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Volume V o olume 56 | Issue 7 | J July/August uly/August 2018
Does h Does heat eat p pump ump a ambition mbition need n eed a rreality eality ccheck? heck? The Committee The Committe ee on on Climate Climate Change Change has has called called on on the the Government Government to to do do more more to to promote promote the the use use of of heat heat pumps p umps in in rrural ural areas, areas, but but some some in in the the industry industry argue argue that that statistics statistics prove prove this this to to be be a flawed flawed strategy. strategy. A rrecent ecent report reportt from from the Committee on Climate Chan Change ng e (CCC) has criticised the Go Government vernment for not doing more more to decarbonise the b building uilding g sector and claims that a lack lack of action actio on will mean the country country will fail to meet le llegally-binding gally-binding targets targets to rreduce educe greenhouse greenhouse gas gas emissions. The CCC argues electricification ar gues that the ele ectricification of heat and key wider use of heatt pumps should be ke y to Government’s the Go vernment’s strategy, strategy y, but a number number voices of v oices in the heating industry industry believe believe there that ther e are are more mo ore cost-effective cost-effective ways way ys to rreduce educe rreliance eliance on n fossil fuels. Schofield, Neil Sc hofield, Head of Government Government Affairs at Worcester Wo orcestter Bosch, Bosch, argues argues that the pumps push for heat pum mps to be prioritised is in need of a ‘reality ‘reality check’. check’. He comments: “One of the main issues CCC’ss recommendations is that with the CCC’ recommendations e they are the y ar e informed d by by carbon performance alone,, and not b by alone y practicality practicality or cost. We We rreally eally need a rreality eallity check, check, as the figures figures we’ve suggest w e’ve seen sug gest that heat pumps
simply aren’t ssimpl y ar en’t suitable suitable for an overwhelming overwhelming homes.”” m majority of homes. argued It is ar gued that an examination examiination of the figures l latest EPC figur es shows shows that th hat less than properties 1 12% of the 640,536 pr operrties without to the mains gas a access gas network network have have an the great E EPC rrated ated ‘C’ or above, above, leaving leav v ving great properties m majority of pr operties without without sufficient i insulation for a heat pump p installation. I is also estimated that over It over 70% of rural rural properties have p pr operties hav ve unfilled cavity ca av vity or solid walls, which w alls, whic h will make them them difficult to investment. ttreat tr eat without significant in nvestment. e
““A A heat pump can offer numerous numerous o living benefits forr those li ving in new new build or well-insulated properties,” w ell-insulatted pr operties,” says say ys Schofield, Schofie eld, simply “but 88% of o those off-grid g simpl p y don’t do on’t either categories. fit into eit ther of those cate gories. The T industry heating indu ustry has long held doubts over over Government gas Go vernmen nt plans for off mains g as areas, areas, e but these numbers numbers really really do emphasise emphasise how just ho w flawed fla awed their ambitions are.” are.” the body, OFTEC, th he oil heating bod y, continues continues u to put the case case for low low carbon liquid fuels, fue els, arguing that ar guing tha at it can play y a crucial role role in decarbonoising from decarbonois sing heat fr om rural rural homes. Paul comments: “The capability CEO P aul Rose R capab billity heating industry of the oil he eating industr y to innovate innovate and a Government’s meet the Go G vernment’s decarbonisation decarbonisatiion agenda adequately a genda h has not been adequate ely produce rrecognised. ecognised. It is not boilers that pr odu uce emissions, carbon emis ssions, it’s it’s the fuel they they run on. o Therefore, Ther efore, it it is premature premature for Government Governme ent to consider rregulating egulating against against oil heating heatiing when all liquid liq quid fuel boilers could be run on low a lo w carbon n alternative alternative fuel before before 2035.” 2035 5.”
COMPETITION
Prizes P rizes tto oh help e l p meet meet Boiler Plus Plu us regs See how to enter enter on page 59
Ride R ide to to Paris Paris
Women W omen rreminded eminded iit’s t’s w worth orth tthe he sstruggle truggle Resilience, Resilience, p persistence ersistence a and nd at attitude ttitude w were ere the the main main themes themes at at the the second second annual annual Women Women Installers Installers T Together ogether ((WIT) W IT ) c conference, onference, a an n event event d designed esigned tto oh highlight ighlight c contributions ontributions o off women tto o tthe he iindustry. ndustry. O rganised b yS topcocks women Organised by Stopcocks Women Women P Plumbers lumbers and and supported supported by by some some big big names names in in plumbing plumbing a and nd c construction, onstruction, the the conference conference held held in in London London on on 4 4th th July July attracted attracted o over ver 1 100 00 women women in in the the trade, trade, ffrom rom seasoned o peratives to to those those aspiring aspiring to to join join seasoned operatives their their ranks. ranks. Setting Setting the the tone tone w was as k keynote eynote speaker speaker Anna Anna Hemmings, Hemmings, B Britain’s ritain’s m most ost ssuccessful uccessful female female kayaker, kayaker, two-time two-time Olympian Oly l mpian n and an nd six-time six-time World World Champion. Champion. S Speaking peaking ab about out h her er o own wn rroad oad tto o success, success, she she encouraged encouraged the the women women installers installers to to be be persistent persistent in in achieving achieving their their career career goals goalls
in in a m male-dominated ale-dominatted fie field. ld. ““How How w we e evaluate evaluate ac challenge hallenge iinfluences nfluences h how ow ssuccessful uc ccessful w we e are are going going tto ob be,” e,” sshe he said. said. “The “The w way ay w we e explain explain things ourselves things tto oo urselves massively massively determines determines our our levels confidence, confidence, rresilience esilience a nd happiness. hap ppiness. levels and You You can can alter alter your your mode mode of of thinking thinking so so that thatt it it helps helps y you ou rrather ather than than hinders hinders y you. ou. C Choose hoose your your at attitude.” ttitude.” Looking Looking specifically specifically l at at plumbing, plumbing, where where women women c constitute onstitute less less than than 1% 1% of of the the industry, industry, Anna Anna e encouraged ncouraged conference-goers conference-goers to to focus focus on on the the things things they they can can control, control, and and not not on on those those out out o off ttheir heir hands: hands: “The “The next next ttime ime y you ou encounter encounter negativity negativity about about being being women women in in this yourself this iindustry, ndustry, you you might might remind remind y ourself that thatt 30% 30% of of homeowners homeowners would would prefer p efer to pr to have have a woman woman w working orking iin n their their home. home. That’s That’s
because b ecause you you are are fabulous fab a ulous at at what what you you do.” do.” Also addressing was Hattie A lso a ddressing tthese hese iissues ssues w as H attie Hasan, H asan, founder founder of of Stopcocks. Stopcocks. Her Her focus focus was was on concept off d destiny and why women o n tthe he c oncept o estiny a nd w hy w omen sshould hould rresolve esolv l e tto oc create reate ttheir heir o own. wn. ““Keep Keep your your eyes eyes on on the t he prize,” pr ize,” sshe he said, said, awareness off y your goal ““because because iit’s t’s tthe he a wareness o our g oal that thatt gets and keeps g ets you you up up in in the t he morning mor ning a nd k eeps you you going you may want g oing sstrong trong when when y ou m ay w ant tto o tthrow hrow tthe he towel towel iin. n. I love love the the fact fact I’m I’m a plumber plumber and and have evolved business So don’t h av ve e volved iinto nto a b usiness owner. owner. S od on’t lett p eople de efeat y ou w ith a ‘just ‘just who who do y ou people defeat you with you tthink hink y you ou are?’ are?’ attitude. atttitude. Y You ou c can’t an’t c change hange ttheir heir attitude, but you a ttitude, b ut y ou can can control control your your reaction.” reactio on.” To T o fi find nd out out more more ab about out S Stopcocks, topcocks, tthe he plumbing plumbing company company behind behind the t he WIT W IT conference, co nference, visit: v isit: http://stopcocks.uk htt p://stopcocks.uk
Seven cyclists Seven cyclists from frro om S Saniflo aniflo U UK K h have ave successfully s uccessfully completed completed tthe he 2 220 20 m mile ile ttrip rip p ffrom rom tthe he ccompany’s ompany’s S South outh R Ruilsip uilsip p offices offices tto o the th he group’s group’s global glo obal headquarters headquartterrs in in Paris Paris in n a bid biid to o rraise ais se money money ffor or C Cancer ancer R Research esearch UK. U K. T The he tteam, eam, which which iincluded ncluded M MD DT Tim im Pestell, P estelll, h helped elped tto o rraise aise o over ver e £6000 £6000 – a target target set s et tto om mark ark the the 60th 60th anniversary anniversar y of of tthe he iinvention nvention o off tthe he fi first rst S Saniflo aniflo m macerator. acerator.. People still P eople ccan an s till donate donate via via the the company’s company’s JJust ust Giving Giving page page at: at: www.justgiving.com/ www.justgiving.com/ ffundraising/saniflosfa undraising/saniflosffa
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July/August 2018 8
NEWS N EWS W R Review eview Online nlin i e plumbing plumbing IInside nside this this issue issue O sales sa les on on the the rise r se ri Bathroom Design Digital technology y and other bathroom pr products roducts that will get your customers spending spendin p ng g
Starts page 27
Light Commercial Comm mercial Heating The advantages off off-site fabrication and oth her ways other to improve efficien efficiency ncy in plant rooms
Starts page 41
Renewable Energy Why it’ it’s s importantt for installers to remai remain in on top of the different for forms rms of renewable technolo technology ogy
Starts page 49
Vans V ans a & Racking We W e take the Ford Tr T Transit rransit Custom Sport for a spin and d round d up somee off the th latest vans on the forecourt fo
Starts page 54
The Technical The Technical M Magazine agazine for for the the Plumbing, Plumbing, H eating & A ir Movement Movemeent IIndustry ndustr y Heating Air
According to According to a new new report report ffrom rom A AMA MA R Research, esearch, tthe he iinternet nternet is is the the fastest fastest growing g rowing channel channel for for tthe he p urchase of of plumbing plumbing and and purchase h eating pr oduc u ts in in the the UK. U K. heating products The T he market market has has seen seen sstrong trong g rowth over over the the last last five five to to growth sseven even years, years, and and in in 2017 2017 alone allone tthe he internet internett based based plumbing plumbing m arket iis se stimated to to have have market estimated iincreased ncreased by by 17% 17% in in value. value. By By 2 022, iitt is is estimated estimated that that the the 2022, market m arket will will have have increased increased by b y around around 43% 43% compared compared tto o 201 8. 2018. With W ith strong strong demand demand driven driven by b y llower ower prices pr ices and and added added convenience, c onvenience, tthe he report report says says tthat hat internet internet retailers retailers have have been b een ab able le tto o c capitalise apitalise o on n changing crossc hang ing consumer consumer c rosschannel habits, c hannel sshopping hopping h abits, with w ith a notable notable sshift hift towards towards online o nline purchases. purchases. Own-label Own-label products p roducts sold sold on on the the internet internet are particularly a re performing performing p articularly well. w ell. Shower controls and S hower c ontrols a nd bathroom b athroom ttaps aps represent represent tthe he largest largest sector sector of of the the online market, o nline plumbing plumbing m arket, with w ith a sshare hare of of around around 23%, by 2 3%, ffollowed ollowed b y bathroom bathroom products, p roducts, including including furniture fu urniture and baths a nd accessories, accessor ies, b aths and a nd ssanitaryware, anitar y ware, shower shower enclosures, e nclosures, screens, screens, trays trays and wetroom a nd w etroom products. products. Heating He ating products, products, such such ass boilers and a boilers a nd sstandard tandard
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Editor’s E ditor’ss Viewpoint V iewpoint by C Chris hris JJones ones
Plu Plumbers umbers a lways in in demand demand always radiators, have done well, radiators, h ave d one w ell, but but towel towel warmers warmers and and decorative decorative rradiators adiators account account for much off for a m uch sm ssmaller aller sshare hare o the total total market. market. the Key are Key factors factors tthat hat a re ssaid aid to to have have influenced influenced growth g rowth include include tthe h he iincreasing ncreasing number number of of UK UK households households with with internet internet access access – estimates estimates indicate indicate that that around off ho households around 90% 9 0% o useholds had 2017 had access access iin n 2 017 – and and significant growth sig nificant g rowth in in the the level online e-retail level of of o nline n e -retail ssales. ales. The The usage usage of of mobile mobile internet internet technology technology has has also allso increased increased substantially, growing substantially y, with with a g rowing number number of of purchases purchases being being made through mobile made through mobile handsets orr ttablets. handsets o ablets. The majority The m ajor it y of of plumbing plumbing products products sold sold on on the the internet internet are are through through specialist specialist online online plumbing off w which plumbing rretailers, etailers, o hich around around 65% 65% do do not not have have a showroom and showroom a nd only only trade trade online. online. The The report report can can be be ordered ordered online online at at www.amaresearch. www.amaresearch. co.uk co.uk
I’m n I’m not ot ssure ure how how many many P PHAM H A M News News rreaders eaders a also l so h have ave The T he T Times imes c columnist olumnist M Melanie elanie R Reid eid a as sp part art o off ttheir heir regular regular rreading eading m material, atterial, b but ut a rrecent ecent p piece iece iin n tthe he p paper’s aper’s S Saturday atturday m agazine m ade ffor or a n iinteresting nteresting rread. ead. H aving ssuffered uffe ered magazine made an Having tthe he misfortune misfortune o off lleaking eaking p pipework, ipework, Melanie Melanie relates relattes how how sshe he needed needed tthe he sservices er v ices o off a llocal ocal p plumber, lumber, w which hich g got ot h er thinking thinking about about the the ongoing ongoing need need for for good good plumbing plumbing her sskills kills and and why why it’s it’s strange strange that that we we don’t don’t encourage encourage more more y oungsters to to consider consider iitt a p otential career. career. To To quote quote youngsters potential her column: amazes me how ffrom rom h er c olumn: ‘‘It It a mazes m eh ow parents parents boast boast that that ttheir heir children children are are accountants accountants or or llawyers aw yers o orr p political olitical aides, when a ides, w hen they’d they’d earn earn far far more more as as a plumber, plumber, be be much much happier, h appier, just just as as intellectually intellectually challenged, challenged, and and certainly certainly contribute more c ontr ibute ffar ar m ore to to society’. societ y’. comment will no doubt find widespread IIt’s t’s a c omment tthat hat w ill n od oubt fi nd w idespread agreement community, but a g reement within w ithin tthe he plumbing plumbing c ommunit y, b ut persuading and p ersuading school school leavers leavers a nd sstudents tudents tto o rrecognise ecog nise potential off w working tthe he p otential rrewards ewards o orking iin n tthe he iindustry ndustry rremains emains off a c challenge. The good news ssomething omething o hallenge. T he g ood n ews iis s tthat hat tthe he positive models. This year’s ssector ector iisn’t s ’t sshort sn hor t of of p ositive rrole ole m odels. T h is y ear’s winner Plumbing Apprentice off tthe w inner of of JTL’s JTL’s ‘National ‘National P lumbing Ap prentice o he Year’ provides ample proof as what can be achieved Y ear’ pr ov ides a mple pr oof a s tto ow hat c an b ea chieved with bit w ith a b it of of dedication dedication and and hard hard work work (see (see page page 4) 4) and and young girls who might be one off ffor or y oung g irls w ho m ight b e tthinking hinking tthat hatt iit’s t’s o ne lline ine o work w ork to to be be ruled r uled out, out, tthen hen tthe he recent recent Women Women Installers Installers Together conference cover T ogether c onference ((see see ffront ront c over sstory) tor y) sshows hows tthat hat old gender are tthe he o ld g ender sstereotypes tereot y pes a re iin n rretreat. etreat. Unlike plumbing U nlike many many other other potential potential sources sources of of income, income, p lumbing can proof. The c an also also be be considered considered rrelatively elatively ffuture uture pr oof. T he rrise ise off robotics and o robotics a nd further further automation automation threatens threatens to to make make many but m any ttraditional raditional jjobs obs rredundant, edundant, b ut iitt sseems eems tthat hat tthe he ffuture uture of of plumbers plumbers – and and probably probably lawyers lawyers too! too! – is is secure. secure. Follow F ollow u uss on
@PHAMNews @ PHAMNewss
World W orld Cup Cup winners winners
Incorporating: Incorporating: Plumbing & Heating Ne News wss Plumbing & Heating Equipment Equippment News News Published b by: y: Pi d Publishing Pinede P bli hi | 16/18 16/1 18 Hawkesyard H Hawkkesyard H Hall, ll Armitag Armitage A it e Park, Park, k Nr Rugeley, Rugeley, Staf Staffordshire fordshire WS15 1PU T el: 01889 577222 | Fax: Faxx: 01889 579177 Tel: info@phamnews.co.uk Email: inf o@phamnews.co o.uk www.phamnews.co.uk www .phamnews.co.uk Managing Manag ing Editor Editor Chris Chr is Jones Jones Assistant Editor Editor Carol Hitchcock Car ol H itchcock Publisherss Publisher Chris Chr is Evans Evans Russ Jackson Jackson
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©C Copyright opyright 2018 2018 | Plumbing, Plumbing , Heating Heating & Air Air Movement Movement News N ew s All rrights ights rreserved. eserved. No par partt of this ppublication ublication ma mayy be rreproduced eproduced or stor stored ed in a rretrieval etrieval system without w wr written itten consent from fr om the publisher publisher.. A Attributed ttributed ar articles ticlees rrepresent epresent the vie views ws of the A Author(s) uthor(s) and ar aree not the necessa necessarily arily those of the EEditor. ditor. The T he publisher publisherss accept no rresponsibility esponsibility ffor or claims made bbyy man manufacturers ufacturers or adv advertisers. ertisers. TThis his mag magazine a azine includes a nnumber umber of colour editor editorial ial photo photographs graphs paid ffor or bbyy supplier suppliers. s.
At tthe At he ttime ime o off g going oing tto op press, ress, tthe he ssuccess uccess o orr ffailure ailure o off tthe he England E ngland football football team team in in Russia Russia is is still st ill very ver y much much in in the t he balance, b alance, b but ut tthere’s here’s o one ne ffamiliar amiliar n name ame iin n tthe he iindustry ndustr y tthat hat can c an definitely def i nitely c claim laim tto oh have ave h had ad a g good ood ttournament. ournament. O Over ver 850 8 50 Grundfos Gr undfos products products have have been been iinstalled nstalled iin n tthe he d dozen ozen ffootball ootball sstadiums tadiums tthat hat h have ave pr provided ov ided tthe he sstage tage tto ow what hat iiss widely w idely regarded regarded as as one one of of the the most most entertaining enter e taining World World Cups C ups in in recent recent history. histor y. They They might might not not have have enjoyed enjoyed much much off the o the praise praise and and the the glory, glor y, but but the the Grundfos Grundfos products products have have helped h elped tto o ensure ensure that t hat the t he various var ious venues venues have have been been able able tto o m meet eet a rrange ange o off p pumping umping demands, demands, iincluding ncluding w water ater ssupply, upply, heating heating and and ventilation, ventilation, drainage, drainage, cooling cooling and and fire fire protection pr otect ion ssystems. ystems. ENQUIRY EENQUIRY NQUIR RY
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Tricky ricky finding finding time time to to train train A Apprentice’s pprentice’s h hard ard Burning T Burning B w ork wins wins a ward work award iissue ssue The rrecent The ecent n news ews rreport eport off tthe death off a 7 79-yearo he d eath o 9-yearold man o ld m an who who fell fell iinto nto a scalding s calding hot hot bath bath in in his h is Romford R omford home home h have ave led led tto o calls calls for for more more to to be be done avoid d one tto oa void such such tragic tragic accidents. a ccidents. Stuart Gizzi, Director S tuart G i zz i , D irector att bathroom products a bathroom p roducts manufacturer m anufacturer Inta, Inta, has has llong ong campaigned campaigned about about tthe he importance importance of of antiantiscald s cald products. products. He He says: says: ““Yet Yet again again we we are are ttalking alking about a bout another another avoidable avoidable death caused by scalding d eath ca used b y sca lding bathroom iin nab athroom that that ccould ould have have h ave – and and should should h ave better – been been equipped equipped b etter and a nd safer. safer.. ““This This ttragedy ragedy could could easily have been pree asily h ave b een p re vented. v ented. A basic basic TMV2 TM V2 or or TMV3 T M V3 compliant compliant valve valve no more ccosts osts n om ore tthan han £40 £40 – it it is is not not expensive expensive when when you’re y ou’re talking talking about about the the difference d iffference between bet ween life life and a nd death.” death.”
Ab busy usy working working w week eek iis s tthe he b iggest obstacle obstacle tto o on-going on-going biggest ttraining raining – tthat’s hat’s tthe he c conclusion onclusion off a new Baxi. o new sstudy tudy from from B axi. IIn n a survey survey o off h hundreds undreds o off iinstallers nstallers c carried arried out out b by y tthe he b boiler oiler m manufacturer, anufacturer, iitt emerged eme rged tthat hat 39 39% % ssaid aid tthey hey attend sstruggle truggle tto o a ttend ttraining raining courses c ourses a as s tthey hey ssimply imply don’t have Other d on’t h av ve tthe he time. time. O ther rreasons easons included included having having nothing available nearby, n othing a vailab ble ne n arby, and a nd having having planned planned to to attend attend but b ut cancelled cancelled due due to to time time p ressures. pressures. Despite clear D espite tthis, his, iit’s t’s c lear tthat hat iinstallers nstallers do sometimes sometimes m anage to to find find the the time time to to manage get g et down down tto o their their local local training training centre. ce ntre. The The research researc ch also also believe sshows hows 51% 51% b elieve ttraining raining helps work more h elps tthem hem tto o w ork m ore smartly whilst sm artly and and efficiently, efficiently y, w hilst 49% 49 % enjoy enjoy getting getting tips tips and and peers. ttricks ricks ffrom rom ttheir heir p eers. Steve Owen, Baxi’s S teve O wen, B axi’s National Nationall Training Manager, T raining gM anager, says: says: “We “We know k now training training iis s a ttwo-way wo-way y sstreet treet a and nd tthat hat m manufactures anufactures have h ave a rresponsibility esponsibility tto o make make ttheir heir courses courses accessible, accessible, interesting in teresting and and informative. informative.
““At At B ax i w e believe belie i ve that that Baxi we the g the greater reater tthe he iinstaller’s nstaller’s knowledge k nowledge of of their their trade, trade, tthe he m ore they they can can offer offer to to their their more customers. c ustomers. Training Training offers offer e s iinstallers nstallers the the opportunity opportunity tto o net network work w with ith ttheir heir peers, p eers, sshare hare knowledge knowledge and and a nd experiences, experiences, a nd even even potentially new business p otentiallly form form n ew b usiness rrelationships.” elationships.” To T o help help iinstallers nstallers to to learn learn att their a their convenience, convenie ence, tthe he company now publishes c ompany n ow p ublishes across rregular egular videos videos a cross ssocial ocial media every m edia e very Tuesday. Tu uesday y. Each Each week off iits expert w eek one one o ts e xpert ttrainers rainers covers c overs a different differen nt topic, topic,
A plumber North plumber ffrom rom No r th Shields Shields has has been been named named JJTL’s TL’s ‘National Plumbing Apprentice ‘National Pl umbing A pprentice of Turner, who of the the Year’. Year’. Dale Dale T urner, w ho works Kier works for for K ierr North N rth Tyneside, No Tyneside, won won the the award award at at a ceremony ceremony held held in in London London in in front front of of industry industry rrepresentatives, ep presentattives, fellow and fellow finalists, finalists, ffamily amily a nd friends. friends. He was was chosen chosen from from this year’s cohort off ffourth this y ear’s c ohort o ourth year year apprentices apprentices and and was was presented with an award as presented w ith a na ward a s well well as as a £250 £250 cheque cheque by by JTL J TL Chief Graham. Chief Executive, Executive, Jon Jon G raham. Training organisation and Training o rga anisation a nd registered charity registered c harity JJTL TL rruns uns tthe he annual awards celebrate annual a wards tto oc elebrate young building young ttrainees rainees iin n tthe he b uilding services services engineering engineering sector. sector. Candidates, Candidates, all all in in the the final final year year of of their their apprenticeships, apprenticeships, are are nominated nominated from from each each of of JTL’s across JTL’s seven seven rregions egions a cross England England and and Wales Wales on on tthe he basis performances basis of of ttheir heir p erformances throughout years throughout the the e four fo our y ears of of their their training. training. Dale, who has been Dale, w ho h as b een described described as as a perfectionist perfectionist
ranging ranging g from from servicing servicing g and and maintenance maintenance tto o iinstallation nstallation and Att n no more and repairs. repairs. A om ore tthan han 45 45 seconds seconds iin n llength, ength, tthese hese bitesize bitesize lessons lessons help help bring bring the classroom the c lassroom tto o iinstallers, nstallers, wherever are. wherever tthey hey ya r . re However, However, there’s there’s no no subsubstitute stitute for for getting getting hands-on hands-on experience, experience, so so Baxi Baxi says says that that it crucial it iis sc rucial iinstallers nstallers ttry ry tto o plan ahead plan a head and and fit fit in in training training courses. The company offers courses. T he c ompany o ffers a range range of of courses courses from from 17 17 training centres across training c entres a cross tthe he UK To find UK and and Ireland. Ireland. T o fi nd out out more, visit more, v isit www.baxi.co.uk/ www.baxi.co.uk / training training
and and determined determined to to succeed, succeed, comments: comments: ““Receiving Receiving g tthe he award was exciting aw ward w as rreally eally e xciting but but the the other othe h r nominees nominees sounded good sounded sso og ood that thatt I didn’t didn’t think be winner! think II’d ’d b e tthe he w inner! It’s It’s great have been great tto o h av ve b een able able to to share with share the the moment moment w ith my and my ffamily amily a nd tthe he tteam eam I work with, who all came work w ith, w ho a ll c ame tto o cheer cheer me me on. on. Throughout Throughout my apprenticeship my a pprenticeship I’ve I’ve worked worked towards towards being being the the best can be best tradesman tradesm man I c an b e and award and rreceiving eceiving tthe he a ward iis s definitely bonus!” definitely a b onus!”
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Last month’s winner Congratula Congratulations Congratula ations tions to to last last month’s month’s lucky luc luck ky y winner, winne winner, Liam Liam Kavanagh, K Kavanag avanagh g , who gh, who ffound fo ound Ant’s Ant’ Ant’’s s picture picture on on page page 28 28 at at the th th he e bottom bottom of of the the ‘Getting ‘Getting to to Know Know You’ Y Yo ou’ colum ccolumn olum mn n in in the the June June issue. issue. We We hope hope you you enjoy enj njo oy y your your radio! radio! ENQUIRY
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Survey reveals big Uncertain time for business In brief issues for installers
A lack of skilled workers and poor training opportunities are the most pressing concerns for UK plumbing and heating installers, according to a recent survey by the plastic push-fit pipes manufacturer Hep2O. Over half (56%) of the respondents stated that the skills gap is the biggest threat facing the plumbing industry today. However, more than four fifths (86%) of plumbing professionals would still recommend it as a career, thanks to an abundance of work and high job satisfaction. “It is no secret that the construction industry is in the midst of a skills shortage,” notes Karen Stables, Marketing Manager at Hep2O. “Earlier this year, it was revealed that plumbing is just one of many skilled
professions where demand outweighs supply, and without intervention, this can only get worse. Our survey reinforces how large-scale the issue is becoming.” Hep2O’s State of the Nation survey paints the picture of the modern-day plumber as someone who loves to spend their spare time in the great outdoors, or grabbing a bite to eat in the latest high street restaurant. The findings also provided a number of additional insights, including that plumbers are making the most of the new materials on the market, with over 32% seeing a decline in copper use. Meanwhile, when it comes to the perfect customer, it’s all about prompt payment, with almost half of respondents (48%) saying this is a much appreciated quality.
Almost one in three (28%) building engineering services firms say turnover decreased during the first quarter of this year, according to the latest findings from a quarterly sector-wide Building Engineering Business Survey. This is the highest reported percentage fall in turnover since Q1 2016, when 33% of respondents reported a fall in turnover. Ongoing issues, such as poor payment practices (60% of commercial work was paid later than 30 days after completion), and one-off events, such as unusually adverse weather conditions (34% said this had impacted productivity), likely served as contributing factors to some of the slowdown in growth. The survey is run in partnership by leading engineering services trade bodies BESA, ECA, SELECT and SNIPEF, which represent over 5500 businesses across the UK. SNIPEF Chief Executive Fiona Hodgson comments: “The adverse weather conditions produced additional work for some of our
r ACV, the manufacturer of water and space heating systems, has been acquired by the European heating conglomerate, Group Atlantic, which also includes Ideal Boilers and Hamworthy.
members, with an increase in call-outs for boiler breakdowns and servicing, but others faced a lack of work as a result of site closures. In addition to the continued rise in cost of materials, our members are now facing increased labour costs associated with a shortage of suitably qualified operatives. “These factors, together with poor payment practices and a squeeze on profit margins, mean that while there is hope that the volume of work is beginning to increase, it is a precarious and uncertain time for many businesses.”
Some words for the Wiser As part of a drive to find qualified professionals who can install its Wiser system, Drayton is planning a summer training roadshow. Installers who become ‘Wiser Approved’ will get the opportunity to grow their business with exclusive website leads and sales tools. Tickets to an event cost £80, which will get you expert training, free Wiser kit, workwear, priority technical support and access to the discounted Wiser shop for limited special offers. Mikael Eliaeson, Product Manager at Drayton, explains: “The ‘Wiser Approved’ status is a great way for installers to boost
their business. As well as the leads generated from the website listing, installers will be armed with all the tools they need to get customers on board with the smart heating system. During the training, installers will learn everything from commissioning and set-up to how Wiser integrates with existing heating systems. We’re adding new dates all the time, so find your nearest event and join the Wiser revolution!” To book a place, go to: www.eventbrite. co.uk/o/drayton-17451410700
G G G G G G
r Mitsubishi Electric has announced that it will become an official partner of Special Olympics GB, which supports athletes with intellectual disabilities, for the next two years. r +PIO 'FMHBUF )FBE PG Technical at Stiebel Eltron UK, has been appointed as chairman of the Domestic Heat Pump Association (DHPA). r To improve customer service levels and support its plans for growth, InSinkErator has opened a dedicated UK distribution facility in Milton Keynes. r 5IF 0QVT 4DBOàSF QBSU of Schiedel Chimney System’s Isokern insulating pumice range, has won best Flueing and Ventilation Product at this year’s Hearth & Home Awards. r David Pinder, CEO of Baxi Heating UK, has been appointed to the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) to lead the Green Construction Board (GCB) workstream.
Simple & Rapid Installations - in Minutes Joins plain-end Pipe - No Prep Required Reusable in Pipework Dis/Assembly Stress-Free Joining with Misalignment Problem Solver in Restricted Spaces WRc/WRAS Approved for Potable Water
Email:info@mvfh.co.uk info@mvfh.co.uk www.straub.co.uk • www.mvfh.co.uk Email: ENQUIRY
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NEWS Review
Looking Earn points and win prizes London showroom for Zehnder Group to recruit Ideal Boilers is looking to employ more than 40 additional service engineers across the country. The company says that the move follows a £3m investment and will ensure that it can continue to deliver a first class service to both installers and homeowners. The Hull based business says that the new engineers joining its team can expect to be well looked after. “Ideal Boilers is a great company to work for, which is why so many of our staff have been with us for many years,” says Adam Foy, Ideal’s Domestic Products MD. “We intend to provide the industry’s best customer service, and the recruitment of experienced service engineers is just one of the steps we are taking to make this a reality.”
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Installers who belong to Grant UK’s G1 customer loyalty scheme are set to benefit by a special prize promotion in the second half of this year. Described as the company’s biggest-ever promotion, the campaign was launched at the beginning of July and will run until 31st December 2018.
Over the course of the promotion a prize draw will take place every month, with 50 G1 installers each winning prizes worth up to £400. In addition, there are thousands of runners-up prizes being given away. Any G1 Installer who registers a qualifying product via the G1 Portal or Click app will be rewarded with a monthly prize. The 50 top prizes consist of three highvalue items. Each month, 10 Kane 255 Analyser Kits, 10 Fill and Flush machine packs (which includes the machine, connector and a Grant Mag One filter) and 30 Rhino 3m pipe carriers will be up for grabs. Other gifts include tool sets, Kane pocket thermometers and Kane voltage testers. To enter the prize draws, G1 installers simply need to register a Grant oil boiler, air source heat pump, biomass boiler or solar thermal system via the G1 Portal or G1 Click app during the qualifying period.
Generating rural sales leads A new advertising campaign has been launched by Calor, aimed at generating leads for rural heating installers. The ‘Igniting your Day’ advert promotes the wide range of uses for Calor gas and is aimed at driving consumers to the company’s website where the ‘find an installer’ tool will put them in touch with Calor’s Installer Community.
Karl Bateman, Commercial Specifier Sales Manager at Calor, says: “We know that installers play a vital role – whether that be generating leads for us by recommending LPG to their customers, or by conducting boiler installations and maintenance.” The company is currently offering £250 for every successful customer referral.
Indoor climate solutions provider, Zehnder Group UK has unveiled a new showroom at Islington’s prestigious Business Design Centre (BDC). The facility is primarily aimed at consultants, architects and interior designers, and will showcase the company’s radiant heating and cooling products, comfort ventilation systems and radiators. It also includes the Bisque showroom, which has been re-located from Kilburn and will offer a range of key services including heat loss calculations, radiator sizing and guidance on bespoke options. Nigel Coston, Marketing and Technical Director, comments: “Having a central London location where we can show people our solutions up close is invaluable, as we can give them a hands-on demonstration and they can see the systems in-situ.”
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10 N NEWS EWS R Review eview C entenary is is cause cau use for for or celebration celebrati t on Centenary
Amazzon a Amazon and nd e eBay Bay promote pr omot o e plumbers plumbers Amazon Amazon a and nd e eBay Bay a are re n now ow offering offering tradespeople tradespeople a way way to new customers. to reach reach n ew c ustomers. The The e-commerce g iants h ave e ach e-commerce giants have each launched lau unched their their own own platform plattfo orm that a llows p eople tto o fi nd that allows people find local local plumbers, plumbers, handymen, handymen, electricians, etc. electr icians, et c. The Home offering The H ome Services Services o fffering from Amazon and Local from A mazon a nd L ocal Services Ser vices Ads Ads from from eBay eBay will w ill complement products complement tthe he pr oducts sold websites by sold on on their their w ebsites b y showing showing consumers consumers the the services could be used ser vices tthat hat c ould b eu sed to to support support iinstallation nstallation and and set-up set-up of of their their purchases, purchases,
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such such as as washing washing machines machines and and kitchen kitchen ttaps. aps. The providers are The service ser vice pr roviders a re described descr ibed as as ‘handpicked ‘handpicked tradespeople’ tradespeop ple’ by by Amazon, Amazon, and will give customers and tthey hey w ill g ive c ustomers upfront pricing, upfront pr icing, rratings atings and and reviews reviews from from verified ver ified customers. customers. Not Not to to be be outdone outdone by by Amazon, eBay Amazon, e Bay Advertising Advertising has has soft-launched soft-lau unched ‘eBay ‘eBay Local Local Services Ads’, which also lets Services A ds’, w hich a lso let s businesses use platform businesses u se tthe he p latfo orm for own and offer for ttheir heir o wn ads ads a nd tto oo fffer services relevant ser vices to re levant eBay eBay customers area. customers iin n ttheir heir a rea.
Watford W atford based a d underfloor heating and fle flexible ble pipe pipework work xib Uponor celebrated anniversary. specialist Upo onor has cele brated its 100th anni versary. company was established carpentry The compan y w as first esta blished as a carpentr y workshop Finland began manufacturing w orkshop in F inland in 1918 and be gan ma anufacturing plastic pipes iin n 1965. It has since gr grown own to a €1.2 billion global busines business ss oper operating ating out of mor more e than 30 countries worldwide, established w orldwide, with wiith the UK business esta blish hed in 1997. linked Finnish-British Uponor link ked up with the F innish-Britiish Chamber Commerce invite variety Finnish of Commer ce to in nv vite a v ariety of F innish business delegates dele gates to jo join in the compan company’s ny y’s anni anniversary versary cele celebrations. brations. Following F ollo owing a pr presentation esentation fr from om MD JJohn ohn F Fahy, ah hy, the delegates able explore dele gates were werre ab ble to e xplore the rrange ange of heating, plumbing available from cooling and plu umbing solutions a vailab ble fr o Uponor in om company’s exhibition area, before gathering the compan ny y’s e xhibition ar ea, befor eg ath hering for the birthday cake.. cutting of the birthda b ay cake
Summer S umm m er power power points poin nts promotion promotion Installers registered Installers registered with with Baxi’s Baxi’s W ork ks customer customer lloyalty oyalt y scheme scheme Works h ave the the chance chance to to strike strike it it lucky lucky have tthis his summer summer with with the the company’s company’s P ower P oints promotion. promotion. The The Power Points ccampaign ampaign aims aims to o bring bring a ll the the fun fun all o he fa ir tto o iits ts lloyal oyal iinstallers, nstallers, off tthe fair o fffering e xtra points points which which can can be be offering extra cconverted onverted iinto nto p rizes. prizes. R unning until until 10th 10th August, August, the the Running p romotion o ffer f s tthree hree ttiers iers ffor or promotion offers iinstallers nstallers to to conquer. conquer. er. Each Each level level ccan an be be reached reached by by registering registering a
ccertain ertain n umber o oilers: ttwo wo ffor or number off b boilers: F l weight, four ly four for for Middleweight Middleweight Flyweight, a nd six six for for tthe he cchampions hampions hoping hoping and tto o rreach each Heavyweight Heav yweight status. status. T hese milestones milestones o ffer f 1000, 1000, 2000 2000 These offer a nd 3000 3000 points points respectively, respectively, with with and d ouble p oints ffor or e ach e ligib ble eb oile er double points each eligible boiler rregistered egistered after after six. six. P oints ccan an be be exchanged exchanged for for a Points w ide v ariet y o rizes, ffrom rom S ony wide variety off p prizes, Sony h eadphones tto oT homas Cook Cook h olid day headphones Thomas holiday v ouchers a nd even even a helicopter heliccopter fl yin ng vouchers and flying le sson! lesson!
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PEOPLE on the Move Jaga UK has announced the appointment of Phil Mangnall as its new MD. Drawing on his extensive experience in management, customer relations and business development, Phil will ensure the delivery of energy-efficient heating, cooling and ventilation solutions and strengthen Jaga’s position in the HVAC market. Phil was previously National Sales Manager at the company. The new National Technical Manager at Aico, a specialist in fire and CO alarms, is Andy Speake. Andy joined Aico in 2016 in a technical role before moving to IT Manager. As National Technical Manager, his main role is managing the technical department, including a team that deals with customer enquiries and technical support to the Aico sales team, plus overseeing the Expert Installer training scheme. LG Electronics has announced the appointment of Hugo Lambourn as General Manager, Air Conditioning and Energy Solutions for the UK, Eire and the Nordic region. Hugo will be based at LG’s HQ at Brooklands in Weybridge, Surrey. With over 30 years in the HVAC and construction industry, Hugo has extensive knowledge and experience of many air conditioning and heating brands. Accessible shower specialist AKW has named Ruth Ingledew as MD and Nick Parsons as Group CEO, following a company buyout. Ruth, who worked for the company until 2012 as Marketing Director, has spent the past six years as CEO of Myaware, a UK charity. Nick had worked for AKW previously and has a wealth of industry and core customer links within the reduced mobility sector. Commercial boiler manufacturer Ideal Commercial has appointed Ricky Lewis as Business Development Manager for the North West Home Counties region. Ricky has extensive experience of the industry, gained from rising through the ranks at BDR Thermea over 16 years, starting in the Remeha administration team and moving through various departments before becoming an Area Sales Manager. The Stelrad Radiators specification team has been enhanced with the addition of Dominic Hills, who will look after London, north of the Thames. Dominic will target architects, consultants, main contractors and developers, concentrating on major projects. Previously, he worked with Honeywell Controls and, more recently, for Grundfos where he looked after social housing providers and national contractors. Commercial heating manufacturer Remeha has welcomed Peter Spurway as its Area Sales Manager for the Home Counties. With over 13 years experience in the HVAC industry, Peter is tasked with using his strong technical and sales skills to support Remeha’s existing and new customers in the region. Peter began his career as a gas engineer and has also worked for Strebel and Andrews Water Heaters. Armacell, a manufacturer of flexible insulation foams for mechanical services equipment, has announced the appointment of John Bradley as its new Regional Sales Manager, covering the central territory. John brings with him a decade of industry experience, having previously worked in merchanting and manufacturing since 2008 for Jewson and Kingspan, respectively. Boiler manufacturer and hot water specialist Hamworthy Heating has welcomed Bob Smith as a new member to the sales team for South and West Yorkshire, including Sheffield and Leeds. Bob has an extensive background in the industry and has worked in a variety of roles for LIFF Industries, Indux, Exhausto, Docherty Chimney Group and, most recently, A.O Smith. ENQUIRY
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YOUR YO OUR Views Views 0 ÂŁ10 tter Le
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A more more sustainable sustainable ssolution olution With With a well well built built insulated insulated house, house, do do we we still still need our need to to always a lways consider consider a gas gas boiler boi ler for for o ur hot hot water water and a nd heating? he at i n g ? In In March March this this year, year, my my combi combi boiler boiler stopped stopped working work i n g after a f ter 19 19 years yea rs of of service. ser v ice. My house 44 My h ouse was wa s installed i nsta l le l d with w ith a 4 4 ttube ub e heat plumbed direct heat pipe pipe collector col lector p lu mbed d i rect iinto nto a 765432 )%2 76 543 110/.2 0 / . 11-43,0+2 -43 ,0 + *1)34(2 *1)34( '-42 ' -42 &)72 &)72 ) % 11-42 -4 boiler, up also boi ler, was wa s to to back b a ck u p tthe he ssolar ola r iinput, nput, a l so direct d i rect into i nto tthe he sstore. tore. '-42 ' -4 1-43,0+2 1-43 ,0 + *1)342 *1)342 *6$$+#4"2 *6$$+ #4"2 -)12 -)1 !01432 !01432 through an external plate heat exchanger t h r ou g h a ne x t er n a l p l at e h e at e xcha n ger indirect, combi boiler, but with indirect, llike ike a c omb bi b oiler, b ut w ith sstorage. torage. '-42 2*144+230"#01)3*2!4342-4014"2%3),2 ' -42 2*144+ 30" #01)3*2!4342-4014"2%% 3),2 the with the ssecondary econda r y water water in i n the t he store, store, w ith tthe he +#/"4321-43,)*1012*412012 ( + # /"43211-43 ,)*1012* 1 4120 1 12 1 ( Outside depths off w winter December/ Outside tthe he d epths o inter iin nD ecember/ January, January, the the input input from from solar solar could could be be as as high high 0*2 2#/1)21-42*1)3420/"2#/1)21-4230"#01)3*2 0*2 2#/1)21-42*1)34 0/" #/1)21-4 30"#01)3*2 1)2,0#/10#/202-)6*4214,$43016342)%2 1)2,0#/10#/ 022-)6*4214,$43016342)%2 2 2 )/ 421-42-)6*42-0"2 3*12744/2-4014"27 21-42 )/ 4 1-42-)6*42-0" 3*1 744/ -4014" 7 1-42 7)#+432%3),2 21)2 ( 0,(2 7)# +432%% 3),2 21)2 ( 0 ,( On On inspecting i nspecti n g the the boiler, boi ler, I found fou nd a leak le ea k %3),2 % 3),2 11-42 -42 #3)/2 # 3)/2 -4012 -401 4 -0/ 43 2 4 -0 / 43 2 *)2 *) *-612 *-61 )52 )52 the water and drained water t he w ater ssupply upply a nd d ra i ned tthe he w ater iin n the the pipes pipes down. dow n. All A l l I had had as a s a backup, ba ck up, was wa s 1x3 3kW heater half way kW iimmersion mmersion h eater llocated ocated h a lf w ay 6$21-42 2+#13421-43,0+2*1)34( 6$21-42 2++ #13421 -43 ,0 +2*1)34(
I iincreased ncrea sed tthe he tthermostat her mostat temperature temperatu re 11)2 20/"2342*4121-421#,42 +) .2%)321-42 . 2 )2 0/" 34 *41 1-4 1#,42 +) . %)3 1-4 . 2 on att 5 5am heat iimmersion m mersion to to come come o na a m tto oh eat tthe he -)6*420/"2*!#1 -4"2)52012 0,20%143202-)12 )6*4 0 /"2 *! #1 -4"2 )5 01 0 , 0 % 143 0 -)1 **-)!43(2'-42"0 21#,42-4014"2!01432!0*2,412 -)!43( '-42"0 1#,4 -4014"2!0143 !0* ,412 by but on very cold overcast b y solar sola r thermal, therma l, b ut o nv er y c old o vercast days, on heater. d ays, I switched sw itched o n tthe he iimmersion m mersion h eater. 3kW heated IIss a 2 x 3 kW h eated vented vented tthermal herma l sstore tore combined with heat pipe collectors c ombi ned w ith h e at p ipe ttube ub e c ol lectors a more viable high cost m ore v iable iinvestment nvestment tthan ha n tthe he h igh c os t gas boiler? tto o rreplace epla ce a g as b oi ler? 0*2 11432 $3# 42 2 )/10 14"2 )/10 14" 02 0* 1143 %%)32 )32 02 $ 3 # 4 %%)32 )32 02 /4!2 0*27)#+432 (2 )*12-),4)!/43*2 / 4! 0 * 7)# +432
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2 )*1 -),4)! /43*2 will w i l l also a lso sign si g n up up to to a monthly month ly service ser v ice cost. cost. With W it h so so many ma ny thousands thousa nds of of planned pla n ned new ne w homes cost h omes to to be be built, built, and and the the c ost tto o rreplace eplace 2 x . 2#,,43*#)/2-40143*2+4**21-0/2 2!#1-2 . 2#,,43*#)/2-40143*2 * +4**21-0 /2 ! #1-2 zero costs as z ero sservice e r v ic e c osts ((as a s llong on g a s tthe he tthermal her m a l vented and no sstore tore iiss v ented a nd n o glycol g lycol iin n tthe he solar sola r ** *14, 21-#*2-0*21)27420/20+143/01# 421)202 *14, 1- #*2 -0 * 1)2 74 0 /2 0 +143 /01# 42 1) 0 gas boiler heating g as b oi ler central centra l h eati n g system. s y s t em . Unlike gas boiler, 44 collectors U nlike tthe he g as b oiler, my my 4 4 ttube ube c ollectors 0342!)3.#/ 20*21-4 2-0 42744/2*#/ 42 2 0 342!)3. # / 20*21-4 -0 4 744/ *# / 42 2 ass iiss m my vented Solar heat a yv ented tthermal her ma l sstore. tore. S ola r h e at pipe p ipe collectors collectors combined combined tthermal hermal sstore tore llooks ooks key more hot water llike ike tthe he k ey tto oam ore ssustainable ustainable h ot w ater and heating a nd h eati n g ssystem. y s t em . Eric Hawkins, via email E r ic H awk ins, v ia e ma i l
Let et us u kn k know n no ow wh ow w what h ha at yo at you ou th ou think... hink nk... 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 e address your o letters lettters to: The Editor, PHAM News, 1b Station Square, Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1DP
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July/August 2018
GADGETS & Tools 17 Portable Wi-Fi for Where you should stick your sealants going on the road New to the Makita 10.8V CXT range is the CG100D Caulking Gun CXT which generates 5000 Newtons of push force, which is identical to the larger 18V model. The 300ml holder will contain the popular cartridge-type sealants while an optional 600ml holder can be used with bulk sealant. The holders will rotate through 360° for the most efficient delivery position. The anti-drip function releases some push force as its variable speed trigger is released to draw
material back from the nozzle. This highly manoeuvrable, compact and lightweight tool has an overload warning lamp, a trigger lock for security, LED job light and an ergonomic pistol grip for complete machine control. The CG100D caulking gun is available as body only with a 300ml holder, or complete with two 2.0Ah batteries and charger. www.makitauk.com
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Go from entry level to heavy duty Supporting the latest 4G LTE network, the TP-Link M7350 can reach up to 150 Mbps download speeds to enjoy HD movies without interruption, download files in seconds and hold a video chat without dropouts. Plug and play, just insert a 4G SIM card to create a personal dual-band WiFi hotspot on the move, then instantly share 4G/3G connectivity with up to 10
It’s all in the wrist
Leatherman has come up with a bracelet that puts 29 tools right around your wrist. Each tool on the Leatherman Tread is built into a 17-4 stainless link, making things like Allen wrenches, screwdrivers and box wrenches available at a moment’s notice. Engraved on the back of all 12 links are the names of the tools available on that particular link. While these tools probably won’t help you install a boiler or new bathroom, they will come in handy in everyday situations. Stylish and useful, the Leatherman Tread doesn’t come cheap. Prices start at £155 on Amazon.
Wi-Fi enabled devices. With a powerful 2000 mAh battery, the M7350 is able to operate for eight hours at full capacity and 400 hours of standby. For added flexibility, the device can be recharged via a micro USB cable connected to a laptop or portable charger for endless hours of 4G sharing. Get yours on Amazon by searching for TP-LINK M7350. It will run you around £65.
The latest additions to Bosch’s already extensive 18V cordless range include two combi drills, two drill drivers and a powerful impact driver which serves equally as an impact wrench. The impact driver (GDX 18 V-180 Professional Impact Driver) features a two-in-one bit holder that combines a ¼in hexagon holder with a ½in external square holder. It enables the impact driver to handle anything from
screwdriving and drilling in wood or metal to wrenching stubborn nuts and bolts. Professionals looking for a drill driver or a combi drill have the option of the GSB 18 V-21 Professional Combi Drill, which offers entry-
level economy but with professional performance. For extra power and durability, the all-round abilities of the GSR 18 V-28 Professional Drill Driver and GSB 18 V-28 Professional Combi Drill are on offer.
Key differences include the full-metal chuck of the GSR/GSB 18 V-28 models and electronic motor protection (EMP), which guards against overloads and ensures a long lifetime. As part of the Bosch Flexible Power System, the new products are fully compatible with the chargers and batteries of all others in the Bosch range of 18V power tools. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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Handy plugs block pipes and holes
Pipestoppers’ Nylon Plugs are designed for applications where holes need to be blocked. The range of lightweight plugs are suitable for applications where the hole sizes are 0.5 to 6in (12 to 150mm) diameter. These handy plugs can be used when cleaning and carrying out maintenance work in residential buildings, factories and offices. Other applications include the stopping of pipes to prevent foreign bodies or liquids from entering or gases and liquids from escaping, blocking pipes in order to carry out
routine maintenance, repair work and leak testing. As ‘overnight stoppers’ they provide a strong barrier in pipeline activities to prevent foreign bodies entering the line during downtime. The plugs can also be used for weld purging smaller diameter pipes. They are supplied with a hollow shaft with an outside ½in BSP thread for screwing on a standard hose connection or solid shaft versions up to 1.5in diameter for pressure testing. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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18 ENERGY Matters
RHI: reformed and refocused Since its launch in 2011, the Renewable Heat Incentive has fallen well-short of its remit to expand the use of renewable heating systems and reduce carbon emissions. To breathe some life back into the RHI, the Government has begun a series of reforms. PHAM News reports.
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the oil heating body, which argues that in addition to equipment costs, renewable technologies often require additional work such as new radiators, insulation or storage for fuel. This extra work also introduces the ‘hassle factor’, another barrier to consumer engagement. OFTEC CEO Paul Rose comments: “Households urgently need access to more affordable and practical low carbon heating solutions. This is especially true for those living off-gas grid where properties tend to be older with the lowest EPC ratings and so are harder to treat.” The APHC has made similar observations. CEO John Thompson says the high capital outlay for renewables “is undoubtedly leading people to choose gas and oil boilers over renewable and low-carbon alternatives”. In the same vein, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) has pointed out that householders installing renewables tend to be financially secure and live in large properties where the economic case for joining the scheme Not interested is most compelling. PAC chairwoman Meg Hillier says: “Government got it In an effort to identify the problems within the RHI’s performance and propose a path forward, the House of wrong on RHI. The dismal take-up rate tells its own story. Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) published Government must get better at understanding the way a report of its inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive households manage their money in the real world.” BEIS has admitted that (RHI) in May. It concluded the it did not carry out enough scheme had failed to meet its consumer research into the “The RHI does not work for households decarbonisation objectives or upfront costs of the scheme provide value for money for unable to pay the high upfront costs of and the impact it would the £23 billion expected total renewable heating equipment” have on take-up of the RHI. cost to taxpayers. The report However, there are plans to compared the RHI with the address this barrier with a much-maligned Green Deal in saying the Department’s forecasts of take-up were ‘wildly variety of measures, including ‘assignment of rights’, which will allow a third party to pay for a participant’s renewable over-optimistic’. The PAC report stated that low take-up of the RHI was heating system in return for their RHI tariff payments. chiefly down to a failure to understand what consumers Ill-prepared want and the barriers to participation in the scheme. Most significantly, the high upfront cost of renewable heating BEIS has also come under fire for having given too little equipment has placed the RHI out of reach of many, consideration to the reasons for consumer heat choices. People tend to replace gas boilers at the time they break down especially low income households. This is a point that has been repeatedly raised by OFTEC, or as part of a refurbishment, and like-for-like replacements are most common because it is comparatively cheap and imposes less hassle than a new renewable system. The committee found that the Department needs to develop a heat strategy that joins up policy-making across heat networks, energy efficiency, product quality and building regulations. The report concludes: “It may be that for many homes and families, heat pumps or biomass boilers are not the answer and other alternatives should be considered.” A surprising unintended consequence of the RHI has been its contribution to poor air quality. The committee report states that some RHI-funded installations, like biomass boilers which produce smoke, contribute to air pollution. Although biomass boilers are required to have an emissions certificate, there is no monitoring programme for emissions, even when non-compliance is suspected. Other issues identified by the PAC report include noncompliance of scheme rules, rates of which PAC describes as ‘too high’. Nor is there an estimate of the amount of money overpaid to participants who have manipulated the scheme’s rules. PAC recommends that BEIS publish its estimates of the impact of fraud and noncompliance across the whole RHI population and to continue this practice for the duration of the scheme.
hen the Renewable Heat Incentive was set up in 2011 to promote the growth of renewable and low carbon heating in England, Scotland and Wales, the Government committed the perennial sin of over promising and under-delivering. A programme that was supposed to usher in more than half a million renewable heating systems by 2020 now appears to be on track for 111,000 new installations by 2021, or just 22% of the original projection, according to National Audit Office figures. Since 2014, only 60,000 renewable appliances have been installed under the Domestic RHI, compared to 6.2 million gas boilers over the same period. Despite the RHI’s disappointing performance, the Government has said it will continue funding the programme until March 2021 under a reformed RHI scheme. Among the reforms are tariff uplifts and heat demand limits, designed to make the RHI more effective.
Reformed and refocused Tariff changes were laid before Parliament in February as part of number of proposed amends to the domestic and non-domestic RHI schemes, which ministers hope will boost renewable uptake. The revised RHI rules came into force on 22nd May and are designed to redress payment eligibility, introducing new policies covering metering of heat ENQUIRY
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pump performance, tariff guarantees and shared ground loops, as well as extending the RHI’s budget management mechanism until the end of 2021. Heat pump manufacturer Kensa says the most significant reform is the decision to base Non-Domestic RHI payments for residential properties linked to shared ground loops on the deemed heat consumption taken from the property’s EPC. MD Simon Lomax says: “In many cases, shared ground loop systems will benefit tenants who are living in fuel poverty, as landlords can now invest with confidence and deliver systems which offer the lowest running costs.”
Key RHI changes Tariff uplift Tariffs were increased last year for biomass plant and air and ground source heat pumps (though not for solar thermal). Tariffs currently stand at: Biomass: 6.54p/kWh
ASHP 10.18p/kWh
GSHP 19.86p/kWh
These tariffs are guaranteed until 30 September, 2018, after which tariff rates for new applications can be lowered when uptake of a specific technology is higher than anticipated.
Metering for performance All new applications for heat pumps to the Domestic RHI scheme will be required to have electricity metering arrangements installed alongside their heating system. The three metering options are: r r r
electricity meters on-board electricity meters metering and monitoring service package (MMSP)
This change will provide a better understanding of the heat pump system’s electricity usage. Of the three options, MMSP provides the most detailed data on the performance of their heat pump system.
Heat demand limits To ensure subsidy payments represent good value for money, your customer will be paid on either their annual heat demand listed on their EPC or the heat demand limit – whichever is lower. Heat demand limits are set for air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and biomass systems. Solar will continue to be paid according to the estimated annual generation on the MCS certificate. Biomass: 25,000 kWh
ASHP 25,000 kWh
GSHP 30,000 kWh
Assignment of rights BEIS is introducing an option to help householders access finance to overcome the barrier of the upfront cost of a renewable heating system. This is called assignment of rights, where households can assign their rights to RHI payments to investors. Assignment of rights was introduced with the second stage of regulations that were laid out on 7 February 2018, and came into effect on 27 June 2018.
MCS standards Make sure you are certified to version 5.0 of MIS 3005, the MCS standards for heat pumps.
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Getting to know you
HORROR SHOW
Each month, PHAM News shines the spotlight on installers around the country to get a picture of what life is like for them at work and at play.
Installation work that will make you shiver!
NAME: David Walker COMPANY: Go Eco Heating FROM: Chelmsford, Essex
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!
At work...
At play...
How often do you attend a training course? “On average I attend two training courses a year and try to stick to this as I think it’s important to keep ahead of changes in the industry. When I was based in Cumbria, my closest Worcester training centre was in Wakefield so was still quite a distance. Now that I’m here in Essex though, I have Worcester’s West Thurrock training centre close by, so I’m hoping to attend more training courses as and when I can.”
What’s your favourite takeaway? “I’ve got to admit, I really love having takeaway food as a treat. My favourite is an Indian takeaway, but I’ve recently got into Thai food too.”
How often do you work at weekends? “I am very lucky in that I rarely have to work at the weekends. Although I can get called out at any time for a job, my work tends to increase in winter months so I can usually gauge when I’m likely to be busier.” What’s best about the job you do? “There are lots of things that I love about my job, but for me one of the best things about being an installer is how grateful people are when you get their heating back up and running in the winter.” Would you encourage your son or daughter to follow in your footsteps? “I would definitely encourage my children to go into the plumbing and heating industry as a career. Every installation is different and it is always great to have a trade to fall back on, especially when it’s your own business.” Do you think heating spares are overpriced? “It depends on the manufacturer. Sometimes the heating spares for lower priced boilers are really expensive – that’s the way they increase their turnover, as they didn’t get it on the original boiler sales price. I have a few merchants that I can rely on for spares and parts rather than having to shop around or go online to find the best deal.” Do you think smart controls help save energy? “Yes, definitely. People can control their heating far better with a smart control rather than leaving it on and forgetting about it. I think homeowners are more aware of the controls available now and how to use them correctly to help save energy and keep bills down.”
To join the Gas App community simply visit the Apple or Google store and search for Gas App Uk and get a 7-day free trial.
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The X Factor or Strictly Come Dancing? “If I really had to choose, it would be the X Factor, but in all honesty, I don’t watch either show all that often.” Where are you going on holiday this year? “It’s not too long actually before we have our summer holiday as a family. This year we are going camping in France, near Lyon. We are taking the van I use for the business, which has plenty of room for all of us.” What’s your favourite sport to watch? “That’s a tricky one as I enjoy watching both football and cricket, but I definitely watch football more often. My team of choice when it comes to football is Liverpool.” Do you do much DIY work at home? “I do a lot of DIY at home and will do as much as I can by myself. I probably do some form of DIY work every couple of weeks – there’s always a job to be getting on with!” What’s your favourite accent? “Scouse is my favourite accent, probably because I’m a Liverpool fan.” Do you spend a lot of time on social media? “No, I don’t spend much time on social media – I much prefer to spend my spare time with my family, to be honest. ”
What tool could you least do without? “I’d say I rely on my cordless angle grinder the most. I use it on most of my jobs as it’s really handy, especially when it comes to flues, and saves a lot of time.”
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July/August 2018
TRAINING Update 21 Courses on pumps Good introduction to building control
The Grundfos Pump School has re-opened its doors and is now offering a choice of 11 courses covering topics that relate to a wide range of applications including fire, dosing and wastewater. Two new courses have recently been added to the curriculum, specifically aimed at people working with pump solutions in industrial and building services applications. Courses are held over one day and include the opportunity to get ‘hands on’ with various pump solutions. There are a range of dates available for the remainder of 2018 and a choice of venues. Grundfos recommends early online booking to ensure a place on a course. www.grundfos.co.uk
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The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is now offering a new training course aimed at providing a starting point for professionals working in the building controls industry: ‘BCM00 Introduction to Building Controls and HVAC training course’. The course is also said to be ideal for anyone wishing to gain further understanding and insight into the world of building controls and to develop their knowledge and awareness of the subject. The BCM00 course is designed for facilities and estate managers, electricians and building services
trades personnel, including marketing and PR staff. The introductory course provides an understanding of day-to-day involvement in building controls and HVAC and covers topics such as basic control of heating, types of control heating systems, primary heating plant, distribution of heating, hot water service and centralised HWS. The introductory course offers a progression route, as this can be followed by a suite of six CPD-accredited courses: BCM01-06 covers all aspects of building controls in general detail. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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Discover more at London facility Discover is the name of a new digital campaign from Rehau, aimed at promoting the educational benefits of the Rehau Hub at the London Building Centre. Discover Knowledge is all about the CPD courses which are run regularly at the Hub. Rehau currently offers 12 CPD courses for plumbing and heating, fenestration, heat networks and acoustics. On the website, the Discover Knowledge section lists all the latest course information and has an online booking function so users can book their place with just a few clicks of the mouse. www.rehau.uk/hub
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Colchester centre Shower videos show how it’s done gains certification Essex Trade Training, set up by enterprising gas and electrical engineer, Micky Kline, is the latest facility to gain accreditation from certification body Logic Certification (LCL). Based in Colchester, the training centre currently offers training for gas engineers but aims to grow to suit learners in a range of different trades in the future. Micky says: “Right now I’m concentrating on qualified gas engineers and ACS, but I could see us moving into training new blood with LCL’s Managed Learning Program later down the line. The next step will be electrics. I’m planning to offer the new 18th Edition Wiring Regulations qualification later this summer.” LCL’s External Verifier and Technical Specialist, Andrew Jones, guided Micky through the technical approval process and has been impressed with his
A new series of training videos covering some of the most common queries from installers has been put together by shower manufacturer Aqualisa. Available on the company’s website and Facebook page, the short videos include an overview of how smart showers work, plus easy to follow step-by-step guides for the Aqualisa Quartz and QTM ranges, the smart valve and bath fillers.
Vicky Daniels, Channel Marketing Manager, says:
“While we offer hands-on training sessions across the
UK, we realise installers can’t always take time out of their business to attend. With a growing interest in smart showers in particular, we wanted to give installers easy access to training materials that can help them day to day, enabling them to take full advantage of this growing market.” For more information about Aqualisa’s training sessions please visit www. aqualisa.co.uk/training
drive and enthusiasm. He says: “It has been an absolute pleasure supporting Micky in obtaining his Logic Certification approval; it is a massive undertaking to develop a new training and assessment business. “On behalf of LCL, I would like to wish Micky every success in his new venture and I look forward to providing further support as he develops his business in the future.”
College success City College Norwich has won a £10,000 prize to revamp its heating and plumbing facilities, having taken the top prize in this year’s Graham College Refresh Scheme. The competition is open to colleges across the UK who are judged on a range of criteria. Three other shortlisted finalists – Hull College, Brockenhurst College’s Marchwood Campus and New City College’s Hackney Campus – were each rewarded with a £1000 consolation prize. ENQUIRY
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22 BUSINESS Matters
How to put in a successful bid Whether you operate in the private or public sector, new business is increasingly won through the tendering process, and using outside expertise to help put a bid together could make all the difference to landing a contract. Yvette Worth, Director of WorthPR, explains more.
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hen putting together a tender document or bid, too many organisations represent their skills quite poorly. So what can you do to improve your chances of winning the bid?
Choose your bid team carefully By all means ask your technical team to provide all the technical information, specifications and prices, but remember that you also need to be good with words. Can you argue your case well? The best team will comprise both technical and marketing people, a blend of technical know-how and writing expertise. Appoint a bid manager – this can be a member of staff or an outsourced provider. Putting the bid together should be their main focus; you may have many other plates to spin. Let the bid manager chase contributions from all the team, collate it and draft your bid as a cohesive and persuasive argument.
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Less is more You might think that the more bids you submit, the more you win. Experience shows the opposite is true. Tendering for fewer contracts that really fit with your organisation will not only give you a better chance of success, it will be a better use of your valuable time. If you can’t commit the time and resources required to make a winning bid, consider not bidding. And if your existing business would suffer while you put your bid together, is it worth it? Don’t take knowledge for granted You know everything you can do; your prospective purchaser probably does not. Even if you are the incumbent provider, in the time since you were appointed, you may have added services which will add value to the client. Treat every bid as if it is new business and explain everything that you have to offer. Repetition from section to section is fine. If you said in section 4a that
you have ISO9001, don’t neglect to mention it again in section 8b if it’s relevant. In reality, section 4 and section 8 may be read and evaluated by different people, who may never compare notes. An outsourced bid writer, being one step removed, may be impressed by something you take for granted and will be able to convey that to your prospective buyer.
Comply with the requirements A lot of tenders are submitted online or within a template provided by the purchaser. Unless it conforms to their style, your bid will either lose points or be disqualified. If you can’t fit all your wording into the space provided, you need a bid writer who can convey more meaning in fewer words. Equally important, if the bid or tender template allows 1000 words to explain your technical expertise, but you sum up all your skills in 150 words, the buyer is not going to be impressed. An outsider’s view is
really helpful here. Don’t just throw in a few jargon terms – let the bid writer explain carefully and clearly.
Focus on what’s important If you are given a guide to how many points each section is worth, make sure you really do justice to those with the most points. However, don’t neglect the ones that carry fewer points. There may be little to separate one bid from another, so the minor points will, ironically, matter enormously. If you know that price is not your major competitive factor, you absolutely must ensure that you cover all the other bases. If you score fewer points on price, you may still win on technical expertise or even on social responsibility. What you see as less important could give you that edge that wins the day.
Avoid silly mistakes If you submit a lot of bids, there is a real danger of leaving in a mention of the last prospective client in your bid. Don’t put off a prospective buyer by getting their name wrong. If you
do want to copy and paste a previous answer, ask yourself a few questions. Did this answer help you to win a bid? If not, try redrafting your answer more persuasively. If you are trying to persuade a prospective buyer that your team will pay meticulous attention to detail, a liberal scattering of spelling mistakes will make them think otherwise. It’s a minor thing, but you could lose business because of it.
Outside help Larger organisations increasingly have their own bid writers and teams who contribute enormously to the winning of new business. Smaller organisations can also benefit from a bid writer, whether for a one-off or as a semi-regular member of the team. If you don’t have a really good writer in-house, or someone who has the time to devote to bidding for new business, it may pay to bring in some outside expertise. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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BUSINESS Matters 23 Plan provides deals and discounts
Selling yourself Amazon and eBay are now offering tradespeople a way to reach new customers and grow their businesses. The e-commerce giants have each launched their own platform that allows people to find local plumbers, handymen, electricians, etc, providing a direct route to local services. The Home Services offering from Amazon and Local Services Ads from eBay will complement the products sold on their websites by showing consumers the services that could be used to support installation and set-up of purchases, such
as washing machines and kitchen taps. The service providers on Amazon are described as ‘handpicked tradespeople’, and customers will benefit from upfront pricing and customer reviews. Not to be outdone by Amazon, eBay Advertising has soft-launched ‘eBay Local Services Ads’, which also lets businesses use the platform for their own ads and offer services to relevant eBay customers in their area. It is initially being piloted in the UK, with Germany also trialling it.
Home improvement marketing service Quotatis has launched a Smart Savings plan for its members to benefit from business and personal discounts. A package of over 200 trade and leisure deals and discounts are available through the Smart Savings account. The account costs £10 per month, which Quotatis says gives members the chance to use hundreds of deals, make back their subscription fee, and potentially save £900 a year. Some of the trade deals include preferential rates on TradePoint supplies, up to 5p per litre off fuel,
5% off power tools at Anglia Tool Centre, and free commercial vehicle
recovery. There are also deals on leisure activities, including discounted cinema tickets and a free drink from Caffè Nero each month. Quotatis provides trade businesses, including heating and plumbing companies, with customer enquiries and leads as part of its service to tradespeople and consumers. As a temporary special offer, the Smart Savings account is available for just £100 a year when paid upfront. For more details about the service, please visit the company’s website: www.quotatispro.co.uk
R&D may qualify firms for tax relief Engineering and building firms may be missing out on research and development tax relief, according to specialist tax relief firm Catax, which says more than eight in 10 firms in the sector could be eligible. Research shows that 83% of companies have developed new products or business processes in the past two
years, but only four in 10 (39%) report ever claiming it. This is either because they don’t think they qualify or they incorrectly believe that it is expensive. Catax CEO, Mark Tighe, comments: “The engineering and building sector could be squandering tens of millions of pounds a year. “The situation is that the
majority of firms in the industry could be eligible to claim, but a minority do so. “In a world of tight margins this situation has got to change, and cost benefit doesn’t come into it because most good R&D tax relief firms will work on a commission basis. “It’s important firms recognise that R&D is not all
about lab coats and multinational companies, and the R&D doesn’t even have to have been successful to qualify.” R&D tax relief only applies to those businesses that are liable for corporation tax, including businesses making a loss. For more information, please visit: www.catax.com
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24 MERCHANT & Distributor News Opening another Branded credit cards for customers Hampshire branch Barclaycard is partnering with selected companies of the Travis Perkins Group to launch a new range of co-branded business credit cards. These no-fee cards will provide customers with an extended interest-free credit period of up to 116 days for all purchases made at the initial participating companies – Travis Perkins and Toolstation. Customers will also benefit from up to 56 days of interest-free credit on purchases made in all other retailers where the card is accepted. John Meaden, Marketing
Following the success of its original Bournemouth branch, Gasbits Ltd, a plumbing, heating and bathroom specialist, has expanded into New Milton. The company was launched in 2005 after Steve Ware, a plumbing and heating engineer, became tired of the poor service he was experiencing with merchants. He teamed up with Ross Pavey, whom he met while working for a national supermarket chain. Steve’s proposition was to create a merchant company that provides a truly interactive customer service, starting by selling boiler spares from a small trade counter in Bournemouth. Gasbits now employs 15 staff, and the new store marks their second bathroom showroom launch under the moniker The Bathworks.
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Director at Toolstation, says: “Our successful growth as a business has been built on listening to our customers and providing them with
the products, prices and services they need, in the right place at the right time. Our trade customers told us they wanted interest-
free credit facilities, and our partnership with Barclaycard, one of the world’s leading and most trusted financial service providers, is our response. We are confident the cards will prove very popular, offering another great reason to shop at Toolstation.” Details of this proposition are available at all Travis Perkins and Toolstation locations, and applications can also be made via their respective websites (www. travisperkins.co.uk and www.toolstation.com).
Stocking up on electric water heaters Heating, plumbing and bathroom wholesaler Primaflow F&P has added Ariston’s hot water heaters to its nationwide stock portfolio. The range includes small electric water heaters ranging from 5 to 30 litres, with an output of between 2 to 3kW, and their corresponding installation kits. Commenting on the wholesale
agreement, Category Manager for Heating Mark Shelford says: “We are delighted to be stocking Ariston’s range of innovative hot water heaters. The renowned Andris Lux Eco, Andris Lux and Piccolo have all been developed with energy efficiency, user comfort and reliability in mind, while complying with all necessary UK standards and
legislation. Plus, the extensive choice of sizes and capacities available ensures our merchant and retail customers will be able to stock water heaters suitable for any application.” The heaters will be available in Primaflow F&P branches nationwide from 1st July, with next-day delivery available on orders placed before 5pm.
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Renovation ideas that will bring rewards With a good knowledge of trends and technology, installers can tap into the growing number of homeowners who view the bathroom as a top priority when renovating their home – so says Derek Charge, Regional Showroom Manager at Graham Plumbers’ Merchant.
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one are the days of avocado shades of green that used to adorn the bathrooms of the 1970s. Now we’ve replaced this rather vivid slathering of colour for more muted tones of white with splashes of black and grey, otherwise known as monochrome. T imeless in desig n, monochrome rules out any tricky colours to work with, allowing for the detail to be applied through tile, design, Derek Charge, Regional lighting or statement pieces. Showroom Manager There are several ways to utilise a monochrome colour scheme in your bathroom. For example, it can be used as a feature piece either through a vivid floor pattern or within a feature wall to create a striking design that centres the room. On the other side of the spectrum, monochrome can be used in a more muted, minimalist design, such as having a completely black floor and walls, with complementing white bathroom furniture. This allows for a more spa-like experience, creating a relaxing space for the homeowner.
On the tiles It is not just the size, colour or patterns of tiles that are getting more diverse; manufacturers are also playing around with shapes and textures to create a subtle or more pronounced focal point for the bathroom. Although the traditional subway tile has been the go-to for quite a few years now, in recent years they have been elongated and made leaner for a sleeker visual appeal and laid in different positions, such as herringbone, for a more unique spin. However, throughout 2018 we are already seeing tiles take on a more fluid form with rounded edges and irregular shapes. Options include scallop patterns, fish-scales, circles and hexagons. These more unusual shapes piece together to create striking effects, adding flair to modern bathrooms. When these unusual shapes are teamed with textured designs, they can make even the most boring wall a textured masterpiece. Rough-finish designs in natural shades, for instance, create a chic, spa-like feel in a neutral bathroom that might otherwise seem bland or clinical – especially
Good storage is key to the success of many modern bathrooms
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Graham Plumbers’ Merchant has recently updated its bathroom showroom experience – there are over 25 around the country
A tour of a showroom can help inspire customers with new design ideas to help brighten up their bathroom
when they are used in specific areas, such as around a bath or shower.
controllable via a remote control from up to 10m away and allows the end-user to completely personalise their experience, placing them in complete control (see also page 32).
Intelligent storage Homeowners have left behind minimal storage, where bathroom surfaces just became more cluttered. Storage in 2018 is all about intelligent design, creating cupboard space without getting in the way of the decor by focusing on unused corners, heights and areas below eye level. For instance, floating storage such as shelves or wall hung vanity units that combine drawers with vital bathroom furniture such as the basin, create a more open floor space, giving the illusion of a much larger room.
Warming up
Graham’s Offer Planning, buying and installing a new bathroom is not something a homeowner does regularly. Therefore for installers, ensuring that the design of your customers’ bathroom reflects the latest design trends is of vital performance to ensure full customer satisfaction. However it can be difficult when interior designs are constantly changing not only from year to year but also from season to season. To support installers, at Graham Plumbers’ Merchant we’ve updated our bathroom showroom experience with a greater emphasis on design trends and inspiring visitors. A valuable resource for bathroom installers, the showrooms aim to help them win new business by providing their customers with advice and 3D designs. Trained and knowledgeable Graham showroom consultants are on hand to guide your customer around the showroom, sharing their knowledge on the products available and advising the customer on design combinations and delivery times.
Modern radiator designs now allow homeowners to create a wall feature that takes the fixture away from just being functional. Popular materials for 2018 include stainless steel and aluminium due to its lightweight properties. However copper and brass materials with classic Victorian finishes should still be considered if your customer has a traditional style bathroom. New designs that redefine the radiator from something subtle that should complement the room to a piece of wall Join the Elite art itself are also an emerging trend Aqualisa’s QTM smart shower Every Graham Showroom runs an ‘Elite within 2018. Slimmer designs that are hung vertically or shaped into a circle make radiators a Installer’ scheme where selected installers enjoy enhanced focal point of the bathroom without anyone realising their service levels for themselves and their customers while also appearing on Graham’s unique ‘How to find a plumber practical function. the Graham way’ advice leaflet. Smart technology Additionally, each installer has the opportunity to have With many homeowners turning to the bathroom as a place rewards added to their ‘Graham Plumbers Club’ account to relax and unwind, it is becoming ever more important when they encourage their customer to come into the for technology to turn this room from a place of necessity Showroom and discuss their bathroom ideas with our into one of calm and convenience. trained consultants. Intuitive technologies such as voice and remote control To discuss how to become an ‘Elite Installer’ simply visit is shaping the direction of the smart home and in 2018 it is your nearest showroom and discuss the scheme with our also starting to be integrated within the bathroom – with showroom team. For further information, please visit: www. manual shower controls becoming a thing of the past. grahamplumbersmerchant.co.uk/our-services/showrooms Shower brands such as Aqualisa have introduced smart shower products, such as the Aqualisa QTM, which is www.grahamplumbersmerchant.co.uk PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. 110
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Getting in the right frame of mind Wall hung sanitaryware is an increasingly popular concept with UK consumers. With the right frame system, there’s no reason why installers shouldn’t also embrace its many features and benefits – so says Margaret Talbot, Marketing Manager for VitrA Bathrooms.
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all hung sanitaryware is the future in both domestic and commercial bathroom design, but it can be a daunting prospect for installers unfamiliar with how the in-wall frames that support the fittings work and how they are installed. Wall hung became viable in the UK only when valve flushing was allowed in place of the siphon. Before that, every product coming into this country had to be Margaret Talbot, Marketing adapted. Initially, wall hung Manager for VitrA bathrooms products were only available at the upper end and were very expensive but now wall hung – and the frames needed to fit it – can be found at all price levels. It has become a popular choice with consumers looking to upgrade an old bathroom and in commercial premises, as it makes cleaning easier – so knowing how to install the fittings is an essential skill.
Clean living Because the cistern is hidden away inside the frame with just a sleek flush plate visible, the look is clean and uncluttered. The cistern and valve are concealed behind a stud wall which requires only basic carpentry skills. At VitrA we have put huge effort into frames, developing products that are top quality, easily accessible for maintenance and available to suit all wall types and locations. There are some very cheap unbranded imports on the market and, although the initial price may be attractive, the end result can be a lot of trouble and an unhappy consumer. As with fitting any WC, the first job is to make sure that the cold supply and the waste exit are in place. You can if necessary use wall hung with a small bore macerator which can be hidden in a false wall behind the fitting – but make sure that there is an access panel for servicing and repairs. Once the cold supply and waste exit are in place, all you
have to do is to choose your frame to suit the wall type – frames are available for solid and stud walls. Attaching the pan to the frame can be done by just one person and is straightforward. Understandably, both consumers and installers worry that a hidden cistern can mean maintenance problems. We know that historically accessibility has been a concern for installers, so our frames have a panel gap on the body and an easyto-remove flush plate that provides optimum opening space to access the cistern for servicing or repairs. We offer flush plates to suit every style of bathroom – and there is an easy-to-fit motion sensor option. Our frames are suitable VitrA’s wall-hung hi-tech V-Care showering WC installed using a VitrA frame system for solid, stud and double stud walls and in slim and regular sizes to suit the space ranges that we have commissioned from some of the available. People worry that the WC may fall off the wall world’s top designers. when they sit on it – but our frames will support up to 60 The Fit and Forget campaign is backed up by trade press stone (381kg). A reduced height frame is available for use advertising, social media activity and an informative where the WC is being installed below a window or in a microsite for retailers and installers. Retailers will also restricted space. have the opportunity to host an installer breakfast morning to introduce their fitters to VitrA frames. Installers who Fit and forget attend a breakfast morning will be able to claim a free A few years ago wall hung was a rarity in the UK but the frame, as well as get the opportunity to see a range of look is here to stay now and is available at all price points. wall-hung frames and flush plates and receive some top To encourage retailers to make greater use of wall hung tips for quick and easy installation. Details of promotions and frames, we have launched the new Fit and Forget across the UK can be found at the Fit and Forget microsite campaign. Wall hung has become increasingly popular (see below). There is also a useful step-by-step film on as consumers see it in hotels, cloakrooms and on cruise YouTube that shows how quick and simple installation is: ships and appreciate its space saving and easy cleaning www.vitra-fitandforget.co.uk/fit-with-confidence advantages. Being well informed onwall hung frames and www.vitra-fitandforget.co.uk PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. 111 what can be done with them opens access to beautiful
Mix and match furniture range The new Brioso bathroom furniture range from Duravit offers the opportunity to create a contemporary bathroom interior and a variety of design options.
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Described as offering striking design for excellent value for money, distinctive features include handles and feet that can be supplied in the same cabinet colour if required. The washbasin vanity units are available in up to five different widths (4001300mm). The furniture consoles are available in two different thicknesses (30 and 45mm, each with a variable width) and two depths. They can be combined with vanity units in widths of 30 to 80cm, and console washbasin vanity units of 62 to 100cm. The tall cabinet and semi-tall
Tray avoids joist problems
cabinet in widths of 420 or 520mm offer further storage space. A total of 15 finishes are available in various decors, real wood veneers or lacquers (matt and gloss), including new ‘on-trend’ tones such as matt light blue and matt concrete grey. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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Connect2 is a new slimline shower tray from Kudos Shower Products that has been designed specifically to avoid floor joists, ensuring it retains its superlow profile when installed. Standing at just 35mm in height, Connect2 avoids all standard joist sizes and spans thanks to the precise positioning of an offset dual waste outlet, allowing the installer to ensure that the waste is fitted clear from obstructions. The tray may have to be rotated 90 or 180 degrees (dependent on shape) to accommodate the fixed joists, but once set, the installer simply uses the
blanking plug provided to seal the unused waste and plumb in the hi-flow waste and trap, avoiding any need to lift the tray off the floor. If both waste holes are free, then both wastes can be connected for even faster
water removal. A reinforced, magnetically secured waste cover, easily removed for cleaning, sits neatly over the plugs to complete the installation. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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Helping customers save on water Many consumers are interested in ways that they can reduce their water usage and are looking to plumbing professionals to provide expert advice. Olivia Maycock, Ideal Standard’s Senior Channel Marketing Manager, highlights some products that can make a difference.
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ith the average water bill in England and Wales increasing this year by 9% to £405, consumers are more interested than ever in water saving solutions to help save them money. The benefits aren’t just financial, reducing water consumption also impacts the local environment and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by using less energy to Olivia Maycock, Senior pump, heat and treat the Channel Marketing water. This means that for Manager at Ideal Standard the environmentally-savvy consumer, considering the impact on natural resources is a must. A recent survey by WaterSafe found 92% of plumbers regularly talk to their customers about products which can help save water and almost all think it’s part of a good plumber’s job to provide advice on water efficiency. So how can you help your customers?
Check for leaks It might seem like straightforward advice but make sure customers know how to check for leaks. That way, if there’s a problem, they know to get in touch. A leaky tap or toilet wastes water, in some cases as much as 45 litres a day. So if someone is on a meter, get them to keep an eye on their water bills. If they are creeping up there might be a problem. Tackling a leak early will also reduce the chance of damage to their home.
Water saving tech The average person uses 150 litres of water a day, so it’s definitely worth being able to advise customers about water saving technology. There are plenty of products out there where these features are built in.
Flow regulators help to reduce wasteful water flow
Aquablade flushing technology delivers a powerful flush
Let’s start with showers, which on average use around Superior flush 45 litres in five minutes. Modern efficient shower heads use technology (for example, combining air and water to A customer might not want a whole new bathroom, but provide a more ‘foamy’ shower), which produce water flows to help save water, swapping an old toilet for a newer that feel much higher than they actually are. These are model can have a real impact. In fact, a toilet accounts for most effective on power and mixer showers that have a almost 30% of a household’s water use. It’s always worth considering cisterns which high flow rate. Just be careful have a dual flush allowing when considering using “A toilet accounts for almost 30% of a these with electric showers for either a full 4 or 6 litre as they could cause damage flush or a smaller one. typical household’s water use” to the unit. We’ve also developed When it comes to taps, Aquablade technology, which lower flow taps can be fitted in both bathrooms and kitchens. can make all the difference. It offers superior flushing We use ‘click’ technology in a number of our products to performance, even at low water volumes. This technology help save water. This means when the handle is lifted gives optimum water flow from the top of the bowl on there’s a slight resistance which tells you you’re getting every flush and covers every inch of the ceramic, keeping 50% of the maximum flow. To achieve full flow, you lift it immaculately clean. the lever to its maximum. In short, as utility bills continue to rise, it’s our job as Flow regulators are also a good option for customers. manufacturers to support sustainability efforts across the By installing these on a basin, shower or kitchen tap you sectors we work in and water saving is just one area where can restrict the maximum flow of water to 5 or 8 litres we can try to make a real difference. per minute. All the taps from Ideal Standard are installed PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.ideal-standard.co.uk 114 with flow regulators as standard.
Enclosure design Clean lines and angular shapes will save on space Cube is the name of the latest ceramics range from Grohe, distinguished by clean lines and angular shapes. Aimed at the domestic market, as well as hotels and other commercial sanitary facilities, the urban-inspired washbasins, toilets, and bidets have been designed
New from Aqualux is the Shine 8 enclosure collection, offering a range of space saving options from bifolds to corner entries and quadrants. The range comes as a semi-framed design in a polished silver finish, 2000mm in height and 8mm clear toughened safety glass. For ease of installation and a secure leak-free experience, the enclosure comes with gel magnet seals and removable doors. The 8mm clear glass has Aqualux’s own Aquagleam glass coating, which is designed to resist limescale. www.aqualux.co.uk
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to match the company’s geometric Eurocube, Lineare, Allure and Allure Brilliant lines. Each product has been tested to deliver in three areas: ease of installation, no water spray during hand washing and plenty of room for optimum comfort. Innovative technologies
behind the Cube Ceramic products include rimless flushing technology and a gently closing toilet seat that can easily be released from the toilet. The powerful Triple Vortex flush creates a vortex using three water inlets that optimally clean the entire interior basin and are also significantly quieter than conventional toilets.
Find a match
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For extra hygiene protection, Cube products also feature ‘PureGuard’, an antibacterial hygienic coating that is designed to prevent bacterial growth on ceramic surfaces. To help simplify the identification of matching products for consumers, the Grohe website features a slider presentation
that showcases various combinations of fittings and matching ceramic products. If the customer likes a particular combination, a separate page displays the product information, together with print and download options. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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Time to get with the programme The approach to bathroom renovation is changing as consumers become more interested in integrating technology into their designs. Here, Wendy Bennett, Customer Experience Director at Aqualisa, looks at the key drivers behind the latest advancements in shower technology.
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Water saving role
ccording to a recent Market Research Future report on the digital assistant market, products with the ability to assist users through intuitive technology are undergoing a period of significant market growth and will continue to do so for the next five years. It’s a trend that’s reflected in a rising demand for smart showers. Products like our QTM smart range, for example, utilise remote control and Bluetooth technology to enable users to activate their shower and control it before stepping in. Temperature ready LED indicators also eradicate the need to check the water temperature manually – and combined, these two features can simplify the bath time routine and reduce the amount of user interaction needed with the shower controller.
For many consumers, water usage is a key concern when selecting a new shower. With water bills increasing across England and Wales, it’s no wonder that 50% of homes have had a water meter fitted. Here, shower technology also has a key role to play. Smart showers are available with specific settings for minimising water use which cut down on water output without the user having to sacrifice the luxury experience of a drencher head or dual outlet arrangement. All Aqualisa smart showers have an eco-setting which reduces water flow by as much as 33%. The QTM has a water-save function which automatically reduces water output when you step more than half a metre away from a proximity sensor. Normal water flow resumes when stepping back into the shower area. Some smart shower models feature a warm-up mode that pauses the shower once it has reached the desired temperature, meaning that the water temperature is selected as soon as showering begins.
Personalised showering A recent study by Deloitte concluded that more than 50% of consumers are interested in customised products that they can tailor to their personal needs. Smart showers allow for varied and personalised design as well as having the technology to tailor the shower experience itself to the user’s preferences. This can relate to the configuration of the shower itself, with concealed or exposed arrangements, as well as additional choices such as single or dual outlets and ceiling mounted drencher heads available. With regards to personalising the shower experience itself, the QTM controller comes with pre-set shower experiences built into a menu designed to give the user a quick and easy choice of shower to reflect their mood, based on pre-set combinations of flow, outlet, temperature and duration. If one of the pre-set experiences is not quite right, the shower profile can be completely personalised, set and saved so the shower ‘remembers’ the chosen combination of temperature, flow, length and pattern.
Take some time out
The Aqualisa QTM smart range lets users programme in options such as their preferred temperature, flow, and spray pattern for a completely personalised experience. They can also achieve water savings with a built-in timer and proximity sensor.
In addition, built-in timer features enable users to specify shower duration and in some cases allow them to choose to shut off the water output automatically after a pre-set period of time. This is a useful feature for large families who want to limit water use or cut down on the length of time family members spend in the shower. With the ability to save users money on their water bills as well as simplifying the bathroom routine, smart showers can provide a personalised shower experience to suit every mood and lifestyle, from the simple to the most sophisticated requirements. www.aqualisa.co.uk
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Four ways to lighten up windowless bathrooms Bathrooms buried in the middle of the property don’t have to be dark and gloomy, according to Kaldewei.
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hree out of four people say they would prefer a bathroom with natural light, and yet the majority of flats have enclosed bathrooms with no window. However, there’s no reason to compromise on the feel-good factor. It’s possible to create a pleasant atmosphere in a windowless bathroom with just a few clever tricks.
Open up the room with a floorlevel shower surface In order to create a comfortable bathroom atmosphere, it’s important to create the illusion of space and to open up the room. Installation of a floor-level shower surface achieves this result effectively, and thanks to its flat design, it can be integrated seamlessly into the floor. This fusion of floor
The Kaldewei Puro bathtub with Vivo Turbo whirl system features illuminated jets that bring more light to the room
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which will instantly make the bathroom more inviting.
and shower surface makes the room appear far bigger than with conventional raised shower trays. Even more space can be created by fitting a splash barrier that can be completely folded away.
Use delicate objects
Use light-coloured bathroom solutions and indirect light sources A recent survey commissioned by Kaldewei shows that more than two in three people (68%) would like a bright, cheerful ambience in the bathroom. In enclosed rooms, indirect light sources will deliver the desired feeling of wellbeing and a pleasant atmosphere. To create a special mood, it’s worth looking at spectral lighting or illuminated whirl jets in the bathtub. Bathroom solutions in classic white or light cream shades, such as those in Kaldewei’s Coordinated Colours Collection, are also
The Miena washbasin bowls look delicate, but are made with a single layer of steel enamel
advantageous because they make the room appear brighter and more cheerful. Another tip: Try installing a door made of translucent glass between the bathroom and the adjoining room, allowing you to use the light from the other room. This will create a feeling of light
Single-layer, minimalist bathroom solutions will suggest a sense of light, even in windowless rooms. A good example is the Miena washbasin bowl, which was created in collaboration with designer Anke Salomon. The Miena washbasins can be placed freestanding on a mounting plate or console and offer plenty of scope both in terms of colours and overall bathroom planning. Choose the right material Many people worry that mould will form quicker in an enclosed bathroom as there is poor ventilation and no window to let the air out. Choosing suitable materials can be the answer here. Thanks to its nonporous surface, steel enamel
A floor level shower surface, such as Kaldewei’s Scona, opens up the floor space
leaves no space for mould. Kaldewei shower surfaces also have fewer seams than a tiled shower area, so offer a more hygienic option. Kaldewei’s bathroom solutions are designed to be easy and quick to clean – all it takes is a wipe with a soft cloth and the bathroom products sparkle just like they did on the day they were installed, leaving no place for dirt or bacteria to settle. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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Framed range pretty as a picture Cut to any shape for custom design German luxury bathroom brand Burgbad has created the Junit collection to furnish open-plan layouts. The ranges centre around a vanity unit, available in three sizes, with either a rectangular or round sit-on basin made of mineral cast. There is also an illuminated mirror as well as cabinets in a variety of sizes, and a wall shelf. The vanity unit has a slender metal frame made of black anodised aluminium combined with what looks like a perfectly fitting drawer but is in fact a slightly
smaller cabinet that does not fill the entire width of the frame, leaving space for storage on the sides. The lines of the frame are accentuated by integrated spotlights. The frame also doubles as a towel holder or rail. Pictured is the vanity unit with the spherical mineral cast basin that tilts towards the user. Various finishes are available for the Junit cabinet fronts, including Cashmere oak, as pictured. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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Push button control ‘Ignite’ is the name of a new range of push-button showers from Hudson Reed. The intuitive shower valves deliver complete control from the push of a button. Functions include start/stop, on/off flow controls and, depending on the model, the ability to direct flows from dedicated outlets such as overhead shower, body jets or hand-held shower. Featuring a slimline design, with all controls hidden behind a flush-mounted concealing plate, the Ignite showers are available in both round and squarebutton chrome options and are built
around the UK manufactured Valquest shower valve for thermostatic control and safety. Sales Director James Abrams comments: “The popularity of pushbutton showers is growing year-on-year as consumers recognise the benefits they offer, such as style, convenience and the ultimate in controllability. Our new Ignite range introduces this cutting-edge technology at a very competitive price point.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.hudsonreed.co.uk
The customisable RAK Feeling shower trays from Frontline Bathrooms can be cut to any shape. The trays measure 30mm high and come in ten sizes and five colours to suit any design. Featuring light-resistant qualities to ensure no discolouration, the trays are also slip resistant and can be installed in a choice of either standard fit, semi-recessed or flush-to-floor options for a seamlessly accessible shower space. Each tray comes with a stylish chrome waste to provide a finishing touch.
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Nothing bog Floor level sealing kits standard in timber seats
Designed for easy handling and fast installation, the new sealing kits from Kaldewei offer the installer prefabricated elements for flexible waterproofing. The floor-level sealing kit is a complete sealing system for integration of floor-level shower surfaces into a bathroom’s composite sealing. The kit contains sealing tape (WDB 6.2m), two corner profiles, and four multifunctional corners. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.kaldewei.co.uk
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Luxury finishing touches Offering a wide range of solid timber toilet seats, Imperial Bathrooms has a selection of handcrafted versions featuring a soft and slow closure of both seat and cover. The beauty of the wood’s natural grain is safely sealed beneath a layer of protective lacquer to resist moisture ingress. Neil Gore, Imperial Bathroom’s MD, comments: “Imperial has always set itself apart in the marketplace with its design, development and manufacturing capabilities. “This product offers customers a luxurious alternative in toilet seats. All our seats come with an option of standard or soft close hinges, with a choice of polished nickel, chrome or antique gold finishes.” imperial-bathrooms.co.uk
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Shower enclosure manufacturer Aqata has introduced new colour finishes to its luxury Design Solutions range. Wall fixings are now available in three metallic finishes – gold, polished nickel and brushed nickel – as an alternative to chrome. Design Solutions offers minimalist designs made from 10mm toughened glass. The range can be customised to suit individual preference, with a choice of wall fixings, glass type, etched design and handle options. In addition, there are tinted glass options for all models, including tinted
green, tinted bronze, tinted grey and clear. Pictured is the Design Solutions DS410 walk-
Reflecting good taste
in corner enclosure with optional gold finish fixings. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.aqata.co.uk
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The Arte and Deco mirror ranges from HiB are described as traditional products with a contemporary flair, to give customers a timeless elegance that won’t become dated. The nonilluminated mirrors are simple but stylish and feature cut detailing for a modern classic. “The average bathroom has a long lifecycle,” says Ash Chilver, HiB Sales Director, “so when homeowners invest in their space, they often look for options that won’t become dated. That’s why we developed our new Arte and Deco mirror range, proving that sometimes, less is more.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.hib.co.uk
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36 BATHROOM Design
Reacting to the Classic design with modern tech needs of new build New from Mira Showers is the Mira React, a powerful mixer shower specially designed with the new build market in mind. Described as a fast-fix option, saving time and money on big projects, it also features key Mira mixer shower benefits, including the company’s Magni-flo technology which is said to deliver up to three times more water flow even at low pressure. The React comes with WRAS and TMV2 approval and, for further peace of mind, Cool Shield technology prevents the valve from getting hot in use. Roland Boal, Head of Industrial Design at Mira Showers, says: “The Mira React is perfect for the newbuild market as it offers customers a high-quality mixer shower at a competitive price. We’ve tailored our offering to ensure customers have access to the highest levels of quality, with the React designed and engineered in the UK, right through to our comprehensive after service, including show home training and educational literature, a vast range of technical information, step-bysteps, and complete installation instructions.” www.mirashowers.co.uk
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The new Carmen collection from Roca, launched to celebrate the company’s centenary, is based on a classic Roca collection from the 1940s, but features the latest in technology and material innovations. For example, the WC is rimless for improved hygiene and easier cleaning as well as being fitted with a water distributor that provides an improved flushing performance.
The seat cover has been manufactured with a new resin – Supralit – which is claimed to be more durable and easier to clean. The collection includes a close coupled WC, basin and pedestal, with a complementary furniture range and mirror. A range of matching brassware is also available to complete the product family. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.ukroca.com
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Avoid accidents with anti-slip tray Said to be ideal for multi-generational living, a new range of anti-slip, ultra slim shower trays has been added to the Bathrooms to Love Collection by PJH. The range of 25mm ultra low profile ‘RefleXion’ trays feature a patentprotected anti-slip surface that is built into the mould and a natural sandstone resin base. “Having the peace of mind and safety aspect of a permanent anti-slip tray surface is exactly what multigenerational homes are looking for,”
says PJH Bathroom Product Manager Richard Eaton. “The new trays have a market leading anti-slip rating that is almost twice as effective as the industry standard.”
Handmade in the UK, the new trays can be fit flush to the floor or fitted with legs using an Easy Plumb Riser Kit, available in four dimensions, which lifts the tray 90-130mm higher if needed. The range also includes a high flow, self-cleaning Vortex waste unit with a flow rate of over 30 litres/minute and an adjustable raised square waste cover. Square, rectangle and quadrant sizes are available in a wide range of dimensions. www.bathroomstolove.co.uk ENQUIRY No. 128
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38 Products in Action Cotswolds quality LST rads partner with A range of Ariston boilers and thermostatic controls have been installed throughout six new build properties in Gloucestershire. Located in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds, ‘The Suffolks’ development comprises five fourbedroom and one fivebedroom detached houses, each benefitting from the latest in energy efficient heating technology. The properties were designed and built by Sherborne Homes, which has already had Ariston boilers installed in over 40 of its previous sites in and around Cheltenham and the Cotswolds. Harry Sherborne, Director of Sherborne Homes, says: “We’ve been using Ariston boilers for the last four to five years – they are fantastic in terms of quality
water source heat pump
and performance, while the customer service we have received from the company has been second-to-none. It’s also reassuring to have the same point of contact at Ariston, who is always prepared to go the extra mile should we have any additional requirements or queries. “We use a local gas engineer to fit the boilers – and he is always happy to install Ariston.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.ariston.co.uk
Vulnerable residents at Schaffer House in Maidenbower are keeping safe and warm thanks to low surface temperature models from Barlo Radiators. The sheltered housing community in West Sussex also replaced its boiler with a new water source heat pump, and the existing emitters with 61 Barlo LST radiator packages. As a result, the council expects to see a combined annual Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) income and ongoing savings of up to £12,700, as well as a 49% reduction in carbon emissions.
The Barlo LSTs installed at Schaffer House feature advanced radiator technology that delivers optimal efficiency and heat transfer, even at ∆T as low as 30°C – suiting them for low temperature renewables like heat pumps. Horsham-based Baystar Energy was contracted to carry out all heating installation works at Schaffer House, including the water source heat pump and the LSTs. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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New combi helps make father’s day
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Pumps in the wings Uni challenge met A new working partnership between ADEY and University College London (UCL) will ensure that the heating systems in the university’s portfolio of properties across London are properly protected. With over 422 buildings in its possession, UCL conducted a boiler replacement scheme of 320 boilers last year, and protecting them is a top priority. The facilities team turned to ADEY’s MagnaClean Commercial filters to protect the investment. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.adey.com 131
Equipment from Grundfos has been used as part of Aberdeen Airport’s plan to enhance the passenger experience, and it is due to be fully completed by 2019. Some of this work, part of a £20 million terminal transformation, has been visible to the 3 million passengers who travel through this hub every year, while other phases have been happening behind the scenes. Also behind the scenes are Grundfos pumps from the TP, MAGNA3 and UPSN circulator pump families that are at the heart of the M&E solution. The role of the pumps is to provide the pump requirements to support all HVAC and HWS requirements within the new terminal. To achieve the best outcome, Grundfos worked with consultants WSP and the installers Richard Irvin Energy Solutions team to ensure that every step within the process met the ambitions of this far-seeing project that is due to be completed next year. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.grundfos.co.uk
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UFH extends from the Flexed efficiency house to garden room A couple in Wiltshire has once again chosen Gaia Climate Solutions to provide underfloor heating. When the energyefficient home in Marlborough was constructed in 2014, the UFH specialist was contracted to lay its hydronic pipework
throughout the 4000ft2, two storey structure. Two years later, though, the owners decided to open out the space, which was effectively a sub-basement built into the rising ground of their back garden, and again called on Gaia’s expertise. Gaia provided design calculations and extended the heating loops into the new garden room, and also increased the size of the existing manifold to facilitate the alterations. The project was made challenging not only by the earthworks and structural alterations required, but also the property’s near-passive energy performance, with heating and hot water demands being met by an exhaust air source heat pump. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.gaia.co.uk
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Pre-insulated pipe from Flexenergy has been used in the upgrade of the heating system at Charleston Manor, a 12th century manor house in East Sussex. The project involved the installation of a new central boiler housed 100m from the property. UFH, radiator circuits and unvented hot water were also installed. The project used approximately 110m of 50mm Flexalen pre-insulated pipework for primary flow and returns. V-Flex valves were also used to split the system serving two properties. www.flexenergy.co.uk
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Matt Waldron from Buildbase in Belper recently discovered the benefits of having an Alpha Heating Innovation boiler in a home. His father, Anthony Waldron, was searching for a new heating system and through Matt’s professional experience with Alpha at Buildbase, they found an Alpha combi boiler was the perfect solution. The new boiler was chosen as a replacement mainly due to its energy efficiency along with its impressive warranty. Anthony comments: “Alpha came recommended to us and it’s worked out perfectly. We were modernising our bathroom and our older model could no longer cope. We wanted to change to a combi system, which was a practical choice for our renovation and saves us money and energy at an astonishing rate – 11% over the first six months is just exceptional. “We also chose the Alpha boiler for its reliability, as we couldn’t risk having the same problems that we did previously.” As a plumbing and heating specialist, Matt praises Alpha for its simple yet effective style. “Alpha always delivers for customers and gets the job done,” he says. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.alpha-innovation.co.uk
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July/August 2018
Light commercial Heating 41
Putting the ‘fab’ back into prefab systems Bespoke, off-site fabricated heating equipment can deliver rapid and high-quality solutions for multiple boiler installations. Chris Meir, Sales Director at Remeha, argues that it’s time to take a fresh look at prefab and recognise that it offers benefits on a number of levels.
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arrying out routine replacements of dated or inefficient boilers is an acknowledged quick win for those wanting to make savings on energy bills. Replacing older boilers with high efficiency condensing boilers can transform a building’s energy performance – slashing gas use by as much as 48%, in our experience. While boiler replacement in itself needn’t be complicated, completing multiple heating refurbishments, all Chris Meir, Sales Director at scheduled within the same Remeha fixed timeframe, can often prove to be a challenging undertaking. Take schools, for example. Local authorities or trusts frequently plan all building work to take place within the six-week summer holiday period when the school shuts down. And as summer is the perfect time to replace dated boiler plant, ahead of the heating season, these won’t be the only buildings requiring boiler upgrades in the busy summer months. This explains the growing use of off-site fabricated heating equipment like the bespoke rig system on projects with tight or fixed schedules.
Big savings Using off-site fabricated equipment is an increasingly popular practice in construction. The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) estimates that offsite construction currently accounts for at least 3-4% of the UK construction sector. With reports of 30% cost and time savings, tighter quality control and reduced waste, there are big benefits
for both the customer and the contractor from off-site prefabrication. And when it comes to light commercial heating applications, using off-site fabricated heating solutions can bring the same advantages and more.
Bespoke solution Of course, using a rig unit to speed up installation of multiple condensing boilers is not a new concept. But the standard ‘one-size-fits-all’ rig might not provide the perfect solution in every plantroom. And while cascade systems have made it far quicker and easier to install multiple boilers, these too could require onsite modifications, especially on sites with space limitations. So particularly where the project schedule is tight, it’s worth considering using a bespoke-designed rig system to achieve the ultimate in a quality, speedy installation. Let’s look at the key benefits.
Rapid solution The rig is designed to accommodate all the individual project and site requirements. As a result, any access or space constraints can be addressed from the outset, reducing both time and labour costs for installers and contractors. The boilers are then delivered to site in the pre-assembled wheeled rig unit, ready for easy connection to the heating system. This means that installation can be carried out in record time.
Simpler procurement With off-site manufactured equipment like the bespoke rig, the design and costs of the rig and boilers are defined and agreed in advance. As a result, it’s easier to keep the project on time and on budget. Also, as the boilers and rig come from one supplier, only one delivery slot needs to be scheduled. So there’s less chance of a delay due to late delivery, which helps keep the project on track. It also means that there is reduced impact on the local environment and minimal disruption to the building occupants.
Safer environment A further advantage of manufacturing the rig system off-site is that it reduces on-site time and access, making it a safer place to work with less risk of injury. At the same time, it makes it easier to schedule the project and team more accurately, reducing downtime. This in turn provides greater scheduling flexibility for the customer – so a school heating upgrade doesn’t necessarily need to be restricted to the summer break after all!
Maximum efficiency
Braunton Academy in North Devon improved the reliability and efficiency of its heating, as well as saving time on site, with the installation of a prefabricated cascade system featuring three replacement Remeha Quinta Ace 160 boilers
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Choosing to match the heat load with multiple condensing boilers rather than with larger output units helps maximise heating efficiency. This is because the condensing boilers can operate at part load where they are at their most efficient. At the same time, this arrangement
Glebe Primary School in Rayleigh, Essex, has upgraded the heating systems serving its infant and junior school buildings with the installation of four Remeha Quinta Pro 115 boilers on two bespoke-designed Remeha rig systems
improves the modulation capability of the boilers and increases the turndown ratio. In other words, they can match fluctuating loads more accurately – and that means less energy waste and lower bills. The bespoke rig is based on individual boilers with single output from 30kW right up to 300kW and no limit to the number that can be incorporated. The maximum and minimum output is defined at the design stage, together with the number of boilers and layout.
More secure The inbuilt redundancy of the design makes the heating provision more reliable and secure, creating a more comfortable building environment. It also makes the boilers easier to service, maintain and replace, reducing lifetime operational costs, while increasing their service life due to the reduced wear and tear.
Quality solution But the bespoke rig offers options far beyond choosing whether to use a back-to-back or an in-line boiler arrangement. If water quality is an issue on older systems, for example, hydraulic separation can be achieved via the bespoke rig system and a plate heat exchanger or low loss header. The design can also integrate specific controls such as weather compensation, sequencing or Building Management System direct operation to optimise boiler performance and maximise seasonal efficiency. When the design is agreed, the bespoke rig is manufactured in a factory environment, with quality-controlled, end-of-line testing.
Win-win solution Most importantly of all, a solution like the off-site fabricated bespoke rig provides benefits for the whole supply chain. The building occupant benefits from the more efficient, reliable heating and minimal on-site disruption. The building operator benefits from reduced heating costs due to the more efficient operation. The M&E consultant can be assured that the specification will be met. As for installers and contractors, using a prefabricated rig system helps improve site productivity, saving downtime, installation time, and ultimately costs for the customer. In other words, everyone’s a winner. www.remhea.co.uk
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42 LighT COMMERCIAL Heating
Weighing up quality versus cost In the commercial arena, contractors have to balance the interests of quality and cost when specifying the right boiler. Andreea Manoiu, Solutions Centre Manager at ELCO Heating Solutions, looks at the key elements that can be instrumental in achieving a trouble-free installation.
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onsider this scenario: a light commercial property requires a refurbishment of the heating plant to provide a reliable and durable system for the future. The solution? Provide a new setup that offers the latest highly-efficient componentry, superb efficiencies and outstanding quality. Sounds simple, but unfortunately the difficulty often lies with one aspect: the budget. No project has an Andreea Manoiu, Solutions endless fund, and very often Centre Manager at ELCO it’s the commercial boilers Heating Solutions specified for the job that receive the most attention when it comes to trimming the finances. However, as contractors and installers well know, striking the balance between costs and quality can make the difference between a successful job and one laden with future problems. So, when choosing light commercial boilers, what are the key requirements for guaranteeing a high-quality and long-lasting installation?
Steely resolve Firstly, let’s look at the core components of a wall hung gas condensing boiler. At the heart of any unit is the heat exchanger, which will undoubtedly be subjected to severe thermal stresses and unpredictable water quality over its lifetime. To cope with these intense commercial environments, the heat exchanger needs to be built with longevity in mind – and that is best achieved by utilising one manufactured from stainless steel. The Thision S Plus stainless steel heat exchanger is constructed using multi-pipes with generous wall thickness for strength and durability.
Stainless steel is seen by most as the preferred material because its properties allow a heat exchanger to maintain published performance figures throughout its entire operating lifecycle. The metal achieves this by developing a chromium layer, which helps protect it from corrosion. In turn, this guarantees better heat transfer and improved efficiencies for the boiler. Of course, other metals, such as aluminium, also produce a protective oxide layer. However, in the presence of moisture and the high temperatures of a condensing boiler, a porous oxide/hydroxide layer can form – reducing scale resistance and increasing the risk of corrosion. Avoiding this type of scenario is particularly important for a commercial property, where forecasting a building’s operational costs are a key element of an annual budget. Furthermore, it is also important for contractors and installers to choose a commercial unit with a generous warranty, as this usually reflects a well manufactured product that building owners can rely on.
Grand designs The other consideration when choosing a replacement light commercial boiler is its overall design. The step up from domestic units to commercial can be substantial, so it is not always wise to opt for a well known domestic brand, assuming its light commercial unit will ‘do the job’. Instead, a more measured approach is to look at manufacturers that specialise in commercial heating and understand the requirements of a more complex and intense heating system. The added benefit of using a commercial manufacturer is the effect of ‘trickle down’ technology, where designs and concepts from larger, more powerful commercial boilers are fed down to the smaller boilers. For example, our Thision S Plus boiler (36–57kW) features a cassette type burner with a ‘blue flame picture’, which is rarely seen on boilers of this size. This type of design allows this light commercial unit to operate with two combustion zones, which help provide incredibly low NOx and CO emissions.
Cascade of efficiency Another common requirement of light commercial boiler installs is cascade systems. After all, it’s highly likely there will be a requirement for more than one unit to be installed in a commercial environment, as such a setup helps improve turndown ratios, reduce boiler plant footprints, raise seasonal efficiencies and lower fuel usage. Consequently, controlling multiple boilers needs to be evaluated early in the project design. Depending on the property, there may already be a BMS system in place which can monitor and manage the boilers. However, in smaller installations – where there isn’t an existing control system, the boilers themselves need to provide cascade control, so it’s important to look for units with this facility already built-in. This feature makes the configuration of a multiple boiler setup far easier, allowing the units to ‘talk’ to each other in a proprietary language. Ultimately, this can aid the overall efficiencies and provide a well-balanced system all year round. Furthermore, the setup time on site for these systems has significantly reduced, with many wall mounted commercial boilers available as ‘plug and play’ cascade packages. This development not only helps with the installation process but also reduces time on site which, for any commercially focused installer, can easily translate into significant savings on a job.
Pumped up Another consideration is the level of added value from a boiler purchase, especially the componentry. Selecting a unit with a built-in ‘A’ rated pump, for example, could
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The Thision S Plus features a cassette type burner with a blue flame picture, which minimises NOx and CO emissions
provide a saving against other units – not only in cost but in time spent on site – with significantly fewer engineers’ hours required to complete an installation. Equally, room thermostats, weather compensation and outside air sensors are regularly included on more premium models, which would incur additional costs on a regular budget boiler.
Look for the extra value There are other added-value elements that can make a project more profitable for a contractor or installer. Checking to see if a manufacturer includes free commissioning or product training can help reduce costs and could make a difference to the bottom line of a project. Overall, it is certainly possible to strike the balance between price and quality in a light commercial installation, provided key elements are considered when selecting the correct boilers. The heat exchanger material will always determine the long-term performance, which is why stainless steel should be a pre-requisite. Similarly, selecting units from a manufacturer that specialises in commercial heating products will not only deliver high-quality units encompassing the latest technology but also ensure they are configured correctly for a cascade installation. Combining all these factors will surely lead to a successful project that not only offers highly-efficient componentry and superb efficiencies but also outstanding longevity. In a special promotion aimed at installers of light commercial heating systems, ELCO Heating Solutions has announced a warranty extension to its Thision S Plus and Thision L ECO gas condensing boilers. As well as a five-year parts and labour guarantee, installers can also take advantage of free commissioning and free onsite training until the end of this year.
www.elco.co.uk
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How to maximise boiler efficiency The installation of modern condensing boilers should save energy, but good system design is key to success. Paul Sands, Sales and Marketing Director at Stokvis Energy Systems, advises on how to improve boiler efficiency in new and refurbishment situations.
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pproximately 70% of boilers in the UK commercial market (30kW and higher) are wall hung, but to what extent do these modern condensing boilers actually deliver higher efficiencies? Their performance is dependent on a number of factors, including whether they are correctly sized and specified, as well as the manner in which they are controlled. So what should be the main considerations when designing an efficient heating and hot water system? Although it makes sense to provide for future flexibility in terms of additional demand, the temptation to oversize should be resisted. As well as the increased capital outlay, oversizing is likely to reduce the boiler’s capacity to modulate at low loads.
Wall-hung boilers will often be installed within a cascade system
It is also important to achieve low return temperatures in order to maximise the time when a boiler condenses. A larger delta T, or a return temperature of 56°C or below, is generally considered desirable. Wall-hung boilers are often installed as a cascade of three or more units which not only means maintenance can be carried out without
interruption of service, it also allows the duty to be shared.
Percentage points Interestingly, most boilers offer slightly better efficiency when running at a percentage of their potential output, which can be taken advantage of in a cascade arrangement. While figures vary between different boiler ranges, a model which delivers 102%
net efficiency at 100% capacity might see this rise to 106% net when running at 25% capacity. With an appropriate sequencing controller, one boiler would modulate up until the demand requires output from a second unit, at which point the duty will be shared equally between the pair. The same applies when a third boiler has to contribute. Meanwhile, the main controller also ensures ‘first up’ duty is rotated between the individual boilers in order to even out wear. Weather compensation will provide higher efficiencies and further savings, since a lower flow temperature will also give a lower return temperature and therefore aid condensing possibilities. In practice, for a part load situation, the boiler controller reduces the fan speed, in turn
causing a pressure drop which is utilised to modulate down the pressure-operated gas valve. The use of weather compensation control will mean the premix air and gas is modulated down further.
On a plate Another way is to replace hot water storage vessels with modern plate heat exchanger (PHE) technology. When a boiler constantly cycles to try and maintain the temperature of large amounts of stored domestic hot water, it is generally firing inefficiently. The way to prevent this is to replace the calorifier with a PHE that heats domestic water on demand at much higher levels of efficiency and combats the possibility of Legionella contamination. Essentially, the PHE setup sees higher loads being met
instantaneously, resulting in the boiler mainly working within its part load or modulation capabilities. The plate heat exchanger also provides primary return temperatures as low as 35°C, which is ideal for condensing boilers. Further savings would be achieved by making use of a preheat vessel where the hot water is heated from a solar thermal system. Given the Government’s environmental agenda, the proportion of smaller, wallhung boilers is likely to retain the larger share of the market. The ‘top up load’ provided by the boiler plant therefore dictates smaller boilers that are able to provide good turn down/modulation with condensing capability that match the required load. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.stokvisboilers.com
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44 LIGHT COMMERCIAL Heating
Switching over to commercials Light commercial work can provide a good opportunity to boost income, but there are some important issues that you need to be aware of. Steven Evans, Sales Director at Potterton Commercial, talks to commercial installer Paul Hull about the key considerations.
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single boiler with an output of around 50kW is often more than sufficient to cope with demand at commercial premises, such as shops, community centres and restaurants. This presents an opportunity to domestic installers who are looking to grow or diversify their business, as those with a current Gas Safe registered qualification can fit boilers of up to 70kW, provided that the pipework is less than 35mm in diameter or 0.035m3 in volume. Nevertheless, it is not advisable for domestic installers to jump headfirst into this new market without giving it some careful thought and preparation. Although they are legally allowed to do so, there are significant differences between domestic and light commercial systems which need to be considered. “The first thing to do is change your mindset,” says Paul Hull of P R Hull Plumbing & Heating Ltd. “Domestic and light commercial systems work differently, and problems arise when installers treat them both the same way. Take the use of hydraulics, for example. Chances are a domestic installer won’t have come across low loss headers before, but they’re essential
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and there is a greater risk of CO poisoning. I was always taught when you enter the plant room to leave the door open to keep a flow of air. I also wear a CO monitor for safety. “Another thing I see people doing wrong is putting 50 to 70kW boilers in but reducing the pipe sizing. Eventually, this will cause damage to the boiler because it’s not getting the right flow of water through the system. Sometimes you can downrate the pipework but it’s not very common these days.”
Peak demand Installer Paul Hull pictured on a recent visit to the Baxi Commercial Training Academy
for retaining a constant flow of water through the boiler. “An alternative is a flat plate heat exchanger which separates the dirty system water from clean water circulating round the boiler. Traditionally, many commercial systems weren’t water treated, so systems can be quite contaminated. “Ventilation is another thing to be aware of. You might have a room sealed appliance but if you’re working in a boiler house you still need ventilation as it can get very hot
There are also a few more things to think about in terms of the actual product selection and configuration. For example, most households have similar peak demand periods for heating and hot water but the same cannot be said for non-domestic premises. A community centre may need to heat one or two large spaces a few times a week and provide a small amount of hot water for handwashing and catering areas, whereas a retail space will need constant daytime heating all week but will have very little demand for hot water. Closely matching demand and supply will result in peak boiler performance and efficiency for the customer.
Another consideration is whether to use a wall hung or floor standing boiler. Small businesses may not have very large plant rooms (or even have one at all) meaning a wall hung boiler, which is more compact, is often the right choice. However, wall hung models have their limitations, particularly in older buildings such as listed buildings or those with unstable walls. In these instances, a floor standing boiler provides a great alternative, and modern floor versions are compact, both in terms of size and carbon footprint. Light commercial work, when done correctly, is one way domestic installers can broaden their customer base, making the most of the latest products and manufacturer support to ensure a smooth transition. “Before making the move I’d encourage installers to attend manufacturer training courses to understand how light commercial systems work and the role of hydraulics,” adds Paul. “Also, try and pair up with somebody who’s already involved in that type of work and learn from them.” www.pottertoncommercial.co.uk
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LIGHT COMMERCIAL Heating 45 Dose up for a clean system The patent pending DosaFilDuo is claimed to be the only device on the market to combine the safe dosing of solid or liquid chemical treatments into closed water systems with constant side stream filtration and continuous air removal. The system effectively protects commercial and industrial systems from the damaging effects of
corrosion, limescale and fouling, thereby optimising the energy efficiency, performance and longevity of equipment. With a quick-access release lid, DosaFil-Duo makes it easy to add water treatment chemicals or change filter bags. Systems that are fouled with suspended solids and deposits can be cleaned online, eliminating the need
Easy to maintain system pressure
for costly offline cleaning and remediation. What’s more, smart monitoring technology automatically notifies users of leaks or when filter bags need changing, with communication options for BMS built-in as standard. Manufactured in the UK, installation usually takes less than a day. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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Full remote monitoring and control Control 8000 is the name of a new internet connected control system from Bosch Commercial and Industrial. It offers the option of either complementing or acting as an alternative to a BMS. With internet connectivity at its heart, the new control makes it possible to manage plant rooms remotely via a computer or tablet from anywhere in the world. The Bosch portal and optional gateway also allows for more complicated tasks to
The control unit itself features a 7in backlit touchscreen for easy reading in poorly lit plant rooms. The system also allows for simple installation of additional modules, connectivity accessories, and software updates via a USB port. Up to four modules can be incorporated, which enables the integration of external safety equipment and alternative heat sources. be carried out from afar, including control centre
functions and long-distance data transmission.
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A new range of PHR compact pressurisation units, designed to automatically top up and maintain the minimum pressure requirements for sealed heating, cooling and chilled water systems, has been launched by ATAG Commercial. The floor standing and wall mounted units remove the need for cold water header tanks and associated pipework, while also eliminating reliance on mains pressure to provide the system head. Each PHR pressurisation unit is enclosed in a robust steel casing, with a removable cover providing access to all internal components. All models have a 7.6 litre capacity break tank, pump non-return valve and plant interlock circuit, as well as volt free contact for low and high system pressure. Integral safety circuits (to shut down plant in the event of a fault) ensure compliance with health and safety requirements. www.atagcommercial.co.uk
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46 LIGHT COMMERCIAL Heating
Alternative to a costly chimney If budgets are tight and space is limited, a flue gas dilution fan can offer a compact, convenient and less unsightly alternative to a traditional gas boiler flue stack. John Kelly from Airflow Developments highlights some of the key features and benefits.
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lue gas dilution fans are the ideal replacement for a commercial gas boiler flue stack. As part of the boiler discharge system they are able to dilute the products of combustion created by gas boilers down to the required safe concentration level of 1% carbon dioxide or less, making costly, high level chimney flues obsolete. So what exactly is a flue dilution fan? It is a powerful centrifugal fan which dilutes the waste gas emissions created by commercial gas boilers. They do this by introducing fresh air into the boiler discharge and dilute the CO2 content down to equal to or less than 1% concentration, as required by the IGEM regulations for discharging the diluted air outdoors at low level.
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Flue dilution fans are suitable for both atmospheric and condensing type commercial boilers. However, due to the condensation created by condensing commercial boilers, a corrosion resistant fan, such as our stainless steel SSDF range, is strongly recommended. Unlike a flued chimney, which would typically need to be many metres tall and might require planning permission, flue dilution fans only need 2m of ducting from the fan to the outlet to complete a flue dilution system. If LPG or Butane is being used, then the air flow rates can be increased to dilute the gases down to the minimum 1% legal level. High quality flue dilution fans come with a differential pressure switch.
This acts as a failsafe device, as the switch activates in the event of a flue blockage or fan failure and switches off the boiler and gas supply to prevent gas build-up or damage to the system or boiler.
Cost saving A flue dilution fan system can provide a solution when it is not possible to build a flue chimney on site due to budget constraints or lack of space. They help to minimise construction costs and, because of their relatively compact size, they have a less intrusive impact on a building’s design. The range of flue dilution fans from Airflow come in five size options to meet the dilution needs of large domestic, industrial and commercial boilers rated from 80kW up to 650kW input. Each size is available in a standard version (GBDF) and in an enhanced corrosion resistance stainless steel version (SSDF), which extracts up to 1750 litres/sec with a
system pressure of up to 375 Pa. The GBDF and the SSDF ranges have a maximum ambient temperature of 40°C. Our GBDF flue gas dilution fans are recommended to be used with atmospheric boilers and waters heaters with an efficiency rating of approximately 75%. This is due to the boiler creating less aggressive condensation which would otherwise corrode and damage the fan. As said, thanks to their stainless steel fan cases, the SSDF fans have enhanced corrosion resistance and are designed for systems where regulations or the specification calls for stainless steel ducting. This is needed with higher efficiency boilers, as they are likely to produce aggressive condensation which would otherwise corrode and
damage the unit. The SSDF fans are also ideal when more corrosive gases need extracting. When designing and installing a flue dilut ion system using either the GBDF or SSDF fans, it is important that attention is paid to the latest editions of the relevant standards and guides. All of our flue dilution fans are compliant to the criteria outlined by the Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers regulation IGEM/UP/10 Edition 4 with amendments – March 2016 and February 2017. They are also compliant with Ecodesign ErP 2015 Regulations. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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COMMERCIAL C OMMERCIA AL Heating Heating For F or communal comm munal h heating eating use use The llatest atest generation gene erat ion The of tthe he Evolution Evolut ion b oiler of boiler range from from Stokvis Stok v is has ha s range been designed desig ned to to work work been iin n district distr ict or or communal communal h eat ing schemes, schemes, ssuch uch heating as aparta s tthose hose ffound ound iin na par tm ents a nd sheltered sheltered ments and h ousing. housing. T he R40 R40 Evolution Evolution a nd The and R R600 600 E Evolution volution sseries eries c can an b e installed installed along along with w it h be tthe he m manufacturer’s anufact urer’s H S Series er ies h heat eat iinterface nter face u nits (HIU) (HIU) to to supply supply units heating he at ing and and domestic domest ic hot h ot water water to to individual indiv idual dwellings. d wellings. Using R40 and U sing tthe he R 40 a nd R600 Evolution boilers R 60 0 E volut ion b oilers iin n centralised c entralised plant plant rooms rooms provides primary heat pr ov ides a pr i ma r y h eat
source HIUs source for for tthe he H IUs tthat hatt ssave ave landlords off g gaining landlords tthe he ttask ask o aining access annual gas access ffor or a nnual g as safety safety inspections. The inspections. T he iindividual ndiv idual units each flat where units fit fit iin ne ach fl at w here space often space iis so ften llimited. imited.
The T he Econoflame Econoflame R600 R6 0 0 Evolution E volution offers offers outputs outputs 142 540kW and ffrom rom 1 42 tto o5 4 0kW a nd iincorporates ncor porate t s a patented patented downward pre-mix d ownward firing firing pr e-mix burner b urner and and stainless stainless steel steel heat h eat exchanger. exchanger. They They can c an be be wheeled wheeled tthrough hrough and ssingle ingle leaf leaf doorways doorway ys a nd iinstalled nstalled in in a cascade cascade arrangement. a r rangement. The wall T he R40 R40 Evolution Evolution w all hung h ung g range range encompasses encompasses delivering ssix i x models model es d eliver ing between 56 and 138kW. b et ween 5 6a nd 1 38kW. These T hese can can be be combined combined either back-to-back e ither b ack-to-back or or in in line line to to provide prov ide a maximum maximum capacity off 1 1102kW as capacit y o 102kW a s a Modupak Modupak solution. solu ut ion. PHAM P H A M NEWS NEWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.
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Making Maki Ma kin i g movies ing m movie ovieess together ttogethe ogether er As p As part art o off a m marketing ark keting ccampaign, ampaign, IIdeal deal Commercial C ommerccial Boilers Boile ers h has as p produced ro oduced a s series eries off v o videos ideos tto os showcase howcase tthe he s specialist pecialist w work ork ccarried arried out out by by its its commercial commerccial heating heating The aim off tthe ccustomers. ustomers. s T he a im o he ‘‘Industry Industr y
Trusted’ T rusted’ campaign campaign iis s to to highlight highlight the the between Commercial, ccollaboration ollaboration b etween IIdeal deal C ommerccial, M&E M &E ccontractors, ontractors, b building uilding owners, owners, cconsultants onsultants and and merchants. merchants. T he fi rst v ideo ttakes akes a llook ook a n The first video att a an iinstallation nstallation a att a g global lobal en engineering gineering fi firm rm based b ased in in Eastbourne. Eastbourne. IItt s shows hows h how ow IIdeal deal Commercial C ommerccial and and Independent Independent Cooling Coolin ng and and Heating H eatin ng S Services erv vices worked worked ttogether ogeth ther tto o ccreate reate e ab espoke s olution tto o a ttight ight d eadline. bespoke solution deadline. T he campaign campaign will will run run throughout throughout The tthe he re rest est o off tthe he y year ear a and nd ccan an b be e s seen een o n IIdeal deal C ommercial’s w eb bsite (www. (w w w. on Commercial’s website orr follow the iidealcommercialboilers.com), id dealcommerccialboile ers s.com), o follow th he ccompany’s ompany’s L LinkedIn inkedIn ((search searcch Ideal Ideal Boilers) Boilers) orr T o Twitter wittter (@idealboilers) (@idealb boilers) accounts. accounts. idealcommercialboilers.com id ealcommercialboilers.com
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Go P Go Pro ro for for choice choice of of compact compact system s ystem m maintenance aintenance units units T The he new new P Pro ro R Range ange of of system system c conditioning onditioning e equipment quipment ffrom rom Flamco F lamco offers offers intelligent intelligent pressure pr essure maintenance, maintenance, v vacacuum u um degassing degassing and and chemical chemicall water w ater treatment treatmentt options options across a cross a range range of of products. p oducts. pr Designed D esigned to to minimise minimise emergency eme rgency c call all outs outs a and nd iimprove mprove llife ife c cycle ycle c costs, osts, a as s well w ell as as reducing reducing the the size size of of tthe he equipment equipment footprint, footprint, the the new n ew rrange ange o offers ffers a variety variety off solutions o solutions tto o ssuit uit d different ifferent projects. p rojjects. Products P roducts include include the the Pro Pro PDm P Dm for for iintelligent ntelligent preprecommissioned co mmissioned pressurisapressurisattion; ion; tthe he P Pro ro P PDS DS o offering ffering pressurisation pr essurisattion w with ith d dosing, osing, mixed with m ixedw itht h top op up up demand; deman nd; tthe he Pro PDG offering pressurisation P ro P DGo fffering gp pressurisation with w ith vacuum vacuum degassing; degassing; the the Pro P ro P PDD DD – a aptly ptly k known nown a as s tthe he offering combined ‘‘Caretaker’ Caretaker’ o ffering c ombined pressurisation, pr essurisattion, dosing dosing and and
degassing; de gassing; the the Pro Pro Vacumat Vac a umat Eco E co which which rrepresents epr p esents tthe he evolution off iintelligent, e volution o ntelligent, adaptive vacuum degassing; a daptive v acuum d egassing; and Pro Vacumat Eco with a nd tthe he P ro V acumat E co w ith Pro PDG. P ro P DG. The Pro Vacumat Eco T he P ro V acumat E co ((pictured) pictured) not not only only monitors monitors pressure, but tthe he ssystem ystem p ressure, b ut also also monitors off m onitors tthe he ttemperature emperatture o fluid ensure tthe he ssystem ystem fl uid tto oe nsure tthat hat tthe he applied applie i d vacuum vacuum is is at at the the optimum o ptimum level level for for effective effective off d dissolved gases. rremoval emoval o issolved g ases. capable off rremoving IItt iis s c apable o emoving dissolved d issolved gases gases at at 1000 1000 litres litres per Once desired p er hour. hour. O nce tthe he d esired levels le vels are are reached, reac a hed, the the equipment goes e quipment g oes iinto nto a ssleep leep mode, waking periodically m ode, w aking p eriodically tto o check check a sample sample of of system system water, and only w aterr, an nd o nlly rrestarts estarrts as as and an nd when This unit w hen rrequired. equired. T his u nit ssaves aves energy e nergy tthrough hrough iincreasing ncreasing tthe he efficiency and performance off e fficiency a nd p erformance o tthe h he e complete compllete hydronic hydronic c ssystem. ystem.
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Adapting to new heating strategies There are a number of driving forces behind the movement towards renewable technology, which means there are a number of opportunities for installers to expand their skillset. Mark Krull, Director at Logic4training, considers some of the more viable routes for installers.
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and our busy lifestyles. The ome of the traditional latest electronic devices and ways we do things appliances can be linked are being challenged, to the internet to provide driven forward by the Government’s commitment real-time data that makes it to a greener way of life, and easier to understand – and it’s gathering pace thanks to lower – our energy use. These technological developments technologies are becoming far that make a low carbon future cheaper, so more of us will a not-too-distant reality. soon have access to automated Last autumn, the Governcontrols for heating, cooling ment published its Clean and lighting, improving both Growth Plan, a document comfort and efficiency. that sets out a strategy for Mark Krull, Logic4training Building services engineers a low carbon future as well as substantial are in a strong position to influence and inform growth for the UK. The Clean Growth Plan their customers on choosing the most energy is spread across all sectors and promotes efficient products and using these effectively. innovation – from low-cost, low-carbon power By the early 2020s, most householders will generation to improved building practices have a far greater understanding of their and retrofitting housing stock to make it energy expenditure thanks to the smart meter more energy efficient. rollout, providing a further push towards the Boiler Plus forms part of the new strategy, latest efficient solutions. and the legislation is already impacting the roles of heating engineers in the UK, requiring Sunlit uplands them to take a greater responsibility in Solar energy production is on the increase. choosing and installing more energy- A recent study published by Bloomberg New efficient appliances. The Heating and Energy Finance and Eaton predicts that solar power and other Hot Water Industry renewable energies Council (HHIC) has will generate more produced a number of “Legislation is requiring than half of all useful guides to help heating engineers to take electricity produced installers and their greater responsibility in in the UK by the customers understand mid 2020s. the new requirements. choosing and installing In 2010, the solar We have also updated efficient appliances” industry in the UK our Energy Efficiency was virtually nonin Domestic Heating existent, but today it has the capacity to course, in-line with the scheme. power up to 3 million UK homes. Cuts in FiTs Evolving technology in 2016 saw a dramatic fall in the take-up In general, energy consumption and rate of solar PV, particularly in the domestic emissions from homes are falling due to a market, but thanks to a reduction in the cost gradual switch to renewable heat and power of the technology, solar energy production generation through the National Grid, micro- is once again on a confident footing. generation schemes and products boasting The same is true of solar thermal, which has greater energy efficiency. become far more affordable in recent years, New technology is playing a large part offering heating and plumbing installers a in this. Our homes are becoming much ready opportunity to build on their existing smarter, able to adapt to changing climates skills and diversify into a new area.
Grant’s VortexAir is one of a number of hybrid air source heat pumps available on the market
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Despite the shake-ups in solar tariffs and government commitment, the solar industry is still going strong – the cost for both PV and solar thermal have dropped significantly
Heyday for heat pumps
by the engineering and design company Arup, is exploring the practicalities of using Air source and ground source heat pumps zero-carbon gas in both domestic and are also growing in popularity – due in part commercial environments. Expected to run to government backing. Experts in the energy until March 2021, the programme will cover field agree that the installation of heat pumps the development and manufacture of new will experience a rapid growth over the next technologies for heating and cooling. It will few years, particularly as more new homes also explore public attitudes towards changing are built. Several boiler manufacturers to hydrogen and lead ultimately, it is hoped, have been developing heat pump hybrids, to a pilot project in a village or small town. which combine ASHP technology with gas There are other trials planned for the 2020s condensing boilers. These appliances are funded by boiler manufacturers and other highly efficient, using 35% less energy to stakeholders in the gas supply chain. Intended produce heat, particularly when teamed to assess the potential of integrating hydrogen within existing gas systems, feasibility and with smart programming controls. As with solar, heating and plumbing safety studies are planned at Keele University. installers can build on their existing skills Assuming these are positive, Liverpool and Manchester will be and experience to the testbed for a take advantage of “Energy consumption is £600m project by this growing market. falling due to a gradual Cadent, which runs We offer a four-day gas connections to Level 3 Heat Pump switch to renewable heat and half of the homes in course designed for power generation” the UK. engineers looking If we were to fully to up-skill into this area, covering both air and ground source commit to hydrogen, the 26 million gas boilers technologies, plus F-gas qualifications (basic in the UK would need to be swapped or upand Level 3), essential for engineers working dated to become hydrogen-compatible, so with fluorinated greenhouse gases in the the potential for gas installers would be heat pump industry. tremendous. Watch this space!
What about hydrogen?
The path forward
Perhaps the most exciting contender in the search for a viable alternative to fossil fuels is hydrogen. There are a number of studies underway at the moment testing hydrogen’s viability as a replacement for natural gas. Hydrogen is considerably more environmentally friendly than gas because it produces just heat and water when it is burned – nothing else. The other thing going for it is that if it were to replace gas – wholly or in part – we could still use the national network to get it to our homes and businesses and, better still, our existing central heating systems, which would require only minor readjustments. The Hydrogen for Heat Programme, commissioned by the Department for Business, Energy and Industry Strategy (BEIS) and led
The drivers behind a more energy-efficient future offer engineers real scope for advancement. No need to fear change. Adaptations to traditional heating technologies and new forms of energy production will be a continuous theme going forward and with a little focused training, the skills you already have can form the basis of exciting new work. We will be developing our courses to help you take advantage of these new opportunities.
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50 Renewable Technology
How to maximise all the benefits of solar energy Solar PV arrays can have a marked impact on the amount of electricity a property needs to draw from the grid, but how can homeowners ensure that they can use all of the energy created during the day? Dylan Hearn, Head of Product Management at Heatrae Sadia, has some answers.
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he effect that the population is having on the planet has been highlighted in stark terms lately, with headlines suggesting 50,000 lives are lost as a result of pollution each year. This has created an environment in which homeowners are eagerly searching for ways in which to reduce their carbon footprint, and as a result many are turning to solar PV arrays. Solar panels can be an excellent investment, despite the disappointing regularity of grey weather in the UK. It is a common misconception that solar panels only work on a sunny day – in fact, they will continue to produce energy, albeit at a reduced rate, under heavy cloud cover. In addition, the UK actually receives similar levels of sunlight to that of parts of Spain and France, which are deemed to have a more Mediterranean climate. In fact, solar power is now the fastest growing form of renewable energy according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), with renewables, which includes solar energy, now accounting for two thirds of new power added to the world’s grids in 2016.
Growing market Despite recent cuts in Government funding, the number of solar PV panels is still growing, with 924,130 homes in the UK having them installed, which is promising news for the
Solar PV panels capture free energy, but need to be linked to a solar ready cylinder, such as the Megaflo Eco Solar, to maximise energy savings
industry. However, a significant amount of these homes do not fully capitalise on the levels of energy they produce. With most homeowners away from their property during the day, they often use no energy at all when their solar panels are producing their highest levels of output. This means that when properties are vacant during the
New tool predicts solar gain Homeowners who want a personalised prediction of how much solar power their home could generate can now make use of Google’s ‘Project Sunroof’, thanks to a partnership between energy supplier E.ON, Google and software provider Tetraeder. The estimate is provided by using Google Earth, Google Maps and Machine Learning technology, taking into account a property’s surroundings, weather data and the sun’s positioning, as well as the roof’s surface area and angle. The tool can even assess the impact of shade from a single tree on the solar output potential of a particular property. Michael Lewis, Chief Executive of E.ON UK, says: “Last year, we successfully launched Google’s Project Sunroof in Germany and
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day, the produced energy is being forced back into the national grid. And, as energy costs more to buy back than is received in FiT payments, this is not the most economical way of using solar panels. To retain as much energy as possible within a household, hot water storage cylinders are available which are optimised for use with solar PV arrays. Here, any power that is generated and surplus to requirements of the home’s energy demand is diverted to the hot water cylinder, rather than being sent to the grid. This allows the cylinder to then heat the water to the desired temperature, set by the thermostat, ready for the household to use when required. This water will remain hot for hours after, providing the cylinder has high-quality and high-performance insulation.
Excess energy
we’re delighted to bring this exciting new technology to British homeowners too. The service which is easy to use and highly effective in giving people the in-depth and personalised information they need to make wellinformed decisions about whether solar technology is the right solution for them.” Nicole Lombardo, Business Development & Partnerships
of Google, adds: “At Google, we’re deeply committed to sustainability and having a positive impact on the environment. We are excited to help people in the UK make more informed choices about installing solar panels on their rooftops and transition to renewable energy sources.” For more information visit eon-solar.co.uk
As the cylinder only uses the excess power created by the solar PV panels, the normal day-to-day power requirements of the household are not affected. However, homeowners need to understand that if electricity usage is higher than what the solar PV panels can generate, electricity bills will increase rather than reduce. So, to avoid any draw from the grid there needs to be a ‘buffer’ of energy. Generally, if there is 2.2kW of export energy, a controller will divert 2kW into the cylinder’s immersion heater, leaving a 200W buffer. As an example, a home with a PV array that generates a 2kW surplus and a 200 litre PV cylinder, after five hours the hot water temperature can increase from 20°C to 60°C. Research from the Hot Water Association showed that an average household could
receive savings of up to £130 per year on their electricity bills by switching from a standard electric hot water cylinder to one with solar PV capability, while savings of £95 per year can be achieved by traditional gas-fired boilers. A solar PV ready cylinder will not affect a household’s FiT payments either, providing an export meter is not fitted – which is common practice for solar PV systems that are less than 30kW. In this situation, a ‘deemed’ usage contact will likely be in place.
Ready to fit Our market leading Megaflo Eco Solar PV Ready is specifically designed to convert excess electricity generated from domestic solar PV arrays into heat energy that will heat up the stored water. It’s simple for homeowners to monitor and wirelessly control the hot water system. The control unit – the Megaflo Buddy – provides a concurrent record of power usage and energy savings. A main benefit of the Megaflo Eco Solar PV Ready is that it’s simple to fit. It removes the need for installers to work at height, such as on roofs or scaffolding (assuming the solar PV panels are already installed), and if the installer has a G3 certificate, there are no additional qualifications or training needed, as the cylinder is pre-wired and just needs to be connected to a fuse spur. With homeowners looking to switch to a cleaner form of energy, solar PV offers installers the perfect opportunity to make this a reality, allowing them to maximise their customers’ returns by reducing their energy bills – whilst simultaneously creating a new revenue stream for their own business. www.heatraesadia.com
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52 RENEWABLE Technology
The case for solar thermal Solar thermal technology still has a bright future in the UK, whether installed on individual properties or as part of larger projects. Kathy McVeigh, MD of Belfast based CoolSky, explains more.
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olar thermal energy remains one of the key elements of the global renewable energy technology mix. Although the UK market has been slow in recent years, 2017 saw a 4% global rise in solar thermal capacity, bringing the total installed capacity to 472GWth. In the UK, the solar thermal industry has seen a slowdown over the past few years, in spite of the Renewable Heat Incentive. The hiatus, caused by the uncertainty and long lead time to introduce the incentive, did a lot of damage to the industry, as customers delayed purchasing decisions and the heating industry lost interest in the technology. At the same time, attractive solar PV Feed In Tariffs made the choice of solar PV a reliable alternative investment. The good news for the solar thermal industry is that the RHI scheme remains in place until 2021, both for domestic and non-domestic installations. The current RHI tariff is 20.66 pence per kWh for the domestic scheme (to be paid over seven years), which should definitely make solar thermal interesting to householders. If we take the example of a typical vacuum tube or flat plate solar collector, using London
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weather data and sized for a household of five people, the estimated RHI payment would be approximately £390 - £450 per annum for seven years. In the Non-Domestic Sector, the tariff is currently 10.75 pence per kWh (over 20 years), which again makes for an investment worth considering for industry sectors requiring hot water for process heat and temperatures of up to 150°C. An Enhanced Capital Allowance is also available in the UK and enables companies to claim on the investment against taxable profits.
Record year Globally, 2017 was a record year for solar thermal in industrial process heat applications. Fossil fuel costs remain unpredictable worldwide and 2018 has seen a steady increase in prices of oil and gas. Solar thermal protects users from the instability of such price increases. Local examples include a project constructed in Forres, Moray in the North of Scotland, which heats a municipal swimming pool with 79 m2 of locally manufactured AES Solar Endurance collectors, providing an annual solar gain in the region of 20,000 kWh
and saving the local Moray council significant amounts of money and CO2 emissions over the expected life of the system (30 years).
District heating Solar district heating is often cited as the most cost-effective way to decarbonise the building sector, with many exciting projects completed already in Denmark, Germany and Austria. GreenOneTec, the renowned Austrian Solar Flat plate manufacturer, recently completed a district heating project in Vienna. It consists of 650m2 solar collector area, providing a hot water output of 510MW/ annum for building residents. This type of project is a perfect fit for the UK Government’s Heat Networks strategy and is one of several proven examples of effective district heating with solar thermal contribution, many of which are located in Northern Europe and could easily be adapted for the UK market.
Flexible solution There are some barriers to be addressed in the UK to enable solar thermal to grow, not least being the complexity of the RHI scheme, but solar thermal is a very flexible solar solution, requiring as little as one-third
of the area that solar PV needs to provide the same kWh output. This fact alone makes it a very sensible consideration in urban areas, where a lack of suitable roof areas can mean installation is not practical for PV solutions. Also, we are still seeing innovation in the solar thermal domestic sector. Products such as the Solar 3C cylinder, recently introduced to the UK market, promotes the use of solar thermal energy for hot water as well as heating. The product incorporates an output for heating support, giving the householder the option for hot water only and future proofing for a heating support application. A further potential growth area is the new build sector. If all hot water cylinders had a solar coil installed during construction, it would mean an automatic cost reduction for the solar thermal system, compared to a retrofit installation, where often new, costly hot water cylinders are required. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.coolsky.co.uk
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RENEWABLE Technology 53 Benefits of thinking bigger UK manufacturer Kensa Heat Pumps is currently promoting the potential use of ground source heat pumps in a wide variety of applications, including large commercial buildings. The technology is commonly associated with domestic new build or retrofit projects, but the company argues that in scenarios where the heat load of a property is over 30kW, a cascaded ground
source system can deliver high volumes of heating and hot water. Cascaded systems can be designed to adjust between periods of minimum and maximum heat demand, with the ground array sized to deal with the peak load. This ultimately reduces running costs, as not all the ground source heat pumps need to operate when the call for heat is low.
Cascaded systems can also be designed to satisfy both space heating and domestic hot water demands at the same time. These types of systems feature multiple ground source heat pumps with one or more dedicated to the production of domestic hot water only, and the remaining units dedicated to the space heating load. Specialist high temperature ground source heat pumps can be used to produce the domestic hot water, removing the reliance on immersion heaters.
New market
The Hornsea Garden Centre near Hull features a cascaded GSHP system with two 45kW units covering the heating and a 25kW unit providing hot water
“We are currently seeing enquiries from a whole range of different potential customers, from care homes, garden centres, golf clubs and schools, to libraries, youth centres, factories and office premises,� says Kensa’s Sales Manager Paul Dennison. “These types of commercial projects offer a lucrative new market to installers who are open to new opportunities to
How cylinders can store excess energy
A cascaded GSHP system has transformed an energy inefďŹ cient depot for Northumberland County Council
grow their business.� Kensa points out that projects that use a cascaded system design will be able to take advantage of the Government’s Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which provides a guaranteed quarterly income for 20 years based on the actual heat output of the system. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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A new report published by the Hot Water Association (HWA) reveals how homeowners can save up to ÂŁ240 a year by using excess solar energy to heat their household hot water, turning the cylinder into a ‘thermal battery’. The report, The Thermal Battery, explores the synergies between hot water cylinders and solar PV, and the potential to store the energy generated from PV systems locally, using hot water storage as the mechanism to make use of excess electricity. HHIC says the energy produced by the consumer is more valuable than the payback they receive. Given that 40% of homes in the UK already have a hot water cylinder, it is argued that solar PV offers real potential for significant cost savings. Isaac Occhipinti, Head of External Affairs at HWA, comments: There are over 900,000 homes in the UK with solar PV installed. But while these consumers should be delighted with the energy they are generating, research has found that they cannot consume all of the surplus energy and therefore do not see the true benefits. “Diverting this energy to a hot water cylinder, which may ordinarily be fuelled by a boiler, will save significantly on gas bills.â€? www.hotwater.org.uk
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Powerful for maximum convenience in the home | As one of the most efficient heat pumps available, the WPC (S) delivers satisfaction not only because of a COP of up to 5, but also because of its compact size and high level of integration. The unit even incorporates a 200l DHW cylinder. › Excellent coefficient of performance (COP) of up to 5.0 › Extremely quiet in operation › The range now includes a powerful 13kW single phase option WPC (S) Brine | water heat pump
Hot water and space heating solutions the STIEBEL ELTRON way With a comprehensive range of ground and air source heat pumps, we always have the right solution for your project. Contact us directly for our free of charge design service. STIEBEL ELTRON UK Ltd | Telephone: 0151 346 2300 | www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk ENQUIRY
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54 Vans & Racking
Van test: Ford Custom Sport 310S As Britain’s best selling medium panel van, the Transit is constantly undergoing improvements as Ford aims to retain its top spot. The Custom Sport 310S version recently fell into the capable hands of our van tester, Mike Smyre, who files this report.
F
ord has always been generous with their press events, with motoring journalists given plenty of opportunities to view and try out the company’s latest offerings. But in all the years I’ve been writing van reviews, somehow I’ve never had the chance to test the redoubtable Transit for more than a few hours. So when the PHAM News office Mike Smyre, van expert asked if I’d like a brand new model for a week, I didn’t hesitate. Expecting something white, with steel wheels and the usual mid-range extras, I was somewhat surprised when this smart orange beastie with its sporty black stripes rolled up the lane.
Fully loaded Our test vehicle was the very latest Transit Custom Sport 310S, (£31,256 + VAT) which came as standard except for the Orange Glow paint (£400), ICE pack 24 (£1295), and LED loadspace lighting (£80). This van is so loaded with features, it’s easier to tell you what isn’t on it: there is no stop/start and it doesn’t have keyless ignition. Otherwise, if you can think of it, this van has it. The Orange Glow paint proved to be decidedly ‘Marmite’, with comments ranging from “Cool colour, bro” to “I wouldn’t be seen dead in that”; but if it’s not your cup of tea, you have a choice of three other metallics and solid red or white. The rest of the Sport body kit includes the front bumper skirt with swivel fog lights, side and rear skirts and the tophinged rear door, although you can opt for the traditional barn door set-up here if you wish. Topping off the look is a set of 5-spoke 17in alloy wheels, and if they’re not sporty enough for you, 18in 10-spokes are available as an option. The loadspace is the standard 6m3, with noise-reducing insulation acting as protection for the paint, an easy-clean floor and wall-mounted load securing points to keep the floor area clear. A few years ago, Ford introduced a load through hatch in the bottom of the bulkhead to allow long pipes to go under the passenger seat, enabling a 3m length to fit (just) inside the van. This is something of a necessity, because the foldable roof-rack, while being a great idea in theory, is almost impossible to set up from the ground.
Guarding the goods Security is handled by a Thatcham Category 1 alarm system, which automatically arms itself when you lock the vehicle and sounds a powerful alarm if triggered by forced entry, the vehicle being lifted, or if the motion sensors pick up any movement inside. The key fob uses a dual band transmitter, making it virtually impossible, Ford claims, to scan or copy.
The tailgate style rear door looks smart compared to the usual ‘barn doors’ and also acts as a shelter from the rain
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Orange Glow paint and black racing stripes make the 310s an eye-catching machine, with plenty of power under the bonnet
Cabin cruiser The cabin is well appointed with part-leather seats and leather trimmed steering wheel. Sat-nav, reversing camera and phone connectivity are all on the 8in touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, and despite the bewildering range of functions available, it is all very easy to use. In fact, the whole ergonomic layout of all the controls is impressively instinctive, and everything falls comfortably to hand. Between the 8-way adjustable seat and the rake and reach adjustable steering wheel, it’s simple to find the ideal driving position. A seat pack which includes power adjustment, lumbar support and seat heating is an optional extra. The seats have just the right degree of firmness to remain comfortable over a two hour drive.
Where the action is
you’re standing still. There is no wind noise, the engine is barely ticking over (70mph in top gear is a paltry 1750 RPM) and the only aural clue you’re moving comes from the muted rumble of the low-profile tyres.
Tech support Parking is easy thanks to the reversing camera and the sophisticated proximity sensors, which operate both back and front and also cover the corners of the van to the side. There really is no excuse for hitting anything if you have the benefit of this technology. There is even a tiny light in the excellent wing mirrors which gives a flash when someone is about to overtake you on the motorway. And it’s on the motorway that the electronic wizardry in the Sport really makes itself known. We are not quite there with autonomous vehicles yet, but the Sport’s adaptive cruise control make you wonder how far away true autonomy might be. Set the cruise at the legal limit and the van will detect slowing traffic ahead and maintain your 2-second gap, even applying the brakes if necessary. There is a feature on the centre dash that tells you the speed limit you are in and even has a real-time feed to the overhead temporary speed controls – quite spooky!
Out on the road, the Transit’s sporting credentials continue to impress. The 170PS 2-litre turbo diesel has enough poke to shift the van along smartly, even hauling the 400kg sample load that came with the test van. Most of the action happens between two and four thousand RPM, occasionally necessitating a lower gear than you might expect, and making revving to the red line redundant – shift up at 4000 and you’re Managing risk right in the power band for the next gear. If you’ve ever been annoyed by one of those Other safety features include 5-star Euro economy gear change lights (and haven’t we NCAP passenger protection, Electronic Leather trim seats in a spacious all?) the Sport’s rarely intrudes, only letting Stability Control, Roll Stability Control, cabin that comfortably seats three you know if you really are in the wrong and Emergency Brake Assist which senses gear for the conditions. Economy from the Euro 6 engine how much pressure you’ve applied to the brake yourself and automatically increases it, if necessary. It even flashes is good, with urban MPG at 39.8 and a combined of 44.1. The suspension also has a sporty feel to it. The roll the brake lights to let following vehicles know you’re stability control and stiffer springs mean minimal roll braking heavily. when pushing hard into a corner, and if the road is smooth Final verdict it feels more like a go-kart than a van. The downside to this is that it can feel a little choppy on rough roads and gives In summary, the Custom Sport is a comfortable, economical, the impression of being over-sprung and under-damped. fun-to-drive van packed full of gadgetry and safety features. At just north of £33k (just shy of £40k if you have to pay the Gearing up VAT) it’s not the cheapest option, and given the battering The clutch is positive and progressive, but a little heavy. The most engineers’ work vehicles are inevitably subject to, Sport is available with an auto box, which would be a sensible maybe not the most practical. But if you like your driving option if most of your driving is urban. The brakes are fantastic to have a bit of ‘sparkle’ and want to stand out from the and will haul the van up without drama, even loaded, from crowd, pop down to your local Ford dealer and take one any legal speed. And you do have to watch your speed very for a spin. You’ll be impressed. Promise. carefully in this van – on a smooth ‘A’ road, 50mph feels like
www.ford.co.uk/vans-and-pickups
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VANS & Racking 55 Settle into the cockpit for a good drive Aiming to strike a balance between convenience and drivability, Peugeot has unveiled the all-new Partner, which now features the i-Cockpit as standard. This feature is designed to create a high-tech setting conducive to productivity and promoting a dynamic driving experience. The Partner’s interior is finished to a standard that equals that of a passenger vehicle, and it is packed with technology that creates a stimulating, instinctive and safe driving experience. Handling is swifter and less tiring thanks to the compact steering wheel, and a head-up display is available
as standard to enable essential information to be received by the driver while still keeping their eyes on the road. An 8in capacitive touchscreen located in the
centre of the dashboard in line with the driver’s vision provides direct and permanent access to key comfort functions such as radio, navigation, vehicle
settings and telephone. The new Surround Rear Vision gives drivers optimum exterior visibility from inside the vehicle with a view of the areas around the vehicle. The new Partner is fitted with two cameras: one located at the base of the passenger side mirror and the other at the top of the rear doors. The images are displayed on a 5in screen located where the interior rear mirror normally sits and provides a close view of the immediate environment. An overload alert system has also been incorporated into the new Partner. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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From chaotic box to smart loadspace Bringing vans to a truly professional level is Bott Smartvan, providers of lightweight steel van racking for the self-fit market. The Smartvan range is appropriate for both fleets and sole traders and requires no drilling because it is designed to match a van’s existing manufacturer fixing points. The racking system will make good use of otherwise wasted space, such as the space over the wheel arch. Customers can go online and design their own solution using a configuration tool, where there is a choice of shelving, tool case holders, perfo panels with hooks, portable cases or a combination thereof. www.bottsmartvan.co.uk
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Take the weight The KammBar range from Rhino now has an upgraded capacity of 75kg per bar, offering a combination of strength, practicality and durability. The key operated cowls provide a layer of security, and the aesthetically pleasing design conveys a positive image to the public. Design Engineer Manager Kevin Broadbent says: “This upgrade to our KammBar retains all of its key product features, including lightweight design and aerodynamic bar profiles which provide excellent fuel efficiency savings. Like its predecessor, which supported loads of up to 50kg, the 75kg KammBar is made from anodised aluminium and coated with an anti-corrosive finish that prevents rusting or weathering.” www.rhinoproducts.co.uk
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range of requirements with two sizes, M and XL, measuring 4.40m and 4.75m long respectively. In addition to the overload indicator the 20 driver assistance systems include: surround rear vision, colour
head-up display, automatic electronic parking brake, adaptive cruise control with stop function, and active safety brake, along with four connectivity technologies, including Citroën Connect Nav and wireless
smartphone charging. Latest-generation engines include: BlueHDi 1.5 diesel, PureTech 1.2 petrol, and the introduction of the EAT8 automatic gearbox. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.citroen.co.uk
Vauxhall has released first pictures of the all-new Combo panel van. Available to order in the autumn and arriving in Vauxhall showrooms in December, the Combo is based on an all-new architecture and is available in a selection of variants, including short wheelbase, long wheelbase and crew van. It can carry a load volume of up to 4.4m3 and a payload of up to a tonne. Longer items up to 3440mm, such as pipes and ladders, can be stored safely and securely, thanks to the rear swing doors and FlexCargo load through hatch.
The Combo models include a sensor-based load indicator that warns you if the van is overloaded, a rear view camera that helps reversing, and a flank guard sensor that activates when turning at low speeds to warn of obstacles. The Combo’s infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi Pro systems can easily be controlled via the 8in colour touchscreen. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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Sporty packages have all the perks
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Driver assistance for a smooth journey The third-generation Citroën Berlingo light commercial vehicle has been unveiled. The new Citroën Berlingo van is described as practical, efficient and comfortable and the new model features large load volumes and numerous in-cabin options. With technologies new to the LCV segment, such as an overload indicator, the hightech model is equipped with 20 driver assistance systems and four connectivity technologies. The range has the latest-generation BlueHDi 1.5 diesel and PureTech 1.2 petrol engines, and Citroën’s new EAT8 automatic gearbox. The new Berlingo offers a bespoke solution to a broad
Creature comforts
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Unveiled earlier this year at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, the Sportivo range of vans from Fiat Professional includes four models: Fiorino, Doblò, Talento and Ducato. Sportivo builds on the specification of the Tecnico models by adding alloy wheels, metallic paint, Sportivo side-stripes, painted bumpers (not on the Fiorino), and a host of other safety and comfort features. That means air conditioning, touchscreen with satnav, reverse parking sensors and cruise control are standard, making the Sportivo models, according to Fiat, among the best equipped and best value vehicles in their segments. Pricing for the Sportivo
range starts at just £14,815 for the Fiorino Sportivo, which includes £2055 worth of equipment for just £1500. The Doblò Cargo range starts at £17,045 for the Doblò Sportivo, with £2520 worth of equipment for just £1500. Talento Sportivo starts at £26,245 for the 1.6 LWB 12 145 HP. An equipment pack that includes cruise control, rear view camera and leather steering wheel is worth £2720 but costs £1700. And Ducato Sportivo (pictured) starts at £32,400 for the 35 2.3 150 HP MultiJet II. A rear camera, reverse parking sensors and cruise control are among the special equipment worth £4230, but costing £3230. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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56 Vans & Racking
You’ll never talk alone in a Sprinter Launched in June, Mercedes-Benz’s third generation Sprinter improves on the brand’s classical strengths and complements them with advances in technology. PHAM News reports on the artificial intelligence lurking in the heart of the 2018 Sprinter.
I
f you are already using a voice controlled device like the Amazon Echo or Google Assistant in your home, it may have crossed your mind how useful this sort of technology might be in your van. Imagine a scenario where you are running late to the first day of a job in an unfamiliar town. Your portable satnav is proving useless, you don’t have the faintest notion as to where you should park, and your fuel is running perilously low. What do you do? If ‘panic’ is the first word you think of, then you might want to consider planning your journeys more carefully – but it doesn’t have to come to that with the use of the latest in-van telemetrics. Consider the above hypothetical again, but this time imagine you are in Mercedes’ latest, third generation Sprinter LCV. You say: ‘Hey, Mercedes, my tank is empty’, and a friendly female voice tells you where your nearest filling station is; ‘Find me a place to park’ and she pilots you to a carpark close to the job site you’re working on that day; and while you’re at it, say ‘Write a text’ so you can dictate a message on your whereabouts that will be sent directly to your client. Problems solved! – and all without taking your hands off the steering wheel or your eyes off the road.
The crisp and clear graphics on the touch screen are manipulated with gestures similar to those used on a smartphone
Hey, Mercedes... What can you ask your new Sprinter about? Maybe not as much as Alexa is capable of dealing with, but more than enough to make navigating about town and country less stressful and that much safer, as you needn’t fiddle with buttons or keep darting your eyes between screen and street. Activated by your voice (no need to push a button), the AI behind the system understands natural speech and doesn’t need you to communicate with fixed commands. Here’s a list of some of the things you might say after invoking ‘Hey, Mercedes’... ‘I’m hungry’ to get a list of nearby restaurants ‘It’s too cold’ to raise the temperature ‘Where am I?’ to get location info ‘What’s the weather like at my destination?’ for a local weather report ‘Take me home’ to set the satnav ‘I’m out of fuel’ to find a nearby petrol station ‘Read my texts’ to hear your messages
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The Sprinter’s sharp exterior is largely unchanged from its predecessor, but the tech under the skin provides an enhanced driving experience
Can we talk? Mercedes-Benz is one of many of the major auto makers engaged in something of a tech-arms race to make speech a primary interface with the vehicles we drive. While some manufacturers are relying on familiar developers like Amazon and Apple to bring voice control to cars, Mercedes has partnered with Nuance Communications to create the proprietary MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) communication system. It is distinctive for natural speech recognition and an ability to adapt to the idiosyncratic voice characteristics of individuals. For example, the MBUX will be better able to understand varying accents, and even non-native speakers. With the wake-word ‘Hey, Mercedes’, drivers can access a range of smart solutions that promise to make life behind the wheel a lot easier. The internet-connected MBUX is Mercedes’ most sophisticated infotainment system yet and has already been rolled out in some of its passenger cars. Replacing the previous Comand system, MBUX is now available in the Sprinter and is operated using controls on the steering wheel, a 7 or 10.2in touchscreen, or voice command. In addition, there is a DAB radio (a first for the Sprinter) and Bluetooth, both standard features. MBUX also works with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The system’s internet connection is achieved with a permanently installed SIM card in the communication module. This not only allows the MBUX to dynamically interact with drivers, but it can also be used for the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system, the Live Traffic Information service, and for Mercedes PRO connect services.
Fleet and nimble Mercedes PRO is the brand name of the company’s digital services for daily business in its vehicles. Designed for fleets, Mercedes PRO optimises communication between the fleet manager, vehicles and drivers. Connectivity allows online control of orders and real-time retrieval of vehicle information such as
checked and locked remotely, and it is also possible to open the vehicle without a key • Data Interfaces Mercedes-Benz Vans – integrate the new Sprinter into existing fleet management solutions
Command and control The Mercedes PRO app brings greater control and efficiency to fleet managers
location, fuel level or maintenance intervals. Its advantages range from minimised downtimes as a consequence of proactive maintenance and repair management, to clearly presented data for business analysis purposes. All fleets, big or small, can benefit from the this web-based service.
Productivity package As of the June launch of the new Sprinter, customers can choose from eight packages in the Mercedes Pro suite, including: • Optimised Assistance – for the timely and efficient planning of service and maintenance work • Efficient Fleet Management – for quick and flexible planning, and better utilisation of the fleet capacity thanks to transparency regarding vehicle location and status • Improved Navigation – optimises the route planning based on real-time traffic data, up-to-date map data, and the option of directly sending a point-of-interest to the vehicle as a navigation destination • Efficient Driving Style Analysis – provides meaningful data on driving styles that can be used to improve fuel consumption • Simplified Fleet Communication – this optimises the connection between driver and fleet manager, who can send messages directly to the Mercedes PRO app and allocate assignments • Digital Records – saves completed routes – e.g. for the separate administration of business and private journeys • Mobile Vehicle Access – increases antitheft protection and improves working processes, because the vehicle can be
One of the advantages of the Pro suite is the modular and scalable structure of the system. Fleet managers can choose the connectivity services that make the working day of their drivers and themselves easier. The existing services are being updated continually, and further services will be added to the portfolio as it develops. The Pro system relies on a high-speed communication module installed in all Sprinter vans, which forms the interface between fleet manager (web-based vehicle management tool) and driver (Mercedes app). Fortunately, use of Mercedes PRO services does not require investing in the optional (and expensive) MBUX.
Solid workhorse While the connectivity features represent the biggest advances for the Sprinter, there are other improvements behind the van’s smart exterior – which is virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor– that make this LCV a solid workhorse. Mercedes says there are no less than 1700 possible combinations of powertrain and body style. That includes a choice of frontwheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. Its maximum load capacity is 17m3 holding up to 5.5 tonnes. The front-wheel drive version increases payload by 50kg and is available with 9-speed automatic transmission. It also offers an 80mm lower loading sill for more convenient access. The core of the model range remains the same, with three wheelbases, four vehicle lengths, three roof heights, a chassis, chassis crewcab and Tractor Head chassis. Prices start from £24,350 (ex VAT) for the entry-level version with front-wheel drive. www. mercedes-benz.co.uk
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PHAM P H A M NEWS NEWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.
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3 60 º connection, connect ion, pr ov ides 360º provides efficient protection against e fficient p rotect ion a gainst ssuspended uspended dirt dir t particles par t icles in in water pipes, w ater p ipes, such such as as sand sand grains, g rains, rust r ust particles par t icles and and flakes fl akes that t hat cause cause damage damage water-using appliances. tto ow ater-using n a ppliances. PHAM P HAM N NEWS EWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.
www.monarchwater.co.uk w w w.monarchwater.co.uk
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Clean lean a air ir s solution olution ffor or existing existing h homes omes Advancement in Advancement n C h ot water water storage storage hot Oil a Oil and nd w water ater ttank ank sspecialist, pecialist, Harlequin H arlequin Manufacturing, Manufactur ing, has h as llaunched aunched He Heatstream atstream – claimed claimed to to be be a ground g round breaking b reaking development developmen nt in in tthe he delivery deliver y of of hot hot water. water. Heatstream Hea atstream iis sah hybrid ybrid m mains ains pr essurised hot hot w ater sstorage torage pressurised water ssystem, ystem, said said tto o iincorporate ncor porate m any o he advantages advantages o many off tthe off u nvented a nd tthermal hermal store store unvented and cylinders. c ylinders. A ccording tto o MD MD Laurance Lau urance According C oey: “There’s “There’s nothing nothing like like Coey: tthis his iin n the the UK UK att the the moment. moment. W e fi rmly believe believe that that the the We firmly benefits b enefits of of our our design design provide provide o ur c ustomers w ith a ssafe, afe, our customers with ssimple-to-install imple-to-install product product w ith m arket leading leading hot hot with market w ater storage storage performance performance water a nd insulation.” insulation.” and He atstream comes comes iin n a Heatstream rrange ange of of sizes, sizes, from from 150 150 to to 2 50 llitre itre c apacities a nd c an 250 capacities and can ffulfil ulfil any any domestic domestic he at heat rrequirement equirement incorporating incor porating e ither iindirect ndirect p ressur ised either pressurised a nd u npressur ised system system and unpressurised b oilers, direct direct electric electric orr twin twin boilers, ((solar solar tthermal) hermal) ssystems. ystems. F eaturing a rrobust, obust, ssquare quare Featuring d esign (made (made o DPE outer outer design off M MDPE w ith p olypropylene iinner) nne n r) it it with polypropylene iiss ideal ideal for for applications applications w he h re where sspace pace is is an an issue. issue. It It has has a c ompact ffootprint ootp print o 20mm2 compact off 5 520mm and a nd tthere here is is no no rrequirement equirement ffor or p pressure ressure equipment equipment such such ass a pressure a pressure vessel vessel or or blow blow off o ff ssystem. ystem. ““The The iinstaller nstaller iis sa assured ssured of of an a n easy, easy, carefree carefree a and nd ssimple imple
The T he Noxmaster Noxmaster whole-house whole-house ventilation ventilation system system from from Nuaire N uaire h has as been been designed designed tto od deliver eliver c clean, lean, fi filtered ltered a air ir iinto nto urban u rban homes homes and and can can be be retrofitted retrofitted in in existing existing properties. It prroperties. It c ombines a powerful powerful carbon carbon filter filter with with positive positive input input combines v entilation ((PIV) PIV) tto o rremove emove u p tto o9 9.5% ventilation up 99.5% off n o nitrogen itrogen dioxide dioxide ea and nd o other ther harmful h armful pollutants pollutants generated generated by by ttraffic raffic e emissions missions a and n iindustrial nd ndustriall p rocesses. processes. Retrofitting R etrofitting a c carbon arbon fi filter lter ssystem ystem iinto nto existing existing dwellings dwellings has h as previously previously proved proved both both difficult d ifficult a and nd h highly ighly iintrusive, ntrusive, but b ut tthe he n new ew No Noxmaster xmaster c can an b be e fitted any property with fi tted iinto nto a ny pr operty w ith a lloft. oft.
T The he No Noxmaster xmaster ssystem’s ystem’s c carbon arbon fi filter lter rremoves emoves h harmful armful gases produced by emissions, g ases pr oduced b y ttraffic raffic e missions, iincluding ncluding ssulphur ulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons and d ioxide, h ydrocarrbons a nd Volatile Volatile Organic Organ nic Compounds helping C ompounds ((VOCs), V Cs), h VO elping air and tto o clean clean up up the the indoor indoor a ir a nd protect health off pr otect tthe he long-term long-term h ealth o occupants. tthe he o ccupants. Adding carbon A dding c arrbon filtration filtration tto o PIV PIV also also helps helps tto o k keep eep condensation c ondensation levels levels low. low. The The P PIV IV process process used used by by Noxmaster N xmaster ttreats No reats tthe he whole whole property property and and addresses addresses any any issues issues w with ith humidity, humidity, which which in in itself itself is is a major major indoor indoor pollutant, dampness and mould growth. p ollutant, lleading eading tto od ampness a nd m ould g rowth.
www.nuaire.co.uk w ww.nuaire.co.uk
PHAM PH A M N NEWS EW S E ENQUIRY NQUIRY N No. o.
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installation he installattion ffrom rom tthe he ttime ime h e collects collects tthe he product product to to the the final he final ssystem ystem ttest est tthat hat h e runs runs ffor or tthe he c customer,” ustomer,” adds adds Laurance. Laurance. “Domestic “Domestic house house owners owners and and c commercial ommercial buildings buildings can can be be assured assured of high of a h igh performance performance hot hot water water ssystem ystem with with low low maintenance maintenance w with ith a product p oduct pr designed desig ned to llast.” ast.” The T he He Heatstream atstream is is now now available av vailable at at most most UK UK plumbers plumbers m merchants. erchants. s PHAM P HAM N NEWS EWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.
www.harlequin-heatstream.com w ww.harlequin-he ea atstrea am.com
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58 WHAT’S New
Accessories for MVHR system A new range of accessories is now available for use with Titon MVHR units. These include the company’s new aura-t touchscreen controller, anti-vibration mounting kits, first fix solutions and a condensate drain cover. The new aura-t is a simple, easy-to-operate backlit touchscreen controller which can be used for programming or commissioning the company’s Q Plus range, as well as managing ventilation speeds. The anti-vibration mounting kits come with brackets which isolate the MVHR unit from the wall and thereby reduce any vibration-induced noise
Burners reduce emissions
from being transmitted to the mounting structure. Compatible with Titon’s HRV 1.75 – 10.25 Q Plus units and available in two sizes, the first fix solutions are designed to make installation of the ducting from the ceiling void to the ventilation unit faster and easier.
Finally, the condensate drain cover is available in three sizes and has been developed to conceal the service pipe on the underside of Titon’s HRV units, improving the overall aesthetic, while being easy to remove if required. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.titon.co.uk
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Based on blue flame technology, Riello has developed new model variants of its RDB burners to meet the most stringent standards for NOx emissions in oil-fired residential boilers. The new models include RDB BG BLU (pictured left), RDB BX (right) and BT Yellow / BLU as well as two-stage variants of blue flame models. The company’s two stage operation system with suitable controls increases the overall efficiency of oil fired heating systems, along with reduced electrical consumption and emissions, which, says Riello, makes them the perfect
solution for high efficiency residential boilers. RDB BG BLU two-stage burners are suitable for use with kerosene and gasoil, and use Riello’s new BG combustion head design for cleaner combustion. The combination of two-stage operation and low NOx emissions makes them
particularly appropriate for use in condensing and combination oil boilers. All Riello RDB burners can be used in a balanced flue or conventional flue configuration and are designed for ease of installation and servicing. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.rielloburners.co.uk
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Kits have it covered Fan makes it easy Slimline heaters to help save on energy
With the aim of making it easier to purchase underfloor heating equipment to suit individual projects, Omnie has launched a series of UFH kits under the name of CircofloPro. Based on the manufacturer’s core range, the CircofloPro systems share a single 12mm pipe diameter, helping to reduce the overall installation depth, which can be crucial in retrofit situations. In addition, the CircofloPro kits will typically make use of multiple smaller manifolds, avoiding the congestion of pipework associated with connecting long runs back to a single point. The kits also include the wiring centre, mixing unit, and a programmable LCD screen thermostat for set t ing temperatures over a seven day period. Omnie says that the new bespoke service will help to minimise waste and unnecessary cost increases for end users. www.circoflopro.co.uk
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The multi-funtional LoCarbon Svara unitary fan from Vent-Axia comes with a five-year warranty backed up by easy installation and set up. As well as improving indoor air quality, the fan reduces condensation and can be controlled via a smartphone or tablet. An intuitive app also unlocks a range of functions and settings. When set to continuous running, once the humidity sensor is activated the fan runs at 30 litres/sec until humidity returns to normal levels; then the fan powers down to 10 litres/sec. The fan also has a light sensor that recognises room occupancy through light movement and shadows, but can distinguish between
car headlights and people moving about to avoid nuisance running. A delayon feature can also be set to avoid the fan being triggered in the night during quick bathroom visits. To save energy and prevent nuisance noise, a silent hours scheduling function allows users to deactivate the boost function via the app. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.ventaxia.com
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A new range of fully Ecodesign compliant, curved, slimline panel heaters has been launched by Hyco. The Accona range comprises a choice of four models delivering 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 kW outputs, providing a wide range of fixed installation heating applications in the home and office. A 24/7 LED electronic timer allows the user to select between a timer and manual setting. They also feature open window detection technology, further helping to reduce energy wastage for the end user, and come with a frost protection setting. The new range is also IP24 splash proof. www.hyco.co.uk
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July/August 2018
What’s New 59 All from Room sealed stoves in air tight homes Heat and CO alarm a single combined device
The Allure Unitouch from Distech Controls is designed for building occupants, such as office workers, hotel guests or school teachers, to monitor and adapt their environment. The device is a wall-mounted interface that works with the Personify app to adjust temperature, fan speed, lighting and blind control – all from one device. The control can also monitor and analyse occupancy data, allowing the settings to be changed and updated whenever an occupant is in the space. Different scenes can be configured for activities such as meetings or presentations, which may require temporary environmental settings. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
distech-controls.com
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The Ivar stove (pictured) is one of nine room sealed versions of stoves available from DRU under the Dik Geurts brand name. DRU says these new models will fit in with modern homes bearing an AAA energy rating, which are well insulated and often require the addition of ventilation systems to introduce fresh air into the rooms. According to DRU, if an ordinary wood stove or fire is installed, the low air pressure in the home
can result in combustion gases from the stove or fire entering the room, with
Plugging away
The latest addition to Drayton’s Wiser range is the Wiser Plug. It lets people remotely control any appliance that is plugged into it using the Wiser Heat app. The plug also has a builtin range extender, enabling connectivity to devices further away from the Heat Hub, helping the signal to reach other connected devices such as Wiser radiator thermostats.
www.draytoncontrols.co.uk
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www.drufire.com
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Fire precautions
Commissioning is done via the Wiser Heat app. As it’s a buildable system, there is the ability to add up to 10 plugs – either all at once or individually over time to spread the cost. Users can set schedules for each plug with the app or, if at home, they can use a Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa to make commands. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
obvious risks to the health of the occupants. To eliminate this risk,
DRU is producing roomsealed (RS) versions of its Dik Geurts branded stoves. These models have an entirely closed combustion system that draws air from outside the building and expels waste gases to the outside using the stove’s integral flue. This means that there is no danger of combustion gases entering the room and the stoves are both clean-burning and highly efficient.
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To prevent the spread of fire where ventilation ducting penetrates fire compartment walls, Domus fire collars and sleeves are made using a flexible galvanised steel shell containing graphite based intumescent material to ensure fire ratings and have been tested to BSEN 1366-3: 2009. The fire sleeves are designed to fit the smallest Domus duct and provide a 120 minute fire rating. The fire collars fit the smallest and largest round ducting (100 or 150mm), with a fire rating of 60 to 240 minutes respectively. In addition to rigid ducting fire protection, the RDFS75 SemiRigid Duct Fire-Stopping Sleeve is available for the company’s Radial Duct System.
www.domusventilation.co.uk
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The Ei3028 from Aico is the company’s first mains powered Multi-Sensor Heat & CO Alarm. Part of the new 3000 Series, it is described as a convenient, costeffective, efficient solution for protecting residents from both fire and CO in kitchens and garages. The Ei3028 Heat & CO Alarm contains Aico’s electrochemical CO sensor and its thermistor heat sensor, which reacts to temperatures of 58ºC or over (and not to smoke, so it won’t alarm at cooking vapours). To distinguish between the two events – fire or CO – the alarm has a different sound for each, plus there are clear flashing fire and CO indicators on the unit itself. It comes with AudioLINK data extraction and SmartLINK whole system remote data monitoring capability. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.aico.co.uk/3000series
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WIN A BAXI USENSE SMART CONTROL AND AN IFOS SENSOR uSense
Lifetime guarantee In a demonstration of how durable its magnetic filters are, TeBe has launched a ‘life-long’ guarantee on its compact 5in (22mm) BoilerGuard and the 11in (28/22mm) MagnaMate. The company guarantees the structural integrity of these products for the lifetime of the installer. Both filters are handmade from stainless steel, use bidirectional neodymium magnetic rods, and come with a pump-valve washer as the seal, so there’s no need to order special gaskets or seals when servicing. The BoilerGuard and the MagnaMate are £139 and £169 respectively and can be purchased directly from TeBe. The MagnaMate can be doubled-up in parallel to protect systems up to 42mm. www.tebe.co.uk
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PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
S ma r t r oom s tat The uSense allows customers to easily control their heating with an app. Compatible with all combi boilers using the 230V switch live, uSense can also connect via OpenTherm for additional features – including load compensation.
H o w t o e n te r One lucky reader will receive the uSense and IFOS package from Baxi. To enter the prize draw, all you have to do is write the number 101 on the reader registration and enquiry card inside this issue and send it in before 31st July 2018. Only one entry will be allowed per person.
IF OS s enso r
The Baxi IFOS simply clips into the flue terminal and connects to the boiler PCB. As well as being easy to install, it is said to be one of the most cost-effective ways for installers to comply with Boiler Plus.
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July/August 2018
60 What’s New Better temperature control Black beauty In a move to meet the EU’s new Lot 20 energy efficiency standard for ‘fixed’ heating products, Dimplex has upgraded its Monterey (pictured left), Girona (below) and Saletto ranges of designer panel heaters. The new ranges all include energy saving technologies such as an electronic thermostat (+/-0.2ºC) for improved temperature control. The Monterey, Girona and Saletto are able to more accurately match and maintain a chosen room temperature due to a low thermal inertia, which enables the panels to heat up more quickly. The new ranges also incorporate an integral sevenday timer, open window detection, and adaptive-start functionality. In addition, the panel heaters have also been redesigned with clear, simple-to-navigate controls with optional audio feedback, complemented by an RGB backlit graphical display. Users will also benefit from standard timer modes and continuous heat modes. A PIN-based runback lock allows for greater control when installed in public areas. The Girona and Monterey designs are each available in a range of five models from 0.5 to 2.0kW heat outputs. Saletto comes in a range of four models with a heat output ranging from 0.5 to 1.5kW. The low profile Saletto series is said to be an ideal heating solution for the low walls commonly found below bedroom windows or in a conservatory. As with the other models in the range, it comes with energy saving features such as open window detection and an adaptive PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. 178 dimplex.co.uk start feature.
Competition
Sm
ile with Si
e m
Win a Murelle Advanced HE ErP combi! PHAM News has teamed up with boiler manufacturer Sime to give away a Murelle Advanced HE ErP boiler each month to one lucky reader. Available in 30 and 40kW combination boilers, the Murelle Advanced HE ErP is among the most intelligent, practical and comforting combination boilers on the market. With its three star domestic hot water delivery, active combustion control, large user display and built-in service reminder, the Advanced is packed full of technology to effectively and efficiently meet users’ heating and hot water demands. Sime is so confident with the reliability of the product that it offers extended warranties of up to ten years. For more details visit sime.co.uk
Who’s behind the famous smile? To be in with a chance of winning a Sime Murelle Advanced HE 30 ErP combi, simply identify the famous person behind this smile. Please send your answer, complete with contact details, via email to editor@ phamnewsedit.co.uk with ‘Smile with Sime’ in the subject line. All correct answers received before the closing date of 31st July 2018 will be entered into the prize draw. Only one entry will be allowed per person.
Last month’s winner Congratulations go out to Robert McCluskey of RJM Plumbing and Heating who correctly identified Julia Roberts in last month’s issue and won the prize draw.
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Keeping track of heating and more
The 4N1 Touch Taps from InSinkErator are now available in the ‘on-trend’ finish of Velvet Black. The 4N1 taps are designed to dispense filtered steaming hot water and filtered cold water, in addition to regular hot and cold water – all at the touch of a button. The taps come with a compact water tank of 2.5 litres featuring a digital, adjustable thermostat which allows users to set the water temperature between 88 and 98°C. As well as a choice of finish (including brushed steel or polished chrome), the taps come in three different shapes: ‘L’, ‘J’ and ‘U’ shape. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.insinkerator.co.uk
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The Altech Smart Home range, available from Graham Plumbers’ Merchant, provides a way to remotely monitor heating controls, smart plugs and security sensors. Building on the original Altech Smart Thermostat, the Altech Smart Home System now includes wireless TRVs, the Altech smart plug and window/door sensors, all offering increased levels of energy efficiency and security. At the centre of the system is the Altech Universal Gateway, which enables the user to connect every device so they interact seamlessly. The Gateway is the only device
that needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network. The smart programmable thermostat with RF and the wireless TRV enables the customer to set minimum and maximum temperatures for each room. The Scan My Home feature allows the user to see the status of products in the Altech Smart Home Range. It can be connected to both door and window sensors. A smart plug simply fits into a traditional socket and allows powering the socket to be controlled remotely – ideal for switching lights on and off when not at home. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
grahamplumbersmerchant.co.uk
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Gas and electric technology combine for high efficiency New to the European market, Panasonic’s Hybrid VRF solution combines electric (EHP) and gas-driven heat pump (GHP) technologies for optimal heating and cooling efficiency. It reduces energy costs by automatically switching between its GHP and EHP; it also provides a
free supply of domestic hot water (DHW) in high demand applications, such as hotels and apartment blocks. The Hybrid VRF comprises a master GHP unit, an EHP unit, and a specialised i nt e l l ig ent c ont r ol le r. The controller monitors usage, energy demand
and air conditioning load to calculate if GHP, EHP or a combination of both working simultaneously will deliver the best savings. The intelligent controller will then intuitively switch the Hybrid VRF system between GHP and EHP to optimise efficiency. This, says Panasonic, results in a significant reduction in electrical demand during peak times when the air conditioning load ratio is high. The GHP system consumes less than 10% of the electricity that the EHP system does at full capacity, ensuring that a building’s electrical supply is used much more efficiently. A free supply of DHW is also generated by capturing the waste heat produced by the GHP engine during operation and using it to heat water. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.aircon.panasonic.eu
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July/August 2018
WHat’s New 61 Wood-fired cooking stoves Compact filter The Ironheart wood-fired cooking stove from ESSE has now been joined by two new models which share its DNA. Like the Ironheart, the new Bakeheart and Warmheart are described as being much more than a standard logburner. The Bakeheart (pictured) provides radiant heat, a graduated temperature cooking hob and a generous sized baking oven. Its smaller sibling – the compact Warmheart – is said to be ideal for a small cottage kitchen. Despite their traditional design, the British-built cook stoves employ the latest in clean combustion technology to achieve A+ energy efficiency ratings. While standard range cookers are designed to
for plant rooms
contain heat, these stoves incorporate convection panels that radiate warmth to heat the whole room. They are designed to accommodate dry, seasoned logs of up to 360mm (14in) in length and feature a glass door that provides a clear view of the dancing flames. ESSE’s heat transfer stove technology channels
heat from the firebox into the 32-litre oven and hob, bringing them up to cooking temperature within 30 minutes of lighting. The hob offers additional heat control, with the heat reducing from 300ºC in the centre zone down to 190ºC at the outer ring. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.esse.com
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The X-Mag is a new all-inone filter system from Inta, designed for plant room installations where space is limited and for locations where it is critical that heating systems are kept as clean and efficient as possible. Key features of the magnetic filter include multiple inlet configurations and a large filter to capture more dirt. At just 514mm high and 240mm wide, it is small enough to fit in small spaces, yet its powerful system boasts a maximum inlet temperature of 110°C and 10 bar maximum operating pressure to remove iron, air and dirt from heating system water, keeping it free
of debris that can cause clogging and breakdowns. Two options are available: the X-Mag, which is available from 1/2 to 2in, and the X-Mag Pro, available from 6 to 8in flanged. The system features manual and automatic air venting, self-closing venting, a large debris draining valve, a removable filtration basket with a 100 micron mesh to remove fine particles, and magnetic filtration to remove ferrous materials. Inta has also created a separate accessory pack, which comprises inlet isolation lever ball valves and a stainless steel dosing unit.
Inta’s Stuart Gizzi says: “The beauty of it lies in its simplicity. It’s a clever piece of kit and, like all our products, is designed to improve efficiency.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
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www.intatec.co.uk
Low carbon option Taking care of multiple water outlets An updated range of plumbing and heating consumables, including f reeze sprays, air dusters and lubricants, is now available from Arctic Hayes, the specialist supplier of pipe freezing systems. No longer using HFC gas, the company says that its new ZE Pipe Freeze range will help reduce the annual carbon footprint from its pipe freezing products by over 95%. That equates to a reduction of more than 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. The pipe freeze products enable repairs and maintenance of pipework without the need to drain down the whole system and can be used on all types of pipes, including copper, steel, plastic, lead and iron. www.arctic-hayes.com
PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
Designed to aid the regular maintenance and cleansing of multiple hot water outlets, the e-Ultramix from Watts Water Industries will help to prevent the risk of Legionella in establishments such as leisure centres, hospitals, swimming pools, schools and hotels, where low temperature water is often left in pipes for long periods. “This innovative product is a new generation thermostatic mixing valve and in principle distributes mixed water at a precise, constant temperature,” explains Product Manager Dave Raynor. “However, recognising the potential for the creation of Legionella in systems where hot water temperature is low and/or has stagnate water inside the system, a smart cleansing system has been added to the Ultramix range.” e-Ultramix electronically adjusts the mixed water temperature in multi-use facilities and will destroy Legionella bacteria when the water reaches 60°C. The electronic system features a smart control unit that allows
the programming of automatic thermal disinfection cycles, ensuring a safe and secure method of preventing any risk of Legionella within the DHW system. “This supports maintenance programmes in centralised installations serving collective facilities and is the only scalable system on the market,” adds Raynor. “Existing Ultramix systems can also be upgraded by simply adding an e-kit, giving facilities managers, system maintainers and industry professionals increased flexibility to ensure water supplies are maintained to the highest of levels.” Other features include the ability for the system to act as a ‘real time maintenance log’ and provide accurate sanitary monitoring details. Providing further flexibility, the data can be retrieved via an SD card or remotely by connecting to a Building Management System. www.wattswater.co.uk
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Adding up extra benefits Efficient heat recovery units Following on from the success of its E-Tec boiler, Alpha Heating Innovation has added the E-Tec Plus to its range of combination boilers. With a seven-year warranty as standard, the E-Tec Plus can be combined with the company’s Premier-Pack Extra to increase the warranty to a total of ten years. Available in two outputs – 28 and 33kW – the E-Tec Plus is built on the same platform as the E-Tec, so features a large bore stainless steel heat exchanger. It also includes a high efficiency Grundfos pump and Hydro-
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block assembly, as well as a Honeywell PCB and gas valve. A stylish controls cover, integral filling loop and pre-formed pipework connection pack all add to the premium feel. Alpha’s Director of Sales Brendan Fenerty comments: “The increased warranty is what the E-Tec Plus is all about, giving the installer a range of options depending on budget available. We are hoping it builds on the success of the previous evolution and continues to have the same popularity with installers.”
PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.alphainnovation.co.uk
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An extended range of heat recovery units has been launched by Barkell. The company’s Therm-X MVHR range has been designed to provide intelligent, clean and comfortable ventilation and boasts a heat recovery efficiency of up to 93%. Each system comes complete with Modbus compatible touchscreen controls. Products in the range include the HRFL II (pictured), an all-in-one compact heat recovery and ventilation system designed for false ceiling installations. The HRFL II is a fully
packaged solution which benefits from a compact, slim design to suit the latest requirements for local ventilation systems installed in ceiling voids. It is fully component-
accessible from below and is available in four different models covering airflows from 0.03m³/s (108m³/h) – 0.52m³/s (1872m³/h). PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.
www.barkell.co.uk
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Central Heating Wiring & Controls Book For years electricians and heating engineers have commented that wiring heating controls is a difficult subject to learn, existing diagrams are not always easy to follow. Mr Combi® Training has developed a fantastic set of easy to follow coloured wiring diagrams for central heating wiring and controls, 2 / 3 port systems, Faults, Frost stats, testing components, everything you need in one handy A5 book.
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This 200 page book written by John Reginald, is designed to help the reader understand central heating and hot water systems. Offering a stepby-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 COPPERJOB
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Snickers’ new working clothes for the summer uses 37.5® fabric technology which is really good at ‘wicking’ moisture away from the body and keeping you dry. In the Snickers Workwear FLEXIWork, LITEWork and RUFFWork product families, there’s NEW Shirts, Shorts and Work Trousers that are super-light and quick-drying with advanced ventilation to keep you cool in the heat. They’ve all got superb, body-mapping designs for an amazing fit, outstanding functionality and long-lasting comfort – all day, every day. Checkout the website and download a digital catalogue www.snickersworkwear.co.uk call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788 or Enter the PHAM No. SNICKERS
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Waterloo’s tech guide gets even better
Saniflo has launched a new, user-friendly, interactive configurator that enables customers to specify the Kineduo bath most suitable for their needs at the click of a button. Available on the Kinedo website the configurator can be used by anyone with access to a computer, tablet or mobile. Now it is a simple task to pick the right spec and view an image of the final product with the option of downloading a printable pdf. Visit www.saniflo.co.uk http://www.kinedo.co.uk/shower-cubicles/kineduo/ Ring 020 8842 0033 or enter the PHAM No. STAMFORD GAS TRAINING
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Snickers’ New ‘Climate Control’ Workwear
‘Central Heating fault finding & repair’
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The Green Book, the industry’s air diffusion technical guide, just got even better. Waterloo Air Products Plc have updated everything needed to incorporate air diffusion into projects. Comfort criteria and acoustic information is included, as well as terms, definitions and symbols. There is also information on conventional air diffusion patterns and a simple product selection guide. This unbiased guide provides important performance data to make it easier to choose the right product for the project. For a copy of the new Green Book from Waterloo, go to www.waterloo.co.uk/technical/the-green-book or enter the PHAM No. WATERLOO
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Fault Finding Videos - Now Available on Android & Apple TV
New Product Catalogue for Wirquin
The Fault Finding, Testing & Multimeters App from Mr Combi is now available for Android phones & tablets, and iPhone and iPad users can get the App for Apple TV at no extra cost. The App explains how to carry out all the electrical safety tests in full, how to test stats, fans, sensors and pumps. There's also lots of help and advice and the videos are suitable for all levels enabling learning at your own pace. The App can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store for £19.99. Visit www.mrcombi.com or enter the PHAM No.
Wirquin’s new product brochure, featuring all current innovations from the company’s Celmac and Macdee brands, has arrived in stock and is ready for dispatch. The full colour catalogue, not only provides full details and technical specifications on the company’s toilet seats, flushing mechanisms, wc frames, cisterns, connectors and wetroom products, it also lists merchandising display material available to showrooms and products soon to be launched. The catalogue is also available at www.wirquin.co.uk or enter the PHAM No.
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