December 2019/January 2020

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DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | VOLUME 58 | ISSUE 01

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DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | VOLUME 58 | ISSUE 01

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Can the industry do more to help those living in fuel poverty?

With a recent survey showing that ˚̍˟m UK households are forced to choose between heating and eating, the CIPHE has called for the plumbing and heating industry to do all it can to prevent avoidable deaths this winter.

Research from USwitch, the price comparison and switching service, has shown that over a third (˜˟%) of consumers are worried about paying their energy bills this winter and ˚̍˟m households say that they are sometimes forced to choose between paying for heating or food. The survey is backed up by recent figures from BEIS that puts ˚˚% of UK households in the fuel poverty bracket.

It is a crisis that many experts expect to worsen, and Kevin

New study questions burning and air pollution łāƒ ĢłùāťāłùāłŶ ŭóĢāłŶĢƩó ũāƑĢāƒ commissioned by HETAS and supported by the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) has drawn attention to the uncertainty around how much domestic burning contributes to UK air pollution.

Wellman, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), argues that the plumbing and heating industry must do all it can to help prevent thousands of avoidable deaths.

He says: “The ˚˙̇˙˙˙ deaths in the winter of ˛˙˚ˡ that were attributable to fuel poverty is a figure which is likely to increase and highlights the crisis we are currently facing.

“Combatting the fuel poverty epidemic requires strong leadership from the government to establish long-term strategies which will address the crisis, but in the short-term, members of the plumbing and heating industry can contribute to beating a problem in need of immediate action.

“The role of domestic installers puts them in the unique position of entering people’s homes, perhaps more than in any other profession.

This presents the opportunity to spot the signs of fuel poverty, to offer professional advice on managing fuel consumption and costs, and to inform the relevant authorities if they see someone who is suffering.”

The CIPHE is asking installers to look out for those who are most vulnerable, but also to help address the issue of rising fuel bills by keeping abreast of the latest technological and legislative changes.

“Incorrectly specified and installed appliances which are not as energy efficient as they should

be or appropriate for their location increases the burden on those already struggling to pay energy bills,” says Kevin Wellman.

Inside this issue ˛˙˛˙ Vision Views on prospects for the New Year See page ˚˝

Off-grid homes Representing the oil heating industry, OFTEC points out that some of the least energy efficient properties in the UK are in off-grid areas, with more than ˢˠ% falling into the lowest EPC bands D-G. In responding to the government’s recent consultation on its Fuel Poverty Strategy for England, the organisation points out that oil condensing boilers are relatively cheap to run and oil boilers are also cheaper to install and replace than any alternative heating system.

OFTEC CEO Paul Rose argues: “We need to prevent the situation where fuel poor homes have to replace working oil boilers with more expensive alternative technologies when these existing systems can relatively cheaply and easily be futureproofed to run on a low carbon liquid fuel.”

Business Are late payments giving you stress?

See page ˛ˡ

COMPETITION The Clean Air Strategy ˛˙˚ˢ currently attributes ˜ˡ% of UK particulate matter emissions to the domestic burning of solid fuel.

However, the new study suggests that this is misleading since it does łŋŶ ùĢŭŶĢłėŽĢŭĞ ðāŶƒāāł ùĢƦāũāłŶ burning sources.

It is argued that the current estimates are based on findings using old equipment and indicators that are unable to distinguish between different biomass burning.

N1¦ ŭÖƘŭ ŶĞÖŶ ŋťāł Ʃũāŭ Öłù old wood burning stoves may be

responsible for up to half of the attributable PM emissions for domestic burning and need to be replaced with modern Ecodesign compliant clean-burning stoves The weight of wood fuel used in the UK and the application of an estimated emissions factor for this weight is also likely to have been overstated.

Bruce Allen, CEO of HETAS and Woodsure, explains: “This review strongly suggests the need for more accurate research.

This will enable HETAS and the broader industry to support the

Government in driving consumer awareness in the right areas to minimise the impact of domestic burning in the home.

“In the meantime, there are practical steps that can be taken immediately to reduce carbon and particulate emissions in the home by up to ˢ˙%, compared to burning óŋÖķ Ģł Öł ŋťāł Ʃũā̍ RŶ̪ŭ ĢĿťŋũŶÖłŶ that we continue to work with installers and chimney sweeps to get this message across and raise awareness of the need for safe, efficient and environmentally responsible burning.”

Win a Glow-worm Easicom boiler!

See page 44

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Inside this issue 5 DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 | VOLUME 58 | ISSUE 01

Editor’s Viewpoint

by Chris Jones

Helping the fuel poor Despite the myriad of issues that have been debated and discussed during the latest election campaign, which at the time of going to ťũāŭŭ Ģŭ óŋĿĢłė Ŷŋ ĢŶŭ Ʃ łÖķ ŭŶÖėėāũĢłė ŭŶÖėāŭ̇ ŶĞā ĢŭŭŽā ŋĕ ĕŽāķ poverty has barely received a mention. Yet, alongside the rising number of homeless people on our streets, it’s a problem that touches a frightening number of people’s lives.

NŋƒāƑāũ ĿŽóĞ ėŋƑāũłĿāłŶŭ ĿĢėĞŶ ŶĢłĴāũ ƒĢŶĞ ùāƩ łĢŶĢŋłŭ Öłù statistics, there is no getting away from the fact that far too many ĞŋŽŭāĞŋķùŭ Öũā Ʃ łùĢłė ĢŶ ùĢƧ óŽķŶ Ŷŋ ÖƦ ŋũù Ŷŋ ŭŶÖƘ ƒÖũĿ Öłù comfortable during winter. And not too surprisingly, it’s often the Ŀŋũā ƑŽķłāũÖðķā ĿāĿðāũŭ ŋĕ ŋŽũ ŭŋóĢāŶƘ ŶĞÖŶ ŭŽƦ āũ ŶĞā ĿŋŭŶ̍ Governments can legislate and devote more resources to alleviating the problems faced by poorer households, but in the meantime the heating industry can also play its part. As this ĿŋłŶĞ̪ŭ ĕũŋłŶ óŋƑāũ ŭŶŋũƘ ŭŽėėāŭŶŭ̇ łŋŶ ŋłķƘ óÖł āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłŶ technology play a role in helping to reduce fuel bills, but domestic installers are in the privileged position of being able to lend a helping hand. Not only can they draw attention to those households most in need, but they can also advise on ways to both reduce costs and improve comfort levels.

While there are plenty of examples of installers going over and above the call of duty when it comes to helping vulnerable customers, it should be acknowledged that not everyone has the ŶĢĿā Öłù ĿŋłāƘ Ŷŋ ťũŋƑĢùā óĞÖũĢŶƘ ŋũ ŋƦ āũ ŶĞāĢũ ŭāũƑĢóāŭ ĕŋũ ķĢŶŶķā reward. However, there is still plenty that can be done to provide ÖŭŭĢŭŶÖłóā ƒĞāũā ĢŶ̪ŭ łāāùāù̇ ƒĢŶĞŋŽŶ ĞÖƑĢłė Ŷŋ ŭÖóũĢƩ óā livelihoods. After all, as Christmas approaches and temperatures drop, it’s as good a time as any to spread a little good will.

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Are the heating industry’s long warranties causing more problems than they’re worth?

What are some of the most important things to consider when taking on a łāƒ ĿāĿðāũ ŋĕ ŭŶÖƦ ̎

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News Review

Report says skilled heat pump installers a priority The Heat Pump Association (HPA) has launched its vision report, ‘Delivering Net Zero: A Roadmap for the Role of Heat Pumps’, which outlines the ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ̪ŭ óŋĿĿĢŶĿāłŶ Öłù ũāÖùĢłāŭŭ to step up to the challenge of delivering the decarbonisation of heat via scaling Žť ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿť ùāťķŋƘĿāłŶ̍ ¦Ğā ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ̪ŭ āƦŋũŶŭ Ŷŋ āŭŶÖðķĢŭĞ wide-ŭóÖķā ùāťķŋƘĿāłŶ ŋĕ ĞāÖŶ pumps in the UK will be delivered ŶĞũŋŽėĞ ŶĞũāā ĴāƘ ťĢķķÖũŭ̆ ťŽŶŶĢłė ŶĞā consumer at the heart of change, upskilling the installer, and working with government to ensure a ŭŽťťŋũŶĢƑā ťŋķĢóƘ ĿĢƗ̍ The decarbonisation of heat is a ĴāƘ ťũĢŋũĢŶƘ ĕŋķķŋƒĢłė ŶĞā government’s announcement that the UK will become the first major nation to commit to reaching a netơāũŋ óÖũðŋł āĿĢŭŭĢŋłŭ ŶÖũėāŶ ðƘ ˛˙˞˙̍ ¦Ğā ũāťŋũŶ ùāĿŋłŭŶũÖŶāŭ ŶĞā vast carbon savings that heat pumps óÖł ÖóĞĢāƑā ĢĿĿāùĢÖŶāķƘ̍ Emissions through the burning of fossil fuels will not fall unless low óÖũðŋł ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ Öũā ÖŶŶũÖóŶĢƑā Ŷŋ óŋłŭŽĿāũŭ̇ āĢŶĞāũ ðƘ

IN BRIEF ͻ Stiebel Eltron UK saw a turnover increase of ˜ˡͮ ƘāÖũ ŋł ƘāÖũ Ģł ˛˙˚ˡ as demand for ũāłāƒÖðķā āłāũėƘ Ģł ŶĞā ­b óŋłŶĢłŽāŭ Ŷŋ ėũŋƒ̍

improving comfort levels or saving ŶĞāĿ ĿŋłāƘ̍ ¦Ğā ƑĢŭĢŋł ũāťŋũŶ enforces a message to consumers ŶĞÖŶ ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿť ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ óÖł Ğāķť Ŷŋ Öùùũāŭŭ ŋŶĞāũ ťŋķĢóƘ ĢŭŭŽāŭ ŭŽóĞ Öŭ ĕŽāķ ťŋƑāũŶƘ Öłù ÖĢũ ŨŽÖķĢŶƘ̍

ͻ The Ultra Quiet Ecodan air source heat pump

by Mitsubishi has been recognised as the Renewable Technology of the Year at the Energy Awards ˛˙˚ˢ.

Vital role The report highlights the vital role ŶĞÖŶ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ƒĢķķ ťķÖƘ Ģł ũÖĢŭĢłė awareness among potential óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ̇ ðŽŶ ŭÖƘŭ ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞāũā Ģŭ Öł ŽũėāłŶ łāāù ĕŋũ ŶũÖĢłāù Öłù ĞĢėĞķƘ skilled technicians to be able to design, install and operate heat ťŽĿť ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ ťũŋťāũķƘ̍ zƑāũ ŶĞā coming months, the HPA will work with other organisations to roll out a programme of training that will take existing heating engineers through the whole process of designing, ĢłŭŶÖķķĢłė Öłù ĿÖĢłŶÖĢłĢłė āƧóĢāłŶ ķŋƒ óÖũðŋł ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ̍ The report also calls for strong government leadership and highlights the work the HPA carries out in consulting with all stakeholders to develop effective ťŋķĢóƘ ŋł ŶĞā ũāėŽķÖŶŋũƘ ĕũÖĿāƒŋũĴ

ͻ A total of ˚˞̇˜˝˜ new homes were registered during October, according to NHBC’s ķÖŶāŭŶ ŭŶÖŶĢŭŶĢóŭ̇ Ö ƘāÖũ-onƘāÖũ ĢłóũāÖŭā ŋĕ ˕ͮ̍ ͻ Domus Ventilation has achieved the ISO ˝˞˙˙˚ Occupational Health and Safety Management System óāũŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋł̍ for the future of heating buildings to ťĞÖŭā ŋŽŶ ĞĢėĞ óÖũðŋł ĕŋŭŭĢķ ĕŽāķŭ̍ HPA chairman Graham Wright ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦¦Ğā ĞāÖŶĢłė ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ ĞÖŭ ðāāł one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions and we now find ŋŽũŭāķƑāŭ ÖŶ Ö ťĢƑŋŶÖķ ĿŋĿāłŶ̍ ¦Ğā HPA believes that there is a huge ŋťťŋũŶŽłĢŶƘ ĕŋũ ŶĞā óŋŽłŶũƘ Ŷŋ āĿðũÖóā ĞāÖŶ ťŽĿť ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ ÖŶ ŶĞĢŭ ŶĢĿā̇

Shower market shifts to higher value A new report from AMA Research shows that the outlook for the UK shower equipment market at the end of ˛˙˚ˢ remains challenging and ĿÖũĴāŶ ėũŋƒŶĞ ƒĢķķ ðā ĢłƪŽāłóāù ðƘ the economic environment and óŋłŭŽĿāũ Öłù ðŽŭĢłāŭŭ óŋłƩùāłóā̍ Longer term prospects are more positive, with overall market development expected to improve following a more subdued ťāũĕŋũĿÖłóā Ģł ŶĞā ŭĞŋũŶ ŶāũĿ̍ As the shower market reaches ĿÖŶŽũĢŶƘ Ģł ŶĞā ­ḃ ŶĞāũā Ģŭ Ö ŭĢėłĢƩóÖłŶ Öłù ŋłėŋĢłė ùāĿÖłù ĕŋũ replacement products, with ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũāũŭ ŋĕĕāũĢłė ̨āÖŭƘ Ŷŋ install and replace’ showering āŨŽĢťĿāłŶ Ŷŋ āłóŋŽũÖėā ŽťėũÖùāŭ̍ dĢĕāŭŶƘķā Öłù ùāŭĢėł Ŷũāłùŭ Öũā Öķŭŋ supporting the refurbishment

ĿÖũĴāŶ̍ DķāƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ̇ ùŽũÖðĢķĢŶƘ Öłù āÖŭā ŋĕ Žŭā Öũā ĴāƘ ũāŨŽĢũāĿāłŶŭ Öłù are influencing the shift towards ĞĢėĞāũ ƑÖķŽā ťũŋùŽóŶŭ̍ 'ĢėĢŶÖķ ŭĞŋƒāũŭ Öũā ŭāŶ Ŷŋ ėũŋƒ ÖŶ Ö ŭŶāÖùƘ rate in line with the use of digital ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ Öłù ŭĿÖũŶ ùāƑĢóāŭ

ÖũŋŽłù ŶĞā ĞŋĿā Ģł ėāłāũÖķ̍ ¦ĞĢŭ sector will continue to take share from other shower control sectors, ťÖũŶĢóŽķÖũķƘ ĿĢƗāũ ŭĞŋƒāũŭ Öłù ťŋƒāũ ŭĞŋƒāũŭ̍ The growing use of the internet has raised expectations and ÖƒÖũāłāŭŭ ŋĕ ÖƦŋũùÖðķā ùāŭĢėł-led ťũŋùŽóŶŭ̍ ¦Ğā ̨ĢĿťũŋƑā ùŋł̪Ŷ ĿŋƑā̪ trend continues to drive upgrades to ĞĢėĞāũ ŨŽÖķĢŶƘ ŭĞŋƒāũ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ̍ mŋùāũÖŶā Ŷŋ ŭŶāÖùƘ ėũŋƒŶĞ ŋĕ ˛ to ˝ͮ ťāũ ÖłłŽĿ Ģŭ óŽũũāłŶķƘ ĕŋũāóÖŭŶ from ˛˙˛˙ until ˛˙˛˜̍ NŋŽŭāðŽĢķùĢłė volumes are set to remain stable ùāŭťĢŶā ŶĞā ŽłóāũŶÖĢłŶƘ óŽũũāłŶķƘ surrounding the UK’s exit from the 1­̍ ũŋŭťāóŶŭ ũāĿÖĢł ťŋŭĢŶĢƑā Ģł ŶĞĢŭ sector and will support demand for shower equipment installed in new ðŽĢķù ĞŋĿāŭ̍

and we want to re-emphasise the fact that heat pumps provide strong óÖũðŋł ŭÖƑĢłėŭ łŋƒ̍ “The successful wide-spread adoption of heat pumps relies on the ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ ŭŶāťťĢłė Žť Ŷŋ Ğāķť ŭĞÖťā ŭŶũŋłė ėŋƑāũłĿāłŶ ťŋķĢóƘ̇ āùŽóÖŶĢŋł Öłù óŋłŭŽĿāũ ÖóóāťŶÖłóā̍ ¦ĞĢŭ report will act as a ‘roadmap’ in how ƒā óÖł ÖóĞĢāƑā ŶĞāŭā ėŋÖķŭ̧̍

Demand for legislation on payment ŭ ťÖƘĿāłŶ ÖðŽŭā Öłù ĢłŭŋķƑāłóĢāŭ Ģł ŶĞā óŋłŭŶũŽóŶĢŋł ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ worsen, the Specialist Engineering !ŋłŶũÖóŶŋũŭ̪ ̛ 1!̜ FũŋŽť ŭÖƘŭ ŶĞÖŶ it will write to all the parties following the General Election to ŭāāĴ ŶĞāĢũ ŭŽťťŋũŶ ĕŋũ łāƒ ťÖƘĿāłŶ ķāėĢŭķÖŶĢŋł̍ ¦Ğā FũŋŽť ŭÖƘŭ ŶĞÖŶ Öķķ parties are committed to tackling ķÖŶā ťÖƘĿāłŶ Ģł ŶĞāĢũ ĿÖłĢĕāŭŶŋŭ̍ 1! FũŋŽť̪ŭ !1z ŽùĢ bķāĢł ŭÖƘŭ that as the two-ƘāÖũ ÖłłĢƑāũŭÖũƘ ŋĕ the Carillion collapse approaches, it is shameful that there has been no meaningful action to alleviate the burden on construction SMEs of

ͻ Products manufactured ðƘ FũĢťťķā Öũā łŋƒ ķĢŭŶāù ŋł ŶĞā ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ ťķÖŶĕŋũĿ ĞŋŭŶāù ðƘ pÖŶĢŋłÖķ ŽĢķùĢłė ťāóĢƩóÖŶĢŋł ̛p ̜̍ ͻ Viessmann has opened a new plant manufacturing gas boilers in Pinghu for the Chinese market.

non-ťÖƘĿāłŶ Öłù Žłùāũ-ťÖƘĿāłŶ̆ “We will hold all the parties to their ĿÖłĢĕāŭŶŋ óŋĿĿĢŶĿāłŶŭ ŋł ťÖƘĿāłŶ ðƘ ťũŋùŽóĢłė ùũÖĕŶ ķāėĢŭķÖŶĢŋł ŶĞÖŶ ƒĢķķ āłŭŽũā ŭāóŽũĢŶƘ ŋĕ ťÖƘĿāłŶ ĕŋũ Öķķ óŋłŭŶũŽóŶĢŋł m1ŭ̧̍ Klein adds that the measures will i n c l u d e : m a n d a t e d ˜ ˙ -ù Ö Ƙ ťÖƘĿāłŶŭ̒ óŋĿťķāŶā ðÖł ŋł ̨ťÖƘ ƒĞāł ťÖĢù̪ óķÖŽŭāŭ̒ ťÖƘĿāłŶŭ ŋł public sector/infrastructure ťũŋıāóŶŭ Ŷŋ ðā ĿÖùā ùĢũāóŶķƘ Ŷŋ Öķķ project participants through ťũŋıāóŶ ðÖłĴ ÖóóŋŽłŶŭ̒ ťũŋŶāóŶĢŋł ĕŋũ ũāŶāłŶĢŋł ĿŋłĢāŭ̒ óĞāÖťāũ ùĢŭťŽŶā ũāŭŋķŽŶĢŋł ĕŋũ ŭĿÖķķ óķÖĢĿŭ̒ ťāłÖķŶĢāŭ ĕŋũ ŭāũĢÖķ ķÖŶā ťÖƘāũŭ̍ āĕŋũā ŶĞā āķāóŶĢŋł̇ ƩũĿŭ Ģł 1!

Group’s member bodies contacted all of the ˜˜˛˛ prospective ťÖũķĢÖĿāłŶÖũƘ óÖłùĢùÖŶāŭ Ŷŋ ŋðŶÖĢł their commitment to support ķāėĢŭķÖŶĢŋł Ŷŋ ťũŋŶāóŶ ťÖƘĿāłŶŭ Ŷŋ óŋłŭŶũŽóŶĢŋł m1ŭ̍

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News Review

Gold medal winner in SkillPlumb ˛˙˚ˢ A ˚ˢ-year-old plumbing student, Connor Cruden (pictured) from mŋũÖƘ !ŋķķāėā ­NR Öłù !ŋƒĢā Plumbing & Heating, has been łÖĿāù ĴĢķķ d­m ˛˙˚ˢ champion after competing in the final at Âŋũķù ĴĢķķŭ ­b dRÁ1 Öłù ŶÖĴĢłė ťÖũŶ in an intensive three-day practical āƗāũóĢŭā̍ Eight finalists had to install a small sealed domestic central heating system with expansion vessel, pump and ancillary equipment, inclusive of a radiator, an unvented hot water cylinder, a Worcester Bosch boiler together ƒĢŶĞ ÖŭŭŋóĢÖŶāù óŋťťāũ ťĢťāƒŋũĴ̍

Enhanced website A new, more user-friendly website has been launched by the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors to better cater for the needs of both industry professionals and óŋłŭŽĿāũŭ̍ RŶ ĞÖŭ ðāāł ŋťŶĢĿĢŭāù Ŷŋ ƒŋũĴ ŋł ŭĿÖũŶťĞŋłāŭ Öłù ŶÖðķāŶŭ Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ ķÖťŶŋťŭ Öłù ùāŭĴŶŋť !ŭ̍ The website accomplishes a number of key objectives including communicating who APHC is and what it does whilst making it easy for consumers to source a local APHC member and access homeowner advice guides and ĢłĕŋũĿÖŶĢŋł̍ ¦Ğā ťÖŭŭƒŋũù ťũŋŶāóŶāù ĿāĿðāũŭ̪ ÖũāÖ provides access to a library of documents, technical guides, ðŽŭĢłāŭŭ ĕÖóŶŭĞāāŶŭ̇ āùĢŶÖðķā ŶāĿťķÖŶāŭ Öłù Ŀŋùāķ ťŋķĢóĢāŭ̍ ÁĢŭĢŶ ŶĞā łāƒ ƒāðŭĢŶā ÖŶ ƒƒƒ̍ÖťĞó̍óŋ̍ŽĴ

The task had to be completed within a strict time frame and was marked ÖėÖĢłŭŶ ŶŋŽėĞ óũĢŶāũĢÖ̍ The silver medal went to ˛˚-yearŋķù bƘķā móFāŋėĞĢā ĕũŋĿ āũŶĞ !ŋķķāėā ­NR Öłù ÂĢķķĢÖĿ !ŋĿðā Öłù Son, with the bronze medal going to ˛˛-year-ŋķù łŶĞŋłƘ RÖóŋƑÖơơŋ from City College Norwich and łėķĢÖ FÖŭ āũƑĢóāŭ̍ Connor will get the opportunity to ŶÖĴā ťÖũŶ Ģł ŶĞā FũŽłùĕŋŭ RłŭŶÖķķāũ !ĞÖĿťĢŋłŭĞĢť Ģł RŶÖķƘ łāƗŶ ƘāÖũ̍ He will also be put forward for ŭāķāóŶĢŋł ĕŋũ ŶĞā ¦āÖĿ ­b ŭŨŽÖù ĕŋũ ŶĞā óĞÖłóā Ŷŋ ũāťũāŭāłŶ ŶĞā ­b ÖŶ WorldSkills Shanghai ˛˙˛˚̍

Unrepaired plumbing is costing the earth New research released by the Water Regulation Advisory óĞāĿā ̛ ̜ ũāƑāÖķŭ ŶĞÖŶ ­b householders are putting off fixing simple plumbing issues like leaky toilets and dripping taps, which can lead to huge water ƒÖŭŶÖėā̍ ¦Ğā ŭŽũƑāƘ ĕŋŽłù ŶĞÖŶ ˛ˠ% of Brits would wait over a week to fix a dripping tap – the equivalent of ˚˟ˡ litres of wasted ƒÖŶāũ̍ ¦Ğā ŭÖĿā ŭŽũƑāƘ Öķŭŋ ĕŋŽłù that ˛˛% of Brits would wait in āƗóāŭŭ ŋĕ ĕŋŽũ ùÖƘŭ Ŷŋ Ʃ Ɨ Ö ķāÖĴƘ loo which can waste up to ˝˙˙ ķĢŶũāŭ ŋĕ ƒÖŶāũ ťāũ ùÖƘ̍ Around ˝˙˙ million litres of water are estimated to leak ĕũŋĿ ­b ŶŋĢķāŶŭ āƑāũƘ ùÖƘ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ is enough water to supply ˛̍ˡ million people – the populations of Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, mÖłóĞāŭŶāũ̇ ĞāƧ āķù̇ dĢƑāũťŋŋķ Öłù ũĢŭŶŋķ óŋĿðĢłāù̍ RŶ Ģŭ estimated that fixing leaky loos alone could contribute around

˚˙% of the additional water capacity needed to cope with an extreme drought in England by ˛˙˞˙̍ Julie Spinks, managing director of WRAS, comments: “Four days might not seem like a very ķŋłė ŶĢĿā Ŷŋ ƒÖĢŶ ðāĕŋũā Ʃ ƗĢłė Ö plumbing problem, but this level of delay can lead to huge water wastage, as well as potential damage to the home and increased ðĢķķŭ̍ Âā Öķķ ĞÖƑā Ö ùŽŶƘ Ŷŋ Žŭā water more wisely and consider the impact we have on the āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶ̍ ÂĞāł Ö ťķŽĿðĢłė ťũŋðķāĿ Ʃ ũŭŶ ÖũĢŭāŭ̇ Ö ŨŽĢóĴ óÖķķ Ŷŋ a local approved plumber can not only give you peace of mind but also help ease the burden on the āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶ̧̍

Apprenticeship campaign OFTEC has launched a new campaign ŶĞÖŶ ĞĢėĞķĢėĞŶŭ ŶĞā ðŽŭĢłāŭŭ ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ŋĕ ĞĢũĢłė Öł ÖťťũāłŶĢóā̍ ¦Ğā ̨¦ŋĿŋũũŋƒ̪ŭ Technician’ initiative also aims to drive up the number of young people entering the heating trade and help tackle the ŭāóŶŋũ̪ŭ ŋłėŋĢłė ŭĴĢķķŭ ŭĞŋũŶÖėā̍ 'ÖƑĢù błĢťā̇ zD¦1! ŶũÖĢłĢłė manager, explains: “Apprenticeships provide an excellent, low cost way to recruit, particularly when almost wholly ĕŽłùāù ðƘ ŶĞā ťťũāłŶĢóāŭĞĢť dāƑƘ̍ Heating businesses can train apprentices in the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to fit their company, while taking on younger

talent can often bring fresh, valuable ĢùāÖŭ Ŷŋ Ö ðŽŭĢłāŭŭ̍ ŶŽùĢāŭ ĞÖƑā Öķŭŋ shown that trainees are more likely to be loyal to the company which has helped ŶĞāĿ ùāƑāķŋť̍ “At a time when the industry is facing a widespread skills shortage coupled with an ageing workforce, it is crucial to encourage more people to join this āƗóĢŶĢłė Öłù óŋłŭŶÖłŶķƘ āƑŋķƑĢłė ŭāóŶŋũ̍ We hope Tomorrow’s Technicians will Ğāķť Ŷŋ ÖóĞĢāƑā ŶĞĢŭ̧̍ Further information on employing an apprentice can be found by visiting the ƒāðŭĢŶā ðāķŋƒ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˙˛

Commercial washroom impact A new study into the impact commercial washroom design can have on user experience has found that wellbeing is the number one social factor that designers think will impact washroom design over ŶĞā łāƗŶ Ʃ Ƒā ƘāÖũŭ̍ The report ‘Creating better washrooms’, commissioned by Armitage Shanks, surveyed ˛˙˙˙ office workers and ˝˙˙ commercial washroom designers from across Europe on a range of topics, including wellbeing, gender, sustainability, ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ Öłù ŭŋóĢÖķ ĿāùĢÖ̍ The survey found that nine in ˚˙ office washroom designers believe this space can have an impact on end users’ wellbeing – a ƑĢāƒ ŶĞÖŶ Ģŭ ŭĞÖũāù ðƘ ŶĞũāā ŨŽÖũŶāũŭ ŋĕ ŋƧ óā ƒŋũĴāũŭ ŶĞāĿŭāķƑāŭ̍ ˟˝ͮ ŋĕ ŋƧ óā ƒŋũĴāũŭ āƑāł ŭÖĢù ŶĞÖŶ ƒŋũĴťķÖóā ƒÖŭĞũŋŋĿŭ ÖƦ āóŶ ŶĞāĢũ ėāłāũÖķ ıŋð ŭÖŶĢŭĕÖóŶĢŋł̍ Rł ŶĞā ­ḃ around ˠ˜% of designers agreed that ƒÖŭĞũŋŋĿŭ Öũā ŶĞā ĿŋŭŶ ùĢƧ óŽķŶ ũŋŋĿŭ Ŷŋ

ùāŭĢėł Öłù ťķÖł Ģł óŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ ťũŋıāóŶŭ̍ Data from the survey was compared with global studies to outline how designers can ùāķĢƑāũ Ŀŋũā āƦ āóŶĢƑā ŭťÖóāŭ ŶĞÖŶ ĿāāŶ ŶĞā needs of end users in light of changing work-life patterns, demographics and ŶāóĞłŋķŋėĢóÖķ ĢłłŋƑÖŶĢŋł̍ When comparing designers’ and end users’ priorities, the study found that end users rate aspects such as privacy and ŭťÖóā Ŀŋũā ĞĢėĞķƘ ŶĞÖł ùāŭĢėłāũŭ ŶĞĢłĴ̍

PHAM NEWS DEC19JAN20:Layout 1 05/12/2019 08:37 Page 9

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

News Review 9 Chancellor views hydrogen boiler

(l-r) Sajid Javid MP and Worcester CEO Carl Arntzen

A new ‘clean gas’ development lab was the focus of a recent visit by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, to Worcester Bosch’s manufacturing plant in Worcester. Mr Javid was shown the company’s first hydrogen-ready boiler, which the company believes is a viable solution towards achieving the UK’s net-zero carbon targets by ˛˙˞˙. The boiler can run on natural gas until a future conversion of the gas grid to hydrogen.

Martyn Bridges, director of technical communication and product management at Worcester, says: “It was great to have Mr Javid at our plant to see our hydrogen boiler prototype. The development of hydrogen fired boilers will mean millions of existing heating systems in our homes can be saved, rather than the entire system needing to be replaced if alternative technologies such as heat pumps were installed.

“Millions of homes currently use a combi boiler system and, if converted to hydrogen, they would be able to continue to do so without the need for a new hot water storage cylinder.”

Lowered impact In a continued bid to reduce its environmental impact, ¦ũĢŶŋł Ğŋƒāũŭ ĞÖŭ ĿÖùā ŭŋĿā ŭĢėłĢƩóÖłŶ ŭÖƑĢłėŭ Ģł ŶĞā last ˚˛ months, while setting a series of ambitious goals for the future.

Investment in a new shrink wrap process has resulted in a ˜˚ˡ˙kg reduction in plastic per year, while the introduction of LED lighting throughout the company will see a reduction in carbon of ˚ˠˡ tonnes and a further ˚˛̍˞% by the end of ˛˙˛˙. Triton has also reduced its gas consumption by ˜˛% and water consumption by ˜˚%.

MD Dave Tutton says: “From the manufacture of products which are fully recyclable, to minimising the creation of waste at the point of production, and through the entire lifecycle, we are making progress.”

Females losing out in the gender pay gap Tradesperson comparison site, HaMuch.com, has looked at the big differences between male and female pay in the trade sector and which profession has the biggest gender pay gap.

Using data from the ONS, it was found that on average a male plumbing and heating engineer in the UK takes home an average yearly net salary of £˛˝̇ˢˡ˜, which is ˛˞̍˛% higher than the average net wage of a female plumbing and heating engineer of just £˚ˠ̇˞ˡ˞.

The biggest pay gap was found to be among carpenters, with the average male salary being £˛˛̇˙ˠ˛ compared to the female salary of £˚˛̇˟˜˛, a difference of ˠ˝̍ˠ%.

Male painters picked up an average net wage of £˛˙̇˟˙ˠ a year, ˝˝̍˚% more than their female counterparts who make £˚˝̇˜˙˝.

Electricians as a whole are amongst some of the highest paid tradespeople across the nation - male sparks are paid £˛˟̇˚˚ˡ a year, ˛ˡ̍ˠ% more than

female electricians.

Builders (˛˞̍˚%), gardeners (˚ˠ̍˛%) and car mechanics (14.8%) were also some of the trades home to the most notable pay gaps.

While pay is one issue for females within the trades sector, the lack of female tradespeople, to begin with, is also apparent, with no salary data recorded for many regions of the UK due to the fact the ONS were unable to gather a large enough sample to start with.

PHAM NEWS DEC19JAN20:Layout 1 05/12/2019 08:37 Page 10

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

10

Point of View

Are warranties really worth anything? łùũāƒ NŋŽłŭƩ āķù̇ m' ŋĕ ũĢŶĢŭĞ ŋĢķ ðŋĢķāũ ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũāũ NŋŽłŭƩ āķù ŋĢķāũŭ̇ looks at the heating industry’s warranties and asks – could we do better?

W

arranties should be a simple matter. If a component fails within a set period, it’s the manufacturer’s responsibility to replace it. However, all too often there are pitfalls, getout clauses, and a mountain ŋĕ ťÖťāũƒŋũĴ Ŷŋ Ʃ ķķ ƒĢŶĞ ŭĿÖķķ print to be bamboozled by.

Something that should be simple and straightforward suddenly becomes complex, but there is an easy solution – let’s produce boilers that are designed to last way beyond their warranty period.

At the moment homeowners are being forced into expensive service contracts, or purchasing annual service packs for

these warranty add-ons are just a way for manufacturers to gain a secondary income stream for their products, and that is the fundamental problem with the boiler industry - boilers (and other components) are being designed to last for just the warranty period before they give up the ghost.

Carbon footprint

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components, just to comply with terms and conditions of the warranty. I believe that

After spending ˜˙ years working in the boiler industry, I believe that we can do so much more for our customers and the environment. The industry is rightly focused on improving ŶĞā āƧ óĢāłóƘ ŋĕ ðŋĢķāũŭ ŭŋ ŶĞÖŶ we can maximise heat output Ģł ŶĞā ĿŋŭŶ óŋŭŶ āƦ āóŶĢƑā Öłù environmentally responsible ƒÖƘ̍ ŽŶ R óÖł̪Ŷ Ğāķť ŶĞĢłĴĢłė ƒā

have lost sight of the real issue, and that is reducing our carbon footprint.

How on earth is it good for the environment to be on an almost endless cycle of producing parts which do not last very long?

The raw materials for these components arā łŋŶ ĢłƩ łĢŶā Öłù we must use these resources responsibly.

When I set Žť NŋŽłŭƩ āķù ŋĢķāũŭ R ĞÖù ĿÖłƘ ėŋÖķŭ̍ R ƒÖłŶāù to design an oil boiler which was ĞĢėĞķƘ āƧ óĢāłŶ Ŷŋ ĿÖƗĢĿĢŭā ŶĞā energy source, have high quality construction and parts that would mean the boiler was ‘lifelong’ rather than ‘long-life’, and would not cost the earth – both Ʃ łÖłóĢÖķķƘ Öłù āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶÖķķƘ̍ mƘ ðŋĢķāũŭ ĞÖƑā ÖĢũóũÖĕŶ ėũÖùā ƪ āƗĢðķā Ğŋŭāŭ ŶĞÖŶ ƒĢķķ ŋŽŶ-live

industry standard hoses many ŶĢĿāŭ ŋƑāũ̇ Öłù Ö Ʃ Ƒā ƘāÖũ ̨łŋ quibble’ warranty, so why doesn’t the industry meet this challenge?

Just recently I had a visitor to my factory looking for a replacement part for a 50-year-old Graham Stewart oil boiler, which ƒÖŭ ũāĿÖũĴÖðķā̍ ŽŶ ıŽŭŶ ĢĿÖėĢłā if we as an industry could really rise to the challenge of reducing our carbon footprint by producing boilers that could serve for an equally long lifetime. ÂĢŶĞ NŋŽłŭƩ āķù ŋĢķāũŭ R̪Ŀ doing my bit. The components I use are the best, that’s why I have a ‘no quibble’ warranty. If the boiler industry and all of the heating professional bodies could lead the way on this, then it would only be a matter of time before government would legislate other industries to follow in our footprints. That way, our impact on the environment would be a little bit lighter.

Find out more NŋŽłŭƩ āķù ŋĢķāũŭ óÖł ðā ŋũùāũāù ƑĢÖ ĿāũóĞÖłŶŭ ŋũ ùĢũāóŶ ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā óŋĿťÖłƘ̍ ¦ŋ ùĢŭóŋƑāũ Ŀŋũā ťķāÖŭā ƑĢŭĢŶ ŶĞā NŋŽłŭƩ āķù ŋĢķāũŭ ƒāðŭĢŶā ðƘ ŽŭĢłė ŶĞā ķĢłĴ ðāķŋƒ. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˛˚ˢ̓˙˜

ULTRA COMPACT, HIGH PERFORMANCE Suitable for under boiler installation the filter includes a high performance 13,000 gauss internal removable magnet and fully rotational body.

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altecnic.co.uk

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

Your Views 11 The Tweet Spot ...

Recent tweets that caught our attention Follow us on Twitter @PHAMnews

Training and assessment In response to John Martin’s point of view ‘How to improve gas assessments’ in the November issue: Whilst I agree with some of John Martin’s comments in regards to MLP and the gathering of evidence, his suggestions for ACS are totally flawed. Under his suggested regime, anyone could complete the questions for any candidate! An incentive to pass in the form of a prize makes a mockery of the system. No answers would be answered incorrectly as you would have infinite amounts of time to find the answers either from books or by ringing colleagues hence, no inspections ‘triggered’.

It would appear John Martin has a major gripe with UKAS and maybe has a vested interest in Gas Safe Register. The system in place is not without flaws, but his suggestions are not going to promote better practice, raise standards or eliminate rogue centres.

London Area Manager @LondonAreaRep Wonder how many of these tools came from some poor hard-working tradesman. Until these shops stop buying these tools, the van thefts won’t stop anytime soon.

Dmc & Son Heating @devonplumber Cup of tea? Erm, no thanks, mate!

Alan Windsor via email We asked John Martin to reply to the points raised in Alan Windsor’s email: e t st s l t a e fi te t e t answer. Speed of response would be monitored. Also, to see a e r a llea e s ere t t as a tutor. You didn’t know the answer, but now you do – the er efi t lear e est s l t all be asked as part of a technical update, so the answer would be contained within the bulletin, used to verify understanding and ensuring the bulletin has been read.

Which most currently are not.

ACS is over years old. It has not kept pace with technological changes. Indeed, it is the likes of UKAS who are re e t t r r ar a ass re I have no vested interest in Gas Safe and I respectfully suggest that you read my previous opinion piece on this subject (online at: www.phamnews.co.uk/ John Martin

Lost art of lead work In response to G. A. Pitchford’s letter in the November issue regarding lead work:

The Bearded Plumber @whoistbp We love the detail in the tiles here. Creating a border around the small cubby holes really makes a difference. I mean, we did it, so of course we’re going to say that

Whilst teaching this noble art at college, the skills council and other interested bodies decided to reduce the practical element of the lead module to the construction of half of a lead chimney and a lead welded slate. Two years later the module was removed from the Level 2 syllabus, much to the delight of college managers as the purchase of lead and the recycling and storage was a large expense to the plumbing department’s budget.

This lack of training and the changes to building techniques and plumbing technology, i.e. the lack of chimneys, the use of fibre glass canopies and bay canopies have now left a void in the trade for quality craftsmen to undertake this type of work, and what lead work is done is not to a great standard. Even the small amount of work on sites is generally of a poor nature with incorrect lengths for cover flashings and expansion.

However, it is refreshing to know that lead is still a popular choice on some new and most historical buildings and that the Lead Contractors Association has a membership of over 70 member companies who undertake this type of work and courses are run in conjunction with the Lead Development Association.

J&S Plumbing and Heating @JSPlumbingandH1 Came home from water regulations course to a flooded street due to burst water main. #irony #coincidence #strangerthings

1119_11_CH.indd 1

So I say to G. A. Pitchford, you are not a retired unskilled labourer, but a retired highly-skilled craftsman who should be sitting by a cosy fire reminiscing like myself about the good times we had being a plumber and feeling glad that we are not out in all weathers 20 meters up on a roof with the wind and rain howling around us.

RA Smith Melton Mowbray

This month’s £100 letter Share your views and you could win £100 for writing the star letter

Time for big changes I read with interest the article regarding gas training (‘How to improve gas assessments’ in the November issue) and thought John Martin’s idea of a smartphone or tablet app being used as a training and information aid is very good.

As a plumber and gas engineer for over years, my thoughts on the way gas should be taught and renewed are that they urgently need to be reviewed, and I think training should maybe move in this direction: For new entrants into the gas industry, do the NVQ in gas along with on-site training and practical tasks. Every five years carry out similar exams as we currently do (ACS) along with new procedures and information.

I think that anyone who has had gas al fi at s r er years continuously should have one day each year for new procedures, updates and maybe a brief Q&A sess rat er t a a ee e er fi e ears ter years, basics should be second nature, so rather than the cost of the course plus loss of wages for a whole week, just have the day.

I also believe the course’s content should change. Site plumbers only see brand new combination and heat only boilers and hobs so t ee test ers fires et s a course involving these appliances and analyser use is all that’s required. The same could go for fire la e stallers t e stallers et as l as they’ve had a basic course to cover ventilation, CO dangers, and so on.

This would, hopefully, bring the courses into re rele a t s e ts a al fi at s Finally, I am on Facebook and follow a few gas-related pages and I am shocked at some of the questions people are asking on basic things.

I found myself unable to resist commenting on a lad who was literally on a gas safety check and didn’t know if the cooker had a thermocouple a t t test t e te t at t s was basic gas knowledge and should he really be arr t a as sa et e r as set upon by many for questioning his ability: “if e as s re else s e s se t as e e t So I wonder who has trained him on site and asse s John Revill Via email

Let us know what you think...

The editor welcomes letters from readers on all aspects of the industry. Letters can be sent by email or post but must have a return name, phone number and address (not for publication).

Please address your letters to: The Editor, PHAM News 1b Station Square, Flitwick, Bedfordshire MK45 1DP or email to: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk

03/12/2019 16:04

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

People on the Move To support its renewable products ranges, Grant UK has appointed two renewable business development managers David Garcia (pictured) and John Morris who will provide increased sales support in the renewable market sector. David will look after the Scotland territory while John will cover Wales and bordering English counties.

Installation work that will make you shiver!

With over 35 years of experience at Triton Showers, Paul Rowley has been appointed approvals and training manager. In this highly technical role, Paul will oversee product approvals, ensuring the safety of all items entering the market, and compliance, with the ultimate aim of improving installation techniques and the safety of installers on the job.

Gas App Uk members have unburied some of the latest horrific evidence of shocking installation work. Seen some terrifying installation sights of your own?

Share your snaps with Gas App Uk!

The new UK Sales Director at Ideal Standard Group is Andy Dennis (pictured).

Andy will be central in coordinating sales activity for the organisation’s flagship brands Ideal Standard, Armitage Shanks and Sottini. He will work closely with managing director Stephen Ewer. He was previously MD of BMI UK and Ireland.

Keston Boilers has appointed Sang Duong as business development manager covering London. Sang started his career with British Gas in 2004 as an apprentice, rising through the ranks to senior engineer, which included looking after new apprentices through training and support. He has also held several sales roles, including technical sales support with Ariston in the HVAC sector.

Air distribution manufacturer Waterloo Air Products has promoted Andy Wardle to the position of sales director, with a seat on the company board. Andy joined Waterloo in 2005 as area sales manager and progressed to regional sales manager for the North before taking on his most recent role as Head of National Sales.

David Bainbridge has been promoted to the position of national specification sales director at Stelrad Radiators. David has been with the company since 2002, having joined as specification manager for the North East. He has held a number of positions in that time and was most recently northern specification sales director.

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

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ONLINE For further information about any of the products featured in this issue, simply enter phamnews. co.uk/1219/ followed by the relevant enquiry number.

Ventilation manufacturer Titon has appointed Ian Morgan (pictured) as key account manager for its ventilation systems division. Ian will cover London and the South East area of England, working alongside colleagues Nicola Rivers and Mike Matlin. He will be responsible for helping the company grow its market share, especially in the residential sector.

Water treatment specialist Fernox has appointed Richard Crisp as its new head of chemistry. Richard has worked at the company for four years, previously fulfilling the role of technical manager where he was instrumental in the recent enhancements to the Fernox ‘F’ range and Express range of chemicals. As part of his new role, he will now oversee the ongoing testing of the existing range.

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PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

14

Special Report

2020 VISION

2020 marks not just a new year, but a new decade, and a look down the road promises plenty of change. But how do businesses in the sector rate their prospects? We asked a number of industry stakeholders to share their vision of the upcoming year.



Martyn Bridges, director of technical communication and product management, Worcester Bosch

The heating industry is gearing up for big changes as a result of the net-zero targets put in place by government. The challenges begin next year and will continue for many more to come. I believe that 2020 will be the year that we begin to see these targets make a difference in homes across the UK, in particular new builds.

With Part L of the Building Regulations out for consultation, aiming to reduce emissions from homes by either 20% or 31% from current levels, we are firmly on the road to our net-zero targets. The consultation for the Future Homes Standards takes this even further with ambitions to reduce new build properties by up to 80% from existing levels.

While this doesn’t come into effect until 2025, I think that some new homes will be futureproofed in insulation, ventilation and the heating system design. Buildings will be designed for energy efficiency from the start, instead of designing an asset and then installing renewable and low carbon technology afterward.

A technology roadmap will be published next year by BEIS showing the government’s favoured technology to help us reach targets. It is likely to include both heat pumps and boilers. I wouldn’t be shocked if at some time in the 2020s they mandate ‘hydrogen ready’ boilers to be fitted into existing homes.

There needs to be a significant amount of training for installers to learn how to fit low carbon technologies such as heat pumps.

The take-up of heat pumps so far is very low and current boiler installers need to be upskilled if the government wishes to transition to heat pumps. They must help in funding training courses and I hope they do it sooner rather than later.

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

Julian Hearn, training manager at Sterling Training & Assessment Services Sterling Training & Assessment Services has since 1998 grown year on year and 2020 will be no different. We try to offer our customers a service which includes quality training and assessment.

We would like to see greater policing of gas training/assessment centres and colleges nationwide to stamp out the increase in poor quality we are seeing within the industry. Independent inspections of centres via a secret shopper style approach would be welcomed by some. Giving the HSE/Gas Safe the authority to act against these rogue centres and colleges would also be a big step forwards. We will also keep working with industry leading manufacturers to promote innovative and energy efficient products.



Mark Wilkins, head of

at Vaillant Group We see there being three pathways to decarbonisation electrification and the use of heat pumps, green gases such as hydrogen and heat networks for more densely populated areas.

Hydrogen is a growing consideration across Europe, whether in the form of a blended mixture with natural gas or 100% hydrogen. Although infrastructural improvements are necessary, the current gas distribution network is an incredibly useful

asset for the delivery and storage of hydrogen - particularly for the retrofit market where heat pumps may not be appropriate.

In the early part of the next decade, we need to understand the feasibility and implications of widespread adoption of hydrogen and plan investment accordingly.

We still have a long way to go to develop the industry to produce it on a mass scale, however BEIS is already exploring this with programmes such as Hy4Heat, which is looking at the end-toend supply chain for hydrogen, including manufacturing, distribution, transmission, safety and digitisation.

One of the main challenges we face on the path to decarbonisation is how to upskill our current workforce. We need to ensure that there is a sufficient number of installers who are proficient in heat pumps and other low carbon technologies to cope with the increasing demand.

The government recognises this challenge and it is currently one of the key topics in the decarbonisation debate. It is an industry-wide responsibility and manufacturers, installer organisations and trade bodies are already working together to put programmes in place to close this skills gap.



Christopher Flaherty, EngTech MCIPHE, Vietec Heating Ltd. I am quite optimistic for business growth in 2020. With the government’s net- zero carbon target by 2050, our industry will change. Although this target may not be achievable, it will be good for business.

I am looking to move away from gas as much as possible now, as I do not believe it will be the fuel of the future. I am already heavily involved with heat pumps, as I see these as being the market leader in trying to achieve the netzero target and I only see this side of my business growing.

I will also look to pick up again on my many years experience in thermal solar, as I think solar and heat pumps work well together. I have not done much with thermal solar over the past 10 years, as it seemed to drop out of favour as a renewable energy source, but I am hoping with the net-zero target, it will be a growth market.

I also feel that the public are becoming more aware that cheap is

not the way and employing quality installers is in the end the cheaper option, so hopefully we will start to see a decline in the cowboy element in our industry.

Changes I would like to see are improvements in training for new entrants. I feel the current training is woeful and we are seeing many badly trained people out in the field. This is not only dangerous, but also damages our industry’s reputation. Another change I would like to see is the introduction of regulations to ensure the use of better water quality control methods to prevent system corrosion.



Hattie Hasan, CEO and founder of Stopcocks Women Plumbers At time of writing we’re about to have a general election which may (or may not) be followed by Brexit, but we’re still heading for an exciting 2020! The latest figures show that self-employed plumbers’ and heating engineers’ salaries are rising as we move into our busiest time. We have vacancies at Stopcocks Women Plumbers.

Stopcocks engineers are currently fully booked with waiting lists. It’s never been a better time to join us.

The average age of plumbers in the UK is 57 and only 5.9% are under 35. The industry badly needs new blood! Forward-thinking companies have noticed the untapped resource of women clamouring to join, and Stopcocks is helping them to make the industry more attractive to men and women alike. 2020 will be all about collaboration we’re looking forward to our annual Women Installers Together conference, finding a bigger venue to make room for increased numbers of delegates, including more sponsors.

And not forgetting all our reputations we’re championing the introduction of the License to Practise for improved technical and customer service standards for the whole industry.



Paul Williams EngTech LCGI MCIPHE RP, director Albert Williams Ltd. 2020 is not only the start of a new year but also the beginning of a decade, one likely to see significant change in the heating industry, with a certain 2025 deadline looming. With this in mind, I am already looking at the training I intend to prioritise as a part of my professional development.

I will be very interested to see the development of low carbon heating systems this year and

how the future of the industry will progress. For me, the fact that legislators and regulators are looking at the plumbing and heating industry is an opportunity for those of us in the industry to highlight the areas still in need of tackling.

It will also be interesting to see how the trailblazer apprenticeship takes off in England as I am currently helping to develop the plumbing and heating course in Wales. The need of our apprentices to have a deep and wide knowledge of the industry is essential and these will be the future engineers that will bring low carbon heating to our current buildings.

Of course, I need to earn a living too and I’m already booking in work for 2020 while also evolving the way in which I run my company, continuing to get more digitalised and using tools that I could only have dreamed of 10 years ago that will hopefully save time on the administrative side of the business.

Add Brexit to the above, and it is fair to say I expect 2020 to be a challenging year. The implementation of PAS 2035 legislation and how it could affect small companies such as mine is one more thing to come to terms with, whilst there appears to be more online companies selling and installing boilers without viewing the potential contract.

 The 2019 amendment to the Climate Change Act commits the UK to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050. To achieve this bold target, there has to be a step-change in the way we heat our homes, businesses and public buildings. It is no longer possible to put off tough decisions the heating industry, the government, and the public must work together to innovate, legislate and accept the change that is required to meet such ambitious targets.

The largest element of the decarbonisation challenge will be treating the circa 28m existing dwellings, of which 80% will still be in use in 2050. We believe that there is not a single answer, rather a mix of heat networks in dense urban environments, decarbonisation of the gas grid and electrification of heat, where practical, will offer a combined solution to the challenge.

2020 will be a pivotal year regarding heat policy development and the decarbonisation challenge, culminating in the 2 th Conference of the parties, known as COP2 , in Glasgow in November.

More immediately the ‘Future Homes Standard’, which I have highlighted throughout this year, has now reached an important stage. Proposals for changes to Approved Documents L and F of the Building Regulations specific to the residential new build sector are now open to consultation. I urge all those who will be affected to contribute before the deadline of the 10th anuary.

05/12/2019 14:05

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PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

16

Gadgets & Tools

Entry-level brushless motor The cordless combi drill GSB 18V-55 Professional from Bosch offers professionals a brushless motor in the entry-level segment for the first time. They have a high level of efficiency, are more durable than DC motors and are also maintenance-free. Plumbers and installers who drill into wood, metal and masonry on a daily basis will find this combi drill particularly useful.

With a maximum torque of 55 newton meters and up to 1800 revolutions per minute, this combi ensures increased

efficiency at work. It is suitable for mid-range applications or screw diameters of up to 8mm, drill diameters up to 35mm in wood and 13mm in metal. The new drill also reliably drills up to 10mm in masonry. It’s claimed to be more robust than comparable competitor models as it is the only cordless combi drill in the entrylevel market with a metal drill chuck for maximum torque transfer. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/05

Improved for better handling and use Pliers specialist Knipex has launched a new, improved version of its popular Pliers Wrench in a slimmer 180mm length, with narrow gripping jaws perfect for tightening in confined spaces.

The Pliers Wrench is now said to be even easier to use thanks to considerably reduced weight, fluted handle and a slim jaw profile with undercut. Other new features include 10 less weight but with the same stability; laser-cut scales so that pliers can be preset before gripping; increased gripping capacity two additional setting positions now up to 40mm; different finishes 01 is black atramentised with non-slip plastic coating, 02 black atramentised with multi-component grips. The zero backlash jaw pressure also prevents damage to edges of sensitive components. . ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/06

Lanyard for mobile

When you’re hard at work and the phone rings, do you find yourself fumbling clumsily for the mobile in your pocket? The Universal Silicone Phone Case by Rocontrip may be just the answer. With the phone hanging around your neck, you can be sure it won’t get damaged from a slip of the fingers. The lanyard is made from soft silicone that stretches to fit mobile devices from 3.5 to 5in. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/0

1219_16_CH.indd 1

Flexing in all the right places

The Flex Workwear collection from Dickies incorporates new fabric technology designed to enhance flexibility and comfort.

The range is debuting with two new trouser styles: Universal Flex Trouser and the Lead In Flex Trouser, delivering optimum mobility and all-day comfort. Available with or without holster pockets, the Universal Flex Trouser features Flex fabric panels in key places such as the back of the calves and the waistband. With a smart, slim fit design the trouser also features Cordura reinforcements for added durability.

Easy to move and stretch in, the Lead In Flex Trouser is designed with a tapered leg, creating a simpler, minimal look.

Also benefiting from the Flex fabric is the GDT Premium Trouser, a cotton-rich option in a regular fit, which is now available in a new camouflage colour variation. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/09

Safe and easy way to load ladders Van Guard has launched a mechanically aided ladder loading system, providing a safe way of loading and unloading ladders from the roof of a van from ground level.

The ergonomic design features gas strut assistance to provide a stowage and deployment system for light commercial vehicles.

Three Ladder Loader lengths

are available depending on the vehicle size, with a Maxi ladder loader option allowing for two ladders.

Designed for use with Van Guard’s aluminium van roof bars, the Ladder Loader is T V GS certified and crash tested to industry standards.

Andy Woodward, sales and marketing director, says: “The introduction of the Ladder Loader to our product portfolio, alongside the recently launched range of aftermarket van locks, allows Van Guard to be a one-stop shop for the safe transporting and security of tools and equipment. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/0

Automatic warranties ONLINE For further information about any of the products featured on this page, simply visit phamnews. co.uk/1219/ followed by the relevant enquiry number.

The electric and cordless tool range from HiKOKI Power Tools now comes with a Heavy Duty three year warranty, meaning customers will no longer have to register their tools online to activate their warranty.

“The new automatic warranty makes life easier for tradespeople,” explains Nick Chan, marketing manager. “It means less time registering tools and more time on site. In the unlikely event of a warranty claim, as long as there is proof of purchase, then we will sort the issue out. No worry, no hassle, just great service.

The automatic three-year warranty applies to all tools, excluding batteries less than AH, gas nailers and hire tools. All the usual HiKOKI Power Tools warranty terms and conditions apply and proof of purchase will be required in the event of a claim being made. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/10

03/12/2019 15:48

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PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

Gadgets & Tools 17 Knee protection in the honeycomb design The Redbacks Pocket Kneepad, ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ ƩŶ ƒŋũĴ ŶũŋŽŭāũŭ̇ ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ Ö ƪāƗĢðķā ķāÖĕ-ŭťũĢłė Ğāķù ƒĢŶĞĢł Ö ŶĞāũĿŋťķÖŭŶĢó ĞŋłāƘóŋĿð ĿÖŶũĢƗ ƒĞĢóĞ Ģŭ ŭÖĢù Ŷŋ ĞÖƑā Ö ĞĢėĞ óŋĿťũāŭŭĢŋł ũÖŶā and ˚˙˙ͮ ũāóŋƑāũƘ Ŷŋ ĢŶŭ ŋũĢėĢłÖķ ŭĞÖťā̍ ¦ĞĢŭ ėĢƑāŭ óŋłŶũŋķķāù ƒāĢėĞŶ ùĢŭŶũĢðŽŶĢŋł̍ ¦Ğā ùāóāķāũÖŶĢŋł ŋĕ ťũāŭŭŽũā ťũŋŶāóŶŭ ðŋŶĞ ŶĞā Ĵłāāŭ Öłù ðŋùƘ ĕũŋĿ ťŋŶāłŶĢÖķķƘ ùÖĿÖėĢłė ĢĿťÖóŶ ĕŋũóāŭ Öłù ėĢƑāŭ ķŋłė ķÖŭŶĢłė̇ ÖłŶĢ-ĕÖŶĢėŽā ŭŽťťŋũŶ̍ āùðÖóĴŭ ŭÖƘŭ ŶũÖùĢŶĢŋłÖķ ĕŋÖĿ ŋũ ėāķ ŭŋķŽŶĢŋłŭ óũāÖŶā ťŋĢłŶ-

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PHAM DEC19JAN20 CIRCOFLOW:Layout 1 02/12/2019 13:01 Page 1

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

Heating 19

er e t art er r re e a les With a view to a lower carbon future, underfloor heating is a key consideration for efficient heating. Warm water underfloor heating is a great eco-friendly option that is efficient and well suited to renewable technologies, according to Ben Halley, development engineer at Nu-Heat.

U

nderfloor heating is fast becoming commonplace in quality new builds and renovation projects. Aside from the way UFH feels underfoot, it also boasts some strong eco credentials that make it the chosen heating system for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint. There are three key features that make UFH an eco-friendly heating solution ses ar l er te erat res t a ra at r s ste s Because UFH covers a much larger surface area than radiators, it is still able to heat the room effectively. These lower flow temperatures mean that the boiler can operate in its optimum condensing mode, saving energy and wear and tear that makes UFH around 25 more efficient than radiators.

Air source heat pump installed outside

1: UFH helps to reduce

Ben Halley

Development engineer at Nu-Heat

s t e est e tter t a r t a eat ra te rate re e a le s l t The lower temperatures also mean that UFH is the most suitable emitter for pairing with renewable technologies like air and ground source heat pumps.

A heat pump is at its most efficient when producing low temperatures, usually heating water which is stored in a buffer tank to be used when required.

Radiators, on the other hand, require high water temperatures frequently throughout the day, causing the heat pump to continually switch on and off. Opting for UFH will reduce the workload on the heat pump, in turn helping to save energy. e eat tr l Unlike any other heating system, the layout of rooms (also known as zoning) is factored into an UFH design. This gives the homeowner a greater degree of controllability, heating areas to different temperatures as and when they tend to use them.

For example, a large open-plan room could have more than one thermostat so that areas such as the kitchen can operate at a temperature lower than an adjoining living area. oning also allows for flexibility in rooms that are rarely used for example guest rooms can be set at a background temperature to save energy.

How to get started New to underfloor heating Installing it is simple with the help of an experienced design and supply company. At Nu-Heat we are committed to designing bespoke heating systems that perform, so you and your customer really feel the difference.

We even offer free site visits to talk you through the options. Find out more about our underfloor heating and heat pump solutions by visiting the website below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/15

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Pippinfields is a stylish and efficient timber-frame home. The homeowners knew from the off that they wanted to incorporate both underfloor heating and renewable technology, offering maximum comfort whilst also lowering their carbon footprint.

UFH, an air source heat pump, and solar thermal was the chosen ecofriendly combination for the property.

The UFH was installed by a first-time installer, Richard, who was impressed with its simplicity I found it a lot easier to fit the UFH than radiators. It took just a couple of days to fit the UFH on both floor levels and the end result is so much better there are no rads to spoil the look of the home or pipework on show.

The end result An environmentally friendly heating system that maximises

the technologies installed, reduces energy and also provides payments through the Renewable Heat Incentive.

We love the difference that having UFH, an air source heat pump and solar thermal has made to our comfort and our energy bills, says the homeowner. We will receive around 1000 back from the government’s RHI scheme each year too.

ClipTrack screed UFH installed on the ground

 Magpie Farm’s heat pump plant room

2 heating completes high-end housing development The need to be environmentally friendly meant that Magpie Farm, a luxury development of new build homes in Kent, called for an energy efficient heating solution that utilised renewable technology. Working with the installer NDC Plumbing Heating, Nu-Heat designed a system that suited the high-end development. ClipTrack screed UFH on the ground floor and LoPro 10 retrofit UFH on the first floor, fuelled by a NIBE air source heat pump, was

the winning combination.

Installer Nick Cole explains why UFH teamed with an air source heat pump is his preferred heating solution The benefit to the homeowner of having a high-end heating system like this throughout their property is that the air source heat pump is renewable, reducing energy bills. As there are no radiators on the walls, they also have more options in terms of placing furniture in rooms. With underfloor heating, you heat the floor as a whole and this is a better way for the house to retain heat.

05/12/2019 13:56

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Heating

Wide open spaces The benefits of underfloor heating are well known, but there are still questions and myths that linger. Steve Harris from Wavin Hep2O takes a closer look at the types of systems available and offers tips for a smooth installation.

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raditional radiators generally need replacing at least twice in a building’s lifetime, but UFH doesn’t require additional maintenance, meaning installers can be confident that the system will stay exactly as they left it.

Opting for UFH is an investment in a quality, long-lasting solution.

UFH uses natural radiation, with pipes beneath the floor transferring heat into a room, meaning it has little impact on air quality when compared with traditional convection heating systems which can circulate bacteria and dust.

Easier than you think

A common misunderstanding is that it can be difficult to install UFH which is understandable if you haven’t worked with this technology before. Fortunately, manufacturers are increasingly providing online tools which help you compare different options for your project.

The biggest mistake an installer can make is picking the wrong system. There are three main types to choose from staple systems, system plates and panel systems.

The most suitable method will depend on the exact scope and requirements of the project in hand.

Staple System: In new build properties, where the floor will be screeded after UFH installation, a staple system is most advisable.

This system features a length of flexible pipe that is fixed in place at regular intervals, meaning installers have the freedom to fit the system into irregularly shaped spaces.

System Plates: If the rooms are a regular, square shape, then

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Steve Harris

Technical services engineer for Wavin Hep2O

CUT TO THE CHASE  Staple systems are ideally suited for new build properties where the floor will be screeded  The advantage of system plates is the pre-formed grips that hold the pipe in position

A low-build panel system will have less impact on the floor height and is suited for renovation projects 

 In larger buildings can be most effective when installed in the void of a ceiling

system plates are a good choice.

This system has pre-formed grips that hold pipe in position, enabling a highly efficient and even installation. System plates also protect against damage from foot traffic before screed is laid.

Panel System: A good option for renovation projects is a lowbuild panel system, which will have a minimal impact on the floor height. Some panel systems available on the market are just 15mm in height, meaning they can be fitted easily over existing floors Here are some top tips for installation Consider the layout and demands of the room first before choosing a system.

Then think through the layout of the pipe set this out temporarily before you start installation to ensure it works for the shape and size of the room.

Don’t install UFH where permanent fixtures (like kitchen cabinets) will be as you’ll waste time and product and will impact the performance of the system.

Follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure you’re not overstressing the pipe curves are typically recommended at no tighter than a 200mm diameter.

Not just for heat

UFH can be installed into any part of a building envelope, such as the walls of a room. This is an ideal solution in a room with a small surface area on the floor to maximise the potential heat output. This would be the case in a room like a small WC. However, installers shouldn’t opt for UFH in the walls alone, as the performance of the system won’t be as effective.

In larger buildings, like a block of apartments, UFH can be

Installation of a panel system

effective when installed in the ceilings. The void of the ceiling is easily accessible for installation, meaning the heating solution is beneficial for both the room above and below. This kind of installation is more commonly found abroad because it works efficiently as a cooling system by circulating cold water.

It is important to note that underfloor cooling systems can only work with a limited variety of flooring types such as stone, ceramic or LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), so installers must check the specification of the flooring before opting for this system. It’s important to note that the floor temperature must never be cooled below the dew point because of the risk of condensation forming on the surface.

Help at hand

As the trend for underfloor heating in both new builds and renovations continues to increase, Wavin Hep2O offers a range of innovative products suitable for both heating and cooling applications which can be found at most local plumbing and building merchants across the UK. Such systems are easy to install and come with market leading certifications and guarantees to meet current Building Regulations.

Installers can also use our online tools to help provide the best quote and bill of materials to ensure the very best solutions are chosen for a project.

For further information please visit the website below. phamnews.co.uk/1219/16

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Br

t e e efits t t e asses

With smaller manifolds and 12mm pipe as standard, Circoflo promises to be able to provide a cost-effective, easy-to-fit underfloor heating solution for everyone who wants it. PHAM News recently met with MD Brendan Hourican to find out more about what the company has to offer.

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art of the Ridgespear Group, whose management team has been involved in manufacturing underfloor heating systems for around 20 years, Circoflo aims to make it easier for installers to fit underfloor heating systems, with an ‘off-the-shelf’ solution that can be used on a wide range of projects. Brendan Hourican has been with the business for just over a year and was recently promoted to MD.

Can you tell us why the group thought there was a gap in the market for a company like Underfloor heating has traditionally been shrouded in mystery and has been viewed as a bit of a dark art. It’s overly complicated, when actually, if you break it down to the bare bones, it’s all about just getting the right amount of pipe into a floor space to make sure that the system is going to work.

The Circoflo mentality is all about keeping things simple. It’s the same diameter pipe, with the same pipe spacings, regardless of floor construction. It’s effectively an off-the-shelf solution. There’s no reason why buying UFH shouldn’t be as simple as walking into a merchant and asking for a 400 x 00mm radiator. Installers should be able to go to the trade counter, buy the components they need, and then install it without any problem.

Brendan Hourican

Managing director of Circoflo

With increaing pressure on reducing the use of fossil fuels, to provide heat for homes both now and in the future

SIX UFH SYSTEMS We keep things simple by only using one 12mm pipe which is used on all six of our systems to suit different floor types. It’s flexible and easy to use and can be installed at close spacings to deliver a reliable and responsive system. All of our systems are independently tested for output

by BSRIA and are among the most efficient on the market with the highest heat outputs and the fastest warm up times.

We also offer smaller, multiple ‘minifolds’, running from a centralised pump and mixing valve rather than using one large manifold. Again, this makes the system much easier to fit and it’s also a more efficient way to heat a home. Not only does this enable much easier

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 Staples – to suit screed and concrete floors  ClipRail – for ensuring accurate pipe spacing in screed and concrete floors  CircoBoard – To suit new or existing joisted or battened floors without increasing floor height  lo loor or existing floors with a lightweight floor covering such as laminate or carpet  LowDeck – For low build-up and retrofit projects to suit most floor coverings  TileDeck or existing floors where a tiled or vinyl floor finish is required

phasing of a large project, it also means that our ‘minifolds’ are easier to hide away in cupboards or access panels. We also avoid the congestion of pipework within a floor which can lead to hotspots and potential damage to sensitive floor coverings.

That said, we want to offer complete versatility of our range and have recently developed a very simple kit that will enable installers to connect up to two minifolds together, as well as connect the pump and mixing valve to the minifold to offer a more familiar install.

Despite the simplicity of the system, you’re also happy to “It’s about addressing the fear factor for first time installers, so we’re more than happy to do some hand-holding if required.

We would much rather our systems were installed correctly, so when our trade customers send an enquiry and then place an order, if they give us a bit of notice we’ll go on site and advise them on the installation.

Although you’re part of a

I think it is. Although we have a good team behind us, Circoflo is a smaller team. Running the internal operation is our sales manager Richard Seager, who is very experienced. He’s been with me for six months now and he’s doing a lot of the designs, a lot of the quotations, and following up on quotes. It’s great because customers are getting a personal service. Every time you call, it will be either Richard or myself answering the phone, but then we have a much bigger organisation behind us.

“That personal touch is part of the charm of Circoflo. Customers are not having to deal with lots of different departments. It’s having one contact that looks after you from beginning to end. I’d love to think that as we up-scale, we’d just get lots more people who are capable of doing exactly what we’re doing looking after our customers from beginning to end. The customer will still deal with one person all the way through, it will just be a different individual.

A recent installation of the

targeting installers who are It’s certainly a big target audience for us, but I would say that at least 50% of our business comes from UFH installers who have used systems from other manufacturers. They recognise the benefits of the multiple manifolds and the simplicity of the 12mm pipe at 133mm centres.

They also like the price point.

That’s one of the benefits of being the manufacturer we can be very, very competitive.

“But the other 50% are the guys that have never had the confidence to get involved with UFH before. A lot of those installers are finding us via social media. They’re seeing the work that we’re doing to promote awareness and they’re contacting us to ask about training and technical support.

Do you have any plans to provide training for existing “Training is important, but it’s also important that we don’t waste our customers’ time.

There are training courses where you can sit in a classroom for two days and you can learn everything about the systems, but we believe the best way of learning anything has always been to be hands-on.

If you’re going to be encountering problems, it’s going to be on site rather than in the classroom. Ultimately, training should be about empowering our installers to just get on with it. If you can install a heating system and you know how a zone valve works on a hot water cylinder, then these are a lot more complicated than what we’re talking to them about. It’s so straightforward.

systems, but which is currently the best-

I would say it’s split down the middle. For screeded floors in new-build or extensions we sell more of our ClipRail than the Staple system, because the ClipRail gives you the 133mm spacings, whereas if you’re stapling you have to measure the spacings. The other half of the two best sellers is our LowDeck system the low profile retrofit UFH system. It’s tried and tested and does what it says on the tin.

What percentage of your products go into existing Around 25 to 30% is being retrofitted into properties, but new build and extensions are where the bulk of our business is. It makes sense to have UFH in an extension, but we would advise customers to look at the rest of the property too. I’m not just trying to sell more product, but when you walk from a lovely heated floor into an area of the home where it’s not been put in, people will notice the difference It’s worth bringing floors up to the same height and retrofitting across the whole of the ground floor area.

Probably around a hundred.

We’re currently getting 30 to 40 enquiries a month, which is not bad, although I would always like more, of course. We track all our enquiries and have done since I’ve started. I’m a great believer in what gets measured gets done. If you can’t measure it, you shouldn’t be doing it, and the feedback we get from our customers is invaluable.

So are you optimistic that the business will continue to grow “I would like to think that we would be somewhere near the £10m turnover within five years, with perhaps a dozen staff. I would be disappointed if we weren’t at that kind of level by then.

“With increasing pressure on reducing the use of fossil fuels, UFH is an efficient and effective way to provide heat for homes both now and in the future.

Our systems are effectively future-proofed because they are designed to work at low temperatures and are thereby ideal for use with air source and ground source heat pumps.

Really, the clear message that I want to get out is that we want to get underfloor heating for all. The benefits of UFH over radiators are endless so why wouldn’t you want it It’s not just for the elite, the rich, the famous, it’s for everyone. It’s affordable, it’s easy to install and it’s there for everyone who wants it. ◼ /1219/1

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­łùāũƪŋŋũ Heating

Thermal imaging reveals hidden faults For heating contractors, the ability to visualise potential problem areas can ĿÖĴā Ö ĞŽėā ùĢƦāũāłóā Ģł ŶĞā ŭťāāù ŋĕ diagnosing day-to-day jobs. Knowing precisely where to start with a job can ŭÖƑā ŶĢĿā Öłù āƦŋũŶ̇ ĿāÖłĢłė ĢłóũāÖŭāù āƧóĢāłóƘ Öłù ŶĞā ÖðĢķĢŶƘ Ŷŋ ťũŋƑĢùā Ö faster service to customers.

Thermal imaging is particularly useful ĕŋũ Žłùāũƪŋŋũ ĞāÖŶĢłė̍ RŶ Ğāķťŭ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ascertain if an existing system is ŋťāũÖŶĢłė āƧóĢāłŶķƘ̇ ŋũ ĢŶ óÖł ƑāũĢĕƘ ŶĞÖŶ a new system has been installed correctly.

A thermal imager instantly provides a visual indication of the surface ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā ŋĕ ŶĞā ƪŋŋũ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ Ģŭ Öķŭŋ indicative of the heating system’s performance.

A thermal imager can be used to assess temperatures across the heating coils so that the user can clearly see exactly where it is and isn’t working. This is shown via the temperature distribution in the thermal image. A thermal imager can also be used to give a visual indication of what is happening at the supply and return manifold. Large variations in return temperatures indicate that there could be a problem with the system. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˛˛

1łėĢłāāũāù ĢłŶŋ ÖóŋŽŭŶĢó ƪŋŋũĢłė

S Thermal image showing the supply and return manifold (top) compared to the manifold without thermal imaging (bottom)

Polymer pipes specialist, Rehau, has ŭŽťťķĢāù Ö ũÖłėā ŋĕ Žłùāũƪŋŋũ ĞāÖŶĢłė ťĢťā equipment to Instacoustics, who have been appointed on the development of South Quay Plaza in Canary Wharf. The company’s ÖŽŶĞāũĿ 1̟ƗÖ Žłùāũƪŋŋũ ĞāÖŶĢłė ťĢťā was chosen by Instacoustic and installed in a total of ˟ˡ˞ apartments across ˟ˠ ƪŋŋũŭ Ģł the building to provide UFH with the Instacoustic cradle and batten system.

The building owners were looking for a premium UFH that would complement the acoustic solutions chosen. Rehau developed the system in conjunction with Instacoustic, a leading provider of quality ÖóŋŽŭŶĢó ƪŋŋũĢłė̇ ƒÖķķ Öłù ÖóŋŽŭŶĢó óāĢķĢłė systems. Together, they were able to supply Öł ÖóŋŽŭŶĢó ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł ŭťāóĢƩóÖķķƘ ĕŋũ Žŭā Ģł residential buildings where individual ùƒāķķĢłėŭ ƒāũā Ģł óķŋŭā ťũŋƗĢĿĢŶƘ̵̍ The company was tasked with engineering Öł ­DN ŭƘŭŶāĿ ŶĞÖŶ ƒŋŽķù ƩŶ ƒĢŶĞĢł ŶĞā ƩƗāù ŭŶũŽóŶŽũā ťũŋƑĢùāù ðƘ RłŭŶÖóŋŽŭŶĢó̍ With Rehau, they created a support bracket and a pre-routed support panel for the Žłùāũƪŋŋũ ĞāÖŶĢłė̍ Rł āŭŭāłóā ŶĞāƘ developed a system that provided an āƦāóŶĢƑā̇ ŶĞāũĿÖķķƘ āƧóĢāłŶ̇ Öłù ùũƘ installation that delivered on excellent acoustics for the residents.

Tony Harbour, senior commercial manager at Rehau, comments: “We are excited to have supplied our equipment to Instacoustics and this new high-ťũŋƩķā apartment development, and it is testament

Ŷŋ ŶĞā ŨŽÖķĢŶƘ̇ ƪāƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ̇ ŋťāũÖŶĢŋłÖķ performance and reputation of the ÖŽŶĞāũĿ ũÖłėā̵̍ “Our experience in the manufacture and ŭŽťťķƘ ŋĕ Žłùāũƪŋŋũ ĞāÖŶĢłė ťĢťā Ģŭ extensive and our knowledgeable team worked closely with Instacoustic, architects and contractors to deliver this state-of-theart solution for South Quay Plaza.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˛˚ˢ̓˟˝

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Heating

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Available from Myson is a complete range of underfloor heating products and services to meet the needs of any application and floor construction.

The company’s expert design team will work with customers to create bespoke solutions and layouts and ensure systems are built for purpose. As part of the design service the team also offer an estimating service, meaning there are no hidden costs for solutions and customers know exactly what they will be getting for their investment.

Options include Myson’s tackernail system which is claimed to provide the strongest UFH fixing clip commercially available,

Overs

making it one of the easiest fixing methods in the market.

Alternatively, Myson’s subplate solution is ideal for installations using more traditional or composite joists and means there is no requirement to disturb existing floor finishes.

For renovation projects, the company’s microboard is a simple solution that houses piping within preformed grooves. The 18mm thick boards help to reduce any concerns on floor height alternations.

All the underfloor heating systems are compatible with Myson’s radiator range, which means that the design team can offer an unbiased view on projects and will look to design the most efficient and effective solution, whether underfloor only, radiator led, or a mixed system solution. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/1

r s ste t stall

Wundatherm from Wunda Group is a rapid response over-floor system 1 or 20mm thick that can be laid without the need to dig up floors and is suitable for both retrofit and new build homes.

The product consists of pre-formed aluminium coated boards that deliver rapid response heating and bond instantly to the floor with spray adhesive. Once in place, high output 1 mm floor heating pipe is laid into the pre-formed grooves in the boards, looping around to a heating manifold, with up to 150m2 taking two people just two days to install. Once the boards and pipes are down, any choice of floor covering can be laid straight away, from carpet and vinyl to wood, laminate, ceramic or stone tiles.

The system is compatible with sustainable heat pumps, solar panels or any existing gas/oil boilers.

It comes with a number of options including both 1 and 20mm board thicknesses and three densities to choose from according to the final floor surface. There are also different pump sets available to go with the manifold, and hassle-free auto-balancing actuators which adjust flow rates.

To complement the whole system, there is a range of matched traditional hard-wired thermostats, as well as wireless and smart controls via an app on mobile devices to offer users complete remote control of the system. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/20

NEW WAY TO ACCESS FURTHER INFORMATION

The Envirofloor underfloor heating system from Firebird is designed to be 25 more efficient than traditional radiators and is suitable for both new build and refurbishment projects. This hydronic system achieves greater efficiencies when paired with a renewable source, such as the company’s Enviroair air source heat pump.

Envirofloor underfloor heating systems are suitable for a wide

r file

range of ground and upper floor constructions and, in an energy efficient new build, provides the option of removing radiators completely. Using the full range of system components, it is simple to create individual and zoned heating systems to achieve required comfort levels.

Envirofloor is easily combined with radiators to create a mixed heating system. To make the installation simpler, Firebird offers kits for both solid and suspended floor constructions containing the components required for use with the Enviroair air source heat pump. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/19

t late s ree

TUS has introduced the Lowtex low profile system to its range of overfloor heating systems.

Comprising a 15mm panel, 12mm pipe and 18-20mm latex screed, the Lowtex system is suitable for multiple build types, while achieving the appearance, functionality and performance of a solid floor. Lowtex is said to offer improved heat outputs when compared to other low profile overfloor systems including EPS, foil or plates and cement boards.

TUS MD Mike Beck says We have seen a steady increase in the popularity of low profile UFH systems in the last few years and the Lowtex system offers installers with another fantastic option for both retrofit and new build projects. Not only does Lowtex offer enhanced performance compared to similar systems, the lightweight, multi directional panels are extremely quick to install and very user-friendly. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/21

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2019

Product News 67 Tougher former with octagonal plate Hydraulic drainage system saves cost

The Tuff Form8 wetroom former from AKW combines the benefits of the company’s existing Tuff Form product but with a new octagonal fitting plate. This allows for up to 15 different waste positions and ensures an easier installation.

The new former is made from high strength sheet moulding compound, giving it a weight capacity of 381kg (60 stone). This suits it for heavier wheelchair users and their carers. In addition, pre-formed fixing points and octagonal waste plate mean that all obstructing joists can be quickly navigated.

Available in nine sizes, the Tuff Form8 former can be tiled or covered with safety flooring and it can also be used to create complete level access solutions on both timber and concrete floors. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1019/73

Furniture gets the royal treatment

Inverter technology inside heat pumps

Nuie, formerly known as Premier Bathrooms, has added a royal grey woodgrain textured finish to its York collection of furniture. The new finish complements the existing white ash and stone grey varieties.

Three sizes of vanity unit (600, 800 and 1000mm) add versatility to the range, which is accompanied by matching mirrors, WC unit and toilet seat for a fully coordinated look. Made in Britain, with a fiveyear guarantee, the York furniture range is supplied rigid and features soft-close doors and is available with design-matching ceramic basin and front and side bath panels. Three handle choices are available: square strap, round strap and art deco, for further individuality and character. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1019/75

Aimed at the commercial market, Stiebel Eltron’s WPE-I inverter-driven heat pump system bolsters the company’s offering of renewable energy systems.

The new range utilises inverter technology, which allows heat output to be adjusted to suit the requirements of bespoke projects. This boosts energy efficiency, helping businesses reduce energy costs.

The product also allows businesses to maximise return on investment from the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, with running hours attracting tier-one tariffs.

Space-saving unit design also streamlines the installation process. Preparatory groundworks can be sized to the building, rather than the nearest heat pump model itself, saving clients time and money. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1019/74

Hydraulic drainage system saves cost

New ball valve looks to the future Waterproofing system for showers The Shower Waterproofing Kit from Dunlop has been specially designed to include everything required to waterproof a shower area, wetroom or walk-in shower area as required by new British Standards.

Suitable for any internal intermittent area where continued exposure to water may cause damage, the kit fully waterproofs the background behind a tiled surface to prevent water penetration up to 1.5m high in a two-walled shower unit or 1m high in a three-walled shower unit.

As a result, the kit prevents water saturating the whole area, reducing the risk of unsightly black mould forming, and also reducing the risk of more serious issues such as floor collapse and other surfaces vulnerable to corrosion. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1019/76

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ar el s reater e e es

GF Piping Systems has introduced the Ball Valve 546 Pro to help specifiers and building services contractors future-proof installations across different sectors.

The new-generation modular design of the 546 Pro ensures future technical or digital demands can now be enabled, reducing the need for servicing or retro-fitting costs while enhancing efficiency in use from the outset. The all-plastic construction of the ball valve includes a range of accessories such as the spring-loaded, ergonomically designed lockable handle incorporating a ‘dead-man’ self-closing facility, compact double sensor accessories, as well as pneumatic or electric actuators to fit the entire range of sizes which runs from 16-110mm diameter.

The smooth curving casing and double stem seals contribute to an IP67 rating, while a reinforced security break point in the stem helps to prevent leaks due to wear or the use of excessive force. All units are tested to a pressure of 16 bar and suitable for applications from hot or cold water services to pressurised or chilled water, chemical processes and other industrial uses.

The 546 Pro is ready out-of-the-box to be installed or retro-fitted for wireless connectivity. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1019/77

ONLINE For further information about any of the products featured on this page, simply enter phamnews. co.uk/1019/ followed by the relevant enquiry number.

We’ve introduced a new non-paper based PHAM News enquiry service. or a quick and easy way to find out more about the products and services that interest you, the new online enquiry service is designed to take you directly to the information you require. At the end of most articles and items on our editorial pages there will now be a web address with a unique five or six digit code.

Simply enter phamnews.co.uk and the appropriate numbers and the relevant website page should appear directly on your computer, tablet or smartphone without you having to use a browser or navigate through various website pages. e hope you will find this new service a useful and convenient way to access the information you need.

New to the UK market, Geberit’s SuperTube flowoptimised hydraulic drainage system for highrise buildings is said to offer simple planning and installation while saving around 35% of the space allocated for a parallel vented dual stack system.

The system combines the existing 12 litres/sec flow-optimised HDPE Geberit Sovent (d110) with two new bends – BottomTurn and BackFlip - which remove the need for a vent pipe by generating a constant air stream through intelligent design.

The combined single stack system enables pipework with a smaller, consistent diameter of d110 and a maximum discharge capacity of 12 litres/sec. It also allows horizontal pipelines of up to 6m without slopes, thanks to the design of the BottomTurn bend, which reduces impulse losses during transition from the vertical to horizontal. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1019/78

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Business Matters

Factors to consider e r e sta Taking on new staff is an exercise that usually means following necessary procedures to make sure everything is as it should be. David Cook from Baxi outlines some key factors to consider when expanding your team.

W

hen business is booming and you find yourself getting more jobs or bigger projects than you are used to, the logical step is to take someone on to help with the additional work. However, employing someone comes with more responsibilities than when you are just self-employed. Here are five of the most important things you need to consider when someone is joining your team.

Register as an employer

Before you start your recruitment drive, it’s essential that you get yourself registered as an employer with HMRC. This can’t be done more than two months before you start paying employees, but must be completed before the first payday, and it’s worth bearing in mind that it usually takes up to five days to be processed.

Once you are registered and you have your employer PA E reference number, you can pay your employees correctly and in line with tax regulations.

Everyone likes to be paid on time and no employer wants to have

unhappy employees thanks to pay disputes, so it is important to make sure you’re prepared ahead of time.

Carry out checks

There are a few checks that you must be aware of before you hire an employee. The first of these is ensuring they have a right to work in the UK. ou can verify this, either by carrying out a check with the HMRC online, or by asking them to provide you with the relevant codes and documents, such as a valid passport.

No one day looks the same for an installer, as they are regularly required to go to jobs that involve vulnerable people, or that may have high security regulations. In these cases, it may be necessary for your employee to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background check. These can be requested directly from DBS and various levels of checks can be carried out depending on the requirements of your work. This will not only ensure complete safety on site, but it will provide your customers with complete peace of mind.

David Cook

Sales director at Baxi eating

With so many laws and regulations for employers to follow, it is very important to be aware of all the formalities

Late payments playing havoc with mental health A new, industry-wide survey has found that nine out of 10 business owners across the construction industry suffer a range of mental health issues due to payment and other business pressures. The survey was run by engineering services trade bodies BESA and ECA and conducted in association with 25 other construction trade bodies.

The study found that business owners have an array of significant mental health problems due to the pressures of late or unfair payment, including stress (80 ) depression (3 ) extreme anger (3 ) anxiety and/or panic attacks (40 ) insomnia (3 ) suicidal feelings (10 ) Unfair payment practices also have a significant impact on

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employees right across a business, including CEOs, directors, managers and company executives.

Of all the respondents, four said they had attempted suicide as a result, while 80 reported a

mental health issue.

More than four in 10 (41 ) of respondents said that late payment issues had strained their relationship with their partner, with 5 reporting it caused it to breakdown entirely.

Over nine in 10 respondents (92 ) said their business had faced payment issues and almost two-thirds ( 5 ) said they were paid late frequently or very frequently.

The survey was held in association with the Prompt Payment Directory. The survey’s supporters are all part of a wider industry coalition of building related trades pressing government to reform the practice of cash retentions in construction. Cash retention is widely considered to be one of the most unfair and abused payment practices in the industry.

Produce contracts

When you are taking on a longterm team member, you need to make sure both your business and employees are protected legally. If you employ someone for more than a month, you need to put together a statement of employment outlining all terms and conditions. One part of this document is the principal statement, which needs to cover the following aspects the business’s name the employee’s name, job title or a description of work and start date if a previous job counts towards a period of continuous employment, the date the period started how much and how often an employee will get paid hours of work including if employees will have to work Sundays, nights or overtime holiday entitlement and if that includes public holidays where an employee will be working and whether they might have to relocate if an employee works in different places, where these will be and what the employer’s address is A further written statement must be produced with details on notice periods, collective agreements, pensions, and any temporary work information.

Pay and pensions

It goes without saying that you need to pay your team members according to the National Minimum Wage, and by using the handy online tool on the UK Government website, you can easily work out the minimum wage rate for your team member.

TrustMark opens options for fi a e Plumbing firms that are TrustMark Registered Businesses can now offer their customers finance options for making home improvements. TrustMark joined forces with BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Phoenix Financial Consultants to provide the finance options that let Registered Businesses pick the models that suit the needs of their business.

Loans are available up to the value of 25,000, allowing customers to spread the cost of work undertaken from three to 10 years. Decisions on loan offers will be made swiftly and customers will be able to manage their accounts online.

Alongside the opportunity to offer finance, businesses can provide customers with the option

On top of this, if your employee is eligible, you must provide a workplace pension scheme as soon as your first worker starts. They can participate if they are between 22 and the State Pension age; earn at least 10,000 per year; and they usually work in the UK this includes people who are based in the UK but travel for work.

Get insured

As soon as you become an employer, you must by law obtain Employers’ Liability insurance.

Anything can happen on site and installers’ work can be unpredictable and dangerous.

This will cover you to help pay compensation if an employee is injured or becomes ill because of work they have carried out for you. our policy must provide cover for at least 5 million and come from an authorised provider if you don’t have this cover you could end up with daily fines of 2500 until you get a policy.

These pointers could seem fairly second nature to some, but with so many laws and regulations for employers to follow, it is very important to be aware of all the formalities. This will make sure you do not fall foul of the law and, crucially, keeps your customers and employees happy.

For more information on top tips for expanding your team, visit https //www.gov.uk/ employ-someone

Baxi Works To find out more about best business practice and other support, visit Baxi Works: www. baxi.co.uk/trade/baxi-works

to pay by card, using the quote builder on the TrustMark portal.

Simon Ayers, CEO of TrustMark, says By providing our Registered Businesses with access to finance solutions for their customers with monthly payment options, we can support them to grow their business, attract new customers, enable higher customer spend and improve productivity and performance.

This development is recognition of our commitment to supporting small businesses and we are delighted to be working with BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Phoenix Financial Consultants to provide businesses with access to ‘on the job’ digital tools and that will benefit their business growth. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/1

05/12/2019 13:55

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

Training

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Low carbon future will drive demand for skilled installers As we move towards our target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, increasing the energy efficiency of domestic buildings is high on the agenda.

Big changes are coming, and installers will need to ensure they are equipped with the skills and qualifications to stay ahead of the game. Mark Krull from Logic4training explains more.

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his summer the UK government committed to reducing carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050, an ambitious target that will require major changes over the next three decades, creating new opportunities for experienced building services installers with valuable skills.

Domestic buildings account for around a fifth of UK emissions, so increasing the energy efficiency of both new and existing homes has once again become a priority for the government.

also has wide-reaching benefits for homeowners. In a more efficient home, less energy is required to achieve the same level of warmth and comfort, reducing energy wastage and driving down the cost of utility bills.

Mark Krull

Director at Logic4training

Momentum stalled In the decade up to 2015, uptake of additional energy efficiency measures led to a 37% reduction in gas consumption and an 18% reduction in electricity usage in a typical dual fuel household.

However, since the collapse of the Green Deal in 2015, the number of energy improvements made to households has fallen by 80%, a figure which needs to drastically improve very soon if we are to fulfil our legal obligation of netzero by 2050.

As well as being one of the most cost effective ways for the government to reduce UK carbon emissions, improving the energy efficiency of our housing stock

Install thermostats and TRVs = £80 a year in savings

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training

Replace a 15+ year old boiler = £300 a year in savings

Turn heating down by 1 degree = £80 a year in savings

Energy efficiency improvements are also a key driver in eliminating fuel poverty. The National Energy Action (NEA) recently calculated that at the current rate of installations, it would take the government 9 years to reach its legal targets to eliminate fuel poverty.

With the General Election looming at the time of writing, pledges to fund warm homes will be a major part of the main parties’ manifestos. Installers should keep a close eye on developments in this area as any new schemes could provide potential new training opportunities and income streams.

Future Homes Standard The government is currently reviewing Part L of the Building Regulations which sets energy performance standards for buildings. This is the first stage of their commitment to introduce a Future Homes Standard by 2025 which aims to ensure new build

Install smart heating controls = £130 a year (*Hive)

homes are ready for low-carbon heating, have less impact on the environment, and the cost of energy bills is reduced.

Part L covers energy usage in homes, such as space heating, cooling, water heating, lighting and mechanical ventilation.

We run an LCL Awards Energy Efficiency in Domestic Buildings training course that enhances knowledge of Part L, demonstrating competence and enabling building services installers to self-certify their work, eliminating the need for Building Regulations approval.

Boiler Plus This course also covers Boiler Plus and the additional energy efficiency measures that are now required for new combi boiler installations. Boiler Plus legislation was one of the first concrete commitments to the Clean Growth Strategy, a document that sets out the government’s plan for a low carbon future and promotes innovation across a wide variety of sectors - from low carbon power generation to improved building practices and retrofitting housing stock for energy efficiency all of which offer training opportunities for installers keen to embrace the future.

Double-glazed windows = £120 a year in savings

Draught-proof doors and windows = £20 a year in savings

The transition to low carbon heating will also provide training opportunities for building services installers over the next few years.

A report by think-tank Carbon Connect recently highlighted the pivotal role that installers will play in achieving netzero, recommending that the government should work with industry, training centres and certification bodies to develop and deliver training modules that provide existing installers with the specialist knowledge to install and explain low carbon heat technologies, such as heat pumps and hydrogen boilers.

The UK is undergoing a period of change, with new targets to provide homes for future generations that are prepared for the challenges of climate change, legal obligations to reduce emissions, and rapid technological developments that are changing the way we’ve done things in the past.

It’s a great time to re-evaluate our working lives and embrace the opportunities that a net zero future presents. Building services installers are on the frontline of the industry and can make a valuable contribution to consumers wishing to use their energy more efficiently.

Staying up to date with the latest industry news will enable installers to identify new markets and seize training opportunities that build on their current skill sets, allowing them to capitalise on the UK’s low carbon aims and potentially taking their career in an exciting and profitable new direction.

For more information on Logic4training’s range of building services course, including Energy Efficiency in Domestic Buildings and Heat Pump training, visit the website below. ◼ /1219/23

03/12/2019 16:51

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

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Training & Education

Investing in the skilled plumbers of the future A new training facility and demonstration unit has been donated by Grohe to the Colchester Institute in North Essex. We recently spoke to Grohe’s training manager Chris Penney about the company’s commitment to enhancing the skills of tomorrow’s plumbing professionals.

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olchester Institute is the largest vocational college in North Essex, with a 500-strong annual cohort of plumbing students. The new fully-functioning display unit donated by Grohe, which includes the company’s innovative Sense Guard leak detection system and SmartControl showers, was officially unveiled in November.

The unit is housed in a brand new training room for the students and the company has also provided 18 bathroom suites for the Institute’s well-equipped plumbing training facility.

The demonstration unit will provide additional learning opportunities for students who will be able to engage in live demonstrations and installations of some of the industry’s latest and most advanced technologies, helping to keep them ahead of the curve as they prepare to embark on a career in the industry.

The bathroom and kitchen

products manufacturer has a long-standing relationship with Colchester Institute and the product donation is part of a wider European initiative to invest in the installers of tomorrow. For the past two years, the College has been a stop-off location for Grohe’s XXL Experience Truck, an immersive mobile showroom that has welcomed students on board for hands-on taster sessions on some of its leading products.

Earlier this year, Grohe also supported the College’s ‘Plumbing Apprentice of the Year’ award, gifting the well-deserving winner one of its Euphoria SmartControl shower systems.

Following the opening of the new suite, Grohe’s UK training manager Chris Penney will regularly feature as a guest lecturer, delivering classes on the company’s bathroom and kitchen products, from single lever taps to the latest shower toilets, and the best practices when it comes to installing them.

Plumbing students at the Colchester Institute line up beside the Grohe training rig

BY NUMBERS

500 plumbing students pass through Colchester Institute every year, including nearly 200 full-time students

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Colchester is one of the 10 fastest growing towns in the UK, providing lots of opportunities for trained installers

1

Grohe’s investment includes the installation of 18 new bathroom suites for training and assessment

4 Grohe hopes to have four other UK colleges in the next couple of years

Grohe training manager Chris Penney (right) with Alison Andreas, principal and chief executive at Colchester Institute

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In good shape

Speaking on the official opening day, Chris commented: “Our brand slogan for 2019 is shaping the future of water, so this is obviously a great step in the right direction. We want younger plumbers to understand how products work, how they go together and how they can repair them.”

The demonstration unit is the first of its kind in the UK, but there are plans to install four more in other parts of the country in the next couple of years.

“It means we can give students an insight into Grohe and our products but, more importantly, we can stop them from making mistakes in the future when they go to install the products in someone’s home,” says Chris.

“Not only will Colchester Institute students learn about a whole spectrum of Grohe products, which are renowned within the industry for quick and simple installation, but they will also benefit from studying in a fit-for-purpose environment where they can experience ‘live’ installations as they would in the real working world.”

Hands-on

Chris will be returning to the Institute to help deliver eight training sessions for the Colchester students before the end of March.

“We’re hoping to take around 45 students from the very basics of Grohe to the more technically advanced products by the end of those eight sessions,” he explains. “We’ll be looking at products like our Sensor Arena shower toilet and also demonstrating our smart control shower systems where you can change the spray via Bluetooth.

Basically, it’s about what you do with these products when you take them out of the box. How you put it in the wall, how you fit it, how you repair it and how you show a customer how to use it.”

With a number of new products coming on the market, Chris believes that it’s important

for the company to engage with both plumbing students and more experienced installers.

“I enjoy going out and about and spend a lot of time talking to plumbers,” he says. “We try to organise a number of breakfast mornings with merchants which gives us an opportunity to demonstrate some of our latest products, but also gain some feedback from installers too.”

Up to speed

In common with many other bathroom manufacturers, ensuring products are easy to install has always been a priority for Grohe, but the introduction of smart controls and an ever widening range of product options mean that there is always something new to talk about.

“Our products are improving all the time,” says Chris. “They are certainly more technically advanced compared to just five or six years ago. And that’s part of the reason why we’re trying to get more time in front of plumbers and students. We want to make sure they’re up to speed.

“A lot of these things aren’t difficult to understand, it’s just a question of bringing it to their attention in the first place making sure that they’re not throwing away the wrong part or making the bolts too long on a certain ceramic. Often they’re just little things, but they can cause a problem later down the line.”

Growth plans

The partnership with Colchester Institute is part of a wider European initiative from Grohe to invest in the installers of tomorrow.

“We’ve got a lot of growth plans for the UK over the next five years, Chris confirms.

“Obviously, to make that work we need to be investing in things like this. Some of these students will finish their courses and be in the working world before that growth plan is ended, so they might well help us get there.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/2

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Training & Education 31

Keep on top of change The changing nature of the heating industry means installers need to keep up to date through training and development, says Gary Perry from Altecnic.

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he Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has said that despite attracting recruits into the industry, there is a growing skills gap when it comes to meeting the demand for the higher ŨŽÖķĢƩ óÖŶĢŋłŭ łāāùāù ĕŋũ Ŀŋũā complex, compliant installations.

Although it can take years of training to become a properly ŨŽÖķĢƩ āù ťķŽĿðāũ ŋũ ĞāÖŶĢłė engineer, the changing nature of the industry means that those who follow a career in plumbing need to prepare themselves for a programme of continued learning.

Taking a considered career approach and a desire for learning helps operators keep abreast of the rapidly changing technology and legislation.

As industry leaders in providing the industry with hydronic solutions, we understand the role that manufacturers must

Gary Perry Managing director of Altecnic

play in working with industry and regulatory bodies to improve product knowledge and installation techniques. This way we can be sure to meet the ever-changing standards as well Öŭ ðŽĢķùĢłė̇ āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłóƘ Öłù water regulations.

The starting point is to improve access and awareness of new products that comply with recognised quality standards and that help ensure installations Öũā ðŋŶĞ ŭÖĕā Öłù āƦ āóŶĢƑā̍ ¦ŋ achieve this, it’s important that everyone working in the industry — from apprentices to experienced ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ Öłù ŭťāóĢƩ āũŭ — takes responsibility to educate themselves to ensure they are aware of the latest standards and procedures.

Although this is currently selfregulating, a lack of training can put installers at a commercial disadvantage by reducing the scope of the work they are able to undertake. Equally, there are real opportunities for installers to invest their time in securing the right accreditations needed to grow the range of work they are Öðķā Ŷŋ ŋƦ āũ̍ Rł ðũŋÖùāłĢłė ŶĞāĢũ ŭĴĢķķŭ Öłù ŨŽÖķĢƩ óÖŶĢŋłŭ ŶĞāƘ ƒĢķķ see an improvement in customer

óŋłƩ ùāłóā Öłù óŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ opportunities.

Abundant info There is a wealth of information already available for installers from industry bodies such Öŭ !R N1̇ ŶĞā ÖŶĞũŋŋĿ Manufacturers’ Association and ŶĞā N!̍ Ŷ ķŶāółĢó̇ ƒā Öķŭŋ ŶÖĴā our responsibilities very seriously and have a training division set up to promote best practice as well as provide access to product and installation advice.

As leaders in hydronic solutions, we believe we are well placed to help build a bridge to cross the gap that exists between heating and plumbing engineers, manufacturers and regulatory bodies. Our aim is to help installers ÖùŋťŶ Ö ̨ũĢėĞŶ Ʃ ũŭŶ ŶĢĿā̪ ÖťťũŋÖóĞ ðāóÖŽŭā ðƘ ėāŶŶĢłė ĢŶ ũĢėĞŶ Ʃ ũŭŶ time, plumbing and heating engineers will not only save ŶĢĿā Öłù ĿŋłāƘ̇ ðŽŶ Öķŭŋ ðāłāƩ Ŷ ĕũŋĿ ŭÖŶĢŭƩ āù óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ Öłù ŶĞā subsequent repeat business that this brings.

Easy access We work to provide access to information, training and technical support in a number of

ways to ensure that it is delivered and can be digested in a clear, concise and convenient way.

Whether via telephone, email or online we aim to open up access to the right resources in the right place at the right time. We Öķŭŋ ŋƦ āũ Ö łŽĿðāũ ŋĕ ŶũÖĢłĢłė courses that provide access to information on industry-crucial ŭÖĕāŶƘ ŶŋťĢóŭ ŭŽóĞ Öŭ ðÖóĴƪ ŋƒ prevention, heat networks and thermostatic mixing valves.

RŶ̪ŭ óķāÖũ ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞā ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ Ģŭ able to attract those wanting to pursue a career in plumbing or ĞāÖŶĢłė̍ NŋƒāƑāũ̇ ĢŶ̪ŭ ùŋƒł Ŷŋ manufacturers, installers and industry bodies to work together to help those working in the industry to progress.

By tackling the skills gap and staying abreast of developments, individuals are more likely to remain Ʃ łÖłóĢÖķķƘ Öłù ĿŋŶĢƑÖŶĢŋłÖķķƘ rewarded throughout their career — ÖķķŋƒĢłė ŶĞāĿ Ŷŋ ðāłāƩ Ŷ from the diverse career paths, good wages and prospects our ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ ŋƦ āũŭ̍ 1ĿÖĢķ ķŶāółĢó Ŷŋ Ʃ łù ŋŽŶ Ŀŋũā ÖðŋŽŶ ŶũÖĢłĢłė ŋťťŋũŶŽłĢŶĢāŭ̆ ŶũÖĢłĢłėͼÖķŶāółĢó̍óŋ̍ŽĴ ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˛˚ˢ̓˛˞

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

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Training & Education

e e efits ta a a re t e

Employers say they prefer a greater focus on hands-on elements of the profession and more practical on-site experience

of the TESP report state that apprentices are deemed to be best placed to train, understand and support business progression and to reinforce a company’s approach to emerging and future technologies.

The use of apprenticeships is also seen to have wider benefits for the organisation, as it creates a chance for additional responsibility and development of the supervising staff.

Businesses looking to develop a highly skilled and qualified workforce should consider employing the next generation of tradespeople apprentices. TL’S Caroline Turner discusses how apprentices can take your business to the next level.

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succession plans where needed with apprentices being positively described as ‘critical’, ‘invaluable’ and ‘essential’.

t’s no secret that the UK is experiencing a skills shortage, with 91 of organisations struggling to find workers with the right abilities over a 12-month period.

This is resulting in employers large and small paying a high price to ensure their organisations have the skills required to remain productive.

Hands-on priority

Vital for the future

This is something that can be combatted through taking on apprentices. In a combination of practical, on-the-job training and studying for professional qualifications, apprentices become highly skilled and useful members of the team as they progress through their training.

According to the 2019 TESP (The Electrotechical Skills Partnership) Labour Marketing Intelligence Report, apprentices in the electrotechnical sector are seen as vital for its future. Employers see them as a way to overcome the ageing workforce and to create

te e ts r as e

Caroline Turner

Policy & external relations director at JTL

When considering apprenticeship training, the report outlines how employers prefer a greater focus on the hands-on elements of the profession, and more practical and on-site experience. Many employers suggest that it is the best assurance that a capable individual can work within the business model.

Soft skills training and mandatory training, such as health and safety, are also considered of high importance to employers and are valuable parts of the apprenticeship which are reinforced through on-the-job, and practical experience.

One of the most important questions facing employers is whether it is worthwhile taking on an apprentice. A number of government and industry documents argue that

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apprenticeships benefit young people while bringing substantial benefits to the companies.

Wondering how this all translates financially The TESP report published a table highlighting the return on investment for an electrotechnical apprentice. Based on a ‘low’ charge-out rate, an apprentice is estimated to deliver a net benefit of around 8300 over the four years.

Money matters

However, at higher charge-out rates, the apprentice begins to pay for him or herself in year two and by the end of year four has created a net benefit of just over 1 ,000 at medium charge out rates and 23,000 at high rates.

Over the four years, the apprentice could earn the employer a net benefit of over 37,000 (at the higher charge out rates).

Good reputation

So, how else can apprenticeships benefit your organisation Results

et rea rea

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Gas, plumbing and electrical training specialist Steve Willis Training Centres has opened a new gas end point assessment area at its Burgess Hill training centre. This purpose-built facility includes five fully fitted assessment bays and was created from scratch with generous support from partner Worcester Bosch and additional sponsors Anton Industrial, Harvey Water Softeners, and S S Northern.

End Point Assessments will be delivered at the centre by City Guilds, and at the recent launch event the ribbon was cut by City Guilds executive director David Phillips. Other guests at the launch included Worcester Bosch national

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Culture club

(l-r) Jerry Whiteley, CIPHE technical manager; David Phillips, City & Guilds executive director; Steve Willis, MD of Steve Willis Training

training manager Euan Sutherland, Anton sales director Damian Cairns, and erry Whiteley, technical director for the CIPHE, along with many of the skilled tradespeople who worked on the project.

MD Steve Willis explained how investing in new facilities like this benefits everyone It’s been the mission of Steve Willis Training

since I started 19 years ago to invest profits back into the business. I want to make sure our learners get the best possible experience.

This wonderful new facility will benefit all our apprentices across Sussex and Hampshire, and it will be a pleasure to see them come in and mess it up but not too much ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/2

r s

It’s more than just a business’s perception within its industry, it’s what customers think too.

Encouragingly, more than eight out of 10 customers prefer to buy from companies that employ apprentices and 25 are even willing to pay more for a business that employs apprentices.

Apprenticeships also contribute positively to company culture. As well as bringing new and exciting ideas to your business, apprentices support busier members of staff and learn from their experience. By giving staff the ability to work more productively, you will also be making your business more productive, ultimately boosting team morale.

Act now

There’s never been a better or more exciting time to take on an apprentice. To understand how TL can support you through securing government funding and the process of taking on an apprentice, visit the website below. phamnews.co.uk/1219/26

ter t r

ler

Installers wanting to improve their fault finding abilities are invited to sign up to Mr Combi’s courses Fault Finding Multimeters and Wiring Controls. Mr Combi, George Staszak, comments Our two courses will teach you a quick and easy way to find the problem. The multimeter is the best tool to test parts in the sequence of operation. We will show the factory method used for testing each part and component, so you will be confident and add another service to your income.

Breakdown engineers are highly sought after. There are over 20 million boilers and only 50,000 engineers to fix them. Our ‘walk-in test’ will show up faults the customer didn’t know about. We show you the correct method. As part of Vaillant and Worcester training, we will give you the confidence and support with hands-on courses, DVDs, books and apps, and a 17 year history of Mr Combi Training. ou can reserve a place by visiting the website below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/2

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Training & Education 33

Working safely with power tools Long-term use of power tools will always present a level of risk, so the more you know about potential hazards, the more likely you are to avoid health problems. Tony Coleman from Makita explains how training can ensure installers of all ages and experience can work safely with the latest power tools.

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ools are naturally a key part of the plumber’s trade, and whilst the correct and safe operation of power tools may seem obvious, there are risks that come with using them, such as hand injuries, hearing loss, and respiratory problems as a result of breathing in dust.

S Richard Archer, hire & construction area manager at Makita demonstrates the company’s wide range of power tools

technology, which will allow engineers to be better informed when selecting long lasting tools with excellent run times and freedom of movement in restricted areas.

Risks to installers A ˛˙˚ˡ report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) found that up to ˝ˡ% of plumbers have reported hearing loss due to electronic machinery. Symptoms often go undetected until the damage is irreversible – and it is the responsibility of both employers and employees to be aware of how to eliminate or reduce risks from the exposure to noise.

Vibration is also a major topic in the power tool industry. Hand-arm vibration syndrome is a risk for installers who use heavy duty tools Ŷŋ ðũāÖĴ ŶĞũŋŽėĞ ƪ ŋŋũŭ Öłù ƒÖķķŭ Ŷŋ Öóóāŭŭ Öłù ĢłŭŶÖķķ ťĢťāŭ̍ ÂĢŶĞŋŽŶ ŭŽƧ óĢāłŶ óŋłŶũŋķ measures in place, both long and short term, permanent damage can occur, such as ‘white Ʃ łėāũ̪̍ Another risk is dust. With installers often working in restricted spaces like cupboards, the risk of exposure increases. Depending on the type of dust workers are being exposed to and the concentration and exposure time, inhaling dust may lead to serious long term and life threatening diseases, including cancer.

Youth outreach

Tony Coleman

Technical manager at Makita

There are risks that come with regular use of power tools that can be prevented by training to operate them properly Mitigating risk Ŷ mÖĴĢŶÖ ƒā ŋƦ āũ Ŷŋŋķŭ Öłù training to combat these risks.

These include safety solutions such as compact, battery operated dust extraction systems that enable plumbers to work safely, and our anti-vibration technology range of tools. In ÖùùĢŶĢŋł̇ ƒā Öķŭŋ ŋƦ āũ ŭÖĕāŶƘ training.

Our City & Guilds accredited course ‘Correct and Safe Use for Handheld Power Tools’ is available at a number of regional training centres across the UK, located in London, Glasgow and Milton Keynes. The course covers health and safety requirements, risk, hand-arm vibration syndrome and the appropriate PPE required. These courses also highlight the latest in cordless tools and innovative motor W Training courses cover a wide range of power tools and how installers can protect themselves from potential risks

We also recognise the need to support young people and apprentices in the industry in all aspects, and have therefore devised a short ˢ˙-minute course: Be Safe – Construction.

This drives home health and safety and

PPE awareness messages to students and apprentices, with colleges able to book a visit to the facility to deliver the training.

New challenges The heating and plumbing sector will face many challenges over the next decade. By ƒŋũĴĢłė ƒĢŶĞ ťŋƒāũ Ŷŋŋķ ŶũÖĢłāũŭ ƒĞŋ ŋƦ āũ in-depth and accessible training, it can be ensured that engineers are kept up to date on the latest technology and health and safety, whilst new entrants are supported as they move into the industry. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˛ˢ

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Training & Education

dāÖũł ÖðŋŽŶ Žłùāũƪŋŋũ ¦Ğā ¦­ ˛˙˛˙ RłŭŶÖķķāũ ũŋùŽóŶ ĞŋƒóÖŭā Ģŭ Ö ĕũāā-Ŷŋ-ÖŶŶāłù āƑāłŶ ŶÖĴĢłė ťķÖóā Ģł DāðũŽÖũƘ Ģł ŽũŶŋł-on-¦ũāłŶ̍ zł ŭĞŋƒ ƒĢķķ ðā ŶĞā ķÖŶāŭŶ Žłùāũƪŋŋũ ĞāÖŶĢłė Öłù ũāłāƒÖðķā ťũŋùŽóŶŭ Öŭ ƒāķķ as press-ƩŶ ťķŽĿðĢłė Öłù ŭĿÖũŶ ĞāÖŶĢłė óŋłŶũŋķŭ ĕũŋĿ ¦­ ̇ Ģł ťÖũŶłāũŭĞĢť ƒĢŶĞ 1ĿĿāŶĢ ­b̍ ¦ĞũŋŽėĞŋŽŶ ŶĞā ùÖƘ ŶĞāũā ƒĢķķ ðā ŶũÖĢłĢłė ƒŋũĴŭĞŋťŭ Öłù ťũŋùŽóŶ ùāĿŋłŭŶũÖŶĢŋłŭ̍ ¦Ğāũā ƒĢķķ Öķŭŋ ðā ͽ ŭāŭŭĢŋłŭ Öłù ŶĞā ŋťťŋũŶŽłĢŶƘ Ŷŋ łāŶƒŋũĴ ƒĢŶĞ ŋŶĞāũ ķĢĴā-ĿĢłùāù ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ̍ mĢĴā āóĴ̇ m' ŋĕ ¦­ ̇ ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦¦Ğā ŋŽŶķŋŋĴ ĕŋũ ðŋŶĞ ­DN Öłù ũāłāƒÖðķāŭ Ģŭ ťŋŭĢŶĢƑā̇ ŭŽėėāŭŶĢłė ŶĞÖŶ ťķŽĿðĢłė Öłù ĞāÖŶĢłė

óŋłŶũÖóŶŋũŭ̇ Ģĕ łŋŶ ÖķũāÖùƘ̇ ŭĞŋŽķù ðā ÖũĿĢłė ŶĞāĿŭāķƑāŭ ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā Ĵłŋƒķāùėā Öłù ŭĴĢķķŭ Ŷŋ ŶÖĴā ÖùƑÖłŶÖėā ŋĕ ŶĞā ĢłóũāÖŭĢłė ùāĿÖłù ĕũŋĿ óŋłŭŽĿāũŭ Öłù ðŽŭĢłāŭŭāŭ ĕŋũ ðŋŶĞ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ̍ 'āĿÖłù ƒĢķķ óŋłŶĢłŽā Ŷŋ ėũŋƒ ĕũŋĿ óŋłŭŽĿāũŭ Ģł ŶĞā łāƗŶ ùāóÖùā̍ ̦Âā̪Ƒā ŶĞāũāĕŋũā ùāóĢùāù Ŷŋ ťŽŶ ŋł Ö łāƒ āƑāłŶ ŶĞÖŶ ėĢƑāŭ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ŶĞā ŋťťŋũŶŽłĢŶƘ Ŷŋ óŋĿā Öłù ķāÖũł Ŀŋũā ÖðŋŽŶ ­DN Öłù ũāłāƒÖðķāŭ̇ Öłù Ģł ŶĞā ťũŋóāŭŭ̇ ŋťāł ŶĞāĢũ ðŽŭĢłāŭŭāŭ Žť Ŷŋ ŶĞā ĢłóũāÖŭĢłė ùāĿÖłù ĕŋũ ŶĞāŭā ťũŋùŽóŶŭ̧̍ ¦ŋ ķāÖũł Ŀŋũā ÖðŋŽŶ ŶĞĢŭ āƑāłŶ Öłù ũāėĢŭŶāũ ĕŋũ Ö ĕũāā ťķÖóā̇ ƑĢŭĢŶ ŶĞā ƒāðŭĢŶā ðāķŋƒ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˜˙

Focus on gas to close the skills gap in the South West ¦Ğā DŋóŽŭ ¦ũÖĢłĢłė FũŋŽť ŋƦāũŭ ðŋŶĞ óŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ ŶũÖĢłĢłė Öłù ÖťťũāłŶĢóāŭĞĢťŭ Öóũŋŭŭ ĿŽķŶĢťķā ŭāóŶŋũŭ ÖŶ ĕÖóĢķĢŶĢāŭ Ģł āùũŽŶĞ̇ ķƘĿŋŽŶĞ̇ pāƒŶŋł ððŋŶŶ̇ 1ƗāŶāũ Öłù ũĢŭŶŋķ̍ ¦Ğā ũĢŭŶŋķ ĕÖóĢķĢŶƘ ŋƦāũŭ Ö ũÖłėā ŋĕ ėÖŭ ĕŋŽłùÖŶĢŋł Öłù ! óŋŽũŭāŭ ÖķŋłėŭĢùā ŋĢķ̇ d Ḟ  ֳù m ̇ Ŷŋ łÖĿā Ö ĕāƒ̍ ¦Ğā ŶũÖĢłĢłė ťũŋƑĢŭĢŋł Ģŭ ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ŶĞÖŶ ŋłóā ÖťťũāłŶĢóāŭ ĞÖƑā óŋĿťķāŶāù ŶĞāĢũ ķāÖũłĢłė ıŋŽũłāƘ̇ ŶĞāƘ ĞÖƑā ŶĞā ĿāóĞÖłĢŭĿŭ Ģł ťķÖóā Ŷŋ ŭŽťťŋũŶ ŶĞāĿ Ģł ėÖĢłĢłė ĕŽũŶĞāũ ŭĴĢķķŭ Öłù ŨŽÖķĢƩóÖŶĢŋłŭ Ŷŋ ÖóĞĢāƑā ŶĞāĢũ ėŋÖķŭ Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ ðāĢłė óŋĿťāŶāłŶ Öłù Žť Ŷŋ ùÖŶā ƒĢŶĞ óŽũũāłŶ ũāėŽķÖŶĢŋłŭ̍ FũŋŽť ŭÖķāŭ Öłù ĿÖũĴāŶĢłė ĿÖłÖėāũ āł FŋŋùÖķķ ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦Âā Öũā ùŋĢłė ŋŽũ ťÖũŶ Ģł óķŋŭĢłė ŶĞā ėũŋƒĢłė ŭĴĢķķŭ ėÖť Ģł ŶĞā ­b ĕŋũ ĕŽŶŽũā ėāłāũÖŶĢŋłŭ̍ ¦ŋ āłŭŽũā

On the road again with fully equipped training vans 1ÖũķĢāũ ŶĞĢŭ ƘāÖũ̇ Fķāł 'ĢĿťķāƗ NāÖŶĢłė ͽ ÁāłŶĢķÖŶĢŋł ̛F'NÁ̜ ĞĢŶ ŶĞā ũŋÖù ƒĢŶĞ Ŷƒŋ łāƒ ķĢƑāũĢāù ƑÖłŭ ĕŽķķ ŋĕ ŶũÖĢłĢłė āŨŽĢťĿāłŶ Ģł Ö ĿŋƑā Ŷŋ ťũŋƑĢùā ŶÖĢķŋũāù̇ āƗťāũŶ ŶũÖĢłĢłė Ŷŋ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ Öķķ ŋƑāũ ŶĞā óŋŽłŶũƘ̍ ¦Ğā ƑÖłŭ Öũā ĴĢŶŶāù ŋŽŶ ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ũāŨŽĢũāù ĕŋũ āÖóĞ óŋŽũŭā Öłù ŋťāũÖŶāù ðƘ ŶāÖĿ ĿāĿðāũŭ Ŷŋ ùāķĢƑāũ ťũÖóŶĢóÖķ āƗťāũĢāłóā ŋĕ ƩŶŶĢłė Öłù ŽŭĢłė F'NÁ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ̍ ¦ŋ ùÖŶā̇ ŶĞā ƑÖłŭ ĞÖƑā ŶũÖƑāķķāù ÖķĿŋŭŶ ˜˙̇˙˙˙ ĿĢķāŭ óŋķķāóŶĢƑāķƘ̇ ũāÖóĞĢłė ŶĞā ƒĢùŶĞ Öłù ðũāÖùŶĞ ŋĕ ŶĞā óŋŽłŶũƘ̍ !ũÖĢė !ŽłùāƘ̇ ĞāÖù ŋĕ ťũŋùŽóŶ ŶũÖĢłĢłė̇ ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦Âā Ĵłŋƒ ŶĞÖŶ ŶÖĴĢłė ŶĞā ŶĢĿā ŋŽŶ Ŷŋ ŶũÖƑāķ Ŷŋ ŋłā ŋĕ ŋŽũ ŶũÖĢłĢłė óāłŶũāŭ óÖł

ƒā̪ũā ùŋĢłė ŶĞĢŭ ƒā ĞÖƑā ėũŋƒł Öķķ ŋĕ ŋŽũ ťũŋƑĢŭĢŋłŭ̇ ťÖũŶĢóŽķÖũķƘ ŶĞā āķāóŶũĢóÖķ Öłù ėÖŭ āłėĢłāāũĢłė ùĢƑĢŭĢŋł Ģł ũĢŭŶŋķ̍ Âā ũāóŋėłĢŭā ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞā łāƗŶ ėāłāũÖŶĢŋł Öũā ĿÖĴĢłė ĴāƘ óĞŋĢóāŭ ÖðŋŽŶ ŶĞāĢũ óÖũāāũ ıŋŽũłāƘŭ Öłù ķŋŋĴ ĕŋũƒÖũù Ŷŋ ƒāķóŋĿĢłė Öłù ŭŽťťŋũŶĢłė ŶĞāĿ Ģł ƒĞÖŶāƑāũ ĕÖŭĞĢŋł ƒā óÖł̧̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˛˚ˢ̓˜˚

Path to Gas Safe for plumbers

ŭŋĿāŶĢĿāŭ ťũŋƑā ùĢƧóŽķŶ̇ ŭŋ ƒā ƒÖłŶāù Ŷŋ ĿÖĴā ĢŶ ŭĢĿťķāũ ðƘ ŶÖĴĢłė ŋŽũ āƗťāũŶ ŶũÖĢłĢłė Ŷŋ ŶĞāĿ̍ ̦ Ģłóā ķÖŽłóĞĢłė ŶĞĢŭ ƘāÖũ̇ ŋŽũ ðŋķŭŶāũāù ĿŋðĢķā ŶũÖĢłĢłė óÖťÖðĢķĢŶĢāŭ ĿāÖł óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ óÖł ėāŶ ŶĞā ŭÖĿā ƩũŭŶĞÖłù Öóóāŭŭ Ŷŋ ŋŽũ ķÖŶāŭŶ óŋŽũŭāŭ Öłù

ÖŭŭŋóĢÖŶāù ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ƒĞĢķā ũāóāĢƑĢłė ĕŽķķ ŶāóĞłĢóÖķ Ģłĕŋ̇ ƒĞāũāƑāũ ŶĞāƘ Öũā ðÖŭāù̍ RŶ̪ŭ ðāāł ėũāÖŶ Ŷŋ ėāŶ ŋŽŶ Öłù ÖðŋŽŶ Öłù ĿāāŶ ŭŋ ĿÖłƘ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ŶĞĢŭ ƘāÖũ̇ Öłù ƒā ÖķũāÖùƘ ĞÖƑā ķŋŶŭ Ģł ŶĞā ťĢťāķĢłā ĕŋũ Öł āƑāł ðŽŭĢāũ ˛˙˛˙̧̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˜˛

ķŽĿðāũŭ ķŋŋĴĢłė Ŷŋ ėÖĢł ėÖŭ ŨŽÖķĢƩóÖŶĢŋłŭ óÖł ŶÖĴā ÖùƑÖłŶÖėā ŋĕ ŶũÖĢłĢłė ŶĞũŋŽėĞ 1! FÖŭ ¦ũÖĢłĢłė̇ ðÖŭāù Ģł NŋƘķÖłù̇ ŋŽŶĞ ÈŋũĴŭĞĢũā̍ FũÖĞÖĿ NÖƒĴāŭ ŋĕ 1! ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦ ķŶĞŋŽėĞ ķāėĢŭķÖŶĢŋł ĞÖŭ ĿÖùā ĢŶ Ŀŋũā ùĢƧóŽķŶ Ŷŋ ėÖĢł āłŶũƘ Ŷŋ ŶĞā ėÖŭ ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ̇ ĢŶ Ģŭ ŭŶĢķķ āÖŭĢķƘ ÖóĞĢāƑÖðķā ĕŋũ Ö ťķŽĿðāũ ƒĢŶĞ āƗťāũĢāłóā Ŷŋ ðāóŋĿā FÖŭ Öĕā ũāėĢŭŶāũāù̍ ¦Ğāũā Öũā ŶĞŋŽŭÖłùŭ ƒĞŋ Öũā óÖťÖðķā ŋĕ ĢłŭŶÖķķĢłė ėÖŭ ðŋĢķāũŭ ŋł ŶĞāĢũ ŋƒł̇ ðŽŶ Öũā ƒŋũĴĢłė Žłùāũ ŶĞā ŭŽťāũƑĢŭĢŋł ŋĕ Ö ėÖŭ āłėĢłāāũ̍ ķķ ŶĞāƘ łāāù Ŷŋ ùŋ Ģŭ ùŋóŽĿāłŶ ŶĞĢŭ āƑĢùāłóā ĕŋũ Ö ťŋũŶĕŋķĢŋ̇ Öłù ƒĢŶĞ ŶũÖĢłĢłė ĕũŋĿ 1! ̇ ėÖŭ ŨŽÖķĢƩóÖŶĢŋłŭ Öũā ŋðŶÖĢłÖðķā̍ RŶ̪ŭ Öł ÖùƑÖłŶÖėā Ģĕ ŶĞā ťāũŭŋł Ğŋķùŭ Ö !ĢŶƘ ͽ FŽĢķùŭ ŨŽÖķĢƩóÖŶĢŋł̇ ðŽŶ ťāŋťķā ƒĞŋ Ğŋķù łŋ ŨŽÖķĢƩóÖŶĢŋłŭ ÖŶ Öķķ óÖł ðā ŶũÖĢłāù̇ ŭŋ ķŋłė Öŭ ŶĞāƘ ĞÖƑā Öóóāŭŭ Ŷŋ Ö FÖŭ Öĕā āėĢŭŶāũāù āłėĢłāāũ̧̍ Dŋũ Ŀŋũā ĢłĕŋũĿÖŶĢŋł̇ ƑĢŭĢŶ ŶĞā ƒāðŭĢŶā ðāķŋƒ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˛˚ˢ̓˜˜

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Training & Assessments 35

GAS ENGINEERS & PLUMBERS NEED ACS ASSESSMENTS? Last year saw major changes within the Gas Industry which made it more difficult for Plumbers to get their Gas qualifications. Changes are again due later this year, and we anticipate even stricter entry levels being introduced, If you want your gas qualifications you need to act now.

ECS can help you, call us now 01226 741800

MIDLANDS GAS ASSESSMENTS

Unit 1, Mainstream Way, Nechells, BIRMINGHAM B7 4SN email: mgabrum@tiscali.co.uk www.mgabrum.co.uk Domestic Natural Gas & LPG Changeover, Energy Efficiency and Water Regulations.

Un-vented, Part P Electrics, Training & Assessments.

0121 333 3903

phamnews.co.uk/1219/102

If you want free friendly advice just call me, Graham Hawkes 07775 506124 anytime for an informal chat

o rt e be urs at um Co v Pl as 0 + G 200 £

phamnews.co.uk/1219/101

WE ARE SITUATED JUST 5 MINUTED FROM JUNCTION 36 M1 WHY NOT VISIT US ON ONE OF OUR OPEN DAYS AND ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS THAT YOU WANT CALL US FOR DATES

ECS Gas Training 10 Market Street, Hoyland Barnsley S74 0QR

Tel: 01226 741800

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1st TRAINING LTD ASSESSMENT & TRAINING CENTRE Domestic and Commercial, ACS, NG, LPG and appliances, Un-vented hot water TEL: Huntingdon (01480) 450 872 www.1st-training.co.uk 1st Training Ltd info@1st-training.co.uk phamnews.co.uk/1219/103

Tuition from Industry Experts for 20 years Focussing on Student Success Courses on o er include; Domestic Gas Foundation Training Gas Engineering Apprenticeship Level 3 ACS Refresher HTR1 Package, Refresher and Assessment OFTEC - OFT101, OFT600a, OFT105e Domestic Solar Hot Water Heating WRAS Energy E ciency Photovoltaic Systems Bristol • Redruth • Plymouth • Newton Abbott • Exeter

For further information visit www.thefocustraininggroup.com phamnews.co.uk/1219/104

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PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

36

Products in Action Big savings for dealer with installation of new boilers

Natural ventilation solution

The largest new and used car, van and motorcycle dealer in Northern Ireland has saved millions of pounds after installing Sime boilers in 17 showrooms.

Five dealerships in the UK and 12 in Northern Ireland have benefited from the revamp which has seen gas and air conditioning units replaced with Sime Solida

A bespoke natural ventilation strategy from Gilberts of Blackpool has been incorporated into the new Activity Centre at St George’s School Weybridge in the heart of the Surrey green belt. The environmental impact of the £15m, 4000m2, three-storey centre is being controlled by optimisation of natural resources. The solution ensures the centre will be appropriately aired, irrespective of occupancy and activity levels within.

Gilberts engineered a tailor-made rooftop ventilation terminal design to deliver the required air flow and a weathertight fit onto and through the omni-directional curves of the roof. Installation included 1 PHH75 roof terminals, each 1900 x 100 x 14mm, with boost fans in those over the main sports hall area.

On the four vertical facades, 30 x Mistrale Façade WHC75 high performance ventilation louvres in a deep channel frame were integrated into the rainscreen cladding to provide ventilation to the caf , viewing platform, fitness suites, studio, and changing rooms. phamnews.co.uk/1219/35

A care home has refurbished its heating and hot water system with boilers from Remeha. The Quinta Ace condensing boilers were installed at Stuart Court, located in Kibworth Beauchamp, to provide an efficient, cost effective solution for reliable, high-performance heating and hot water provision. They replaced the previous 30 year old boiler.

Due to the nature of the building, ensuring a robust, energy efficient heating system was a key priority. A major consideration was the need to maintain consistently high comfort levels for the residents by avoiding any disruption to the heating and hot water supply. To optimise long term system reliability, the installation company opted to replace the single 3 0kW gas fired boiler with four Quinta Ace 90 condensing boilers on a cascade system, prefabricated offsite. phamnews.co.uk/1219/3

Good air at the dental school thanks to fan coil units

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below and 65m from the drainage level of the on-site sewage treatment plant, discharging black and grey water waste requires a pump capable of lifting waste up and along soil pipes to meet the waste treatment plant. The Sanifos 110 was the ideal size to lift the waste and discharge it via 40mm pipework up to the treatment plant. phamnews.co.uk/1219/3

Fan coil units from DunhamBush have been installed at the Glasgow Dental School. Fitted in the Restorative Clinic at level 6 of the building by contractors James Frew, these high specification units were selected for their quiet but powerful operation, energy

break thanks to the Renewable Heat Incentive which will mean the government pays all its fuel bills for the next 20 years. phamnews.co.uk/1219/36

Upgrade delivers at care home

Sanifos brings new habitation to boathouse Equipment from Saniflo has helped to increase the versatility of a Norfolk boat house that overlooks the River Bure. The Sanifos 110 has enabled the installation of a drainage system allowing the creation of a room above the boat storage that can be used as occasional accommodation, complete with kitchen and bathroom.

Sitting approximately 4m

PL+ 99kW Murelle 110kW boilers which use renewable fuel.

As a result of the environmentally-friendly move, the company receives a major tax

efficiency, and easy access for on-going maintenance.

The Dunham-Bush products are high performance units providing comfort cooling and heating. Air volume, low noise and budget constraints are all catered for by a comprehensive range of models.

The Panther range has been improved so that all models now feature EC external rotor motors or twin shaft motors. A comprehensive range of inlet and discharge acoustic attenuators is available for applications where noise is a critical feature of the building design. Claimed to offer exceptional features and quality, these high specification units are aimed at the premium fan coil unit market. They are available in a range of standard and specially engineered configurations to suit the most demanding of applications. phamnews.co.uk/1219/39

No problem addressing complex drainage Gas World Ltd has relied on products from Wavin to meet the plumbing and drainage demands for a complex development in Bedminster, Factory No 1.

Located on the site of the old Wills Tobacco factory, the vast space is being developed into 270 one, two and threebedroom apartments, combining conversions of the old building with modern new build areas.

Working alongside Wavin, Gas World opted to use Osma products throughout the apartments for the foul water drainage scheme, with Wavin’s Hep2O push-fit system being

used for the plumbing needs of the residential space.

The challenge Gas World faced with the project was finding a drainage solution appropriate to for the buildings because drainage noise would need to be kept to a minimum to avoid disruption to any residents above. Wavin’s Acoustic Soil low-noise drainage system was chosen for its wall thickness and its density provides superior noise insulation.

With the plastic solution being lighter and easier to install than traditional cast iron alternatives, it was the clear choice for the development in Bristol.

Wayne Boswell, technical sales manager for above ground at Wavin, comments: “There are many complexities to address in projects that comprise new build and refurbishment areas, as well as both residential or commercial spaces, but Wavin’s portfolio can do the job for all.” phamnews.co.uk/1219/ 0

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Heating Controls 37

Smart or not, programmers put people in control ÂĞāł ĢŶ óŋĿāŭ Ŷŋ ĞāÖŶĢłė óŋłŶũŋķŭ̇ ŶĞā ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ łŋƒ ŋƦ āũŭ far more functionality than just setting the temperature and creating heating schedules. Drayton’s Natalie Wathan discusses the key features that can be found in both traditional Öłù ŭĿÖũŶ óŋłŶũŋķŭ̇ Öłù Ğŋƒ ŶĞāŭā óÖł ðāłāƩ Ŷ ũāŭĢùāłŶŭ̍

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lthough the demand for smart controls is continuing to grow, we all know that they are not suitable for every customer.

While these intelligent controls ėŋ Ö ķŋłė ƒÖƘ Ģł ŋƦ āũĢłė ŶĞā homeowner better control and understanding over their heating, it is also important to consider whether similar functionalities are available in traditional controls should you need an alternative. So, what are the most common features to look for?

Ğŋƒ ŶĞĢŭ ĿĢėĞŶ ÖƦ āóŶ ŶĞā Ģłùŋŋũ temperature of the property, allowing heating engineers to ŋƦ āũ Ö Ŀŋũā āƧ óĢāłŶ ŭƘŭŶāĿ̍ So, if it is warmer outside, this intuitive technology will change the point at which the boiler Ʃ ũāŭ Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ŶĞā ťũŋťāũŶƘ does not overshoot the desired setpoint, helping to reduce wasted energy.

1łāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłóƘ

Natalie Wathan Product manager at Drayton

On schedule There are many heating control variants available on the ĿÖũĴāŶ ŶĞÖŶ ŋƦ āũ ĞŋĿāŋƒłāũŭ ùĢƦ āũāłŶ ķāƑāķŭ ŋĕ óŋłŶũŋķ ŋƑāũ both time and temperature – whether they’re looking for a ˞̓˛ programme or a ˠ-day ťũŋėũÖĿĿā ŶĞÖŶ ŋƦ āũŭ ĕŽķķ ƪ āƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ̍ Dŋũ ŶĞŋŭā óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ who follow a set schedule, this is likely the best solution and can be found in both smart and traditional controls.

Dŋũ āƗÖĿťķā̇ ÂĢŭāũ Öķķŋƒŭ you to set both time and temperature schedules for individual rooms within the house when utilising the smart radiator thermostats, while programmable thermostats such as the Digistat ˛+ and ˜+ from Drayton are ideal for customers who might not be interested in a smart control.

Weather compensation One of the ways that a heating system can be made more āƧ óĢāłŶ Ģŭ ðƘ ŋťŶĢłė ĕŋũ Ö control that features weather compensating technology.

Dŋũ ŭŋĿā ŶũÖùĢŶĢŋłÖķ óŋłŶũŋķŭ̇ weather compensation will need to be included as an additional plug-in, whilst smart controls such as Wiser already have this technology built in.

As well as helping installers meet the additional requirements set out by Boiler Plus, weather compensation technology works by monitoring the outdoor temperature and

X The Digistat+˜ is a sevenday wired programmable room thermostat with three pre-ùāƩ łāù ťũŋėũÖĿĿāŭ

CUT TO THE CHASE Đ Smart controls aren’t for everybody, and there are many types of thermostats on the market to meet varying needs Đ Traditional controls offer many of the features available on smart devices Đ Weather compensation controls will help the boiler to STIVEXI QSVI Iƾ GMIRXP] Đ Smart controls can provide data on energy use which may help people to be energy-wise Đ Home assistants give users even more control over their heating and hot water

Some smart controls now include innovative features that allow the user to see how much energy they are using when they heat their home. By providing this type of data, homeowners are encouraged to be more conscious of how much energy they are using and to make the ĿŋŭŶ ŋĕ ŶĞā āƧ óĢāłóƘ ĢĿťũŋƑĢłė measures, which will ultimately help to reduce their energy bills.

Dŋũ āƗÖĿťķā̇ ÂĢŭāũ̪ŭ ķÖŶāŭŶ

update includes a new Insights page, which shows how much energy residents have saved every month by using Eco Mode and Away Mode. Wiser also includes a Heat Report, which gives users a detailed overview of the performance of the entire heating system. Homeowners can compare temperatures across single or multiple rooms, view setpoints, and monitor outdoor temperatures at any time of day.

Connected homes If a customer is opting for a smart control, it is worth keeping in mind whether the device recommended is compatible with other smart assistants, such as the Google ŭŭĢŭŶÖłŶ ŋũ ĿÖơŋł ķāƗÖ̍ This is especially important as research by Drayton found that ˠ˞% of respondents already had

at least one other smart device in the home before investing in Wiser, which means it is likely that they will want to integrate their heating control into their āƗĢŭŶĢłė ŭƘŭŶāĿ̍

Remote control One of the most popular ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ƒĞāł ĢŶ óŋĿāŭ Ŷŋ smart controls is the ability to control your heating from your phone, something that most traditional controls do łŋŶ ŋƦ āũ̍ ¦ĞĢŭ ĕāÖŶŽũā Öķķŋƒŭ the homeowner to change their heating schedule when they are out and about, which is ideal for people with busy lifestyles and unpredictable schedules.

No matter what type of heating control you are recommending, it is important to understand the needs of your customer. Only then can you Ʃ łù ŶĞā ĿŋŭŶ ŭŽĢŶÖðķā ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł for them that will enhance their heating system.

Find out more W The Wiser system works with home assistants, like Google Home

For more information on Drayton’s Wiser solutions, visit the website below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˝˚

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

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Heating Controls

Data is essential to understanding carbon emissions

High quality data needs to be available and monitored to understand a building's actual carbon use

Increased inter-connectivity between different systems and wider access to multiple buildings from a central dashboard will play a part.

This better visibility and access to data will only become more widespread as the implementation of the Internet of Things continues to increase.

Smart heating controls are one of the most important innovations on the path to net-zero 2050, according to Pete Mills at Bosch Commercial & Industrial, who argues that the data they produce is key for facilities managers to understand a building's carbon output and take strategic action to mitigate it.

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ne of the biggest announcements of this year was the government’s newly set target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Now this may seem like a good way off, but plans are already being put in place.

Industry standards and UK legislation are already being updated and introduced for the ambitious but essential target.

One example is the London Plan, which is currently undergoing an update with a section responding to climate change. The policy focus is on ‘Be Clean, Be Lean, Be Green, Be Seen’.

The Mayor of London announced that London has the largest electric bus fleet in Europe. This is a positive step in the right direction for transport.

However, decarbonising heating and hot water in the capital will be much harder to achieve.

National policy such as the fossil fuel gas boiler ban in new build homes grabbed headlines and is part of an incremental process of showing progress in decarbonisation of heat although it is debatable the impact it will actually have. In

the harder to treat commercial and industrial buildings - which London has in abundance - incremental progress is essential. This is where the technology of the future will play its vital part – with one of the key assets being smart controls.

Here are some ways that using controls can help with decarbonisation of heating and hot water.

Pete Mills

Technical operations manager for Bosch Commercial & Industrial

CUT TO THE CHASE  Industry standards and legislation are changing to accord with new net-zero targets  Smart controls are playing a part in driving energy efficiency  Data from controls on carbon use can help building managers take strategic steps  Evolving technology of smart controls will make data more intelligent and transparent

This may seem obvious, but it is more important than ever to ensure that energy efficiency is a central aspect of facilities management.

Smart controls will definitely play a part in this. Being able to control and monitor a heating system - in some cases remotely - means that issues or anomalies can be identified early on.

Through doing so any potential problems can be resolved and the building’s efficiency levels can remain at a high level.

What’s more, controls like Bosch Commercial & Industrial’s Control 8000 are already bringing down the cost of remote access control systems and helping speed up the pace of change. It’s not always necessary

The Control 000 from Bosch Commercial & Industrial allows users to adjust the time and temperature of each heating circuit and diagnose potential faults

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Indirect emissions

to have expensive bespoke control systems tailored to the site boiler room. For the vast majority of practical use, a more standardised control solution could provide 80% to 90% of the information and control at a fraction of the cost.

Heat can be one of the biggest culprits for wasted energy, but by making sure a heating system is as efficient as possible and that only the required amount of heat is generated through good control could help.

Increasing transparency The ‘Be Seen’ element of the London Plan relates to making sure that we can measure the carbon impact of buildings throughout their lifetime. It will be essential to ensure that a building’s actual carbon use is known, not just the current day-one values from initial specification.

To do so, more data needs to be available and monitored -a process which most likely will include an annual audit by a yet undetermined third party.

There is the possibility that as future controls roll out, they will be able to collate more regular and more detailed data, which will help with emissions monitoring. The transparency of that data will mean better visualisation of a building’s energy usage and carbon emission levels.

For example, a property manager will be able to see when the most emissions are being produced and can make strategic steps to reduce this. This is a benefit for the business as well, as better transparency of data could contribute to future energy cost savings.

A building will produce a certain level of carbon emissions directly, and as mentioned above controls will help monitor this. However, there is a level of carbon produced indirectly through building management, say, via transport.

This is referenced in the London Plan as they look to see how more predictability could be brought into effect.

Now, although smart controls won’t be able to estimate or monitor the level of emissions that would be produced from a delivery or an engineer site visit, they could help cut down the amount of transport visits to the site.

One example would be the remote diagnostic and predictive maintenance capabilities from smart controls. This could help prevent unnecessary call-outs from engineers and indirectly reduce carbon emissions from vehicles and other forms of transport. Take the newly updated control 8311, which can connect directly to a building’s heating system and give users the ability to monitor, control and receive clear alerts to plant rooms from anywhere in the world – without the need to send an engineer.

Take control To conclude, smart controls are not exactly new, and the industry is not fully there yet.

However, as the technology continues to evolve throughout the coming years, controls will become more and more intelligent, transparent and accessible.

This will ultimately lead to them contributing to the overall aim of reducing carbon emissions in buildings, not just in London but across the whole country.

Find out more To find out more information on Bosch Commercial & Industrial's current range of controls, please visit the website below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/ 2

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Heating Controls

Ultra thin thermostat is ŭĢĿťķā Ŷŋ Ʃ Ŷ Öłù ŋťāũÖŶā

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Streamlined control for easier choice łāƒ ķŋŋĴ ¦ ˞˙˙˚ ťũŋėũÖĿĿÖðķā ũŋŋĿ ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶ ĞÖŭ ðāāł ĢłŶũŋùŽóāù ðƘ 'Öłĕŋŭŭ Öŭ ťÖũŶ ŋĕ Ö ĿÖıŋũ ŭŶũāÖĿķĢłĢłė ŋĕ ĢŶŭ ĞāÖŶĢłė óŋłŶũŋķŭ Öłù ŶĢĿāũŭ̍ ¦Ğā ũāùāŭĢėłāù ¦ ˞˙˙˚ ũāťķÖóāŭ āƗĢŭŶĢłė ¦ ˠ˙˙˙ Öłù ¦ ˢ˙˙˙ Ŀŋùāķŭ̇ óũāÖŶĢłė Öł āÖŭĢāũ óĞŋĢóā ĕŋũ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ̇ Öłù Ģŭ ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā Ģł ŶĞũāā ƑÖũĢÖłŶŭ̆ ðÖŶŶāũƘ ƑŋķŶ ĕũāā ũāķÖƘ̇ ˛˜˙Á ĿÖĢłŭ ƑŋķŶ ĕũāā ũāķÖƘ̇ Öłù D – ˝˜˜̍ˢ˛mNơ̍ ¦Ğā ¦ ˞˙˙˚ ťũŋėũÖĿĿÖðķā ũŋŋĿ ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶ Ģŭ āÖŭƘ Ŷŋ ťũŋėũÖĿĿā ĕŋũ āĢŶĞāũ ˛˝Ğũ̇ ƒāāĴùÖƘ̓ƒāāĴāłù ̛˞̓˛̜ ŋũ ˠ ùÖƘ ťāũĢŋùŭ Öłù óÖł ðā óŋłƩ ėŽũāù ĕŋũ ĕŋŽũ āƑāłŶŭ ťāũ ùÖƘ̍ Rł ÖóóŋũùÖłóā ƒĢŶĞ ŋĢķāũ ķŽŭ ũāėŽķÖŶĢŋłŭ̇ ĢŶ ĢłóķŽùāŭ ŋł̓ŋƦ ķŋÖù óŋĿťāłŭÖŶĢŋł óŋłŶũŋķ ĕŋũ ĢłóũāÖŭāù óŋĿĕŋũŶ Öłù ĢĿťũŋƑāù āóŋłŋĿƘ ŋƑāũ ŭŶÖłùÖũù ŋł̓ŋƦ óŋłŶũŋķ̇ ÖķŶĞŋŽėĞ ŶĞĢŭ óÖł ðā ŭāķāóŶāù Ģĕ ũāŨŽĢũāù̍ Dŋũ āłĞÖłóāù āƧ óĢāłóƘ̇ ŶĞā

¦ ˞˙˙˚ ŋƦ āũŭ Ö óĞŋĢóā ŋĕ ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭŶÖũŶŽť ŋťŶĢŋłŭ̍ ŶÖłùÖũù ŭŶÖũŶŽť Ģŭ ŶĞā ùāĕÖŽķŶ̇ ėĢƑĢłė ĢłŭŶÖłŶ ĞāÖŶ ÖŶ ŶĞā ŭóĞāùŽķāù ŶĢĿā̍ pāƒ ùāķÖƘāù Öłù ŋťŶĢĿĢŭāù ŭŶÖũŶ ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ Öũā Öķŭŋ ŭāķāóŶÖðķā̍ 'āķÖƘāù ŭŶÖũŶ ƒĢķķ ťÖŽŭā ŶĞā ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭŶÖũŶŽť ÖŶ ŶĞā ŭóĞāùŽķāù ŶĢĿā ùāťāłùÖłŶ ŋł ŶĞā ùĢƦ āũāłóā ðāŶƒāāł ÖĿðĢāłŶ Öłù ũāŨŽĢũāù ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā̇ ƒĞĢóĞ ƒĢķķ ùāóũāÖŭā āłāũėƘ ŽŭÖėā̍ zťŶĢĿĢŭāù ŭŶÖũŶ

ƒĢķķ ĿŋłĢŶŋũ ŶĞā ùĢƦ āũāłóā ðāŶƒāāł ÖĿðĢāłŶ Öłù ũāŨŽĢũāù ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā Öłù ƒĢķķ óÖķóŽķÖŶā ŶĞā ðāŭŶ ŶĢĿā Ŷŋ ŭŶÖũŶ ĞāÖŶĢłė Ŷŋ ĞĢŶ Ö ŭāŶťŋĢłŶ ÖŶ ŶĞā ŭóĞāùŽķāù ŶĢĿā̍ ŋŶĞ ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ ÖùıŽŭŶ ùƘłÖĿĢóÖķķƘ ÖóóŋũùĢłė Ŷŋ ťāũĕŋũĿÖłóā ÖóóŽũÖóƘ āÖóĞ ùÖƘ Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ŶĞā ĿŋŭŶ ÖóóŽũÖŶā óŋłŶũŋķ Öłù ũāĿŋƑā ŶĞā łāāù ĕŋũ ĿÖłŽÖķ ŭāŶŶĢłė Öłù ÖùıŽŭŶĿāłŶ̍ ĞŋķĢùÖƘ Ŀŋùā Ğāķťŭ Ŷŋ ŭÖƑā āłāũėƘ ƒĞāł ŶĞā ťũŋťāũŶƘ Ģŭ āĿťŶƘ̇ ƒĞĢķā ĕũŋŭŶ ťũŋŶāóŶĢŋł ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā ŭāŶŶĢłėŭ ťũŋŶāóŶ ÖėÖĢłŭŶ ŭŽùùāł ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā ùũŋťŭ̍ ¦Ğā ¦ ˞˙˙˚ Öķŭŋ ĞÖŭ Öł ĢłŶŽĢŶĢƑā Žŭāũ ĢłŶāũĕÖóā̇ ƒĢŶĞ ŭĢĿťķā óŋłŶũŋķŭ Öłù Ö ķÖũėā ðÖóĴķĢŶ ùĢŭťķÖƘ ŶĞÖŶ Ģŭ āÖŭƘ Ŷŋ ŭāā̇ āƑāł Ģł ùĢĿķƘ ķĢŶ ÖũāÖŭ̍ Rł ÖùùĢŶĢŋł̇ ŶĞā ŽłĢŶ ĢłóŋũťŋũÖŶāŭ Ö ŭāũƑĢóā ĢłŶāũƑÖķ ŶĢĿāũ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ óÖł ðā ÖóŶĢƑÖŶāù ðƘ ŶĞā ĢłŭŶÖķķāũ Öŭ Ö ėÖŭ ŭÖĕāŶƘ ĕāÖŶŽũā ĕŋũ ķÖłùķŋũùŭ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˝˝

Everything you need in black and white ¦Ğā ĞāÖŶĢłė óŋłŶũŋķ ũÖłėā ĕũŋĿ pāŋĿĢŶĢŭ ťũŋĿĢŭāŭ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ Ö ŨŽĢóĴ Öłù āÖŭƘ ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł̇ āÖŭƘ Ŷŋ ŽłùāũŭŶÖłù ŋťāũÖŶĢłė óŋłŶũŋķŭ Öłù Ö ũāŭťŋłŭĢƑā ðÖóĴŽť ŭāũƑĢóā̍ ¦Ğā ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶŭ ĕāÖŶŽũā Öł ĢłùŽŭŶũƘŭŶÖłùÖũù ĢłŶāũóĞÖłėāÖðķā ðÖóĴťķÖŶā̇ ƒĞĢóĞ ĿāÖłŭ ŶĞÖŶ ũāťķÖóĢłė Öł ŋķù ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶ ƒĢŶĞ Ö pāŋĿĢŶĢŭ óŋłŶũŋķ óÖł ðā Öŭ āÖŭƘ Öŭ ̨ťķŽė Öłù ťķÖƘ̪̍ ¦Ğā óŋłŶũŋķŭ Öķŭŋ óŋĿā ƒĢŶĞ Öł D ŶāŭŶ ĕāÖŶŽũā ̛ ¦˙ Ḋ ¦˚ Ḋ ¦ˠ D d­ ̜ ƒĞĢóĞ ũāùŽóāŭ ŶĞā łŽĿðāũ ŋĕ ŶĢĿāŭ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ŭĞŋŽķù ĞÖƑā Ŷŋ ũāŶŽũł Ŷŋ Ö óŽŭŶŋĿāũ̪ŭ ĞŋĿā̍ ŽŶŋĿÖŶĢŋł̇ ŋťŶĢĿĢŭÖŶĢŋł Öłù ķŋÖù óŋĿťāłŭÖŶĢŋł āłŭŽũā ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞā óŋłŶũŋķŭ óŋĿťķƘ ƒĢŶĞ ŋĢķāũ ķŽŭ ũāėŽķÖŶĢŋłŭ̍ zŶĞāũ ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ ĢłóķŽùā Öł āÖŭƘ-to-Žŭā ũŋŶÖũƘ ùĢÖķ Ŷŋ ťũŋėũÖĿ Öłù ŭāŶ óŋĿĕŋũŶ ķāƑāķŭ̇ Öł āÖŭƘto-ũāÖù ðÖóĴķĢŶ d!' ŭóũāāł̇ ŭāũƑĢóā ĢłŶāũƑÖķ ŭāŶŶĢłėŭ̇ ťũŋėũÖĿĿā ķŋóĴ Öłù ĕũŋŭŶ ťũŋŶāóŶĢŋł ŋł ðŋŶĞ ŶĞā ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶ Öłù ũāóāĢƑāũ̍ ŋŶĞ ŶĞā ĞÖũùƒĢũāù ̛ ¦ˠ d­ ̜ Öłù ŶĞā ƒĢũāķāŭŭ ƑāũŭĢŋłŭ ̛ ¦ˠ D d­ ̜ Öũā ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā Ģł ƒĞĢŶā ŋũ ðķÖóĴ óŋķŋŽũŭ Öłù Öķķ óŋłŶũŋķŭ óŋĿā ƒĢŶĞ Ö ŶĞũāā ƘāÖũ

ėŽÖũÖłŶāā Öŭ ŭŶÖłùÖũù̍ ¦Ğā pāŋĿĢŶĢŭ ðÖóĴ Žť̓ ŶāóĞłĢóÖķ ŭāũƑĢóā Öķŭŋ ŋƦ āũŭ óŽŭŶŋĿ ĢłŭŶũŽóŶĢŋł ĿÖłŽÖķŭ Öłù ťũŋùŽóŶ ÈŋŽ¦Žðā ùāĿŋłŭŶũÖŶĢŋłŭ ĕŋũ āłù-Žŭāũŭ ŭŋ ŶĞāƘ Öũā ĕŽķķƘ óŋĿĕŋũŶÖðķā ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā ĢłŭŶÖķķāù ťũŋùŽóŶŭ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˝˞

PHAM NEWS DEC19JAN20:Layout 1 04/12/2019 09:54 Page 41

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

Heating Controls 41 Advanced controls from small to large ƑÖĢķÖðķā ĕũŋĿ ¦ F !ŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ Ģŭ Ö ũÖłėā ŋĕ óŋłŶũŋķŭ suitable for single domestic combination boilers up to multiple boiler installations with zone controls for larger domestic and commercial applications. ¦Ğā ƪ ÖėŭĞĢť óŋłŶũŋķķāũ Ģŭ ŶĞā ũÖĢł ̛ťĢóŶŽũāù̜̍ Rł contrast to a standard timer thermostat, this self-learning digital thermostat ensures the boiler continues to burn at low power, even once the set temperature has been reached, ŭŋ ŶĞā ŭāŶ ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā Ģŭ ĿÖĢłŶÖĢłāù ƒĢŶĞŋŽŶ ƪ ŽóŶŽÖŶĢłė̍ ũÖĢł ŶĞāũĿŋŭŶÖŶŭ óÖł Öķŭŋ ðā Ʃ ŶŶāù Ŷŋ ƒŋũĴ Ģł óŋłıŽłóŶĢŋł with the company’s outside temperature sensor.

For boilers installed in a cascade system and for systems ũāŨŽĢũĢłė Ö ŭāťÖũÖŶā ơŋłā óŋłŶũŋķ̇ ¦ F !ŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ ĞÖŭ ťũŋùŽóāù ŶĞā mÖù ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ óÖł āĢŶĞāũ ðā ƒÖķķ ĿŋŽłŶāù ŋũ inserted into a boiler’s front panel. When used as a cascade controller, the unit incorporates individual boiler control and automatic boiler switching for up to eight boilers.

Alternatively, as a zone controller, the device can manage up to three separate zones. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˝ˠ

Device enables remote monitoring BCM:Connect is an intelligent universal device from Vericon Systems that monitors a boiler’s health and status in real time, and predicts when it might fail to allow preventative maintenance. ̵ ũĢĿÖũĢķƘ ŶÖũėāŶāù ÖŶ ĞŋŽŭĢłė ÖŭŭŋóĢÖŶĢŋłŭ Öłù those with direct responsibility for their tenants’ welfare, the device records and sends intelligent performance data to the cloud or management ŭƘŭŶāĿ̇ ŭŽóĞ Öŭ ÁāũĢóŋł̪ŭ Á ̆!ŋłłāóŶ ŋũŶÖķ̇ ƒĞāũā it can be analysed to predict and identify potential failures such as low pressure, loss of gas and even a ĕũŋơāł óŋłùāłŭÖŶā ťĢťā̵̍¦ĞũŋŽėĞ ĢłŶāėũÖŶĢŋł ƒĢŶĞ external sensors the device also has the ability to highlight other concerns such as damp and mould. ̵1ÖŭƘ Ŷŋ Ʃ Ŷ Öłù ŭĢĿťķƘ ĿŋŽłŶāù ÖùıÖóāłŶ Ŷŋ the boiler, the device connects in the same way as a traditional smart thermostat without any dependence on an occupants WiFi network. It

Save on fuel bills

Designed for commercial and industrial heating ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ̇ ŶĞā 1łāũėƘmėũ ˛̍˙ 1łāũėƘ mÖłÖėāĿāłŶ ƘŭŶāĿ ĕũŋĿ ĢķŋŶ FũŋŽť ĢłŶāėũÖŶāŭ Ö óāłŶũÖķ óŋłŶũŋķ unit with intelligent software and digital sensors to optimise performance. It features an advanced self-learning optimisation programme with built-in algorithms to process internal and external temperature readings and calculate how long heaters ŭĞŋŽķù ðā ũŽłłĢłė̍ ¦Ğā ŭāłŭŋũŭ ũāŭťŋłù Ŷŋ óĞÖłėāŭ Ģł óŋłùĢŶĢŋłŭ Öłù ƒĢķķ ÖŽŶŋĿÖŶĢóÖķķƘ ÖùıŽŭŶ ŶĞā ĞāÖŶāũŭ Ŷŋ achieve the pre-set temperature while ensuring they ŋłķƘ ŋťāũÖŶā ƒĞāł ũāŨŽĢũāù̍ ¦Ğā ŭƘŭŶāĿ óÖł Öķŭŋ ðā used to control lighting in multiple zones. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˞˙

enables the boiler to be tested and managed without the cost of an engineer attending site. Boilers can also be deactivated and reset remotely, and there is also the ability to remotely alter the heating ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā Öłù ùŋĿāŭŶĢó ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ ŶāĿťāũÖŶŽũā̵̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˝ˡ

How to improve your repair and maintenance service Designed for use by energy suppliers and heating service companies, the new Software as a āũƑĢóā ̛ ÖÖ ̜ ťũŋùŽóŶ ĕũŋĿ ¦Öùŋ΅ remotely monitors the health of a home’s heating system and collects diagnostics. ¦Öùŋ΅ ˜˟˙ connects to the customer’s boiler and establishes a digital two-way connection for both control and analysis. It allows energy utilities and heating service companies to remotely monitor the health of the boiler by analysing metrics such as water pressure, pump speed, and error codes. ÂĞāł ¦Öùŋ΅ ˜˟˙ detects an issue, detailed insights are relayed to the heating service company so that they know exactly what the problem is and can solve many issues directly on the phone. If an engineer needs to drive out to a home, they already know

which replacement parts to bring in order to repair the heating ŭƘŭŶāĿ ŋł ŶĞā Ʃ ũŭŶ ƑĢŭĢŶ̍ ¦ĞĢŭ saves both the customer and the heating service company time and money. Furthermore, the heating service company can now improve ŭóĞāùŽķĢłė Öłù óŋĿťķāŶā Ŀŋũā ıŋðŭ within the same time. óóŋũùĢłė Ŷŋ ¦Öùŋ΅̇ ŶĞā predictive software has the potential to reduce customer óÖķķŋŽŶŭ ĕũŋĿ Ö 1ŽũŋťāÖł ÖƑāũÖėā of two to one, and in many cases to none.

“Our service represents a step change in the way this market operates and opens up new possibilities for energy companies to transition into holistic and highly-āƧ óĢāłŶ āłāũėƘ ŭāũƑĢóā providers,” says Christian Deilmann, co-ĕŋŽłùāũ Öłù ! z̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˝ˢ

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

42

Product Spotlight

Air pressure and water: a delicate balancing act An efficiently designed drainage system must incorporate a carefully controlled mix of air and water, working to maintain the individual trap water seals and prevent foul odours and bacteria from entering the building’s living spaces. Here, David Barker from Marley Plumbing Drainage looks at some of the solutions to manage air pressure.

I

n any drainage system, regardless of its size, the internal air pressure will constantly fluctuate.

A sudden flow of water inside a pipe – such as that generated by the flush of a toilet or draining a full bath – can create positive pressure in front of the flow and negative behind. While this is unlikely to cause an issue within a standard domestic house, high rise buildings – such as hotels, student accommodation or residential apartments – have the potential for a large number of plumbing fi xtures to be used simultaneously, especially during early morning and evening peak hours. This would result in higher levels of waste water flowing through the system at any one time, leading to a substantial increase in pressure instability.

Pressure problems

While this may not sound significant, negative pressure can in fact result in ‘fall back’ from the individual water traps, leaving residents vulnerable to sewer gases and bacterial contamination. On the other hand, positive pressure can lead to bubbles of foul air passing through the trap seal, again affecting the user enjoyment of the space.

Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions available to assist you in ensuring that this mix of air and water is controlled correctly and efficiently on your next project.

Perhaps the first option to consider is secondary ventilation. Often a feature of traditional drainage design, it involves the installation of a secondary ‘dry pipe’, which is positioned alongside the main stack and then conveyed upwards through to the roof.

This secondary pipe links at each floor level, helping to balance pressures within the system and prevent the release of sewer gases into the building space. However, the presence of this secondary pipe can

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take up a considerable amount of additional space within a building – and with space being a valuable commodity, especially in urban or city development projects, an alternative solution may be required.

Space saving

David Barker

Head of category management at Marley Plumbing & Drainage

CUT TO THE CHASE  Pressure instability can leave residents vulnerable to sewer gases and bacteria contamination  Secondary ventilation balances pressure in the system but can take up valuable space in the building  Stack-aerators replace branch fittings, connecting the horizontal branches with the vertical main stack  Active drainage ventilation works to control pressure by providing a relief directly at the point of need

 Secondary ventilation involves the installation of a secondary dry pipe alongside the main stack, helping to balance pressures in the system and prevent sewer gases from being released into the building

Therefore, for projects where space is limited, consider installing a stack-aerator instead – a handy alternative to secondary ventilation.

Installed on each floor of the building, a stack-aerator simply replaces the existing branch fitting, connecting the horizontal branches with the vertical main stack, meaning that no additional building space is required. Its unique curved shape is carefully designed and smoothly merges the horizontal flow from the individual pipe branches with the main stack. Together, this

all works to control the mix of water and air pressure within a system, improving stability and protecting the integrity of the individual trap seals.

Alternatively, should you be looking for a more active solution to help combat the issue of pressure management, consider installing a means of active drainage ventilation instead. A more recent addition to the plumbing industry, it actively works to control pressure within a drainage system, providing relief direct at the point of need by either removing or reducing an incoming positive or negative pressure. In turn, this all helps to reduce the chances of trap seal depletion occurring and protects a building’s occupants from foul smells or bacterial contamination.

For example, the Studor PAPA (positive air pressure attenuator) offered by Marley  Studor PAPA and Studor AAV together provide a complete active drainage ventilation system particularly suited to high rise applications

Plumbing Drainage is able to eliminate the harmful effects of positive pressure generated in gravity-fed drainage systems.

Able to be easily installed either vertically or horizontally, it allows you to use it according to your project’s individual requirements and the space available.

What’s more, PAPA and other active drainage ventilation products are able to be used in conjunction with air admittance valves to deliver a complete working system, combating both positive and negative pressures and ensuring the efficient running of a building’s soil and waste drainage.

Air admittance valves work on a simple but effective basis by remaining closed until such time that the system is subject to negative pressures, whereby it will then open and allow air to be drawn in, stabilising the pressure levels. Marley Plumbing Drainage has both a Maxi-Vent and Mini-Vent available, depending on the building size, both of which work in conjunction with the PAPA to provide a complete and efficient ventilation system.

Ensuring that there are systems in place within our high rise buildings to correctly control and manage the mix of air pressure and water within its soil and waste pipework is key.

Not only will this contribute towards the efficient running of the overall system but can also protect against trap seal depletion, in turn providing a building’s occupants with a pleasant space that they can enjoy - free of sewer odours or bacteria.

With such a range of solutions available, consider liaising with a reputable manufacturer who is able to provide comprehensive and informed advice on which ventilation product would be best suited to your next project’s particular needs and space requirements. phamnews.co.uk/1219/51

03/12/2019 19:38

PHAM NEWS DEC19JAN20:Layout 1 04/12/2019 09:54 Page 43

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

Product News 43 Slimline electric storage heaters with smart control Expanding its range of electric storage heaters, Ariston has added the new Velis Evo and Velis Evo WiFi models. Designed primarily for use in residential apartments, studios and holiday homes, they boast an ultra slim twin tank design for up to ˚˟% more hot water availability and are available in capacities of ˝˞ and ˡ˙ litres.

Described as the perfect combination of comfort Öłù ťũāĿĢŽĿ RŶÖķĢÖł ùāŭĢėł̇ ŶĞāƘ ŋƦ āũ ũÖťĢù reheat times and are shower-ready in less than ˜˙ minutes.

The Velis Evo WiFi has been designed to link to the Aqua Ariston Net app which enables users Ŷŋ ŭĞŽƨ ā ŶĞũŋŽėĞ Ŀŋùāŭ Öłù ŶŽũł ŶĞā ŽłĢŶ ŋł remotely. Shower-ready alerts are also displayed in the app, whereas Velis Evo units indicate this on a built-in touchscreen.

With an ErP ‘B’ rating across the range, an ‘ECO EVO’ function – an electronic control with automatic learning software – provides further energy savings of up to ˚˝%. Both models also come with an anti-legionella function. To prevent

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Tray provides a natural look for the bathroom

For further information about any of the products featured on this page, simply enter phamnews.co.uk /1219/ plus the relevant enquiry number.

the risk of legionella bacteria, once a month the Velis Evo automatically increases the water temperature up to ˟˞°C. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˞˛

Heaters will store heat for longer The SHF and SHS range of storage heaters are the latest products for the UK heating market from Stiebel Eltron. The new range ŋƦ āũŭ Ö ĞĢėĞ ĞāÖŶĢłė ŋŽŶťŽŶ Öłù ĕāÖŶŽũāŭ an integral temperature controller, which means residents can customise when the unit is activated using a weekly timer.

Cylindrical gas stove is ‘A’ rated The DRU Passo Eco Wave is a sleek, cylindrical gas stove with a large, wrap-around viewing ƒĢłùŋƒ ĕũÖĿĢłė Ö ķŋė Ʃ ũā ðāù̍ RŶ ðŋÖŭŶŭ Öł ̨ ̪ rated energy saving and can be operated by the company’s Eco Wave app for tablets and smartphones. ¦Ğā Öŭŭŋ Ģŭ Ö ðÖķÖłóāù ƪ Žā ŭŶŋƑā̇ Ö ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ originally developed by DRU, and can be installed in a variety of locations around the home because it does not need to be connected to a chimney.

Air is drawn from outside the building for combustion, with waste gases expelled through ŶĞā ŭÖĿā óŋłóāłŶũĢó ƪ Žā̍ ¦ĞĢŭ āłÖðķāŭ ĞĢėĞ ƪ ÖĿāŭ̇ ĞĢėĞ āƧ óĢāłóƘ Öłù łŋ ùāťķāŶĢŋł ŋĕ ÖĢũ from within the home, resulting in safe and comfortable heating.

Due to the success of the original Nero black version, DRU has now produced the Passo in Öł ÖùùĢŶĢŋłÖķ Ʃ Ƒā óŋķŋŽũ Ʃ łĢŭĞāŭ̆ ŶĢŶÖł̇ ťāÖũķ̇ white, turquoise and light grey. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˞˞

To save energy, smart technology also detects when a window has been opened.

Further energy savings are achieved by the storage heater’s heat retention capacity which means they can bridge long breaks between charging to make use of the Economy ˠ ŶÖũĢƦ ̍ ŋóĢÖķ ĞŋŽŭĢłė ũāŭĢùāłŶŭ Öķŭŋ ðāłāƩ Ŷ ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā ŋťťŋũŶŽłĢŶƘ Ŷŋ ĞÖƑā ŶĞā ŭƘŭŶāĿ Ʃ ŶŶāù in their home free of charge through the FŋƑāũłĿāłŶ̪ŭ Ʀ ŋũùÖðķā ÂÖũĿŶĞ zðķĢėÖŶĢŋł̍ ̵m' mÖũĴ mómÖłŽŭ óŋĿĿāłŶŭ̆ ̦Âā Öũā seeing a rise in demand for sustainable electric heating options, particularly as new initiatives such as the Future Homes Standard ˛˙˛˞ gain traction and customers demand a move away from fossil fuels. The SHF range has been ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ ðā āƧ óĢāłŶ Öłù āÖŭƘ Ŷŋ ĢłŭŶÖķķ̍ Âā̪ũā óŋłƩ ùāłŶ ŶĞÖŶ ĢŶ̪ķķ ťķÖƘ Öł ĢłŶāėũÖķ ũŋķā Ģł the comfort of many homes.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˞˝

āŭťŋłùĢłė Ŷŋ ùāĿÖłù ĕŋũ łÖŶŽũÖķ Ʃ łĢŭĞāŭ Ģł ŶĞā ðÖŶĞũŋŋĿ̇ ÖłĢƪ ŋ ĞÖŭ ĢłŶũŋùŽóāù ŶĞā łāƒ bĢłāùŋ bĢłāŭŶŋłā ŭĞŋƒāũ ŶũÖƘ̍ Described as luxurious, lightweight and highly durable, the tray is ˜˙mm thick and is light enough to handle and install by one person. It can also be cut to size on site if necessary.

Manufactured from Biolith, a high density cellular structure, the Kinestone tray is highly resistant to damage, while the textured surface provides both comfort and safety underfoot.

It is available in square and rectangular shapes with sizes between ˡ˙˙ and ˚ˡ˙˙mm and is said to be ideal for popular walk-Ģł ŭĞŋƒāũŭ̍ ĢƗ óŋķŋŽũ Ʃ łĢŭĞāù Öũā ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā̇ ĢłóķŽùĢłė white, grey, black, sable, anthracite and chocolate, while the āƗŶũÖ ƪ ÖŶ ƒÖŭŶā ƒĢŶĞ ĿāŶÖķ ùũÖĢł ėũĢķķŭ ĞÖƑā ðāāł ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ ĿÖŶóĞ ŶĞā óĞŋŭāł ŶũÖƘ óŋķŋŽũ̍ Dŋũ āƗŶũÖ ƪ āƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ̇ ŶĞā ŶũÖƘ óÖł ðā Ʃ ŶŶāù ƪ ÖŶ̇ ũāóāŭŭāù ŋũ ũÖĢŭāù̇ ùāťāłùĢłė ŋł ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł requirements. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˛˚ˢ̓˞˜

COMPETITION

WIN a Glow-worm Easicom boiler!

To mark the relaunch of the famous Glow-worm Mystery Trip we’re offering PHAM News readers the chance to win the company’s new Easicom boiler

We have six to win, with one boiler given away each month over the course of six issues.

THE PRIZE The super light, super efficient, super value Easicom boiler has been specifically designed with the needs of the installer and their customers in mind. The range features a low maintenance automotive grade aluminium silicate heat exchanger, and a patented four-sided cooling system to reduce the stress on the heat exchanger to deliver long-term reliability for homeowners.

Compatible with the existing flue range for easy replacement of older boilers, the boiler also comes with a choice of bespoke accessories, including a large aesthetic pipe cover panel and universal upward piping kit. Each boiler also offers a DIN pipe

layout to make boiler swaps quick and easy, and larger waterways, making it perfect for retrofit jobs.

Easicom’s sleek design features a bright and easy-to-read LCD display, and its quiet operation means minimal noise for homeowners. The range can also be used alongside a choice of controls, including Glow-worm’s Climastat smart thermostat, which not only empowers homeowners to efficiently manage their heating and hot water, but will also meet Boiler Plus regulations.

The range is connected to Glow-worm’s Club Energy installer scheme which, when the Easicom installation is registered, will initiate a five-year guarantee.

HOW TO ENTER Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, will be the destination of the 2020 Glow-worm Mystery Trip. Guests on the five-day all-expenses paid trip will be treated to a stay at five-star hotel, Caravelle Saigon, sited right in the heart of the city, just minutes away from bustling street markets and iconic landmarks.

For a chance to win an Easicom boiler, all you have to do is answer the following question about the next Mystery Trip destination:

What is the national language of Vietnam?

A. French B. English C. Vietnamese

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

Product News Leafy glass adds a touch of class Extending its Refle ion Black Wetroom Panel range, PJH has introduced an arty new Black Leaf design to its 8mm glass collection. The Refle ion Black Wetroom category now includes both the new glass panel as well as new wetroom side panels for the black panelled collection.

This 1200mm wide wetroom screen is manufactured from high quality 8mm toughened safety glass and the fine black leaf design is complemented with a matt black profile and support arm. And with a generous height of 2000mm, this new wetroom provides an ‘immersed’ showering experience. The new panel features concealed fixings and Easy Clean glass treatment. The screen is wetroom compatible and can be installed directly onto a prepared floor or combined with a tray, and an easy-fit rubber gasket is supplied with a quick fit tool for simple installation. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/56

Flush plate options for a variety of scenarios The latest flush plates from Multikwik are designed to suit an array of bathroom styles and budgets. Options available include the Hydra, iO infrared, Luna and Metis flush plates .

The Hydra range includes the Hydra Glow option (pictured) that offers an illumination strip that lights up in a choice of seven interchangeable colours, including a vibrant green.

The iO with infrared sensor provides contactless operation, helping to improve hygiene levels in public bathroom settings. It includes an auto forced flushing and cleaning mode, whereby it can be programmed to selfflush at selected intervals, should the bathroom or building not be occupied

Plinth heater has wireless control

Email your answer to editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk with ‘Win an Easicom’ in the subject line. Please make sure you include the following:

* Your name and your company’s name * Contact telephone number * Your Gas Safe Reg No. * Please type ‘YES’ in the body of your email if you are happy to receive email offers from Glow-worm All correct answers received before the closing date of 20th January 2020 will be entered into the prize draw.

Only one entry per person will be allowed.

For more details about how you can earn a place on the Glow-worm Mystery Trip, please visit the website below:

www.glow-worm.co.uk

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for long periods of time, or as an additional hygiene safeguard.

Multikwik also offers a bespoke option for the iO, allowing commercial customers to customise the flush plate by adding their logo or company name to the top of the plate, bringing a personal touch to any washroom or bathroom.

Luna and Metis, the final additions to Multikwik’s collection, are more traditional flush plates, both available with either a white, chrome or satin chrome finish. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/5

Heating manufacturer Thermix has launched a hydronic plinth heater controlled by a wireless thermostat. The wireless models provide temperature control for better energy management compared to traditional models controlled by just an on/off switch.

The wireless plinth heater is also available with a programmable thermostat, providing a 7-day timing facility. This allows the user to set the timing as well as the temperature.

Thermix wireless plinth heater models are available with four different heat outputs ranging from 1.5 to 2.4 kW. Also offered are a choice of front grilles, including a brushed stainless steel version,

and a range of powder coated options in white, silver or black. For customers who want to colour-match their plinth, there is a self-colour grille ready to paint.

Customers also have the option of choosing from a simple wireless thermostat or a smart phone controlled thermostat. For larger kitchens multiple wireless plinth heaters can be controlled by a single thermostat.

With a low water content, plinth heaters provide fast heat response and leave less residual heat when the heater turns off, providing comfort heating to the user but also saving energy by not heating the room when it’s not needed. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/5

03/12/2019 19:58

PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

Product News 45 HIUs earn top spot on BESA website Claiming the lowest volume weighted average return temperatures (VWART) at 70°C of any HIU assessed under the BESA 2018 test regime, Vital Energi has launched its new vTherm range.

The vTherm range is made up of two units, each designed to be compact and combine performance with value. First, the vThermºt is the thermostatically-controlled unit designed for value, efficiency and trouble-free commissioning and maintenance. These units feature high performance coupled with simple operation, providing instantaneous domestic hot water and heating.

The vThermºe is an electronically-controlled unit that combines performance with intelligent data collection so that

performance cab be remotely monitored. This brings a new level of analysis and control to modern heat networks and allows operators to create a cycle of continuous improvement.

The vTherm range has been in development for several years and has been extensively tested under a range of conditions at the company’s in-house HIU test centre. Additionally, the HIUs have been tested at independent centres using the BESA 2018 UK test regime for HIUs where they recorded the lowest VWARTs of any unit currently listed on the BESA website.

The new vTherm range is suitable for both new build and retrofit projects. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/59

Ducted fan range for commercial applications

A new range of ultra-low energy commercial extract fans is now available from Dunham-Bush. All fans in the range are ERP compliant as required by the Non-Domestic Building Services Directive 2013

Brass filters deliver on performance and style A brass version of the Greenstar System Filter has been added to Worcester’s product offering.

The updated filter range has been designed to combat the damaging effects of system debris and pollutants, allowing installers to offer their customers a way to protect their boiler or heat pump for a fraction of its cost.

The high-quality Greenstar Brass System Filter is described as having a premium look and a robust feel. It offers the same features as the current range and comes in a 22mm size.

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Meeting demand for electric solutions With moves to combat climate change, more homes and businesses are looking at electric heating options. Trianco has evolved the electric Aztec range to support this change and meet increasing demand.

Aztec electric boilers have powered thousands of homes over the years and remain one of the most popular ranges in the Trianco portfolio of heating products.

The company points out that electric is already the preferred choice for many households that have no mains gas supply or are seeking an alternative to fossil fuels such as oil and LPG and the upcoming changes to SAP will make electric heating an increasingly popular choice.

Options include the Aztec Classic (pictured), which features a compact wall mounted and slim vertical design. It can be sited in a small airing cupboard alongside a cylinder and delivers heat outputs of 2 to 12kW. Also available is the Aztec Mini Combi, said to be ideal for small projects and developments, and the Aztec Mini System for a full heating system. Both can be fully controlled via a combined room thermostat/ programmer which can be managed via an app. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/62

and are manufactured from high quality galvanized sheet steel fitted with acoustic non-hygroscopic foam and non-overloading ‘100,000’ hour long life, ultra-low energy EC fans.

Designed for applications requiring continuity of supply, such as public buildings, the eTF series of ducted twin inline extract fans offer duty shared up to 900 litres/sec and come as standard with a combined auto-changeover and speed controller with fault output (Eco-TF). For rooftop applications, the eRTF series of fans offer duty shared up to 900 litres/sec. They are available with weather proofed casings suitable for both flat and pitched roofs.

Completing this comprehensive line-up and designed for smaller applications, the eDF series of ducted single extract fans offers duties up to 900 litres/sec. Ideal for use in small offices, where the occupant requires manual control over air flow, this fan requires a separate Eco-Speed controller, which enables manual variable local speed control with an off position.

The eDF Plus comes as standard with the Eco-SF controller, which allows trickle and boost options with speed adjustment. This controller can be enabled/disabled via a BMS/VFC time switch with an off position. The eDF series also includes an external weather-proofed version. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/60

The new filter has a one-way valve for ease of adding system chemicals and has a drainage point at the bottle for ease of access during servicing, as well as an isolation valve indicator to visually assist the installer when isolating the filter.

Other features and benefits include easyto-use valve connections; same centre-to-centre position to enable direct replacement; bi-directional flow; lugs to prevent over-tightening; and a high-powered internal magnet that can capture large amounts of magnetic debris.

It is compatible with the

Universal coupler for pipe connections

ONLINE

company’s recently launched Greenstar 8000 Lifestyle boiler range and has been designed to fit with the boiler’s aesthetic look and feel. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/61

For further information about any of the products featured on this page, simply visit phamnews. co.uk/1219/ followed by the relevant enquiry number.

Water fittings specialist Plasson UK has launched the Slide N’ Seal Universal Slip Coupler, a solution for connecting or repairing multiple pipe types with just the one fitting. 19-22mm versions are available to provide a simple and reliable on-site solution.

Suitable for a wide variety of applications with almost any pipe material, the couplers are said to be quick and easy to fit and can be demounted and reused.

The couplers feature a zero-force pipe insertion design which allows the Slide N’ Seal to be easily moved back and forth along the pipe. A thick O-ring seal and robust high-impact PP body and nut compensates for poor pipe quality, plus a long sealing area makes for reliable, water-tight seals by bridging over damaged sections or gaps between pipes. The fittings are designed to last for fifty years with the added assurance that the seal compression increases as pressure increases. The fitting can be reused for maximum value on all cold water applications up to 45ºC. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1219/63

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PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

46

Directory Calibration Services

Radiators

Radiators

GAS CALIBRATION ..EASY AS

we collect - we calibrate - we deliver Book online or call 01782 567 099

test 4 less www.test4less.co.uk

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Controls

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

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

Heating Engineer.

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NEW BROCHURE AVAILABLE NOW phamnews.co.uk/1219/116

Heaters (Water)

Radiators Covers Low surface temperature Radiator Covers manufactured and installed with a service you can rely on.

• High Strength Damage Resistant • Hospital Standard Safe Touch • Easy Clean Powder Coated Finish • Less Than 5% Output Reduc on • Unobtrusive Pleasing Visual Impact • Dedicated Measure and Fi ng Service For more informa on and free quota on Ring 0844 800 8435 email info@bklradiators.co.uk Visit www.bklradiators.co.uk

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Safety Products phamnews.co.uk/1219/112

Heating Controls Next day delivery available on 100s of controls

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Plumbing Products

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PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

Information Centre 47

Directory Sale - Bathroom Specialist

Central Heating fault finding & repair This 200 page book written by John Reginald, is designed to help the reader understand central heating and hot water systems. O ering a step-by-step guide to the fault finding and repair process of systems and components enabling the reader to achieve professional solutions to professional standards.

Priced at £26 this Industry leading book is available from all High Street and Online Book Stores.

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New Technical Guide from Polypipe Building Products

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Snickers Workwear New Hoodies and Sweatshirts

The new technical guide features in-depth product details and easy-to-follow installation instructions for traps, waste systems, soil systems and rainwater systems.

Each section includes: • Product description and specification • How to instruction guide • Technical guidance in accordance with industry standards To download your Polypipe Above Ground Drainage Technical Installation Guide go to polypipe.com or enter the code shown below.

The ‘Full Zip’ or ‘Overhead’ Sweatshirt and Hoodie choices are ideally combined with Snickers’ First and Second Layer Undergarments and can comfortably be worn under a jacket on chilly days. Available in a range of styles and colours and made from a cosy, durable polycotton fabric with a soft-brushed nish on the inside plus handwarmer pockets at the front. They also feature an unmistakable Snickers logo and are ideal for company pro ling.

Checkout www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or enter the code shown below.

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Training

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Consort Claudgen launches new electric heating brochure

Snickers Workwear New ALLroundWork Jackets and Gilets

These new ALLroundWork Jackets and Gilets deliver a great all-round performance with a Ripstop water-resistant outer fabric and a coated inner fabric for extra durability. They’re wind-resistant too and all have the features and functionality that you’d expect in Snickers Workwear clothing.

There’s also a range of Base- and Mid-layer garments plus accessories to ensure that every part of you stays dry and warm.

Checkout the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or enter the code below.

The latest Heat brochure includes a host of new heating controls and heaters including motion-activated and waterproof run-back time controllers, new heater models in the electronic 7-day timer range and advanced wireless controllers which are now compatible with Consort’s RX and SL heaters.

These are detailed in the brochure along with the established panel and fan heaters, convectors, LST heaters, air curtains, downflows and towel rails.

Download a copy from www.consortepl.com, request at 01646 692172 or enter the code shown below.

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National Ventilation Launches Handy ‘Know How’ App The new app o ers quick and easy access to the latest versions of National Ventilation’s brochures, datasheets and technical documents and useful information such as installation instructions are simple to locate and always available.

The free design service is also bookable via the ‘About Know How’ section of the app, which gives an overview of the breadth of products available.

The App can be downloaded via Google Play or Apple App Store.

For more information call 01823 690 290, visit www.nationalventilation.co.uk or enter the code shown below.

Grant UK unveils new Renewable Technologies Brochure Grant UK has published a new brochure which combines the Company’s Renewable Technologies. From air source heat pumps, hybrids, cylinders, solar thermal systems, through to heat emitters including fan convectors, underfloor heating and aluminum radiators, Grant UK’s new brochure details everything customers need to know about its package heating solutions.

To access this new brochure and Grant’s other range brochures, including the Vortex, VortexBlue and Flue Guides, please visit www.grantuk.com/support/downloads or enter the online code below.

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Advertiser’s Index

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Altecnic Ltd BES Ltd Baxi Heating UK Ltd CMR Controls Ltd Circoflo Ltd Cistermiser Ltd Consort Equipment Products Ltd EG Training Services Ltd Esi Controls Ltd Fernox Ford Motor Company Ltd Ideal Boilers Intatec Ltd Logic 4 Training

10 3 31 6 18 24 37 33 40 48 7 13 9 34

MV Fluids Handling Ltd 5 Maincor Ltd 21 Mostra Convegno 2020 4 Myson Heating 25 Neomitis Ltd 41 Nu-Heat UK Ltd 27 Pegler Yorkshire Group Ltd 39 Pipesnug 43 Polypipe plc 23 Practical Refrigeration Training Centre Ltd 34 Samsung Electronics UK 15 Screwfix Direct Ltd Front Cover Wrap Stiebel Eltron UK Ltd 17 Trianco Ltd 8

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