSTYLE in Brushed Nickel, with Chrome, Graphite, Matt Black and Urban Copper finishes also available.

Visit www.abode.eu for further information or enter the PHAM No. ABODE

Please order from www.mrcombi.com or enter the PHAM No.

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ENQUIRY 5 cm

EXTERIOR

REF: PLEASE SEE SANIFLO BROCHURE FOR TRAY SIZES

Low Low lev level el show shower er tray equipped with an e xternal external wast ewater pump. wastewater

INSTALL INSTAL A L TH THE ES SHOWER HOWER Y YOU OU W WANT ANT A

This low pr profile ofile shower shower tray is equipped with an e external xternal wastewater wastew pump, p, making it an ideal solution for installing a show shower er almost anywhere anywher with minimal disruption, as no excavation excavation is rrequired. equired. Tray Tray height is only 53mm for easy access. access.

From From low low level level to to traditional traditional height height shower shower trays trays

0cm

FLOOR® 1&2 Dual action pump and ed shower show er wast wastes es designed ooms with tiled for w wet et rrooms or vinyl flooring flooring..

8cm

FLAT

REF: 1043/3

Waste wat er Waste water pump with shower gully shower waste. and waste.

Designed specifically wher where e floor drainag drainage e is required required but where where space rooms. This underneath is vvery ery limited limited e.g. e.g. wet wet rooms. two tw o part kit with a pow powerful erful shower shower waste waste pump and a choice of tw two o waste waste designs can pump up tto o 3m vertically vertically as w well ell as 30m horizontally. horizontally.

Higher flow rat rate e means it can be used with pow powerful erful ‘rain head’ showers. showers.

2 cm

138

53

REF: 1154 AND 1155

REF: 1156

Ideal pumping solution level for a low lev el shower shower tray.. Capable of pumping a tray standard standar d electric or gravity mixer mix er shower. showerr. Two Two inlets inlets mean a wash basin can be added too. too.

80

FLOOR® 3 Dual action pump and e designed show er wast shower waste el trays. for low lev level

12 cm

REF: 6043

Waste wat er pump Waste water for traditional show er trays. shower

Designed specifically wher e floor where ace drainag e is required required but where where space drainage underneath is limit ed to to 2cm. This two two limited erful shower shower part kit comprising a pow powerful wast e pump and show er waste waste can waste shower pump up tto o 3m vertically vertically as well well as 30m horiz ontally. Higher flow rate rate horizontally. powerful means it can be used with pow erful 20 showers. ‘rain head’ show ers.

Key tto o pr product oduct applications:

W Wash ash Basin

Sho Shower wer

P Power ower Sho Shower wer

Bidet

Sanishower The Sanishow er + can be next installed ne xt to to a shower shower tray access with ac cess for maintenance. maintenance. standard d Capable of pumping a standar mixer electric or gravity mix er shower. show er. Two Two inlets inlets mean a oo. wash basin can be added ttoo.

Key tto o pr product oduct applications:

Wash Wash Basin

Sho Shower wer

P Power ower Sho Shower wer

Bidet

3%

120mm minimum

s saniflo.co.uk aniflo.co.uk 0 020 20 88 8842 42 0033 0033

Saniflo UK now has a stylish, easy to follow leaflet and poster spelling out all the Saniflo shower pump and shower tray possibilities.

The two-page leaflet highlights in detail the features of the Sanifloor 1 and 2, Sanifloor 3, Traymatic, Sanishower Flat and the Sanishower +, with important information about the low level and traditional height options, whilst the eye-catching poster provides an at-a-glance overview of the Saniflo shower pump range.

The new leaflet is being distributed to merchants and installers nationwide.

To obtain copies of the leaflet contact Saniflo UK ring 020 8842 0033 visit www.saniflo.co.uk or enter the PHAM No. SANIFLO

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