March 2015 by PHAM News

Volume 53 | Issue 3 | March 2015

UK skills shortage said to be the worst for 30 years

Laser tools competition Five chances to

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Recent reports suggest that the country is facing its biggest skills crisis for a generation, leading to fears that it could start to derail the economy and force some companies to turn work away. A number of construction companies and unions have voiced concerns about a rising skills crisis that could see an increasing number of companies having to turn down work. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors has warned that up to 27,000 building projects could be threatened over the next five years because of problems recruiting skilled labour. Mark Cahill, MD of recruitment consultants Manpower, says: “In London, we have seen the extraordinary statistic that one in three of the largest construction companies are having to turn down bidding opportunities.” The Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT) blames the shortage on a 30 year failure to train apprentices. In 2013 just 7280 apprentices completed their training across all trades, but it is estimated that the industry needs 35,000 new entrants just to stand still. The union claims that the number of construction apprentices being recruited has been falling for decades. “Skills shortages are a direct result of the industry failing to invest in the future,” says UCATT General Secretary Steve Murphy. “The entire mindset of the construction industry is focused

on maximising short-term profits. The industry goes to great lengths not to employ workers directly and in that environment it is unsurprising that companies are not prepared to invest in apprentices.” Gail Cartmail, Assistant General Secretary for Unite union, speaking at the recent launch of JTL's Ambassadors programme for young women, says: “There is an ageing workforce in our sector, with many looking to retire in the near future. A cliff-edge of skills is coming, and we need to have a skilled workforce in place to replenish the ranks. One way to address this problem is to do away with stereotypical attitudes towards job roles in heating, plumbing and electrical work and encourage more women into trade apprenticeships.”

A report by the Construction Industry Training Board suggests that an industry skills shortage could be further exacerbated because 35% of careers advisers believe that construction is an unattractive prospect for young people. The organisation is calling for perceptions of the construction industry to change in order to attract the fresh talent it needs to grow sustainably. The problem is particularly acute in London and the South East, where a number of plumbing companies are having to recruit further afield in order to attract sufficient candidates. Swale Heating, one of the area's largest independent heating companies, has launched a recruitment drive as it looks to expand its business in response to record levels of demand. Pimlico Plumbers has also reported record sales levels, but says that it has been a challenge to find experienced engineers. Charlie Mullins, Chief Executive of Pimlico Plumbers, says: “The growth in the economy and the returning spending confidence of businesses and consumers has seen demand for our services soar, but the availability of skilled engineers is heading in the opposite direction.”

Heating database verifies efficiency claims The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has launched EST Online to help tradespeople choose products for their customers that come with the organisation’s stamp of approval. The database is an online product register which the EST will build upon in conjunction with consumers and manufacturers with the aim of providing a trusted source of energy efficiency claims. Tom Lock, Energy Efficiency Certification Manager at the Energy Saving Trust,

comments: “We have launched EST Online for tradespeople because we believe that when customers are provided with independent and trusted information about a product, they will want to make an informed purchase. We are committed to making sure all products not only meet higher standard requirements but are also independently verified.” According to the latest EST consumer attitudes poll, UK:Pulse, 73% of householders

say they are worried about the cost of energy bills, and many say they would choose to install energy saving upgrades to reduce expenditure. More than twothirds said their home energy use was out of control, and 40% said they found it difficult to adequately heat their home. EST Online features all Energy Saving Trust endorsed, listed and verified products and can be accessed at www.energysavingtrust. org.uk/businesses/est-online

See page 54 for more details

Zoo goes wild for biomass

Parakeets in the newly opened Australian Rainbow aviary are just a few of the animals at Colchester Zoo that are benefitting from biomass heat, thanks to a new 199kW Hargassner Green Heat Module from Wood Energy. Installed by Bentley Fire Shop, the fully containerised unit was pre-packaged off-site and is supported with a warranty covering the coating, structure, insulation and boiler for the entire 20 year payout period of the Renewable Heat Incentive. Once on site, installers were able to quickly fit the Green Heat Module to the distribution system via a single flow and return connection.

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H E AT P U M P S

SOLAR THERMAL

23/02/2015 16:04

March 2015

NEWS Review

Inside this issue Mixed messages Editor’s Radiators & Towel Warmers Why today’s radiators offer so much more in terms of performance and consumer choice

See page 29 t

Heat Pumps Opportunities for installers to benefit from a market that continues to evolve and expand

See page 39

Test & Measuring Instruments Thermal imaging cameras are fast becoming an essential tool in the heating installer’s armoury

See page 47

Air Movement The benefits of single room heat recovery and the need for ductwork cleaning and maintenance

See page 50

The Technical Magazine for the Plumbing, Heating & Air Movement Industry

Incorporating: Plumbing & Heating News Plumbing & Heating Equipment News

from survey of B&ES members

Almost half of the members of the Building & Engineering Services Association who responded to the latest B&ES state of trade survey reported an increase in both workload and turnover during the second half of last year. However, the rate of growth appears to have declined since similar research was carried out just six months ago. Tender prices have also remained largely static, while labour and materials costs have risen. Pretty well all sizes of business – and all specialisms – were revealed to have enjoyed a turnover increase, an experience which was also spread fairly evenly across the UK, with the North West of England reporting the greatest improvement. However, order books in the domestic sector remained more or less static. In terms of employment levels, just over a third of respondents claimed to be employing more people than they were six months ago, while over half of respondents reported no change. Late payment, poor margins, increases in labour and materials costs, and skills

Viewpoint by Chris Jones

Plumbers are in demand

B&ES President Andy Sneyd

shortages were cited as the principal factors adversely affecting business growth. Commenting on the research findings, B&ES President Andy Sneyd acknowledged that they paint a slightly less bright picture than might have been expected. “Certainly, anecdotal evidence provided by members in recent times has given the impression that the upturn in UK construction is rather more sustained than these figures suggest,” said the President. But he added that conditions were evidently improving – albeit at a slower rate than previously – and there remained every reason to believe that a robust recovery was on its way.

In the see-saw nature of the UK economy, it seems that as soon as there is any significant rise in the number of jobs available there is a drop in the number of people with the right skills and qualifications to fill those vacancies (see this month’s cover story). According to reports, a growing number of firms in the construction industry are finding that their capacity to expand is being hindered by an inability to recruit the right people in sufficient numbers. Unions have blamed the skills shortage on the failure to train apprentices, but it’s not a problem that is easily rectified. Despite both main political parties falling over themselves to pledge increased funding for apprenticeships, it would appear that money is only part of the problem. A study by the Construction Industry Training Board suggests that careers advisers are not encouraging young people to consider the sector as a potential careers option and it seems that many parents are equally reluctant to see their offspring aspire to a lifetime on the tools. Perhaps they would have a different view if they were to hear about some of the wages being offered to plumbing professionals. The rules of supply and demand mean that a shortage of labour can only result in a rise in the cost of that labour. Young plumbing and heating operatives, particularly those who are working in London and the home counties, are likely to have a much healthier bank balance compared to their contemporaries who have elected to tread a more academic path. Reports of recently qualified plumbers earning £2000 a week will probably do more to raise apprenticeship numbers than any government led initiative. Follow us on

@PHAMNews

In the fast lane

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© Copyright 2015 | Plumbing, Heating & Air Movement News All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without written consent from the publisher. Attributed articles represent the views of the Author(s) and are not the necessarily those of the Editor. The publishers accept no responsibility for claims made by manufacturers or advertisers. This magazine includes a number of colour editorial photographs paid for by suppliers.

Installers are being invited to experience speed, quality and performance with Adey’s new prize promotion aimed at highlighting the benefits of its fast-dose range of chemicals. Simply purchase either the company’s MC1+ Rapide Protector or MC3+ Rapide Cleaner to be in with a chance of winning an Aston Martin driving experience day. A dedicated page on the company’s website enables installers to input relevant details and every entry will be included in a prize draw. Marketing Director Haimish Mead comments: “Installers are such an important part of our business and this latest promotion is an opportunity for us to demonstrate how much we value their loyalty.” For more details visit: www.adey.com/rapidepromotion ENQUIRY

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March 2015

News Review

Cashback incentive Installers sentenced for illegal gas work aimed at installers

Worcester has revived its Installer’s Choice cashback promotion, offering installers up to £350 when they opt for one of a variety of Worcester products for their own home. The latest initiative will run until the end of this year and includes £250 cashback for the company’s range of Greenstar gas-fired condensing boilers, and £25 for the recently launched Wave control. Other offers include £150 for a Greenstore SC cylinder and £350 for Greenstore ground source heat pumps. Martyn Bridges, Director of Marketing and Technical

Support, comments: “Year after year, more installers turn to us to provide heating and hot water for their own homes. We also know that many have found owning Worcester products to be of value to them and also their business, enabling them to demonstrate the functionality to potential customers and sell the technology more easily. “We are delighted to be able to cement our position as the installer’s choice by offering them the chance to benefit from our marketleading products, while receiving cashback along the way.”

Two installers have been found guilty of performing illegal gas work that put lives in danger at a hotel in Sawbridgeworth. James Outtridge, from Epping in Essex, was prosecuted after an investigation by the HSE found work on several gas appliances he had overseen were left ‘At Risk’. Scott Wilson from Hertford was prosecuted for carrying out illegal gas work under Mr Outtridge’s supervision. Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard that Outtridge was asked by the hotel landlord to install a gas fired hot water boiler in November

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their guilty pleas under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 Act. Company Director Muhith pleaded guilty to six offences related to misleading consumers. He was sentenced to pay £2500 per offence (totalling £15,000) and ordered to pay a £2500 contribution towards prosecution costs,

James Outtridge was sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid community service, with the bench describing him as ‘highly culpable’. He was also ordered to pay costs of £1300 and a £60 victim surcharge for three breaches of Regulation 4 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Scott Wilson was fined £2000 and ordered to pay £611 in costs plus a £120 victim surcharge. After the case, HSE Inspector Sue Matthews said: “People can die as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, and, by their negligence,

Obituary Still time to enter PHAM News regrets to report the death of Stan Ball who was well known within the UK heating controls industry following his PR and marketing work for Danfoss and ACL. Stan was a regular contributor in the trade press and widely recognised for his knowledge and expertise of controls technology. He will be sadly missed.

Green Deal mis-selling case Two company officials have been heavily fined for a number of offences relating to mis-selling the Green Deal scheme, failure to provide the appropriate cancellation rights and mis-use of the NICEIC logo. Abdul Muhith and David N Clarke of Becoming Green (UK) Ltd were sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court in relation to

2013. Outtridge then arranged for the boiler to be installed by a gas fitter who was not registered with Gas Safe. James Outtridge was later asked to arrange for gas safety checks to be carried out on the gas appliances at the hotel, but again failed to use a Gas Safe registered engineer, and the landlord was supplied with a fraudulent report reassuring him that his appliances were safe to use. When the report was found to be fraudulent, Outtridge arranged for Scott Wilson to repeat these safety checks, despite not being not registered.

along with a further £1794 in compensation to the victims in the case. Clarke, Head of Operations, pleaded guilty to three offences and was sentenced to a fine of £2500 per offence (totalling £7500) and ordered to pay a £2500 contribution towards prosecution costs and £598 compensation to victims.

skills competition

Apprentice plumbers are invited to register for this year’s SkillPLUMB 2015 competition, designed to promote and showcase high standards and skills across the plumbing industry. During the competition, entrants will be judged on a series of challenging practical tests in a bid to be named the 2015 SkillPLUMB champion. Between April and June there will be a number of regional events across the UK. Those who score most highly will progress to a UK final held in November at the Skills Show, the UK’s largest skills and careers exhibition, and competitors may also have the chance to represent their country and compete at international level at future WorldSkills events. The application window closes on 20 March (visit https://worldskillsuk.org).

James Outtridge and Scott Wilson could have caused the illness or death of the owner and employees at this hotel. “The purpose of the Gas Safe Register is to protect the public from gas work being carried out by people who have not been trained and are not competent. On several occasions Mr Outtridge used persons, including Mr Wilson, who were not registered and had not been assessed as competent by Gas Safe Register. Their actions endangered members of the public, putting them at serious risk of injury and even potentially death.”

Controls forum Heating controls specialist Drayton is hosting a series of Control Hub forums taking place throughout the country. The aim of the events is to bring together installers to share opinions on products, brands and technology and offer installers a chance to network. The events also provide an opportunity to try the latest Drayton products – MiTime and MiStat – and ask any technical questions, get some advice, and even receive some one-to-one training. The forums start in Bristol on 24 March. To find out more details of dates and venues please visit the website: www. draytoncontrols.co.uk/ controlhub

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22/01/2015 26/02/2015 15:24 10:50

March 2015

News Review

Labour pledge to back CO alarms law Mitsubishi teams up with the Warriors

A campaign calling for the mandatory installation of CO alarms recently staged a reception at the House of Commons. Led by Plumb and Parts Center, alarm manufacturer Honeywell and the Katie Haines Memorial Trust, the ‘Make CO Alarms Law’ campaign argues that alarms should be required with the installation of any carbonburning appliance. The event was hosted by Conservative MP Chris

White and supported by Labour’s Lyn Brown (pictured above), Shadow Minister for

Fire and Communities. It gave parliamentarians the opportunity to see a hard-

Ventilation move Polypipe Ventilation has acquired Ferrob Ltd – now trading as Ferrob Ventilation Ltd. Based near Newbury, Berkshire, Ferrob is a specialist ventilation provider with a strong presence in the social housing sector. The company designs and manufactures a wide range of residential ventilation products, from intelligent bathroom and

kitchen axial and centrifugal fans, through to central extract and MVHR systems. Polypipe Ventilation’s MD Neil Tilsley comments: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Ferrob. This acquisition will widen our residential ventilation offering, alongside our Domus duct systems and Silavent mechanical extract appliances.”

hitting film, produced by the family of Katie Haines, who have been campaigning since the 31-year-old drowned in her bath in 2010 when overcome by gas from a faulty boiler. “Making the case for CO alarms to become law is common sense,” said Lyn Brown. “The evidence is clear and the safety benefits are plainly obvious, so I’m on board with the campaign and a Labour government will act.”

Rugby final draw Plumbers are being offered the chance to win tickets to this year’s Rugby World Cup final in a new promotion from Macdee Wirquin. A unique code will be inside promotional boxes of the company’s Motion dual flush siphon and Slim shower waste which will enable the purchaser to enter into a draw to win a VIP package worth £2700. The main prize includes a pair of Rugby World Cup final tickets, accommodation, return match day travel, merchandise vouchers and a Canterbury England World Cup 2015 jersey. There is no limit to the number of entries and there is also the chance to win hundreds of other prizes.

Martin Fahey, Mitsubishi’s Sustainable Solutions Manager (second from left) with representatives of Wigan Warriors

Mitsubishi Electric has announced a three-year deal with rugby league club Wigan Warriors. The manufacturer will be the main partner of the club’s Community Foundation and a key partner of the Foundation’s new ‘I’m a Green Warrior’ project. The Green Warrior campaign will engage with schools, colleges and businesses in the community and aims to educate young people about the benefits of sustainability.

“The project matches our own commitment to getting everyone to look at how they can reduce energy use,” explains Martin Fahey, who leads Mitsubishi Electric’s Greenway Gateway environmental initiative. “Our approach is all about engaging with people to start the energy dialogue, and with Wigan we are linking with a very strong and high quality brand that obviously means a lot to the community.”

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March 2015

News Review

Campaign backs British manufacturing gets a boost benefits of UFH Torin-Sifan, a producer of energ y efficient fan technolog y, has made a £2m investment in a new production facility. Based in Swindon, the EC Manufacturing & Technology Centre has been set up to become a centre of excellence for the production of EC (electronically commutated) motor, fan and blower products. The new building will enable expansion focused on delivering air movement solutions for clients all over the world and has created 25 new jobs.

The independent campaign ‘Ask for Underfloor’, backed by BEAMA, is encouraging homeowners to take control of their energy bills with underfloor heating, in response to most energy firms only cutting costs by around 4%, despite the price of wholesale gas falling by 37%. Commenting on the initiative, Colin Timmins of BEAMA Underfloor says: “Switching tariffs can offer a short-term solution, but for a Colin Timmins from BEAMA more sustainable, long-term “Overall, while we all want solution we need to educate energy companies to offer homeowners on the benefits more competitive deals to of improving their heating their customers, as a country systems. Underfloor heating we need to look at ways to be provides superior comfort Latest industry figures greener. There are smarter and is more efficient than show that heating oil is other heating sources. This ways to heat our homes and now cheaper than mains can be a great first step for we need to drive the market gas for home heating. people, not only delivering forward for more efficient According to the Sutherland benefits now, but also as a low heating sources, which don’t Tables, a source of data on temperature heating system, compromise on comfort.” comparative UK domestic For more information being suitable for use with heating prices, oil is now low carbon renewable heating about UFH, visit www. the cheapest of all the DMS-Sontex HUI 749 Advert 135x178_Layout 1 13/02/2015 14:55 Page 1 askforunderfloor.org.uk systems in the future. major heating fuels, costing

Mayor of Swindon Teresa Page with (l-r) MD Neil Sproston, Justin Tomlinson MP and Commerical Director Paul Kilburn

“As we celebrate 50 years of British manufacturing and innovation, we are delighted to open a worldclass manufacturing centre

here in Swindon,” said MD Neil Sproston. “We are committed to producing high quality, innovative products and lowering

carbon emissions. British manufacturing allows us to deliver this for our customers. This expansion means we are even better able to offer our global customer base cutting edge air movement technology, and improved facilities will benefit both customers and staff. To be able to manufacture in the UK is testament to the quality of our products and to the skills base here.” The facility was officially opened last month by Justin Tomlinson MP and the Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Teresa Page.

Price of oil drops below mains gas

HEAT METERING JUST GOT ...SUPER

£119 less per year to heat an average three bedroom home than mains gas, the second cheapest option. The data also show that the price of kerosene has fallen by nearly 30% over the past two years and it is the first time the price has fallen lower than mains gas since 2010. The figures compare the cost of heating the same average home with either LPG or electric storage

HQ in Pudsey

heaters, and concludes that oil remains cheaper, currently coming in at 47% less expensive than LPG and 37% cheaper than electricity. Many analysts say that the price of oil is set to stay low for the foreseeable future and this is supported by DECC’s most recent Fossil Fuel Price Projections Report which forecasts the potential for further falls over the next three years. Commenting on the data,

Jeremy Hawksley, Director General of OFTEC, says: “This is welcome news for the industry and the 1.5 million UK households who use oil for heating. With sustained low prices forecast, we envisage many households currently using LPG and electricity will look to switching to oil. We may even see some mains gas households changing to oil, particularly if they need to replace their boiler.”

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Yorkshire-based G&H Group has moved to new headquarters in Pudsey. The Group, which comprises building services, sustainability, fabrication and maintenance companies, saw a rise in turnover to £18.47m in 2014, up from £14.13m in 2013, and will use the new site as its office headquarters and fabrication welding facility. It will also provide staff with an interactive area featuring a canteen with IT facilities and a gymnasium. MD Graham Kelly says: “It is the next chapter in our 14 year history and due to the rapid growth we have enjoyed in recent years, we need larger, tailor-made premises.”

JTL has welcomed 12 new women to its Ambassadors Programme, who are tasked with explaining the benefits of an apprenticeship in plumbing, heating and electrical work to young women across England and Wales. The original Ambassador programme was launched last year, and now the scheme is to be extended to accelerate the work. It is estimated that the programme has already reached over 3000 girls at live presentations. Guests at the launch heard presentations from JTL Chairman Ian Livsey, JTL’s Equality and Diversity Officer Yasmin Damree-Ralph and Gail Cartmail, Assistant General Secretary at Unite the Union. “A failure to raise the understanding and appeal of working in building services engineering among more women could be depriving the industries of half the young talent coming from education into work,” says Yasmin Damree-Ralph of JTL.

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March 2015

10 News Review Master plumbers

Tracey Richardson with Alan Yarrow at the awards ceremony

Two members of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) have received Master Plumber Certificates at a Livery Companies Skill Council ceremony. Bryan Clark (CIPHE Technical and Education Manager) and Tracey Richardson, who works for private training company EAS Mechanical Limited, picked up their awards at Saddlers Hall in London last month. Around 110 people watched

Alderman Alan Yarrow, The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of London, present candidates with their certificates. “This scheme, started by the Plumbers, is growing, reaching ever greater heights,” said Alan Yarrow. “Apprenticeships are the bedrock and it is built on by those who progress their careers through the Journeyman stage until they reach their goal as Master of their trade. I congratulate everyone here today receiving certificates.”

For solid Boiler exhibition in London fuel and biomass HETAS is taking to the road again with a series of events aimed at anyone currently working in the solid fuel and biomass sector or looking to expand their skill sets. HETAS Live! is being run in conjunction with approved training centres around the UK and is free to attend. The next event will take place at Thermal Earth in Wales on Tuesday 14th April. There’s a choice of free afternoon and evening seminars and discussions, as well as the chance to pose technical and training questions. Plenty of information leaflets and booklets will be made available too. To register for the event please visit www.hetas. co.uk/live or call 01684 278170.

Ideal Commercial Boilers has launched a permanent exhibition stand at The Building Centre in Store Street, London. Featured on the stand are the Logic Heat Interface Unit (HIU) and the Evomax wall-hung condensing boiler. In depth product literature is also available for visitors to pick up. In addition, visitors can meet with Ideal’s representatives in one of The Building Centre’s meeting rooms to discuss which of the company’s heating solutions, including condensing floor standing boilers such as the Imax Xtra and the Evomod, are best suited for their specification requirements.

Sentinel and Ideal team up Water treatment specialist Sentinel and Ideal Boilers have teamed up to reward installers with £5 worth of Installer Connect (the loyalty scheme from Ideal Boilers) points every time they register a Sentinel Eliminator filter alongside an Ideal boiler. This offer means installers can accrue points to redeem against a wide range of personal and work related offers, from high street vouchers and gadgets to branded workwear and training courses. Installer Connect members can also benefit from double points when using Ideal’s online Marketing Toolbox. Earning reward points

requires installers to log in to the members’ area of the Installer Connect website and register the boiler and filter. Filter warranty registration is included automatically in the scheme, as are free Gas Safe notifications. Carrie Young, Head of Marketing, says: “High quality water treatment is essential when fitting a new boiler, so we’re delighted to partner with Sentinel. It means installers can benefit from some fantastic rewards through Installer Connect.” To find out more about Ideal’s loyalty scheme, just visit the website (www. installerconnect.com).

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March 2015

PEOPLE on the Move The end of this month will see Jon Graham taking the reigns at JTL as its new Chief Executive. Jon joins the charitable training company from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, where he was MD. He trained and qualified as a chartered accountant with BDO in London and following a secondment to their training department became increasingly engaged in training issues.

Exclusive to Westco

Grundfos Pumps has announced the appointment of Dave Lacey as Director of Sales – Domestic Building Services. Dave brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent 25 years in increasingly senior roles with Vaillant, latterly as Commercial Director. He joined Grundfos in January directly from Daikin, where he was the Commercial Director for Heating & Renewables. Remeha Commercial has appointed James Porter as its new National Sales Manager. James joined Remeha in 2012, serving first as Area Sales Manager and then more recently as national Business Development Manager. In his new role, James will be responsible for overseeing the sales team and driving the growth of business within the UK, whilst continuing to develop and support key strategic relationships. Conex Bänninger has enhanced its UK sales force with three new appointments. Bill Barlow (pictured) joins as Field Sales Director and will be responsible for driving the growth of UK sales. Stacy Lewis and Mike Lewis join as Regional Specification Sales Managers and will be responsible for customer development and relationship management across the Home Counties. Redring Xpelair has strengthened its water business with the appointment of Dee Walker, who has joined the company as Head of UK Trade Water Heating Sales. Having originally begun his career as a corporal in the RAF, Dee brings with him a wealth of experience from the heating and plumbing sector, having most recently spent four years as National Sales Manger at Barco Sales Ltd. Two new appointments have been made at Daikin. Nancy Jonsson (pictured) has been promoted to Commercial Director for heating and renewables and Stuart Gadsden has been promoted to Product Manager. Nancy’s new role will see her taking responsibility for the growth on the domestic heating side while Stuart will make sure Daikin’s portfolio meets the needs of the UK heat pump market. Worcester has appointed Jon Wheeler as its new Training Manager. Previously Regional Sales Manager for the South East, Jon brings a wealth of experience to the role and has been promoted to oversee the rolling out of training initiatives and assist in finding solutions to significant industry challenges. He will also look to develop new training opportunities for installers. Paul Badcock has joined Vortice as Area Business Manager looking after the London and South West region. Paul has worked in the construction industry and specialist electrical trade for the last twenty five years servicing a varied customer base nationally. His expertise comes from having worked with companies including GE Lighting, GE Security, Honeywell and Thomas and Betts. Altecnic has made two key appointments to its sales team. Paul McDowell (pictured) joins as Specification Sales Manager and Paul George as Area Sales Manager. Mr McDowell will liaise with customers, create demand and offer technical support while Mr George will work with Altecnic’s network of national and independent merchants to drive sales.

The simplest ideas are often the best. Pipeloc from Westco combines high quality plastic pipe with innovative push-fit fittings. Lighter and more durable than copper, there’s no need for specialist tools. And with a visual band system to indicate a secure fit, installation really is a doddle. So jobs take less time, helping you make more money. It’s as simple as that.

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March 2015

12 GAS Safe

Time to renew your registration With many readers needing to renew their Gas Safe registration, Russell Krämer, Chief Executive for Gas Safe Register, talks about the responsibility gas engineers have to ensure they remain legal and provides a reminder of some of the benefits of being registered.

t’s that time of the year when many engineers will be renewing their Gas Safe registration. Whether you fit, fix or service a gas appliance – be it a cooker, boiler or fire – by law you must be Gas Safe registered. This is to make sure you are competent to work on gas so that the public is kept safe. You can increase the trust your customers have in your ability to do gas work by showing them your Gas Safe ID card which will show on the front your photograph and registration number. The back of your Gas Safe ID card will list all the appliances you are qualified to work on. By doing this you are demonstrating to your customer that you have achieved the required qualifications to carry out the necessary gas work safely and legally. Besides the fact that it is a legal requirement to be registered, Gas Safe registration allows you

to enjoy additional benefits that can help your business grow and develop. We provide a technical support helpline which is available to all gas engineers with a gas related issue. Our team of dedicated gas specialists, with a minimum of 10 years experience each, provide frontline technical support over the phone. Registered engineers also have the opportunity to use the ‘on demand learning’ modules that we host on our website. The modules,

focusing on new guidance around flues and voids, have been devised to help to refresh and reinforce knowledge. At the end of each module, engineers can complete quizzes to test their knowledge. We understand that engineers are busy and that it can be hard to keep on top of technical changes, which is why all technical updates are available to registered engineers on the Gas Safe Register website, making it clear which standards are current and which have lapsed. This information can now be accessed on the go, using your tablet or phone through the Registered Gas Engineer app. We’re also encouraging the public to sign up to a free gas safety check reminder service that will not only help keep them safe, but also help secure regular work for registered engineers such as yourself. Your customers can sign up to the service at www.StayGasSafe.co.uk which means that they will receive

an email when their appliances are due for a safety check. You can also keep track of when your customers are due to have their safety check by keeping a log of it on the Gas Engineer Workspace app. This free app is exclusively available to registered gas engineers and will help you keep track of your day-to-day appointments, customer details and even provides you with essential calculation tools for different gas jobs.

Making it easy Renewing your registration doesn’t take very long, but we have listened to your feedback and made improvements. We’ve adjusted the timings around the issuing of renewal reminders, introduced the option to pay by direct debit, and we’ve given engineers the option to renew out-of-hours via an automated phone system. Renewing your registration is

your responsibility, and it is a legal requirement. The easiest and cheapest way to renew your registration is to go online, which will mean all future communications from Gas Safe Register will be sent to you electronically, with the information available instantly wherever you are. We advise all registered businesses to make a little time ahead of their registration renewal to ensure that your qualifications and competencies don’t run out during the renewal period. Additionally, we advise checking your personal details are up-todate, such as your email address, phone number and home address. Renewal is vital for you to keep working legally, so make sure you renew in time. Check your online account at: https://engineers.gassaferegister. co.uk/Renewal.aspx, or call the Register on 0800 408 5577.

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March 2015

14 YOUR Views

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I am one of the old school plumbers who through apprenticeship and many years of site experience can honestly use the term plumber as a qualification. I object strongly to those who attend some course for a few months and then thin k themselves fit to inflict their basic knowledge on the public. High time they were designated domestic pipe fitters. The same applies for those who now call themselves gas engi neers. What a load of codswallop. The only ones who could possibly use that term inology are those well trained in the industria l and heav y commercia l sectors. There is precious little skill in connecting and testi ng the gas side of domestic gas boilers. The greater part of the work is a plumbers job. Havi ng had over 60 years experience in the industry I have never been involved in or have knowledge of any gas explosions, carbon monoxide fatalities or gas leaks caused by a plumber. Most gas explosions were regu larly caused by fractured cast iron gas mains.

Land lords, double glazi ng and people too tight to have appliances installed and serviced by qualified tradesmen were and are the cause of most problems relating to carbon monoxide, gas leaks and faulty insta llations. The old system of training and eventual qualification in City & Guilds and becoming a registered plumber was sufficient. What went wrong was that politicians refused to make it compulsory for those who wished to practice to be registered plumbers. The industry has become over regulated for no real benefit to the industry or the public. The ones who seem to me mak ing hay are the training establishments, those who continually amend the old regulations, and those in the know. The water industry is one to watch as now that we are overpopulated water and sewage are going to become a big problem. We are already experiencing the change. Brian Penny Via email

More life in zombie boilers I feel the need to respond to a small but in my view incorrect and self interested news item on page 12 of the February issue of PHAM News, headlined ‘Kill Zombie Boilers’. The piece just seems to be about selling more ‘modern’ boilers which would appear to be in response to a slight drop in sales last year. If Roger Webb gave the matter a bit more then he might realise that zombie boilers ‘chug’ along because they are better, simpler designed and made a bit more robust than ‘modern’ boilers. In addition, just fitting a ‘modern’ boiler does not on its own equate to fuel efficiency. As highlighted by Douglas Haigh on the letters page of the January issue of PHAM News, new boilers need to run with a return temperature of 50°C or less to operate efficiently. I wonder how many heating engineers know that. The other factors in achieving fuel efficiency is by fitting a good control system and showing the customer how to use it and I don’t mean a system full of TRVs although they do have a part to play. Zone valves work very well. Added to this, sound thermal insulation in the zombie boiler means it can run very efficiently. To advocate getting rid of all older boilers just so that more modern boilers can be sold is ridiculous, especially bearing in mind the short life span of a modern boiler and the repairs the customer will be faced with after a few even shorter years. Any monies paid out by the customer will never be recouped by fuel efficiencies.

W. Whitworth West Harrow

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I was surprised by the recent correspondence on mixer taps and water regulations.

I am hoping that PHAM News readers will be able to help with some clarification. I have sent the following letter to the HSE, but as of yet have not received a response: I am hoping you can provide some clarity on what domestic landlords storing hot water in tanks up to 200 litres volume have to do in order to comply with legionella risk assessments and also WRAS water regulations. On one hand we have the legionella guidelines advising that water at sentinels should leave the hot tap (sentinel) at 50°C within one minute, and then on the other we have the water regulations that advise that the water should not leave the hot tap at more than 42 or 46°C. The water regs advise that water should be mixed by a thermostatic mixer valve immediately before the sentinel and I believe this is a requirement for new builds but not for existing properties unless changes are being made. It is going to be a huge cost to retro install thermostatic mixer valves to all hot water outlets in all rented properties. Is it a necessary cost and is it required if we have to have water at 50°C at the sentinels? The BRE advises that you can get first degree burns within one minute of subjecting your skin to 50°C water temperature, yet the HSE website shows a video of someone testing water temperature at a hot water tap to ensure it is at 50°C to help reduce the risk of legionella. Also, in domestic rented properties with hot water tanks up to 200 litres, do they have to permanently (24 /7) maintain temperatures of 60°C or more? Or do they have to reach this temperature once a week or once a month in order to reduce the risk of Legionella? Your clarification would be appreciated.

James Dye Via email

Have these readers not heard of check valves? Surely a double check valve is all that is needed to make a residential mixer tap or hose of any type compliant with water regulations. There’s no routine need for Mr Chambers’ suggestion of requiring a separate cold feed and booster pump. Of course, on an unvented system a mixer tap should anyway have its cold side fed from the pressure-regulated side of the of inlet control group of the hot water cylinder so that balanced hot and cold pressures are delivered, and this may also act as a check valve. But even if the cold side is fed straight from the main supply, all that is required is a DCV. The hot side will already be provided with this as standard in the inlet controls. As for the question of shower handsprays raised by Mr Procter, has it not long been a requirement that they should be provided with a captive hose that stops them from reaching standing water in the bath or bidet? Also in February, Michael Mains raises a warning about the effect of ‘low flow’ systems on meeting guidance for timely delivery of hot water. While this could clearly be an issue for retrofitting of flow restrictors to older systems, an obvious solution for new build would be to reduce the supply pipe size one or two sizes appropriate to the situation. At the reduced maximum flow rate the head loss in the smaller pipe will not be an issue, and its lower dead volume will reduce the time needed for hot water to reach the point of use. Even in an existing installation, the smaller bore pipes, especially in plastic, are much more flexible than 15mm, which can make it relatively straightforward to replace a larger gauge rigid pipe run. Alex Gray Via email

Why allow an open book? I am writing in response to John Howie’s letter, published in February’s PHAM News. I served a five year apprenticeship (1954 – 1959) and the choice of qualifications available were either City & Guilds or Higher National. Before sitting these exams I had to study the subject, and at examination time we were shown to a desk, with an exam question sheet, and two other pieces of paper, one for our answers to the questions and a scribbling sheet. And on the answers to these questions we either passed or failed. If we failed we would have to re-sit.

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This was the same when CORGI became mandatory – pass or fail – and same again when I sat my exams for Unvented Hot Water. Just two pieces of paper – a question and answer sheet and no books to look up the answers! If I and thousands of older tradesmen can do it, why can’t the modern young tradesmen do the same? I think all the young gas fitters who get certificates through the open book method should be made to do a proper apprenticeship. Richard Watt Via email

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

Please address your letters to: The Editor, PHAM News, 1b Station Square, Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1DP

or email to: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk

24/02/2015 15:22

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100% committed to manufacturing to the highest standards? OSMA. Obviously. No one in the industry invests more in manufacturing standards than us. And it shows. The OSMA range is fully Kitemarked to the highest possible British industry standards. It means whatever you use from the range, you can rely on OSMA. Obviously.

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Experts with Water

09/02/2015 25/02/2015 11:56 10:06

March 2015

16 Green Matters Big carbon savings Highlighting the benefits of biomass with big customers Biomass heating specialist Windhager gained some TV exposure last month when the company was featured on Fab TV’s ‘How To…’ documentary programme. The series has been made to encourage viewers to make eco-friendly changes to the way that they heat their homes as well as advise them of the additional costeffective benefits, including the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive. Windhager

The latest annual carbon reduction report from Ener-g shows that in 2014 its combined heat and power (CHP) customers reduced their carbon footprint by a total of 371,578 tonnes. The firm says this equates to the environmental benefit of removing nearly 124,000 cars from the road each year. A number of high profile companies have specified Ener-g’s CHP systems including major supermarkets, the NHS and hotel groups including

ENQUIRY

Radisson Blu and Holiday inn. Even the Royal family has it, with installations at both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Heather Foster, Corporate Account Manager, says: “Organisations that use combined heat and power are saving money as well as reducing their carbon footprint. By generating their own secure supply of heat and power, they can also protect themselves from power outages and disruption caused by network failures.”

was highlighted in the ‘How to…save money on your

energy bills’ episode. Charlie Lamb, Sales

Director at Windhager UK, comments: “We are grateful to have been invited to take part in conveying such a vital message to the nation. It is important that people understand the effects of fossil fuels on the environment and how these can be avoided. Biomass boilers are not only a green solution to heating systems but can provide significant cost savings as well as benefit from RHI payments.”

New division to focus on renewables A new Renewable Energy Division has been set up by Huttie, a Cambridge based plumbing and electrical contracting business. The company was established by MD James Hutt in 2007 and says that the launch of the new division is in response to growing demand for renewable energ y in Cambridgshire and beyond. It believes that the

renewable energy market in the UK is growing thanks to government financial incentives, rising demand for cleaner energy and developments in renewable energy technology. The new division will be lead by Jim Harvey, who was previously Head of Market Intelligence at DECC, advising the Government on the impact of the growing

business of renewable energy, before creating his own consultancy business in Nottingham working in renewable energy development. He was also Head of Renewable Energy at Mark Group. He comments: “I am delighted to head up the new Renewable Energy Division as Director and look forward to strong

growth and a positive future helping our clients, big and small. I have a passion for working with the best in renewable energy design, installation and service.” Solar PV, solar thermal, air source heat pumps and biomass will be the main technologies Huttie Renewable Energy will design, supply, install and commission.

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March 2015

Unrivalled quality and reliability, with added peace of mind.

MERCHANT News Taking EU regs on the road Plumb Center and key heating and plumbing manufacturers have joined forces to help installers understand new EU regulations which come into force in September. On 26 September the new Energy related Product (ErP) directive will apply to space heating appliances and water heaters, which will now require an energy label. The new regulations are designed to help the EU achieve its target to reduce energy use by 20% and increase the share of renewable energies by 20% by 2020. Many heating products will be affected, including boilers, cylinders, heat pumps and solar thermal cylinders. Manufacturers will be responsible for ensuring their products

are prepared for the new legislation change, including incorporating modulating pumps. In addition, manufacturers will be responsible for ensuring their products have compliant energy labels, which must be clearly visible on the product at the point of sale. There will also be a requirement for providing energy labelling for any package of heating products such as a space heater and a temperature control device.

In order to help installers get to grips with ErP, Plumb Center, along with major manufacturers Ideal Boilers, Baxi, Vaillant, Worcester Bosch, Heatrae Sadia, Kingspan, Honeywell, Danfoss, Fernox, Adey and Grundfos, is set to embark on a country-wide information roadshow. Starting in late April and continuing until the end of June, the roadshow will visit 40 locations around the country, from Inverness to Plymouth and Belfast to Ipswich.

Up to 10 years warranty

PHAM News will be the official media partner for the Plumb Center ErP Roadshow, so look out for further details in future issues.

New drop box spares service PTS has launched a new drop-box service for its heating spares branches. The secure drop-boxes, which are currently fitted at 140 branches, are located outside to make them accessible to an overnight courier. This allows the PTS team to have orders ready and waiting for customers when the branch opens at 8am and means that spares can be ordered via the merchant’s national hotline until 8pm, with guaranteed pickup the next morning. All parts ordered on a Friday are also automatically delivered

via the drop box for Saturday morning collections. Stuart Hough, MD of Spares for PTS and the wider Travis Perkins Group, says: “The way consumers want to shop has changed and we need to recognise that professional purchasing also needs to evolve. The simple drop-box system revolutionises the speed that domestic or commercial customers can gain access to spares, which is often vital when an emergency strikes or a deadline is imminent.” C

The Vitodens 100 range of combi, system and open vent boilers, with unique stainless steel Inox-Radial heat exchanger and award-winning MatriX cylinder burner, have a 5 year manufacturers guarantee as standard, plus a 10 year warranty on the primary heat exchanger.

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Viessmann Trained Installers also have exclusive access to warranty packages of up to 10 years, to provide complete peace of mind to their customers.

Said to be the most technologically advanced distribution facility in Wolseley UK’s supply chain, Pipe Center’s new distribution centre in Measham, Derbyshire, gives the company the ability to deliver across its entire network on a nextday basis. The 142,000ft2 facility features a dynamic ‘goods to man’ Kasto automated tube storage system (pictured). The bespoke Kasto system has boosted storage capacity by 20% and reduced the distance warehouse operatives have to travel when picking. A new management system processes all warehouse tasks and offers superior tracking and traceability of inventory, further maximising

efficiencies and reducing costs. Optimised storage and improved stock management also enables branches to offer an even broader range of products. Andy Wighton, MD for Pipe and Climate Center, says: “We have created one of the most dynamic

and advanced distribution centres in the industry that will help us achieve customer service excellence. Measham optimises our distribution capability so we can offer our customers next day delivery and accommodates our exciting growth ambitions for the next 10 to 15 years.”

Viessmann Limited • Telford • Telephone 01952 675000

Advanced distribution centre

To find out more, contact your ABM; or to become a Viessmann Trained Installer email us at: academy-uk@viessmann.com or call 01952 675032

ENQUIRY

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Business Matters

The perils of making an insurance claim The methodology insurance companies use to make payouts to their policyholders can sometimes be confusing, so it pays to know who will be dealing with you when you make a claim. Keith Laurent sheds some light on how the process works and the people behind it.

he underwriter who quoted to get your business has no involvement in the settling of any claim that you may bring against the insurance company that they work for. You may not even be talking to an employee of the insurance company that you were insured with – or even with someone in the UK. If your claim is under £5000 (or has the potential to be), you will probably be speaking to a completely independent firm that has been contracted to desktop your claim over the internet or telephone. They will most certainly not come out to see you or view the damage, and it is likely they are being paid in the region of £250 by the insurance company to settle your claim on a set fee.

How it was The system for handling commercial general insurance claims has changed dramatically over the years. Originally insurance companies employed an in house claims inspector. On a Monday, quite likely they would be given 30 or 40 claims that have occurred, together with your file showing all of the information you submitted to the insurance company when you took out the insurance policy. Armed with that paperwork the insurance claims inspector would ring, make an appointment and come and see you to discuss the claim. He or she would be authorised to settle the claim there and then, and you would most probably receive a cheque within a week to 10 days in full settlement. Looking back, they were the good old days! Insurance companies have made cutbacks in the claims handling facilities within their own organisations over the years, instead relying on external loss adjusting firms to provide not just a desk topping service but also, if necessary, a representative to come out and see you. In many cases, however, this is centralised. It may take at least a week for

the claim to be lodged with the independent firm and for the insurance policy information to be emailed out to them to put them in a position where they can then contact you. This was the case following the floods in Somerset where they didn’t have the power to make decisions on behalf of the insurers. One has to admit there was a huge volume of high value claims, but if you are going to use external adjusters, they should have far reaching powers of settlement. In the past you would be asked to provide estimates for the work to repair or replace machinery or items that have been damaged. Now, very often, the insurance company has its own contractors and you never see an estimate and indeed in many cases never know what the final bill was and when it was paid by the insurance company. Property claims are far easier to assess than liability. As far as the latter is concerned there needs to be a swift investigation and a repudiation of any liability should that be the case. However, from experience there appears to be a lack of trained staff at the loss adjusters capable of placing a realistic figure on the claim.

When requesting a quotation from insurers, you should know that previous claims experience will be required. Providing previous claims experience to potential new insurers is a minefield in itself. Most call centres will ask you whether you have had claims in the last three years. Very often the answer to that is no, and therefore the appropriate discounts are given on their quotes. You must however be aware that the wording of the documentation issued by insurers to you does not restrict claims history to three years, and claims that occurred even seven, eight or nine years ago are very relevant (material fact). This information could affect whether or not an underwriter accepts you as a policyholder. So even if you are asked for the last three years, it is our opinion that you should supply a complete history of claims going back as far as you can, remembering that claims can be repudiated by insurers if there is any suggestion that there has been a non-disclosure of material facts.

Loss adjusters

You should not be left alone when handling your claims. Your brokers who will have received commission on your insurance sale should be holding your hand throughout the whole process. In most cases, brokers do not charge for this service. If others wish to charge you, they must disclose their costs at the outset. If in doubt, disclose all previous claims – whenever they occurred – and any incidents that could have given rise to a claim whether insured or not.

On personal injury claims the new portal system that has been introduced has speeded things up, but there seems to be a regular delay in the supplying of underwriting information to the loss adjuster to actually settle claims. Insurers are also very conscious that they are subjected to the rules of ‘Treating Customers Fairly’, and of course fairly stringent compliance auditing. Overall, insurers are trying to keep their claims ratios below 50% of the gross premium, with around 35% put aside for administration costs and 15% for profits. They all tell us it never works that way.

The innovative heating control app that allows you to control and simply adjust your Windhager biomass heating system everyday from any smartphone or tablet.* Easily integrated with existing Windhager systems with MES Plus controls. Flexibility in adjusting heating temperatures from any location via your smartphone. Receive push messages from your boiler (service reminders, pellet refill, boiler status) Pre-programmed functions available for automatic adjustments. Scan and download the demo version onto your smartphone today.

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Windhager UK, Marshfield, SN14 8SR Telephone: 01225 892211 www.windhager.co.uk

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Keith Laurent MIFS DipFA (Keith@courtprice.co.uk) is a Director at Courtprice. Courtprice Limited are advisers to the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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With the aim of making it easier for engineers to register heating and hot water appliances quickly and easily, Worcester has launched its Guarantee Registration app. It has been designed to ensure simple product registration on all Greenstar gas and oil-fired boilers, Greenstar System Filters and Wave smart controls thanks to a built-in product code scanner. Additional features such as ‘find my location’ and ‘postcode look-up’ provide further assistance for the registration of customer and property details. For installers wishing to register when back in the office, the ‘offline save function’ enables them to scan the appliance on site and return to the registration at a later, more convenient time. The Guarantee Registration app is compatible with iOS and Android devices and is available to download from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Worcester’s Martyn Bridges says: “We hope the app will not only save installers time, but will also generate repeat business, as they can search an online archive of completed registrations and customer information.”

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23/02/2015 16:03

March 2015

Business Matters Take payment on the move with a chip and pin machine Offering a simple way to take card payments on the go, merchant group Wolseley UK has teamed up with PayPal to sell a chip and PIN card reader to trade customers. The PayPal Here device works in conjunction with an app on an iPhone, iPad or Android smartphone or tablet, allowing users to accept customer payments by debit and credit card. The free PayPal Here app can also be used to log cash and cheques, issue invoices and send receipts instantly by text or email. It can also be used to issue refunds, credits or part refunds anytime.

Jeremy Maxwell, Multichannel Director, Wolseley, says: “We want to help our

customers get paid quickly for the work they do and with a PayPal Here device, late payments, customers with no cash, and cheques that bounce should be a thing of the past.” Customers who register online at either www. plumbcenter.co.uk or www. partscenter.co.uk before the end of March will receive 20% off their first order and will also be in with a chance of winning an iPad Air. There is no long term commitment or monthly fees for PaylPal here, just the initial purchase price for the card reader and a small fee per transaction.

www.advanceappliances.co.uk Advance Appliances has an excellent reputation for developing innovative thermal store products. The SFUTS Multi Fuel Thermal Store is a major development as it links all fuel types and is pre wired and pre plumbed. The new EnergyManager is a sealed system thermal store for use with underfloor heating and operates at only 65 degrees. In addition, the Electric Thermal Store is very popular for apartments without gas. All of this as well as our Standard Thermal Stores - all stores are stainless steel, made in the UK and carry a ten year guarantee.

Track down lost pensions Plumbing Pensions has joined a service called Find My Lost Pension (www. findmylostpension.com), a website that enables you to check whether any pension benefits are being held on your behalf by any of the schemes participating in the service. All you have to do is enter your National Insurance number onto the website. The company says that there are over one million people in the UK who have unclaimed pension benefits. As with other

pension schemes, the Plumbing Industry Pension Scheme has lost contact with a number of members, generally those who are no longer contributing to the Scheme and have moved house without notifying the Scheme of their new address. Each year when the Scheme issues certificates to its members, it receives a number returned by the Post Office marked ‘gone away’. Encouragingly, within 24 hours of joining this

service, Plumbing Pensions had already received information about 14 members for whom the Scheme did not hold a current address. In addition to using the Find My Lost Pension website, Plumbing Pensions is also asking its members who don’t receive an annual update to get in touch so that the Scheme can obtain the current contact information. For more information, the team can be reached on 08457 656565.

More features on invoice app The Powered Now mobile invoicing app has been enhanced with the addition of an inbuilt diary, an improved user interface and more comprehensive templates for invoices, along with support for more currencies and printer support. The product now integrates full diary functionality with the existing estimating, quotation, invoicing, payment and note-taking features. It automatically calculates the time and distances between appointments and can be linked directly to customers. At any time, the user can ask for full driving directions from the current position to the next appointment. An extended range of

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templates lets you find a look that corresponds to your trade. This means that even the smallest sole trader can look like they have their own marketing budget. The Powered Now app works on iPhones and iPads and provides a comprehensive admin toolkit for every step, from preparing an estimate through to taking

payment. It even works when there’s no wifi signal, and automatically backs up all information whenever there is a connection. Everything is designed to minimise the number of times that you need to enter information – once it’s entered, it never needs to be put in again. Data can also be exported for accountants and bookkeepers.

EnergyManager Sealed System Thermal Store

Electric Thermal Store

Standard Thermal Store

Multi Fuel Thermal Store

320 Advance Appliances Ltd Unit 4, Coppice Side Ind Est, Brownhills, Walsall, WS8 7EX Telephone: 01543 377723 Email: sales@advanceappliances.co.uk ENQUIRY

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March 2015

22 Gadgets & Tools Clip provides new Sound powered by magnetic induction way to repair pipes

Click-Fix is the name of a pipe repair product invented by a Liverpudlian tradesman who came up with the idea after accidently drilling through a copper water pipe when undertaking joinery for a client. He was told by a plumber that there was no way of accessing and fixing the pipe without causing damage to the surrounding property because the pipe would need to be cut in order to repair it.

This led inventor Bradley Burkert to develop the copper Click-Fix clip which is designed to be attached to the damaged area before being soldered on to the pipe. The clip removes the need to cut pipes and makes it much easier to fix plumbing that is housed in confined spaces and is not easily accessible. It holds itself in position and solders in around 30 seconds. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.burkertis.com

The Magnetic Induction Speaker and Stand from Mayhem allows you to play music from a phone or tablet which has a speaker, with no need for wires or Bluetooth connections. This little speaker works with pretty much any device, whether it’s a mobile, tablet or any other MP3 player. It’s designed to amplify the sound from the device without any wires or having to configure them to work together. All you have to

do is place your gadget on the stand with the internal speaker close to one of

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Warm your hands Look cool while you keep your hands warm with the Zippo Hand Warmer. Modelled on the iconic lighter, this gadget may not light your cigarette but it will keep your hands nice and toasty thanks to a platinum glass fibre burner. It’s claimed to produce ten times more heat than some of the other options out there and lasts up to 12 hours with a single 12ml filling. Just remove the lid, ignite the burner and enjoy the instant warmth. Get one for around £20 at Firebox.com

Great all-rounder For just £4 from Amazon, you can get the Wallet Ninja – it’s an 18-in-1 multi-tool that does everything from open cans, bottles, boxes and letters to tightening spectacle screws, propping up mobiles, peeling fruit, screwing nuts and bolts... the list goes on. About the size of a credit card, it fits right into your wallet and will be at the ready when you need an all-rounder tool.

Tel: 02380 668833 info@dickiedyer.com

A N A B B I R K O C O M PA N Y

Dickie Dyer - an Abbirko Company Established in 1920, Abbirko were originally known as Abbott Birks & Co. Founded by Norman Birks, an RAF pilot during WW1, Abbott Birks & Co soon became a leading Manufacturer to the Plumbing and Heating Industry. In 1995, following new ownership, the business relocated its manufacturing to the South Coast of England, where it became known as Abbirko. Dickie Dyer was acquired by Abbirko in 2012 and offers a comprehensive portfolio, whilst priding themselves on a premium level of service including manufacturing, supply and fulfilment. All products are available through leading trade merchants across the UK.

www.dickiedyer.com ENQUIRY

the induction points to dramatically increase the sound.

The speaker is powered by an internal lithium-ion battery, which will last for around eight hours. It can then be recharged via any USB power source using the supplier cable. The cable also doubles as an auxiliary port cable, meaning the induction speaker can be used as a mini amplifier to play any sound from a 3.5mm (headphone connector) jack. This nifty little device is available from Amazon for £16 plus postage.

Delivering tougher, faster and more advanced drill and impact driver options is Hitachi Power Tools’ new KC10DFL2 two-piece 10.8V cordless tool kit The kit includes the DS10DFL2 drill/driver and WH10DFL2 impact driver, both of which are low in weight and feature a slim, soft grip handle. Both power tools feature an automatic, trigger-operated LED light. The tools come with two 1.5Ah lithium-ion batteries. Li-ion battery technology has a low memory effect and a very slow loss of charge when not in use. A UC10SL2 30 minute charger is included in the kit and everything comes in a carrying case. Weighing in at just 1kg, the DS10DFL2 drill/driver is ideal for high volume work, providing maximum

torque of 36Nm (hard), with a drilling capacity in wood of 29mm and 10mm in metal. The WH10DFL2 impact driver provides 108Nm (hard) maximum torque, with a bolt capacity between M6 and M12. Just like the drill/driver, the impact driver weighs in at just 1kg and is said to be ideal for high volume work in tight spaces. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Tote takes the load The C.K Magma 18in Open Tool Tote has been designed as a robust and practical storage solution for trade professionals, featuring 12 vertical storage pockets, offering instant, easy access to equipment. There is also a large internal storage area with 33 additional pockets and holders, letting you keep all your tools neatly organised. A padded shoulder strap provides more comfort, while a heavy-duty steel handle bar ensures the tote can be comfortably carried even when housing heavy tools and equipment. There are adjustable straps

specifically designed to hold a large aluminium level when on the move. Built to withstand the rigours of building sites and industrial environments, the tote features a durable 600 denier polyester construction, rigid frame and 100% waterproof and crackproof polymer base. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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at s u e e S ild – u b o c E Stand

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FIX BURST PIPES FAST! ®

SharkBite Slip Couplings are the quickest and most efficient way to permanently repair a burst pipe or leak. Available in 15mm – 54mm sizes, they can be installed in both wet or dry conditions in a matter of seconds. They are the ultimate emergency repair product to have on hand this winter. Also available, are slip tees – ideal for fast retrofit pipework extensions. Watch the video here: www.sharkbiteplumbing.co.uk/how

Manufactured and Distributed by Reliance Worldwide Corporation (UK) Limited Visit us online or on the go

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March 2015

24 Training Update JTL expands centre in Birmingham A new £2million extension has been unveiled at the JTL Centre of Excellence in Birmingham. The centre in Mill Street near the city centre, which first launched in October, provides training opportunities for young people across Birmingham and the West Midlands. It also offers a range of apprenticeship opportunities in conjunction with local

employers in the electrical and heating and plumbing sectors. The JTL Centre aims to be a focal point for the provision of traineeships, offering young people who can’t make the qualifications for apprenticeships immediately the chance to get some work experience and to learn the basic skills of a trade to see if this is the way forward for

Chance to train up in Italy Burner manufacturer EOGB has announced plans to run some of its courses in Bologna, northern Italy, at its Baltur development facility this summer. The week-long courses will cover single stage, two stage and fully modulating burners, oil, gas and dualtheir careers. The extension was launched by local MP Shabana Mahmood with JTL’s Ian Livsey, pictured above.

Prepping for ACS in advance Logic4training has launched ClubLogic, a free online learning resource for gas installers designed to help users familiarise themselves with ACS course material before attending the course itself. It’s available to all Logic4training customers who have booked onto a CCN1 gas initial or re-assessment and covers precourse material, videos, technical drawings and quizzes to help prepare for the course. ClubLogic provides a flexible way to revise for this element of maintaining Gas Safe Registration, helping installers feel more confident during reassessment.

Mark Krull, Director at Logic4training, says: “ClubLogic provides a convenient way for gas installers to source the right information, re-familiarising themselves or updating their knowledge before they come on the course. We hope that by using ClubLogic, installers will find CCN1 training and reassessment an easier and less nervewracking process, while increasing the chances of a successful outcome.” For more information about ClubLogic, visit the website (www.logic4training.co.uk) or call 0345 845 7222.

fuel burners, and electronic and mechanical operations. Scheduled to be run in July, sessions are open to a maximum of 10 people per course and offer handson experience in operating large commercial burners. EOGB also runs a number of courses at its facility in

Cambridgeshire, including OFTEC Oil Training, Domestic ACS Gas and Hot Water Safety Systems. EOGB says it trained over 200 heating engineers last year. To book a place on a course, or for more information, call 01480 477066 or email training@eogb.co.uk.

Full NIBE range in Basildon Engineers in Essex can now get training from NIBE at Prospects College of Advanced Technology (PROCAT). The renewable heating manufacturer has teamed up with the college to deliver training at the college’s Basildon campus, and it will span NIBE’s full range: ground source, air source and exhaust air heat pumps, as well as biomass boilers and solar thermal systems. Training at the new centre will provide installers with all the information and hands-on experience they

need to carry out NIBE installations. The centre will be fully equipped with a cross section of NIBE heating technologies, as well as control

systems and hot water storage solutions. There are also MCS courses available. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Perfect for heating homes. Simple for you. Introducing Polypipe’s easy-to-install underfloor heating systems More than ever, people are warming to the idea of underfloor heating. It’s energy efficient, economical to run, and comes with lots of flexible options. So it’s easy to see why our products have become popular choice for British homeowners. Renovation or new build, there’s a product for all types of projects. But we know that’s not enough. We want to make sure you have the information and support you need to get the job done. That’s why we recommend joining our Registered Installer Network. You’ll get all the information, training, and support you need from a dedicated Underfloor Heating Manager. What’s more, joining our network will make you a supplier of choice. Find out more at polypipeufh.com

Polypipe Underfloor Heating systems are: • Simple and cost effective to install • Suitable options for all floor types including solid, suspended and floating floors • Suitable for both ground and upper floors • Suitable for all finished floor coverings such as ceramic and stone tiles, wood, engineered wood and carpet • Backed by Polypipe’s reputation for quality and service

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layout, especially useful when time is of the essence

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26 Training Update Commercial water Air con and more at Leeds school heating in spotlight The programme of CIBSE/ CPD training modules from Rinnai offer an opportunity to explore the practical and energy saving benefits of continuous flow gas fired water heating. There are nine modules to choose from: Rinnai product overview; continuous flow; intermediate water heater; continuous flow - excellence in design; service and fault diagnostics (water heaters); service and fault diagnostics (energy saver warm air units); understanding ACOP L8 and hot water design; maximising renewable gain in hot water design; and continuous flow as an innovative method of satisfying energy and regulatory demands. To deliver consistency, Rinnai has invested in a combination of fully equipped training facilities as well as offering CPD courses supported by a mobile training vehicle.

There are more than 100 days of tuition available at Airedale International’s Leeds training school. The cooling specialist offers a wide range of theoretical and practical courses for newcomers to the industry as well as those with experience. Airedale’s courses range from refrigeration and air conditioning basics to installation, commissioning, maintenance and design principles. A CITB Construction Skills approved

Courses can also be delivered in a lunch time ‘bite-sized’ format. The training events cover both traditional and new technologies for commercial water heating and highlight the energy and monetary savings that can be achieved by using a continuous flow hot water system. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.rinnaiuk.com

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Essential Electrics and JO4 & JO5 Pipework & Brazing. New for 2015, Airedale has

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.airedale.com

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Designing district heating networks Specifiers and consultants who want to learn more about designing efficient district heating schemes can now benefit from an updated CPD course delivered by Rehau. The RIBA and CIBSE approved CPD ties in closely with some of the key messages of the newly

published CIBSE/CHPA Heat Network Code of Practice. The educational CPD has been developed to provide a valuable insight into the options available in terms of heat sources and pipework materials for district heating schemes, and the considerations which need to be taken

into account in specifying, designing and installing the pipe networks. It gives a clear overview of the principles and advantages of district heating and sets out the current financial incentives available under the terms of the RHI. The course also includes information

on the advantages and disadvantages of different carrier pipes and pipe insulation materials and explains the key data which is required to accurately size a pre-insulated pipe network for optimum efficiency. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.rehau.com/gb-en

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centre, the facility also offers industry-recognised training in F-Gas J11,

also added one-day refresher sessions in F-Gas J11 and Essential Electrics to allow certifications to be kept upto-date, in line with legal requirements. For larger groups, Airedale will work with clients to design tailored sessions covering topics such as psychrometrics, component identification and uses, sound and sound measurement, and airflow in ducted systems and controls.

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March 2015

INDUSTRY Insight

Water hammer Continuing his regular column in PHAM News, industry expert John Griggs investigates the problem of water hammer in pipework systems – how it might occur and how it can be prevented.

When it comes to quality, and performance...

storage had taken into account o most people, plumbing is simply the joining of the water provision from the pipes to convey fluids local water company. However, of various kinds such as hot there was no evidence that and cold water, wastewater any consideration of the and gas. However, there is also impacts of water hammer a complicated science behind had been made. every simple item of plumbing. Shock waves One question that I was asked Any cistern with a float at a plumbing college a while operated inlet valve can ago was ‘what has science got become a source for water to do with plumbing?’ hammer. Wear or grit in the I presumed that the valve mechanism can make questioner appreciated that John Griggs MSc FCIPHE IEng the float move erratically, most plumbing is based upon engineering principles, but did not see that which can lead to the generation of surface all good engineering is firmly based upon waves within the cistern that can amplify scientific laws and research. Much of the the movement of the float. Such conditions construction of pipework systems and their are unlikely to be visible on the day of any supports is dependent upon physics such a new system test, but may develop over time. metallurgy, gravity, fluid dynamics, fluid statics Water hammer is basically a shock wave that and thermodynamics. Within chemistry, both travels within a pipework system at the speed organic and inorganic chemistry are relevant of sound and can be reflected by surfaces so with the natural reactions of the fluids in pipes that under resonant conditions the waves and the various additives that are used in produced can pull pipes apart and split pipes heating and drinking water systems. With open.

In the pipeline A while ago I investigated a problem that occurred in a large building. The water supply system was installed by plumbers working to plans provided by the building services engineers. As with all plans, there were elements that were not very detailed. The routes of the pipes were shown diagrammatically, but there were warnings that structural members needed to be avoided. Working pipes around obstacles is a frequent problem that all plumbers encounter and deal with. The drawing showed conventional cold water cisterns with float operated inlet valves (ball valves in common terminology) and the pipework was connected using compression fittings. The system was installed, tested and maintained then after a few years one of the fittings close to the cistern came apart and water flooded the building. What went wrong? The system’s design had clearly been considered from the point of providing the required amount of water to the outlets and the

Fixed up To prevent such problems, all pipework should be securely fixed so that movement cannot take place, any fast closing valves should be damped so that they do not slam and, if needed, shock arrestors should be installed correctly. Maintenance of float operated water inlet valves should be undertaken so that scale is removed and all movement is smooth. Where surface waves are apparent suitable baffles should be fitted to minimise the impacts. Whenever water hammer is heard, steps should be taken to eliminate it. If it is not stopped or mitigated there will be failures. Although I have only dealt with the simple case of a water inlet valve, there are many other circumstances where water hammer is a problem, in particular wherever two phase flows occur – such as in steam pipes. To emphasise the significance of the problem, I would refer you to one of the most comprehensive pieces of literature on the topic produced by the Electric Power Research Institute from California. Their book ‘Water Hammer Prevention, Mitigation and Accommodation’ is available in six volumes. Although it deals with water hammer in the nuclear reactor industry, volume 5 is more generally applicable as it deals with various pipework systems. Such books should be required reading for all building services engineers. Water hammer is an important issue in any installation with cisterns, pumps, solenoid valves, check valves and changes in pipe diameter, so always consider how it can be minimised or eliminated.

John Griggs has worked in water supply and drainage research for over 30 years and represented the UK on various European and International Standards committees. He is a Director of JPJN Partners Ltd, a company that links together a growing number of construction, water and plumbing experts who provide consultancy services to UK and international clients. The company is based in Hertfordshire and has a website at: https://sites.google.com/site/ jpjnpartnersltd. John can be contacted by phone 07910 456314 and email jpjn99@gmail.com.

...don’t take our word for it. Quality standards speak for themselves. It’s what you’d expect to see on our products and it’s why you can specify Conex Bänninger with absolute confidence.

Excellence since 1909 For further information, please visit www.conexbanninger.com, Tel: +44 (0)121 557 2831 or email: sales@ibpgroup.com CB/UK/3.15

legionella issues, various aspects of biology become important such as microbiology and biochemistry. If the big picture is involved in a design, issues such as climatology, environmental science, social science and computer science become relevant. Due to the wide range of sciences involved in plumbing, it is not surprising that there are no plumbers who know everything about plumbing. So, we should not be shocked that the plumbing engineer involved in a particular project has a specialisation as well as some areas of ignorance.

ENQUIRY

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March 2015

Radiators & Towel Warmers 29

Moving on from old technology Some homeowners may think that the radiator market has been slow to evolve, but modern radiators offer many advances in terms of energy efficiency, speed of performance and breadth of choice. Chris Harvey, Product Manager at Stelrad Radiators, explains more.

odern radiators are very different animals to those sold pre-2000. They may look similar to the untrained eye, but on closer inspection they are very different. They are built to much higher standards, from better materials and have to meet a number of important new standards. Just as importantly, they need to look good as well. Increasingly, installers and specifiers are looking for the heating source they choose to add to the aesthetic appeal of the homes they build or refurbish, rather than selecting purely functional radiators that share heat around the home. Today’s premium and designer radiators look very unlike the radiators of 20 years ago. And there are vertical radiators as well as horizontal ones, taking up less wall space and providing more flexibility for homeowners. So long as the radiators are sized properly, they will provide ample heat for any room and unlike underfloor heating, they heat up and cool down very quickly, so homeowners won’t find themselves waiting for an age for the home to get warm. The smaller radiator footprints of today are the result of double and triple panel radiators and convection fins which generate more

The recently launched Stelrad Vita radiators are available in six individual ranges

heat from a smaller radiator profile. And radiators are available in a range of colours too – not just white. The Stelrad range is available in up to 35 colour options – ideal for interior designers or where homeowners want to match or contrast radiators with the rest of the décor. Most importantly you can now select energy saving radiators in the UK for the first time. Serial feed radiators have been independently shown to save 10.5% of the energy a standard radiator would use. The heated water circulates in a very different way and heats the front panel first. Often that’s all you need – you rarely want the radiator to heat up to maximum temperature, so using intelligent radiators makes a lot of sense. They provide up to 50% more radiant heat – so you feel warmer quicker – and they heat up 23% more quickly than a standard radiator.

warm towels or do they want a decorative radiator that heats the bathroom or shower room as well as the towels? Their customers will invariably say the latter, but many DIY’ers heading for the local shed will come home with a very attractive towel warmer that once installed will leave an average bathroom on the chilly side of cool. More upmarket products, often manufactured in Italy, offer much more innovative designs and on the whole, far higher quality finishes. Sadly, the towel rail marketplace is a bit like real life – you get what you pay for. Despite the appeal and mass attraction in the UK of chrome plated towel warmers, all chrome plated towel rails are disadvantaged compared to products with painted finishes when considering their heat output. The plating process compromises the efficiency of the radiator and also has quite a negative environmental impact. Plated rails can be prone to corrosion from moisture ingress between the steel tube and its supposedly protective layer of plating. Whether chrome plated or painted, it is important to ensure that the towel warmer is correctly sized. This will inevitably mean specifying and fitting a much larger radiator than you would for a conventional steel panel type radiator. Taller, vertical models can help deliver satisfactory levels of heat and ensure that your customers are not hurling themselves at the warm towels as soon as they exit the shower!

Rail ways

The Concord towel rail from Stelrad provides a contemporary look for the modern bathroom

Whilst modern radiators can offer real energy savings options, one of the major trends in heating in new homes is the addition of a towel rail in most bathrooms. Perhaps 20 years ago they were the exception, but today they are very much the norm. However, it’s important to remember that not all towel rails are the same. Before making a purchase, installers should discuss with the homeowner what they want the towel warmer to do. The clue is in the name. Do they want the towel warmer simply to

Stelrad’s Excel is part screen, part radiator

Correctly sized radiators will provide comfortable warmth when it’s needed more reliably than ever before. There are many simple programmes available to help you to size radiators correctly for each individual room. Our STARs heat loss calculator is free and downloadable from our website (www. stelrad.com). Whenever you’re installing a new boiler in an existing system it’s always worth giving some thought to the radiators. A new boiler and a jetflush to renovate the elderly radiators is better than nothing, but if the old radiators are pre-2000, the boiler will have to work harder to share the heat it generates and new radiators could pay for themselves in two or three years depending on the size of the home. But replacing the radiators will deliver energy saving benefits and more warmth – because modern radiators are designed to do just that. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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www.stelrad.com

The UK’s widest and most comprehensive ranges of radiators, towel rails, valves and accessories. For a brochure or to ﬁnd your nearest Showroom or Merchant please call:

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March 2015

30 Radiators & Towel Warmers

Why radiators remain the choice for efficiency As renewable heating systems continue to evolve, so do the emitters being fitted to them. Gareth Charles, National Sales Manager at MHS Radiators, explains how modern radiators are keeping up with consumer demand for more energy efficient heating solutions.

thermostatic radiator valves, s the green movement the efficiency of steel panel continues to gather radiators has been vastly pace, it has become improved, removing the need more common for housing to increase wall space. For developers, local authorities instance, by simply adding and homeowners to consider another panel (with another renewable technologies, for set of convector fins) to a both their economic and single panel radiator, outputs energy efficient advantages. can be boosted by over 40%. This has resulted in air A third panel can see outputs source or ground source increase up to 60%. Doing so heat pumps, as well as solar enables the radiators to work thermal systems coming to with lower flow and return the fore. temperatures, without having When discussing the heat emitters best suited to run Gareth Charles, MHS Radiators a detrimental impact on room temperature. In other words, from a renewable heating system, underfloor heating (UFH) is often doubling or tripling the number of panels referred to as the only efficient option allows higher levels of heat to be produced available. However, there are alternatives from shorter radiators. available! Radiators – especially the latest All for aluminium models – offer an economical yet highly energy efficient means of emitting heat from Alternatively, aluminium radiators (such a renewable source, and across a variety of as Decoral from MHS) are another viable option, as they offer higher outputs while applications to boot. While it’s true that utilising water maintaining the same size as their steel temperatures of 30-45°C makes UFH systems counterparts – so there’s no need to increase successful when coupled with a ground or the amount of wall space, rip up any existing air source heat pump, they are primarily pipework or install any electrics. Aluminium restricted to new build projects. When it is an excellent conductor of heat, so these comes to refurbishment projects, installers emitters are also well suited as part of a should turn to radiators as the heat emitter system running from a heat pump with a lower operating temperature thanks to their of choice. When heat pumps are fitted to an existing low water content. Aluminium radiators are also more building, radiator size becomes important. This is because the heat pump’s flow compact, keeping in line with end users’ temperature is relatively low (usually around requirements – especially in apartments 45-50°C) compared to traditional boiler where space is always at a premium. The temperatures at circa 80°C and, as a result, lightweight material also allows for some an incorrectly sized steel radiator could see stylish and contemporary designs, while its heat output reduced by as much as 50%. having the additional, sustainable advantage By using thinner steel, convector fins and of being completely recyclable.

For radiators of the same size, the output of aluminium models is higher than that of steel and cast iron alternatives due to the more efficient development of the fins and higher thermal conductivity of the material. When compared to UFH systems, aluminium radiators benefit from quicker heating up and cooling down times. This means that when UFH is used, not only can a room take longer to heat up, it can take equally as long to cool down. AIRAL (the International Association of Aluminium Radiators) attributes this to the high thermal inertia of UFH systems, i.e. there is a lag between the needs of more heat in the room and the response of the system. This can result in the temperature falling too low beyond the ideal, or climbing too high – which wastes energy and money. In contrast, aluminium radiators have low thermal inertia and can be turned on/off and regulated very quickly. This allows them to adapt to all climatic conditions, to sudden changes in outdoor temperature or to free heat sources – avoiding energy wastage and undesired changes in indoor temperature.

Cost benefits Cost is another variable that is frequently overlooked. Studies carried out comparing radiators with underfloor heating (in a twostorey, semi-detached house) have revealed fuel consumption from an UFH system to be 15% higher compared to aluminium radiators. Comparisons also revealed a small difference in energy consumption in favour of radiators, which consume 2.11kWh/ m2 per year less compared to floor heating systems. In economic terms, this difference is equivalent to about a £22 saving a year when using radiators.

The Decoral aluminium radiator from MHS

In addition, UFH can restrict the layout of a room because of its unsuitability for siting beneath fittings or furniture. The AIRAL research attributes this to it reducing the surface thermal emission necessary to raise the temperature of the floor over 24°C (as well as entailing a higher initial cost).

Off the wall By simply fitting radiators to a renewable system, the heat emitted is not going to be affected by floor coverings – they are, after all, sited on the wall! Furthermore, no substantial maintenance is required (provided the system has been flushed and installed in accordance with the Building Regulations to begin with). While modern housing and heating systems continue to evolve, architects, interiors specialists and homeowners will still specify uniquely styled radiators as focal points and design features. And, of course, radiators will always be popular as the heat emitter of choice in traditional homes, as well as those equipped with renewable heating systems. As a result, installers can rest assured that radiators can be easily integrated to complement and maintain a sustainable level of system efficiency while remaining the heat emitters of choice for many years to come. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.mhsradiators.com

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March 2015

Style and substance in one Fashion and interior designer Ben de Lisi is the man behind Abacus’s latest portfolio of towel warmers. He came up with the contemporary styled Zola towel warmer to lend chic to the bathroom. The new Zola has been developed so the brushed stainless steel towel warmer contrasts with the polished stainless steel of the towel hanger. It is available in 1800x290mm and 1800x500mm models offering 930 or 1443W output respectively. Complementing the towel warmer is a range of associated products including chrome and brushed TRVs.

The Zola towel warmer is part of the wider Ben de Lisi collection from Abacus which includes baths, basins, shower screens, shelves, mirrors,

accessories and furniture that is suitable for family bathrooms and cloakrooms. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.abacusdirect.co.uk

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Right for renewables too With Myson’s UlowE2, installers can pair this radiator with either renewable or conventional heat sources, particularly in hybrid applications with underfloor heating. Due to its ability to switch between static and dynamic operation, the Ulow-E2 produces high outputs from compact sizes and is designed to be an efficient heat emitter for both domestic and commercial buildings. Designed specifically to work with lower system temperatures, the Ulow-E2 is suitable for

use in combination with underfloor heating as well as on its own. It can operate as a traditional radiator, while dynamic operation will activate built-in fans, enhancing the heat output. Dynamic operation will only ever activate when required, allowing the unit to combine

the high heat output of a fan convector with the convenience of a radiator in one product. Myson says the Ulow-E2 makes it possible to reduce the operating temperature of condensing boilers from 70 to 60ºC, allowing them to work at maximum efficiency in condensing mode whilst maintaining the same level of comfort. The system temperature of heat pump systems can also be reduced from 45 to 38ºC. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.myson.co.uk

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Warm a room and towels The Hickstead heating towel rail from JIS Europe has been designed with inspiration from one of the more imposing fences at the show-jumping venue of the same name. It is appropriate for both residential and

commercial applications. The towel rail’s six arms are square, but are fashioned from the same highly durable grade of stainless steel as with the rest of the Sussex collection. This model is available in

central heating, dual fuel or electric-only options. The open sided rails with their twin carrier pillars enable either left or right sided installation. The electric only version is supplied in right arm format as standard, with the left arm needing to be specifically ordered. Depending on the heat source used, the Hickstead offers an output of 378W, so can provide enough heat in a properly insulated bath or shower room, as well as keeping towels warm and dry. The Hickstead measures 1010x500mm, while the half dozen arms are evenly spaced on the uprights. It comes with a 25 year guarantee. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.sussexrange.co.uk

The Caspian Universal fan convector. Believe. Caspian Universal is the answer to your prayers, if your church is cold, or has lots of people using it at different times during the week. It’s the ideal solution for any place of worship where flexibility, low surface temperature, good controls and great heat are not just a matter of faith.

Caspian Universal ● Plumbs into the central heating system ● One heating solution for a variety of applications high, low or ceiling-mounted installation ● Free five year parts and labour guarantee ● Made in the UK ● Next day delivery from stock ● EC motor technology

Call the Smith’s sales office on: 01245 324900

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118 ENQUIRY

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March 2015

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heatingthroughinnovation. ENQUIRY

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Radiators

n any application with vulnerable occupants, be it in care homes, schools, hospitals or even domestic housing, the health and safety of the occupiers has to be the primary consideration. Radiators operating at high temperatures in any public area pose a very serious hazard. Surface and pipework temperatures of up to 75°C can cause serious, if not fatal, burns within seconds, so Building Regulations Approved Document M and the NHS Estates Health Guidance Note recommend that surface temperatures should not exceed 43ºC. The most practical solution is to provide heating that ensures occupants cannot come into contact with the hot surfaces. However, today’s specifiers face the challenge of selecting radiators that not only comply with stipulated safety guidelines, but are also energy-efficient and aesthetically suitable.

Best of both There is now a range of low surface temperature (LST) radiators that not only eliminate the problem of burn-related injuries, but also offer the very latest energy efficient technology. LST radiators are designed to incorporate a casing that covers the pipework as well as the heat exchanger so all hot surfaces are concealed and exposed surfaces remain at a safe temperature of no more than 43°C. Design is another important safety aspect to be considered when it comes to the specification of radiators in environments occupied by vulnerable people. Conventional radiators tend to have sharp edges that can cause serious injury. For example, if an elderly person were to fall onto a radiator, due to the fragility of their skin the risk of sustaining a nasty injury as a result would

Jaga’s Maxi LST radiators with Dynamic Boost Effect (DBE) technology are helping to keep elderly residents safe and warm at the historic Royal Hospital in Chelsea

be far greater. The outer casing of an LST radiator must be designed to avoid sharp edges, using smooth, profiled corners and edges to minimise the risk of injury.

Energy issues With Government energy targets forever playing a role in determining heating systems for new and refurbishment applications, specifiers are now faced with the need to find more environmentally friendly technologies to help meet the latest requirements on energy efficiency in buildings. In addition to this, both private and local authority buildings need to take account of energy consumption, as heating and hot water account for a significant proportion of energy costs. For this reason it is essential that the heating system is energy efficient as well as effective. The output demands from a heating system fluctuate through the course of the day, but it is also important that the heating system reacts quickly to changes in temperature caused by other factors, such as variable occupancy of rooms or solar heat gains. The high water volume and high mass of conventional radiators makes them quite slow to respond in this

respect. A more responsive, and therefore more efficient, solution is the use of low mass, low water content (Low-H2O) heat emitters. These have only 10% of the mass and contain as little as 10% of the water content of a traditional radiator, buffer less heat and therefore react at least three times faster to fluctuations in temperature. As a result they heat up immediately if the temperature falls below the set-point and stop heating as soon as the set-point is exceeded.

Logical choice The safety of vulnerable building occupants should never be taken for granted. Technologies now available mean that safe-to-touch low surface temperature radiators can also produce a highly efficient and powerful heat output. Specifiers can meet environmental demands, save on energy and, most importantly, provide protection to those in need of it most. Unnecessary risk is so easily avoidable, so when building or renovating such an application low surface temperature radiators are the only logical choice to maximise the comfort of the occupants. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.jaga.co.uk

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34 Radiators & Towel Warmers

Take the curves The Radiator Factory offers a range of curved radiators that can solve the challenges of heating in unusual spaces, such as under a bay window. The newest entry to the company’s offering is the RT4 Round Top with a slim profile and low water content operation, which means quicker heat up time. Available as a single convector only, the RT4 comes in 20 sizes and can be

both curved or angled to suit the particular application. It carries a 10 year guarantee. Another bespoke radiator option is the Cru-Curved Column, available in 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 columns and a range of colour options. The company is based in Leicestershire and has been a specialist radiator fabricator for 30 years. Products are available through national plumbers merchants.

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High heat output and good looks Suitable for installation in bathrooms and kitchens, the Vega range of radiators from Phoenix are offered with an optional towel rail which can be removed for a more designer led option in other areas of the home. Produced from aluminium, the Vega radiator provides high heat outputs whilst using a minimal amount of water, making it more economical to run. Also available from Phoenix is the Lily line of radiators. They are available in standard sizes and provide a contemporary twist on the traditional column radiator, making it both functional and stylish. Phoenix Radiators is part of Phoenix Whirlpool and Inspirational Bathrooms, supplying designer radiators, traditional radiators, ladder rails and radiator valves.

Italian inspiration Gloucester based Apollo Radiators is highlighting its range of brushed stainless steel towel warmers. The Genova is available in a choice of styles, straight offset (pictured left) and wave (right). This line of radiators was designed to offer a modern, minimalist design and they are suited for kitchens and bathrooms. There is a choice of electric only or dual fuel and they can be delivered within three to five days.

Also available from the Genova line is a ‘straight’ version, which resembles a ladder, with the rails spaced widely apart for plenty of towel hanging space. This one is suitable for bathrooms and cloakrooms. Apollo Radiators sells a wide range of central heating designer radiators, towel warmers, heated towel rails and accessories, many with 46 powder coated colour options. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.apolloradiators.co.uk

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Tiptoe through the Tulipas MHS Radiators has expanded its range of multi-column radiators with the addition of the Tulipa from Vasco. Offering outputs from 0.3 to 5.5kW, the new radiator has either one or two rows of 57.5 x 10mm vertical flat steel tubes, plus 35mm round headers, which contribute to a minimalist yet striking design. Available in 247 vertical and 223 horizontal models – each providing an array of permutations with single or double rows of tubes – all Tulipa radiators are supplied with wall-hanging brackets as standard, although free-standing options are also available. MHS Radiators can also supply free-standing versions with retaining stays. Tulipa radiators feature seamless welding and work at standard operating pressures of 4 bar (5.2 bar test). However, higher service pressures of up to 10 bar (13 bar test) can be achieved upon request or specification. The maximum operating temperature for the range is 110°C, while each radiator has a 10 year warranty as standard. “Tulipa not only provides rooms with a striking focal point, it also supplies

Lighter2 exceptional levels of comfort and warmth,” says Gareth Charles, National Sales Manager. “With vertical and horizontal variants available, the radiator can be installed in a variety of domestic and commercial applications, no matter how small the wall or narrow the space is.” www.mhsradiators.com

ENQUIRY No.

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Efficiency in production Carron, a cast iron manufacturing company, is looking to highlight the increased efficiency it has achieved in production practices. Making the switch to better equipment with greener fuels has both labour saving elements and also means greater recycled production material. This is further enhanced with an investment in 3D modelling and design machinery. Commenting on the increased efficiency, General Manager Brian Athey says: “With energy prices the topic of debate, the subject of cost, efficiency and eco-

friendly manufacturing is one that we at Carron recognise as being highly

important to consumers and the trade. “These factors are a key driver in our goal to produce better, greener and more efficient products that have an increased lifespan. Coupled with proven results in using our products with ground source heating and the natural longevity that comes from using a robust and ultra-strong material like cast iron, efficiency is high on the agenda at Carron.” The company offers a 10 year guarantee on all of its radiators. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.carron.uk.net

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Vanguard of electric heat The Vanguard range of electric radiators from Electrorad is said to offer an efficient and cost effective alternative to out-dated storage heaters. The thermal fluid-filled units have a lightweight aluminium body that facilitates a speedy warmup as the fluid heats rapidly and circulates to heat the whole surface area. As well as protecting the radiator from internal corrosion, the internal fluid will not freeze, and the design of the central radiator fins ensure a good balance of radiant and convection heat, thereby warming both the air and people directly.

INTRODUCING THE NEW INTEC2 X The very latest addition to our technologically advanced The range uses the latest in digital electronic thermostat technology. Its built-in 24hour/7 day programming system is accurate to +/- 0.5 °C, sensing the room temperature

below the radiator where the air is at its coolest, meaning that only the required energy is used. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.electrorad.co.uk

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Products in Action 37 Boilers make history at Tudor property

Heat in the church Jaga is holding up St Luke’s Church in Sway, Hampshire, as an example of how heritage buildings can be brought into the modern age by using energy conscious and cost effective heating measures. Originally built in 1838, the church needed a heating system that did not interfere with its historical features. Heat was previously supplied by radiant electric heaters suspended from the ceiling. Jaga’s Tempo LSTs were selected to provide a quick heat up time and safety for elderly and young occupants. Paul Cantwell from

consulting engineers Worldwise Limited says: “We chose the Jaga Tempo LST because we could install the radiators in an unobtrusive, continuous casing along the walls of the aisles and chancel, whilst concealing distribution pipework and providing a safe surface temperature. Because of the powerful heat output, the radiators successfully offset cold down-draughts from the large stained glass windows to ensure that everybody is kept warm.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.jaga.co.uk

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Two Keston 30kW System boilers have been installed as part of a refurbishment project at Selly Manor Museum, a Grade II* listed Tudor house dating back to the 1300s. Owned by Bournville Village Trust, Selly Manor is one of Birmingham’s oldest buildings and is visited by thousands of people each year. The Keston twin flue boilers were specified by heating and ventilating specialists SHEco, as this was the only boiler

range on the market that could meet the challenging requirements for a 23m flue run. The new boiler system

is not only more effective, resulting in a warmer building for enhanced user comfort and preventing the formation of

damp, it is also much more efficient, greatly reducing running costs for Bournville Village Trust. Ian Shorter, Installation and Service Manager at SHEco, specified the Keston 30kW twin flue system boilers to help overcome a number of restrictions that were in place as a result of installing in a Grade II* listed property. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

132

www.keston.co.uk

LPG hot water in the park The shower blocks at Seaview International Holiday Park at St Austell in Cornwall have been fitted with Rinnai’s condensing Infinity HDC1500i continuous flow water heaters to deliver a steady supply of hot water. When the park’s old storage system broke down, Rinnai Sales Consultant Scott Humphries recommended four Rinnai Infinity HDC1500 internal water heaters to be run on LPG. It was installed by MR Parson, St Austell. Seaview’s Sarah Goodwin says: “For

the past 18 months we have had no complaints about the showers. There’s been no running out of hot water, the temperature is perfect and the hot water flows as soon as the shower is turned on. “As well as showers, we also have three baths in the block and no problems at all. In fact, people from the luxury Paddock area have been coming down to use the showers in the new block. We are now hoping to update the Paddock area shower block and put Rinnai units in there too.” www.rinnaiuk.com ENQUIRY No. 133

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HEAT Pumps 39

Cost benefits will fuel market expansion Energy savings coupled with government led incentive schemes are likely to encourage more UK homeowners to switch to air source heat pumps. Max Halliwell from Mitsubishi Electric highlights the opportunities for installers to benefit from a growing market.

he heat pump market continues to grow and figures released in October by the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) showed a 3% increase in 2013 across the 21 countries covered by the study. Last year is likely to show an even better picture with progressively higher growth as the economy and construction sector continue to regain ground. An additional driving force Max Halliwell from Mitsubishi for this increase is the evertightening legislation around energy efficiency in buildings, which includes the retro-fit market. The EHPA report states that: “Heat pumps are performing well, but there is still a tremendous potential. With more stringent governmental support, the benefits to society could be much larger.” Should the Association’s calls for further government support for the technology be answered, it is a safe bet that heat pumps will become a more widespread, viable option for new and retro-fit projects. While these ambitions may take some time to come to fruition, it is worth focusing on the financial benefits that are currently in play for heat pump technology.

Financial gains There are numerous financial benefits to heat pump technology, but to identify potential savings on energy bills, in addition to any comparative cost analyses of heat pumps versus gas, oil, LPG or electric systems, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) must be taken into account because it offers an immediate monetary carrot. This government scheme has been set up to encourage the uptake of renewable heat technologies amongst householders, communities and businesses through financial incentives and is the first of its kind in the world. In 2012 phase one of the RHI launched to support the UK’s non-domestic sector, with its domestic counterpart introduced in April last year. The initiative provides financial support to the domestic owner of the renewable heating system for seven years and is targeted at, but not limited to, off-gas households.

Heat pumps represent a growth opportunity for installers

39 (WAS 41).indd 1

It’s easy for homeowners to monitor their heat pump system

The 11.2kW model is the latest addition to the Ecodan range

For many people the savings that could be achieved are For a start, in order to qualify for RHI, 250mm of loft not immediately obvious, but the manufacturers have insulation and cavity wall insulation where appropriate risen to this challenge with the introduction of free online must be installed. In addition, installers must run through mechanisms such our Ecodan selection tool. This provides a check-list of necessary factors to check the suitability building owners and installers with an insight into what of the site. These factors include ensuring that the unit is heat pump technology could deliver to their building both located correctly, that there is sufficient pipework insulation in terms of savings on bills and potential RHI payments. as well as ensuring that there is adequate frost protection. Users simply have to input the required information about MCS accreditation the size, age and location of the building in order to arrive One of the other key factors to take into account is the at the best heat-pump solution. The selection tool takes a number of factors into account Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) because including insulation, which is the main element that will RHI, which is almost certainly going to be a key driver govern the size and type of installation. For example a in a building owner opting for this technology, is also well-insulated building will lead to a far greater efficiency dependent on the installer holding MCS accreditation. Installers wishing to gain MCS accreditation need to be in performance from a heat pump as it will not have assessed by a Certification to work as hard to replace Body to ensure they can the heat being lost from the “Figures released by the EHPA suggest install the renewable interior. that the market will continue to grow” technology in line with the The results are displayed MCS standards. A company’s showing annual costs compared to oil, electric, LPG and gas, together with the practices will be evaluated by the Body together with an choice of Ecodan unit which is most appropriate for the inspection of an installation site chosen by the installer. application. The tool can then calculate RHI payback All MCS installers will be assessed against the MCS 001 which, for a three-bed Victorian house without cavity standard and the specific technical standard for the wall insulation, returns over £7000 over that seven-year technology they are seeking certification for. Installers are also required to join the Renewable Energy Consumer period. It is worth remembering that this calculation is an Code (RECC) prior to completing MCS assessment. Whilst this may put the brakes on installing heat pumps estimate, and a full Energy Performance Certificate is required for an accurate valuation, but it certainly provides for a short period of time it is nevertheless essential and installers should shop around and do some research into a guide to the savings which can be expected. certification bodies, because prices and timescales will Market growth vary for the assessment. The Domestic RHI is now moving from its legacy stage into supporting new market growth and as a result we Fifth generation are now seeing new technology enter the market, which New product launches such as the fifth generation of Ecodan further increases its appeal and answers the growing and the maturing market for renewable technology have need for renewable heating in the UK. A case in point put heat pumps firmly on the map and the figures released is our new FTC5 Ecodan range of air source heat pumps by the EHPA suggest that it will continue to grow steadily which were launched last year and feature a plate heat over the coming years. The additional benefit of the financial exchanger that helps to increase heat-up efficiency by 17%. support provided by the RHI and government legislation This type of efficiency has made a lot of people sit up for achieving energy efficiency will almost certainly fuel and take notice, but whilst any installer who is serious this growth in both the new-build and retrofit market. Perhaps it is therefore time to start looking to the about heat pumps will be able to do the maths and work out the efficiency and payback period on behalf of their future because any installer with the know-how and the customer, before they start work they need to look into necessary accreditation will be in a very good position the building in a bit more detail to decipher its suitability to take advantage of this growth. for heat pump technology and whether they are qualified PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. heating.mitsubishielectric.co.uk 134 to carry out the installation.

25/02/2015 08:43

March 2015

40 HEAT Pumps

Looking at the bigger picture With a focus on larger properties and higher output heat pump solutions, Stiebel Eltron works closely with installers to ensure that every project meets the customer’s requirements. We recently spoke to MD Mark McManus to get up to speed with latest developments.

roviding both ground source and air source heat pumps for some of the most prestigious properties in the UK, including some high profile National Trust properties, Stiebel Eltron has established a reputation for meeting the needs of the higher end of the market. The UK arm of the German manufacturer is headed by Mark McManus and we spoke to him about the company’s market strategy and the prospects for further growth.

“We also provide the installer with the hydraulic and electrical diagrams bespoke to the installation and ensure that they receive all relevant installation manuals before any products are delivered. They can then plan how it all comes together and see if there are any other things they need to shop for before they start work on site.”

Mark McManus, MD of Stiebel Eltron UK

Is it fair to say that the company’s approach to the UK heat pump market has changed over the last couple of years? “Yes, we made the decision to concentrate on areas where we’ve had the greatest success. We have a broad and evolving product range and seek solutions for various types of property, but we do find that our products are particularly suited to high kW output properties. These tend to be larger properties in rural locations. So that’s where we’ve really set our stall out. If you look at the UK heat pump sector, around 60% of the market is focused on heat pumps lower than 10kW, and that’s a very price aggressive marketplace. So we are better looking at the market above 10kW heat output – whether that’s air source or ground source. We can offer a range of solutions up to 500kW and we’re price competitive in that market. “We changed our communications tack a little bit as well. We’ve got more heavily involved at the beginning of a project, and in discussions with the end user. I think it gives the consumer some reassurance when the manufacturer talks to them as well as the installer. It gives them a lot more confidence. A lot of installers will openly admit that although they’re great installers, they’re probably not the best sales guys and some of our sales people are probably better at helping the consumer to understand the whole life costings of a project. “Being able to provide strong sales literature to installers adds an extra comfort level too and helps them to speak the language of the end user. When you’re used to working in a very technical world and have to then explain things in lay-person’s terms it can be challenging so we’ve adapted all our sales literature to support that process. We have two levels of literature, one is aimed at the installer network and the other directly addresses the consumer.” The company has put together a range of packaged solutions to help with the installation process. Has that gone down well with installers? “Yes it has. We’ve been managing heat pumps in Germany for over 40 years, so it’s a mature market, but in the UK we still have that ‘gas boiler and six radiators’ kind of mentality. We needed to simplify the process for the installer by selecting equipment for those properties without having a shopping list of thousands of components. We wanted to tailor packages that suited different types of properties, so we spent a long time creating a solution on air source heat pumps which gave us eight packs of two heat pump types. “We help the process in a few other ways as well. We’ve produced a flow diagram that helps installers to select the appropriate heat pump package for the installation. Within the pack would be the ASHP, the correct sized buffer cylinder, the domestic hot water cylinder, the controller and everything else they need.

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The company says that the air source heat pump range has been designed with the UK market in mind. What difference has that made to the way they operate? “We went back to the drawing board with the new ASHP range. The Technical Director from the group spent time visiting sites in the UK and looking at the construction of UK houses. We’ve got some of the smallest new builds in the world and we also have quite a mild climate compared to northern Europe. Around 80% of the heat load in the UK is when it’s around 7°C outside temperature, so our compressor is designed to deliver optimum performance at that temperature. “Our new air source range is geared around the installer and making the installation process easier. The R&D guys and the product managers in Germany are all off the tools, so they all understand what it’s like to work outside when it’s -3°C and you’re trying to make connections.”

Is there any more that the company can do to minimise any potential installation issues? “We’ve improved performance levels and made them even easier to install, so the heat pump has become as ‘plug and play’ as it can get. The cylinders we do are fabulous, but it’s where the two meet, the hydraulic separation, that we need to improve on. So we’ve got a product that we will launch at Ecobuild, which we call HM (Hydraulic Module) Trend. It physically looks like a gas boiler and will provide a link between the hot water cylinder and the heat pump. The controller is integrated in the front of the unit and integral inside is a 24 litre expansion vessel, a diverter valve, a circulation pump and also a back-up electric heater. All of it is pre-plumbed and pre-wired. It will dramatically reduce their time on site and reduce the potential for error.”

Will the drop in oil prices make any difference to your projected sales figures for this year? “I don’t think so really, because more oil consumers are aware of the fluctuation in oil prices for the last few years and it’s been more negative than it has been positive. And it’s a short term positive at the moment. The ones with greater foresight will see that the prices will eventually You’ve recently launched a new range of ground source increase again and we want to highlight the security and heat pumps. Is the aim to offer a similar choice of longevity of heat pump technology. “The drop in fuel prices might have a short term impact, packaged solutions? “We want to take the best practice from what we’ve but I think the price issue is likely to have a much bigger impact on the lower than learned from air source 10kW market than it would in and take that into ground “Our new range is geared around our part of the market. We’re source and make sure that making the installation process easier” dealing with some really high the installer has the same kW loss properties where even benefits as they have with our new ASHP – reducing the possibility for errors, but a drop in oil prices doesn’t make a significant difference.” without taking the flexibility away when doing some of You’ve been more vocal than a lot of companies in being the unusual projects that we do. So our existing products positive about the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. will not be replaced by the new range, they will be an Do you think the Government could do more to raise extension to our existing product offering. We will be awareness of its benefits to consumers? able to do 40kW houses with swimming pools, but we’re “It’s a fabulous tool, but it’s not been very well looking to simplify the more standard installation. So communicated because DECC only have a budget of we’re looking at packaged solutions, for different kW around £80,000 to promote it, which is not a lot in heat losses and different hot water provision. Again with marketing terms. So they’re relying on the manufacturers all the information that the installer needs.” to do that. We have a dedicated website which tries If appropriate for the property, would you say that a GSHP is always the better solution? “Yes, because you get a better CoP and a constant source temperature, but a typical installation is likely to cost significantly more than an ASHP. According to DECC figures, you’re looking at about £1200 a kW on GSHP and around about £750/£800 a kW on ASHP. But we take every property and every installation on its merits, so it’s very difficult to say that a heat pump installation will cost X amount.”

Stiebel Eltron’s WPF32 ground source heat pumps installed at the Oyster Catcher restaurant on the Isle of Anglesey

to explain things for the end user and we try to make sure that when we’re making our presentations that consumers are aware of it and how it might benefit them. But it would be great if there were television adverts and a full marketing campaign.” Do you think that the next Government that gets elected in May will continue to back these kind of schemes? “The RHI has cross party support and is written in statute, so we’re confident that will continue. I don’t see any reason why not. The ‘green agenda’ has to be high on all of the parties’ priorities. There are still targets to be achieved on carbon reduction, so it’s not all just about the cost of fuel. A big part of those carbon savings that need to be achieved are in the domestic housing sector, so there are big opportunities still there.” In the next five to 10 years, have you got any idea of what sort of numbers you will be talking about in terms of the size of the UK heat pump market? “It is really difficult, but I think the consumer acceptance of the technology is helping the sales process. People aren’t so afraid about being the first in a locality to have the technology. If you look at what DECC are forecasting in their calculations, then we’d be talking big figures but, to be honest, I’d be happy if the market is just a quarter of what they’re predicting.” www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk

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25/02/2015 16:17

Hitachi Air Conditioning Engineered for tomorrow.

One of the best COPs on the market, naturally

Yutaki-M Hitachiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-winning Yutaki-M monobloc heat pump converts 1kW consumption into an impressive 4kW output saving up to 60% on running costs*. A space-saving outdoor heat pump communications with an intuitive, wireless remote control to adjust room temperatures efficiently, which combined with MCS accreditation, a high COP of 4.31# and DHW Legionella Protection Program as standard, Yutaki-M provides energy efficient year-round comfort, naturally

Japanese engineering excellence, naturally

YEAR

To find out more call Hitachi on 01628 585 394 hitachiaircon.com | hitachiheating.com

ENQUIRY

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* compared to traditional boiler-led systems # depending on model

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42 HEAT Pumps

Ideal for existing gas systems In the quest to improve the operating efficiency of existing heating systems in UK homes, gas absorption heat pumps could provide the most viable alternative to gas condensing boilers – so says Martyn Bridges, Director of Marketing and Technical Support for Worcester.

he majority of renewable technologies introduced in recent years, such as air or ground source heat pumps, are generally only suitable for low temperature heating systems. Whilst that’s fine for a brand new system and a well-insulated property, there are still an estimated 24 million homes in the UK with central heating systems already installed. Given the vast majority of these properties were probably built before 1950, this means a high proportion of these heating systems are likely to exist in relatively poorly insulated houses. As a result, they need a high temperature heating system to provide heat at a comfortable level. Being renewable, or at least partially renewable in design, options like a CHP unit or a fuel cell system could meet the requirements of these types of properties. However, of all of the options available, I think there is definitely more scope for

apparatus could continue to be located outside the house. However, the potential to develop this technology can be compared to the evolution of mobile phones. Whilst the first phones were once rather large and heavy, today’s handsets are tiny by comparison.

Down to size Gas absorption heat pumps can operate at 140 to 150% efficiency levels

gas absorption heat pumps. I say this because it is very rare for people to remove their entire heating system and replace existing radiators. It’s not often that people choose or would be advised to put underfloor heating into an existing property either. The more likely scenario is that existing radiators will stay in place, so there needs to be a less disruptive solution for replacing a high temperature boiler with a high temperature renewable technology.

Gas absorption heat pumps are currently too big in design and construction to sit in the place of an existing boiler and the vast majority of these types of heat pump units currently have to be located outdoors. While it is not out of the question that this type of heat pump could remain as an external unit, it is more likely that in the interim period we will start to see a mixture of both. It is possible that homes could have an indoor unit and that some of the other

Although there is a law of physics to comply with when it comes to the size of heating apparatus, I don’t think we have yet seen the full potential of the technological advancements that can be made in terms of reducing the dimensions of gas absorption heat pump units. When it comes to operating efficiency, a condensing boiler will generally operate at around 90% efficiency whereas a gas absorption heat pump can operate at around 140 to 150% efficiency levels. This might not be as efficient as an electric air to water or ground to water heat pump, but it means

this technology can serve high temperature heating systems at efficiencies that are 50 to 60% better than a condensing boiler. Another attractive selling point is that 84% of homes in the UK are connected to the gas mains and installing a gas absorption heat pump should not present a massively different challenge to that of installing a condensing boiler. Essentially, there is a gas connection to consider, a flue system to install, flow and return connections to be made and a sealed system arrangement. When you consider the benefits, not least that a gas absorption heat pump can serve an existing heating system and operate at higher efficiency levels than a condensing boiler, then I see no reason why this technology won’t be successful and have a part to play in changing the way we heat our homes. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

JUST ADD AIR NEW NEW W

The new NIBE F2040 air source heat pump range offers the installer ‘Energy for Life’ with preselected packs designed to be installed in new build and retroﬁt properties. The new packs consist of prepackaged hot water units, hot water cylinders, solar thermal combinations and all controlled by an advanced intelligent controller with easy to use colour display and featuring NIBE Uplink. Read more about our air source heat pumps at www.nibe.co.uk

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP NIBE™ F2040 | OUTDOOR MODULE

NIBE™ SMO20/40 & NIBE™ HA-WH5MEGACOIL | INDOOR MODULE

•New air source heat pump for residential & commercial buildings •Produced in three sizes: 8kW, 12kW & 16 kW •Both heating & cooling functions •Compact design •Inverter Controlled compressor •Built in condensate water tray

•An advanced new generation controller with easy to use controls and colour display •Compatible with NIBE Uplink to connect to the internet for complete control anywhere •HA-WH5-MEGACOIL available in 5 sizes including solar versions with 25 year guarantee •NIBE F2040 together with SMO 20/40 and HA-WH5-MEGACOIL gives you a complete solution for heating/cooling and domestic hot water

NIBE Energy Systems Ltd . Tel 0845 095 1200 . www.nibe.co.uk ENQUIRY

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Heat Pumps 43 Low noise, high efficiency Hot water kit for hybrid system in bigger properties

The MCS approved Grant Aerona ASHE air to water heat pump range features units with greater operating efficiencies at lower external temperatures, larger outputs and reduced noise levels. Models are available in 6.5, 8.5, 12.5, 17.5 and 21.5kW outputs. The units are described as having a superior CoP even

when external temperatures drop as low as -20°C. The two larger units operate on a single phase electricity supply – Grant says that three phase is more commonly used for outputs of these sizes in competing models. Depending on the model, the Aerona is claimed to deliver around four times the amount of energy for

every 1kW of electricity used (at 7°C air temperature/35°C water temperature). By a combination of design features and improved insulation, the Aerona achieves low noise levels in operation. This provides greater scope when specifying air source heat pumps for properties, helping to comply with noise level requirements under MCS MIS3005. With weather compensation, dual temperature controls and a 3kW immersion backup, Grant describes the range as combining tried and tested technology with sophisticated control equipment to give customers the benefit of efficient and reliable heating with every unit. To find out more about Grant’s Aerona, visit the website or enter the number below on the reader enquiry and registration card inside this month’s issue. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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To cater for properties with high hot water demand, Daikin has unveiled a kit that connects its Altherma hybrid heat pump with a hot water cylinder. It consists of a 3-port valve and necessary cylinder sensors, making it suitable for those homes that need greater volumes of hot water. The original Altherma hybrid heat pump with combi boiler was introduced for properties with a single bathroom. The new connection kit means that it can now be fitted in larger houses with a more significant hot water demand. Hot water is provided by the boiler which can be connected to an indirect hot water cylinder in a traditional system. Alternatively, it can be combined with the hygienic Daikin thermal store and Daikin drainback solar for a renewable hot water solution.

More potential Nancy Jonsson, Product Manager Heating and Renewables at Daikin UK, comments: “As an industry first and a market leading solution, the Daikin Altherma hybrid heat pump has enjoyed great reviews since its launch last year. “The new hot water

cylinder connection kit extends the potential of this award-winning hybrid system and provides a viable renewable heating option for many more properties on LPG or the UK’s gas network. The system is up to 35% more efficient than a boiler alone.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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www.daikin.co.uk

Heat pump with inverter technology 3.0

The new WPL 15 AS – energy efficiency on the quiet

Setting new standards in efficiency | The new inverter air | water heat pump has been designed specifically to suit UK climatic conditions. It is equipped with a demand-led inverter compressor and enhanced vapour/ injection which help to provide industry leading performances. › Highly efficient inverter 3.0 technology for an even greater output › Extremely quiet operation › Achieves heating flow temperatures up to 65 °C WPL 15 AS Inverter air | water heat pump

Project Energy – our House of the Future initiative. With Project Energy, we offer comprehensive and futureproof building services: energy production, energy storage, energy efficiency and energy management. STIEBEL ELTRON UK Ltd | 0151 346 2300 | www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk ENQUIRY

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March 2015

44 HEAT Pumps

Opportunities to go underground Chris Davis, Commercial Director for Kensa Heat Pumps, explores some innovative approaches to domestic applications for ground source heat pumps and opportunities for micro ground source heat networks that can take advantage of the non-domestic RHI scheme.

opportunities for installers. t’s fair to say that, thus One such area is with heating far at least, the Domestic for multiple residential RHI has been about as properties, for example effective as a chocolate fire rental properties and the guard in stimulating growth increasing number of holiday in the residential renewable cottages and luxury lodges. heat sector for anything other District heating installations than biomass boilers. DECC’s are covered by the nonown monthly RHI updates domestic RHI, which as well indicate that fewer than 350 as for existing buildings also ‘new’ ground source heat applies to new build – unlike pumps have been accredited the domestic RHI. This opens under the domestic RHI since up significant opportunities its launch in April last year, for renewable heat installers while less than 1500 air Chris Davis from Kensa source have similarly been less sustainable outcomes to promote ground source registered. in a completely different solutions to holiday park It’s something of a travesty direction. And with heating owners, private landlords that the Government’s Heat oil prices now lower than at and residential developers. Strategy clearly recognises any point in the past four Interest in district the long term benefits of years, it is not surprising heating, also referred to as heat pump technology that the level of interest ‘heat networks’, is gaining against a background of a in heat pumps hasn’t seen momentum, and an approach decarbonising electricity the growth that any of us unique to ground source grid, however the faltering expected this time last year. heat pumps, termed ‘microRHI policy appears to be However, this doesn’t district’ heating, provides a ECODAN INSTALLER - 178x274_Layout 1 15/12/2014 08:40 Pagecompelling 1 focusing on shorterADterm, solution. mean that there aren’t

Under this approach multiple heat pumps installed in each dwelling are linked to a communal ground array, enabling the system to qualify as district heating generating 20 years of income under the nondomestic RHI stream.

User control By providing an individual ground source heat pump for each dwelling, each occupier has complete control over their own heating and hot water system and responsibility for their own bill, meaning the landlord or property owner does not have to be concerned with apportioning bills between each property, or indeed the distribution of heat between each home. This approach also overcomes many of the

drawbacks of traditional central plant district heating systems – namely lack of control and energy loss through the distribution system – because with the communal ground array it is the cooler ground side water that is distributed centrally, with each home producing hot water for its heating system via its own individual ground source heat pump. Importantly, unlike district biomass systems, there is no need for a plant room and no need for fuel storage and the logistical management of fuel deliveries. The choice of ground collector is also an important consideration. Holiday lodges (which are often electrically heated and therefore set to benefit from the most significant fuel cost savings)

are frequently located close to lakes or other bodies of water, which make an excellent and extremely costeffective source of heat for a ground source heat pump. Requiring no drilling and minimal excavation work, pond mats – essentially slinky collectors submerged in a water source – provide a low cost solution to heat extraction and should always be the first choice where a suitable body of water is close by. So multiple dwellings, potentially displacing electric heating and in proximity to either a body of water or large area of land allowing horizontal ground arrays, provide an ideal spot for the application of ground source heat pumps. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Can a heat pump help grow your business? Becoming a Mitsubishi Electric Heating Partner will enable you to supply one of the most advanced, energy efficient and renewable heating systems available today. New cylinder range with improved efficiency Now includes energy monitoring as standard MCS Approved and qualifies for RHI

To find out how Ecodan can help grow your business, and for more information on the RHI or help with obtaining your MCS installer accreditation:

Call 01707 278666 email heating@meuk.mee.com or visit heating.mitsubishielectric.co.uk

NEW

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Heat Pumps Large student accommodation Over 350 Room Pods and 57 Kitchen Pods at the new King Edward Quay development in Colchester have been supplied with sustainable hot water services, thanks to three 35kW Aerotop T air source heat pumps from Elco UK. The new student accommodation is the first phase of a development by The Pickstock Group and was completed in September. The accommodation offers students rented accommodation with easy access to the nearby University of Essex. It is rented out to both undergraduate and postgraduate students and, when both phases are complete, will comprise 779 rooms across eight floors.

Elco supplied the three Aerotop T heat pumps along with a 3000 litre Maxis glass lined cylinder, a Pisces pressurisation unit and a plate heat exchanger. Contract Manager Paul Dutton from Manstal Ltd says: “During the installation,

we received excellent technical backup from Elco, which was very helpful. We have worked with them on other projects in the past and have always been provided a great service.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Software for easier install To support those specifying, commissioning and installing Yutaki air source heat pumps, Hitachi offers a suite of online tools that aim to make the process that much easier for installers. The company has updated the Hi-ToolKit for Home selection software, developed for specifying air source heat pumps for residential applications. Installers can register for free for the software to help with product selection and specification of the most economical domestic heating solution

for a particular customer. It generates a bespoke report that can be personalised with contact details and logo. New features include the latest Hitachi models and the addition of performance indications and operating costs. The domestic hot water selection and calculation is also available, its tariff is updateable and daily hot water usage can be defined to configure water tank volume and estimate consumption in kWh and litres. Heating and DHW performances – including

annual energy and input in kWh, CoP and annual cost – are shown for each unit. Bar graphs are provided as a summary and enable users to make comparisons with others heating systems. Accessories such as room thermostats and temperature sensors can be integrated into the project, with accessories displayed dependent on the heat pump type selected. These items are then integrated into the final report and costing. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.hitachiheating.com

“It is true that sometimes the most ordinary things can be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people.”

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LG units now offered by Rexel A partnership has been struck between renewables manufacturer LG and distributor Rexel Energy Solutions. This means Dagenham-based Rexel can now offer its customers LG’s Therma V air source heat pump range. LG’s Jody Lees comments: “Rexel has identified that the Therma V heat pump meets and exceeds market demands in a number of key areas – in particular in terms of ease of installation, which is vital, and in having factory fitted components such as an advanced energy efficient ErP compliant circulation pump, suitably sized plate heat exchanger, expansion vessel and dual-stage electric back up heater. The quick commissioning procedure via a simple to use controller with user friendly functions

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is an added benefit they have identified as key to their requirements. “Offering the LG brand to Rexel’s marketplace shows a level of confidence to the end user that LG is a premium brand that they know and trust and that they are comfortable with offering

As a company we love a challenge. The more complex the better. This is reflected in the service we provide and the products we offer. Every member in the Remeha condensing family, from 9kW to 1202kW, has been designed to maximise efficiency and minimise carbon emissions. It’s a wonderful world, together we can keep it that way. To find out more about Remeha call 0118 978 3434 or visit remeha.co.uk/people

to their customer base.” The LG Therma V heat pump range offers all-in-one units with key components factory fitted to reduce installation and commissioning time. The units come with extended warranties. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

http://partner.lge.com/uk

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It’s a wonderful world, let’s keep it that way.

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March 2015

46 Product Spotlight

New pumps take care of efficiency concerns Tough energy efficiency legislation comes into force this year, making pumps more energy efficient than ever before. Adam Ferneyhough, UK Sales and Marketing Director at DAB Pumps, highlights some of the latest advances in pumps technology.

aving energy is vitally important when fitting pumps into heating and hot water systems, no matter what the size of the building. Energy efficiency is crucial not just because of the environmental benefits, but also because is saves costs for both for the installer and end user. The best pump manufacturers make sustainability part of their strategic choice, and since 2009 this has been driven by a mandatory requirement called the Ecodesign Directive. This 2009 EU directive includes all ‘energy-related products’ (ErP) and its purpose, through several increasingly stringent steps between 2013 and 2020, is to lead the market towards a wider adoption of highly efficient and intelligent products. In 2013 all circulating pumps had to reach Class A efficiency and not exceed the value of 0.27 of the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI). From 1st August, the limit value of the EEI will be reduced further to 0.23 and will apply to integrated pumps in newly installed heat generators and solar thermal systems. Finally, from 2020 the 0.23 limit value will also apply to the replacement of pumps already integrated in heat generators. The use of quality components and advanced electronics in pumps ensure low energy consumption and Class A performance, as well as simple product installation and operation. This means installers don’t need to worry about checking EEI values and can be assured that they are meeting legislation, improving energy efficiency and saving money. Products that meet the legislation will carry an ErP logo, with the year (2013, 2015 or 2020) signifying compliance.

The Evosta circulating pump automatically adapts to demand

Unlike conventional electronic pumps, Evoplus electronic circulators can also be used in air conditioning systems where the temperature of the liquid pumped is lower than the ambient temperature. The unit is designed and sized in such a way as to allow the condensate to drain without damaging the construction components. Designed with ease of installation and use in mind, the pumps feature a LCD configuration screen with four easy navigation keys. Using these, all functions can be scrolled through and read, while calibration and parameter settings can be protected. They are available in both single and twin versions and with an operating range from 2 to 75.6 m3/h with head up to 18m, the range can handle a liquid Fully compliant temperature range from -10°C to + 110°C. Sustainability is the principal driving force behind the make For smaller residential installations, the Evosta circulator up and features of our Evoplus range, which is ideal for use pump range is also ErP 2015 compliant. Designed for in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for circulating hot water in domestic heating systems, these large residential and commercial buildings, and all models pumps again deliver high efficiency performance while are fully compliant with the 2015 ErP European directive. minimizing energy consumption. The technology inside the The heating requirements of buildings change significantly pump reacts to system changes automatically and adapts during the day and night due to changing ambient the circulator performance accordingly. temperatures and occupancy levels. The electronically Due to the fact that the Evosta is dimensionally the same controlled Evoplus solves this issue by constantly ensuring as a the traditional type pump it will replace, it is ideal for sufficient power as and when demand requires. It also retrofit situations, where old three-speed circulators need delivers lower noise emissions, greater comfort and a to be replaced with head of 4, 5 and 6m. Installation time 11522 Talon Quick Lock Pipe Clipsin landscape 292 x 110mm_Layout 1 30/01/2015 11:17 Page 1 significant reduction runningadcosts. is also saved thanks to a single sequential setting button

The Evo VS model is able to cope with high temperatures

and a traditional brass vent plug used to bleed the system and unlock the motor shaft if required. The pump’s motor casing is manufactured from die-cast aluminium so the pump does not require any overload protection, providing added peace of mind when fitting. The range also features energy efficient pumps for other applications commonly found in domestic environments. The Evo VS model has a bronze pump body that is suitable for hot water systems and again is of similar dimensions to the pump that will need to be replaced. If you are installing renewable energy, such as solar power, you will require a circulating pump that can cope with the often very hot water temperatures produced by the panels. The VSA pump is designed to withstand temperature peaks of up to 140°C. It can also function perfectly with high glycol concentrations (up to 60%) and has a special electrophoresis coating of the pump body to ensure resistance to glycol attack. In conclusion 2015 ErP legislation, coupled with leading pump manufacturers’ commitment to sustainability, has increased the energy efficiency performance of pumps. Fitting such advanced technology means installers need not worry about meeting energy efficiency requirements as the products take care of it all. www.dabpumps.co.uk

Meet the all new range of Talon Quick-Locking Pipe Clips

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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now available

A range of robust clips designed to withstand repeated opening and closing offering secure 360 degree pipe retention. This range of hinged clips provides a very secure grip when the pipe is in place and its snap tight locking top offers complete security of the pipe. The high stand-off allows for lagging and heat circulation.

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Call now to order or for more information 0845 095 2828 www.talon.co.uk 25/02/2015 09:57

March 2015

TEST & MEASURING Instruments 47

Wide range of uses for thermal imaging Advances in technology and falling prices have made thermal imaging cameras more accessible to heating engineers looking to take advantage of their benefits. Andy Baker, Sales Manager of Flir Systems, explains how thermal imaging can aid in diagnostics.

Recently, his thermal imaging camera thermal imaging camera is fast proved indispensable for tracking a leak in an becoming a standard toolbox item. underfloor heating system in a 150m2 room. In the HVAC industry, technology is typically used to trace underfloor and pipe IGM was contracted to install the heating, leaks, flues in walls, checking the efficiency but subsequently one of the original cold of radiators and detecting overheating water pipes underneath the floor had failed. pumps. Two factors have driven this trend, Without the availability of thermal imaging and the first is the huge application potential Ian would have had no choice but to dig of the technology which has resulted in up large sections of the floor to find the massive global demand. problem, but in one scan of his infrared Manufacturing economies have therefore camera it was easy to pinpoint. Thanks to resulted in the introduction of high calibre, this non-invasive technology, the leak was low cost products; an entry level model is repaired with minimal disruption to the now priced below £800. At the same time Andy Baker from Flir customer and in a fraction of the time. thermal imaging cameras have been getting The higher the resolution the thermal smarter so the technology is now exceptionally easy to imaging camera provides, the better the temperature use. You simply point, shoot and diagnose the problem. accuracy and its ability to see even small thermal details at a distance. For example, a high end thermal imaging More for your money camera with 640 x 480 pixels has 307,200 measurement Features that were once only seen in high end models points in contrast with a 320 x 240 pixels model that has are now common in troubleshooting cameras that are 76,800. Image quality is also governed by this pixel count. popular in the HVAC industry. The combination of visual Whilst many building applications require high thermal and thermal imaging on the same unit is a typical example. sensitivity to record temperature differences that are Image format improvements have also been made. comparatively small, HVAC applications often involve Cameras are now taking images as fully radiometric significant thermal differences that are easy to spot. As JPEGs. This means all temperature data is included in the a result, even an entry level camera with an 80 x 80 pixel image so it can be easily incorporated into a customer resolution is sufficient to provide a clear image of what’s report in a standard Word document. hot and cold. Parallel development in PC-based analysis and reporting software, as well as application specific software, has also Providing evidence become increasingly significant. The cost of software has Accordingly, Ian Minall’s troubleshooting thermal imaging also fallen in line with the purchase price of the hardware. camera allows him to determine the flow and return on PHAM Flowclean 2013 June 127x178mm_Layout 1 01/07/2013 16:52 Wireless technology is another relatively new addition. It boilers and establish if pumps are overheating, something allows thermal images to be transmitted to mobile devices such as smart phones and tablet PCs. This way users can share critical information immediately with others, onsite or via email. The incorporation of the latest communication technology also allows a thermal imaging camera to work in tandem with wireless enabled meters. So, measurement data from different methods can be easily correlated to make problem diagnosis efficient and quick. So thermal imaging is now a viable alternative to the humble pyrometer, whose scope of application and earning potential far exceeds spot measurement. Unlike a spot pyrometer, a thermal imaging camera gives the user the complete picture of the problem, putting it into context and, as it’s suitable for such a wide range of applications, return on investment is quick.

he can do whilst the systems are fully operational. He says it is absolutely brilliant for his powerflushing work too. “The camera clearly shows any sludge build-up in radiators and also the efficiency of the power flushing process,” Ian explains. “The customers love it because it provides evidence of the problem and the quality of our work.” IGM is constantly finding new applications for thermal imaging. In the winter months it proved ideal for locating manhole covers in the snow and for looking at the efficiency of flue linings. It has even discovered a faulty bearing in Ian’s van. And a burgeoning application area for the company is solar panel inspection. So, in effect, thermal imaging is helping Ian to grow his business. In fact thermal imaging is now so important to IGM that Ian is about to upgrade to an infrared camera that is thermally tuneable with exchangeable lenses and more advanced analysis tools. Ian is also keen to undertake more training. As thermal imaging cameras become smarter the need for dedicated training is even more important. It not only ensures that the user gets the best return on the camera investment but also that application standards are upheld. For this purpose, courses are available which range from foundation through to professional level, in three levels. Page 1

www.flir.co.uk

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User feedback Ian Minall is a typical user of a compact, troubleshooting thermal imaging camera, and his company, IGM Plumbing and Heating, has benefited significantly from the introduction of thermal imaging. Ian discovered the value of thermal imaging when he asked a damp proofing specialist to look at a property suffering from severe damp. The company investigated the problem using a thermal imaging camera and Ian was instantly hooked. “At that stage I didn’t know how I was going to use it but I could see it had great potential and I wanted one,” Ian explains. “Now I couldn’t imagine being without it. The technology is just brilliant. I use it virtually every day for so many different applications.”

Power flushing is simple with Anton’s Flowclean plus power flushing and descaling pump. As with all Anton products the unit has been designed to provide simplification of use to the engineer, whilst providing some unique design features to help with van storage, transportation and performance. Full kit £699 +VAT

www.anton-group.com

0870 428 0075 ENQUIRY

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48 TEST & MEASURING Instruments

Understanding all the figures Most professional gas engineers will be familiar with the importance of using a flue gas analyser to evaluate the functioning of boilers, but it is helpful to have a better understanding of the figures the FGA is producing. Tom McCue of Kane explains more.

Calculating ratio

few months ago HHIC celebrated 10 years of condensing boilers in the UK market, which now has over 16 million condensing boilers out of a total population of around 24 million, and 99% of all new domestic boilers are condensing. By coincidence, April 2015 is the first anniversary of Technical Bulletin TB 143, requiring engineers to Tom McCue, Kane’s National commission and service Key Account Manager condensing boilers with approved, certified electronic flue gas analysers (FGAs) and demonstrate their competence to use an FGA via CPA1 assessment (now incorporated in CCN1).

Ratio is flue gas levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in parts per million (ppm) divided by flue gas levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in ppm (CO ppm / CO2 ppm) – Most FGAs calculate this automatically. Flue gas CO2 levels displayed in % are easily converted to PPM as 1% CO2 = 10,000 ppm. So, if a boiler emits 350 ppm CO and 9% CO2 (90,000 ppm), its ratio is 350 / 90,000 = 0.0039. Please remember FGAs either directly measure carbon dioxide (CO2) or oxygen (O2), calculating CO2 values from the fuel being used – FGAs measuring O2 must know which fuel is being used so make sure you check its settings – when in doubt, ask. For example: An analyser measuring 5% oxygen will calculate CO2 readings as 9% for natural gas, 10.6% for LPG and 11.8% for light oil – big differences that might confuse you.

Frequently asked questions

If ratio is within specification

Excess air is calculated by dividing oxygen in normal For natural gas, TB143 requires CO levels air (20.9%) by the sum of 20.9% minus O2 measured in flue must be less than or equal to 350 ppm and gas then converted to a percentage – most FGAs calculate the combustion ratio must be less than or this automatically. equal to 0.0040. For example, an analyser 1. What does ratio actually mean? However, you need to follow the boiler measuring 5% O2 in flue gas 2. How is ratio calculated? manufacturer’s instruction manual. They will calculate excess air as 31%. 3. If ratio is within specification, should usually have lower CO and ratio limits than At 10% CO2, excess air is 18.9%, anything else be checked? TB143 and some require you to take CO2 but at 11.5% CO2 excess air is readings. Turning to the first question, what does ratio just 3.39%. Although TB143 doesn’t require CO2 levels actually mean? Ratio is the relationship Is this a big enough safety between carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon to be measured, you must take care because margin? Most appliance dioxide (CO2) when these two gases are if the boiler manufacturer’s instructions manufacturers would say not measured in a flue. Field based research are not available the following – the appliance clearly demonstrated there is less need for situation might occur: might be a full strip down service (burner/combustion too close to We previously explained a TB143 requires CO levels chamber in particular) on appliances with a the tipping gas boiler emitting 350 ppm CO to be less than or equal to ‘good’ ratio, but the final decision is always point where a and 9% CO2 (90,000 ppm) has 350ppm Make sure there is a safe left to the competency of the engineer. small change a ratio of 0.0039 (350 / 90,000) margin of excess air in operating However, ratio is not the full story. Professional engineers – in other words, close to TB143’s limit. If conditions could should know about other parameters displayed by modern the same boiler emitted 350ppm CO with a cause CO levels to rise dramatically with FGAs to increase their confidence that an appliance will displayed ratio of 0.0030, TB143 is satisfied potentially disastrous results. Don’t take the remain safe until its next inspection/service. but CO2 levels would be 11.5%. Perhaps 1.5% risk – if in doubt, ask. You also need to follow appliance manufacturer’s higher than required by its manufacturer. To conclude, even if ratio is within instructions and use your skills and experience to assess specification, you should always look at actual each situation and the overall condition of the appliance So what’s the problem? Most boiler manufacturers use excess air (λ) CO2 and excess air levels calculated by your and its installation. If in doubt, ask. FGA to make sure the boiler is operating A FGA cannot tell you that a boiler’s case seals are cracked as a measure to ensure enough oxygen (O2) safely and within specification required by or perished, or if its condensate trap needs cleaning. These is present for safe combustion under a wide Excess air (λ) measures if its manufacturer – if in doubt, ask. there is enough oxygen range of operating conditions. rely on your competency as a registered engineer. The three most frequently asked questions we receive as an FGA manufacturer relate to combustion ratio, typically:

Extra features enhance thermal imaging Questions to ask when using FGAs

New to Testo’s range of handheld test instrumentation is the 870 thermal imager. It has a number of useful features, including the ability to recognise hot and cold spots for quick diagnostics. Testo says that the 870 variant includes features usually only associated with more expensive cameras, such as automatic hot and cold spot recognition to help make quick diagnostics. The 870-2 variant of this thermal imager incorporates a built

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in digital camera so a visual image is automatically taken and stored in parallel with the thermal image. The company also makes flue gas analysers that let users quickly determine and eliminate malfunctions, monitor legal limit values and spot check in daily work on servicing heating systems. A highlight of the range is the Testo 320B, which has colour graphic display and built-in memory, making it fast and accurate.

1. Do I have relevant appliance manufacturer’s instructions and/or TB126 and TB143? 2. Is my FGA certified and working correctly? 3. Have I set the correct fuel? 4. Has the boiler been running long enough to give stable readings? 5. Am I happy the FGA readings are credible and that I understand them? If any answer is no – stop and seek advice! www.testolimited.com

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www.kane.co.uk

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TEST & MEASURING Instruments 49 Smart solution to 17th edition Volt Stick lights the way The new ET Series of Multifunctional Electrical Installation Testers from Martindale have been designed to meet the requirements of the latest Amendment 3 changes to the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations, which became effective in January. Designed to verify the safety of electrical installations in domestic, commercial and industrial installations, the new range of ET4000 and ET4500 testers simplify 17th Edition testing by featuring the latest third amendment fuse tables, built-in together with red and green LED indicators, for instant pass/ fail confirmation of all main test functions. On connection the new ET Series of Multifunctional Electrical Installation Testers also carry out an automatic polarity and wiring check, identifying potentially dangerous wiring faults in advance of any testing.

The Volt Stick Bright from Sagab by Elma is the latest generation of the company’s non-contact instant voltage tester. It’s more accurate, provides clearer indication and is more versatile than the original, with a range of new features for testing for the presence of AC voltage in cables, wall sockets, fuses, circuit breakers and junction boxes. Volt Stick Bright features interchangeable dualsensitivity settings and integrated bright white LED flashlight, as well as more powerful LED and sound indicators. An integral digital microprocessor ensures higher accuracy and on-board function testing.

www.voltstick.co.uk

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How to spot the difference The testers feature auto RCD functions which can cycle through all the required tests and clearly display all four sets of results in one go and on one screen, reducing errors and speeding up the job. This is particularly useful with the increasing use of RCDs following the changes in Amendment 3. The ET4500 tester can also be used to carry out 3 wire earth testing and has onboard memory to store and

download all installation test results for documentation, making it future proof for potential applications. The device is supplied with low loss AA rechargeable batteries, which can be easily recharged on site with a mains adapter or optional in-car charger. Both the ET4000 and ET4500 multifunctional testers come complete in a soft ‘Test and Go’ carry case. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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The ETI Differential thermometer kit allows users to operate two type K thermocouple probes simultaneously. The display can be switched to show probe T1 or T2 temperature, or the difference between the two. Two t her mocouple inputs make this thermometer suitable for HVAC applications including flow and return temperature measurements

and radiator output checks. The device measures temperature across the range of -99.9 to 299.9°C with

a 0.1°C resolution, or 300 to 1372°C with a 1°C resolution, and features an LCD display with °C, T1, T2,

diff, hold, open circuit, low battery indication and a user selectable backlight. The unit will auto-power off after ten minutes. Housed in an ABS case, the thermometer has an integrated rubber seal to ensure water resistance and help reduce the possibility of damage. Supplied as a kit, it comes with two pipe clamp probes in a protective zip wallet. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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50 AIR Movement

Taking a single minded approach Single room heat recovery can provide a relatively simple and cost-effective solution for retrofit applications. Lee Stones, Category Manager for Xpelair, highlights some of the benefits of being able to offer a more energy-efficient alternative to intermittent fans.

ow we heat our homes and how much of a dent this leaves in our wallets each month is still one of the most pressing concerns for many homeowners, and this desire to keep costs low is coupled with greater pressures to conserve energy. From the installer’s perspective, ensuring both new and retrofit dwellings are fit for purpose and do not waste energy unnecessarily Lee Stones from Xpelair is paramount, and much of this is down to the quality of the products being offered to the end user.

Efficiency drive The drive for greater efficiency is an ongoing consideration and correct heat recovery and ventilation is key to achieving a lower fuel spend and a more efficient home. Legislation such as the Energy-related Products (ErP) Directive inevitably has a big impact on the market, outlawing inefficient and poorly performing fans. In reality, even before the ErP Directive many leaders in the sector had already embraced the high efficiency requirements of new and retrofit developments and offered the type of products that are fit for purpose for the energy conscious environment we now operate within. Where the choice of ventilation is concerned, it’s no secret that whole house ventilation wins out in the efficiency stakes, and certainly for new build properties it’s a no-brainer for installers and contractors to opt for whole house systems like Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) or even more compelling, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), rather than less efficient intermittent fan options. Poor ventilation is a serious issue for tenants and homeowners, and the growing financial strain on tenants in particular is already taking its toll. It is not uncommon

for occupants to disable fans in a drive to save money, often failing to acknowledge the potential health implications that this could cause, such as excessive condensation, black mould buildup and the population of other pollutants, all of which result in poor indoor air quality. A lack of knowledge on the damaging effect of poor ventilation can be costly in financial terms too, as poor or inadequate ventilation may lead to cosmetic and structural damage to a property, which can be expensive to remedy. However, the new build market accounts for only a small proportion of housing stock. The vast majority of existing dwellings will at some point require refurbishment, so efficient and The Solitair through-the-wall single room heat recovery unit from Xpelair legally-sound ventilation systems are key to delivering ongoing improvements. and install, whilst providing superior Indoor Air Quality As such, the growth in alternatives to whole house (IAQ) for all applications. systems are now taking centre stage, with single room It also means the need to disable fans through fear of heat recovery fast proving its worth as a viable and cost escalating costs could well be a thing of the past, as Solitair effective option for homeowners and tenants. Rather offers more than 80% heat recovery by incorporating a unique than replace intermittent like-for-like fans – which fall rotating rigid hexagonal heat exchanger, together with short in meeting the required emissions reduction targets intuitive summer bypass and winter modes. Homeowners – homeowners can opt for the more cost effective, but will also benefit from near-silent running, thanks to our equally sound, single room alternative. And the rewards innovative Ghost Air Movement Technology. for installers can be lucrative. For the new build and retrofit markets, single room installations could signal a step change in the approach Playing Solitair of switched on installers, offering the efficiency and At Xpelair we have launched Solitair, a through-the-wall health benefits of MVHR and MEV but in a more practical single room heat recovery unit, in response to the clear application. For homeowners eager to put the brakes on demand for a product that can offer many of the benefits soaring fuel bills, the greater heat recovery and ventilation of MVHR but at a lower cost. The launch of Solitair reflects virtues of advanced single room technologies could go a how we have responded to the needs of the market for long way to ease the fuel burden and help reduce energy more practical heat recovery solutions in terms of size, cost consumption. and installation time. It means end users have access to PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.xpelair.co.uk 150 more affordable ventilation solutions that cost less to run

More power with less noise The new Aventa Silent fan range from Airflow has been designed to provide powerful in line ventilation whilst minimising noise levels. The new model represents the latest addition to the company’s Aventa series of in-line fans and combines the performance features of both axial and centrifugal fans, thus providing powerful airflow and high pressure. It is available in four different spigot sizes from 100 to 200mm and has the capacity to handle air volumes up to 1020m³/hr. Smaller sizes are suitable for domestic air handling applications to assist with the extraction of stale air from kitchens and bathrooms. For longer duct runs, two or more units can be fitted to provide a simple method of increasing the capacity. The sound absorbing polymer-coated steel shell provides sound attenuation in

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a broad frequency band with insulation from a 50mm mineral wool layer, ensuring silent operation combined with the high aerodynamic characteristics. The fan casing is also equipped with fixing brackets to secure to floors, walls or ceilings. An energy efficient twospeed motor is equipped with thermal switches to prevent overheating, and an optional temperature sensor can be integrated within the air duct to automatically trigger the fan to adjust its speed, depending on air duct temperature. Steve Bergh, Domestic Product Manager, comments: “With the launch of the Aventa Silent range, we can provide the ultimate solution to ventilate a wider range of applications to now include commercial buildings as well.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Acting natural at the theatre The recently refurbished Everyman Theatre in Liverpool has opted for a natural ventilation system rather than mechanical air conditioning to control its indoor environment.

Waterloo Air Products supplied the air distribution products which played a key part in meeting requirements for a low energy solution and helping the theatre achieve an excellent BREEAM rating.

Commenting on the contribution Waterloo made to the project, Senior Draftsman Adam Osborne says: “We understand air management and can design products to meet exacting specifications. We helped deliver best value and reduce energy costs throughout by taking a natural approach to ventilation by designing grilles, louvres and diffusers that maximised airflows and throws, which in turn helped the Everyman to minimise its carbon footprint and make a positive contribution to its environment.” The theatre is said to be the first naturally ventilated auditorium in the country. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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AIR Movement 51

Keeping ductwork clean A dirty ductwork system can significantly diminish the effectiveness of a ventilation system and have repercussions for the health of a building’s occupants. Craig Booth, Technical Sales Manager at System Hygienics, highlights the importance of ductwork cleaning and maintenance.

he ductwork cleaning and maintenance industry has long been the Cinderella of the building services maintenance industry. However, recent events such as the publication of a British Standard EN15780 for ductwork cleanliness show that it is coming of age. Previously, it was assumed that, since there were no moving parts, no maintenance should be necessary in ductwork. These days, it is recognised that most ductwork becomes dirty and that this adversely affects the functionality and safety of the ventilation system. There are three major aspects to ductwork cleaning and maintenance: air ducts, kitchen extract ductwork and fire dampers. Let’s take each of these in turn.

Air ductwork Only a clean system can supply clean air. No filter is absolute and so all duct systems foul up. That’s why the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations states: ‘Mechanical ventilation systems (including air conditioning systems) should be regularly and adequately cleaned. They should also be properly tested and maintained to ensure that they are kept clean and free from anything which may contaminate the air’. In the modern workplace, the total running cost of a premises is a tiny fraction of the cost of labour, and spending money on improving the work environment is a highly cost-effective way of improving productivity. Besides productivity and human health effects, users should also be concerned about high energy costs and airflow problems associated with dirty systems. The B&ES ‘Guide to Good Practice: Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems’ incorporates the British Standard and sets out inspection and testing frequencies and standards of cleanliness to be achieved for various classes of environment. The trigger levels help facilities managers confirm when their duct systems require cleaning.

Craig Booth, System Hygienics

Ducts are the lungs of the building and need to be kept clean

No building users would accept even a tenth of the quantity of dirt that accumulates in ventilation ducts on room surfaces – ducts which are, after all, the lungs of the building. The only reason they are not kept as clean as floors and desks is that their interiors are out of sight and out of mind. Fortunately, over the last 30 years, specialist services have grown up to tackle dirty ductwork. Special tools and techniques are available, such as the Jetvent system, which my company System Hygienics has made a speciality. This can clean up to 100 metres of ductwork from one access point with a minimum of disruption.

Kitchen ductwork There are estimated to be in excess of 120,000 ducted kitchen canopy systems in the UK. They are invariably fouled by condensed grease vapour from the cooking process. The grease forms a hidden combustion load, which can transmit fire through a building like a fuse. Insurers can invoke the ‘fryer’s warranty’ and may refuse to pay a claim if the damage is shown to be caused by neglect of proper maintenance. Besides general health and safety legislation, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 serves to remind responsible persons of their obligations.

The economic damage of a fire is bad enough, but consideration needs to be given to the risk to life and limb. Last year, the Fire Brigade reported that in London alone there is one fire per day where dirty ducts are implicated. A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: “75% of fires had fat or cooking oil as the source of ignition. If the ducts had been working efficiently and properly cleaned, we can deduce that the fires would never have happened.” So why aren’t kitchen extract ducts properly cleaned? Sometimes it’s pure ignorance, sometimes it’s due to cynical under-bidding. Sometimes it’s because cleaning ductwork is difficult, as it snakes through a building hidden behind builders’ work or rises outside, where access is difficult. Often enough, it’s because catering businesses struggle to pay for correct service. Again, service contractors, such as System Hygienics, have developed to cater for this service and the best contractors are fully conscious of their own potential liability if they do not properly clean. Only last year, a UK cleaning contractor was successfully counter-charged £1.25 million in an out of court settlement by the insurer of a hotel that had suffered a fire because of incomplete duct cleaning.

The Jetvent duct cleaning system

Fire dampers Fire and smoke dampers in ductwork systems are a vital part of passive fire safety, as they shut to stop the transmission of fire and/or smoke via ductwork. ‘The British Standard 9999: 2008 Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Design, Management and Use of Buildings’ calls for annual testing of spring actuated dampers (which is practically every damper), minimum two-yearly testing for unsprung and more frequently for dampers in difficult environments. Inspection will include a photograph to confirm that the damper has actually been dropped. This is the only way to demonstrate that the damper is in fact operable, as opposed to a simple tick box report, which effectively confirms only the presence of a damper. The wise client wants a report that is fully auditable, not only in case something goes wrong, but also to show value for money. On some sites, my company has found up to 26% of dampers to be broken, inoperable or untestable. It shows how important it is to use a specialist fire damper inspection company that can offer sensible recommendations for any remedial work that may be necessary. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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www.systemhygienics.co.uk

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52 AIR Movement Centrifugal fans exceed latest targets Ventilation system Efficiency saves on power UK based Torin-Sifan has launched a range of forward curved centrifugal fans powered by its latest generation EC motor platform. The new EC Direct Drive Centrifugal Fans (ECDDC) are not only compliant with the European energy related products (ErP) Directive for 2015, but also exceed its required fan motor efficiency grades (FMEG) by nearly 50%. The company says the ECDDC range features FMEGs of up to 65, compared to a requirement of 44. In addition, the high efficiency EC motor used in this range offers up to 30% energy savings when compared to a traditional AC motor. This can be increased by up to

75% energy saving through the use of the infinite speed control that is possible with EC motors without any loss in fan efficiency. The ECDDC range is also said to offer best in class performance for lowest Specific Fan Power.

“In January 2015 the European ErP Directive further tightened the minimum efficiency levels for Forward Curved Centrifugal fans,” says Paul Kilburn, Commercial Director. “It is essential manufacturers meet these targets. At TorinSifan we are therefore delighted to launch this new ErP-compliant range of fans. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the design and manufacture of EC motor technology, enabling us to offer our customers highly efficient innovative solutions. Our product development strategy is heavily influenced by legislation and we are committed to reducing energy consumption.”

Suitable for a wide range of applications including ventilation units, air handling units, heat recovery systems, air curtains, cooling equipment and unit/cabinet heating, the ECDDC fans also have the advantage of being suitable for retrofit with Torin-Sifan’s traditional AC Forward Curved range, ensuring minimum design disruption for OEMs. This also makes the fans ideal for refurbishment projects where fan efficiency needs to be upgraded. Designed for continuous operation in a range of -20ºC to 40ºC, the ECDDC fans are low noise for quiet operation. They are available in all of Torin-Sifan’s generic fan sizes, starting at 200180 (7/7) through to 381-381 (15/15). PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Lower flow resistance in 90º bends The Domus range of ducting systems from Polypipe Ventilation has been enhanced with the introduction of high efficiency 90° bends and a new inlet/outlet plenum with integral flow control device. Part of the Green Line range of energy efficient ventilation systems and accessories, the new bends provide up to 60% reduction in resistance to air flow, lowering a duct system’s total pressure loss and therefore overall energy usage. In the case of ducting used as part of a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system, this may also lead

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to cost savings in some properties that may be able to use a smaller unit than previously possible. These bends are available

for use with Polypipe’s Supertube 204x60mm and Megaduct 220x90mm rectangular rigid duct systems, suitable for applications which require higher air flow rates, such as those associated with wholehouse ventilation. The design of the 90° bends is said to result in reduced air speed through the bend, thus lowering system noise as well as smoothing the air flow, thereby helping to achieve higher air flow rates when required. All of these factors can contribute to improved homeowner comfort as well as making central ventilation systems easier to specify.

Also for use with the Domus 204x60mm Supertube rigid duct system is a new plenum with integral flow control device which can be used to regulate system air flows. This new adaption enables the inlet/outlet plenum to be connected directly to a stylish architectural grille, taking away the need to fit a room-mounted adjustable air valve. Another advantage of the Domus plenum is that the flow control device cannot be easily tampered with by the occupant, which could negatively impact system performance. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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With the launch of the Lossnay RVX mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) series, Mitsubishi Electric has produced a system that delivers energy efficient fresh air with reduced power consumption. Models in the range utilise a more efficient DC fan motor which enables the Lossnay RVX to benefit from lower specific fan powers (SFP). With SFP ranging from as low as 0.30 W/(l/s) up to a maximum of 1.61 W/(l/s) across the complete range, the Lossnay RVX units help comply with Building Regulations and legislation and allow for more energy saving and reduced carbon emissions. The new units also benefit from a wider air volume range with four distinct and selectable fan speeds compared to the three fan

speeds with the previous model. Each fan speed is 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the rated air volume of each unit allowing more precise air volume control. “We have designed these units to answer the pressing need for fresh air in today’s modern properties, now being built to stricter Building Regulations which call for highly insulated buildings,” explains Janvi Patel, Mitsubishi Electric’s ventilation expert. The range includes a new PZ-61DR-E Lossnay controller unified with the PAR-31MAA air conditioning controller to incorporate a full-dot backlit LCD screen. This makes it easier to see and use and increases the range of functionality allowing for flexibility on application. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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WHAT’S New 53 Panel provides a wetroom experience All you need from one compact unit Responding to consumer demand for wetroom style bathrooms, Roman’s latest product offering is designed to provide a stylish wetroom with the added reassurance of increased water integrity. The company’s Embrace Wetroom Panel with Flipper Panel can either be fitted straight down to the floor or installed with a low level shower tray to simulate a wetroom look. The Flipper Panel is added to the end of the 2000mm high Wetroom Panel and is available in 200 and 400mm sizes. It rotates through 180°, so when showering it can be in line with the Wetroom Panel to increase water integrity by guiding the water back into the showering area, avoiding

water splashing out into the bathroom. The Panel, which moves with a smooth pivoting motion, can also be folded inwards to present wide and easy access into the showering area. If installed onto a low level shower tray, the panel

removes the traditional step up into the showering area and offers that all inclusive level access entry of a wetroom. The Flipper Panel can be used with all Roman Embrace Corner Panels and Linear Panels, available in

different sizes to suit most bathroom spaces. The Wetroom Panel sizes vary from 600 to 1400mm and all stand at 2000mm high with 8mm thick toughened glass. David Osborne, MD at Roman, comments: “Our Embrace Flipper Panel is ideal if the customer wants to create the stylish wetroom look and feel, but also want the reassurance of a shower tray and a more enclosed shower experience. It ticks all the right boxes for an on trend ‘simulated wetroom look’: total inclusivity, added water integrity to avoid splashes, easy installation – and all at an affordable price.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.roman-showers.com

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Electric showers are quicker to fit Claimed to make installation faster and easier, the new Expressions Revive electric shower range from Redring boasts a number of installationfriendly features, including 14 power and water connection options, an easy access back plate and a bespoke compression fit elbow. All of the showers in the range come with six cable entry points and eight pipe entry points as standard to replace virtually any previous installation easily, with minimal disruption to existing pipework and décor. In addition, having dual terminal blocks will allow electrical connection from either side. Following feedback from installers, the Expressions Revive range has also been designed with a new ‘Smart Fit 2’ connection system, which includes a large and uncluttered back plate,

providing installers with more working space. The new showers also feature matching fitting points to the last two generations of Redring Xpressions/ Expressions showers, as well as many models sold by other manufacturers to minimise any repositioning. With the consumer in mind, new chrome highlights enhance the appearance, as does the inclusion of a full chrome accessory kit (riser rail, hose and handset) as standard. Separate elevated dials for temperature and flow control make the appliances easy to operate and the push start/stop button offers simple ‘set and forget’ convenience. The new showers come in 7.2, 8.5 and 9.5kW variants. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.redring.co.uk

New from Panasonic is a compact and easy-to-fit Aquarea Bi-Bloc indoor cylinder unit called ‘All In One’. Designed to help installers working in areas where space is limited, the unit is able to fit into an area as narrow as 600mm. The piping is located at the bottom of the unit for ease of installation (allowing a gap of more than 15cm), with the electrical connections at the front of the unit. This, says the company, should reduce the time it takes an installer to complete their job and minimises the risk of damage to the property and unit. To speed installation the unit to be pre-mounted time and reduce labour and fixed to the wall. Marc Diaz, UK and costs, the hydrokit is Ireland Country Manager, already connected to the says: “Time is money for tank and includes built-in installers, so our aim is filters. Piping connections to make the installation are factory fitted and the process as streamlined main piping and electrical connections are also covered, and easy as possible. This giving the unit a modern and new design also benefits the homeowner, thanks to the slim appearance. All In One includes a compact size of the unit and DHW 200-litre tank and its connectivity options.” Available in seven variants Aquarea hydraulic module and boasting a CoP of up to to heat water in a residential 5, other features include a property. The cylinder unit seven-speed A class pump. is encased in an insulating There are also control stainless steel tank to reduce options, including a new energy loss and maximise efficiency. For properties Aquarea remote control. under construction, a piping NEWS MV_Fluids_qtr_A3_Aug05 7/19/05 11:06 PHAM AM Page 1 ENQUIRY No. 158 www.aircon.panasonic.eu kit is available in order for

159

More versatile underfloor heating Floortec is the name of a new hydronic underfloor heating system from Purmo, available with planning and design assistance and backed by a ten year guarantee. The versatile system can be installed with different types of floor, throughout a property or just on one floor, and can be used for both domestic and commercial projects. It can be installed in new build or existing properties and can also be used in conjunction with Purmo radiators. Key components include the company’s five layered solvent-free PEX pipe. The

UFH system also offers a wide choice of fixing methods and comes

complete with manifolds, thermostats, wiring centres and programmable controls.

“In launching the new Floortec range, we believe we have provided one of the most installer-friendly products on the market, backed with our in-house expertise and advice in system design,” says Michelle Taylor, Product Manager for Purmo Underfloor Heating. “If you’ve never installed underfloor before, this is the perfect system to start with, while experienced installers will find the system one of the most versatile and reliable that they have tried.” PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.purmo.co.uk

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160

Email: info@mvfh.co.uk • www.mvfh.co.uk ENQUIRY

MV FLUIDS MAY 2010.indd 1

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11/05/2010 17:01

26/02/2015 11:24

March 2015

COMPETITION

Win an easy to use laser measuring tool!

Five chances to win a professional laser distance measurer from Grant UK Leading heating specialist Grant UK is giving FIVE lucky readers the chance to win a highly accurate and user-friendly laser measuring tool, which is perfect for taking rapid and precise measurements when doing building heat loss calculations. Simplicity of use combined with an easy-to-read LCD display screen and accuracy to within 3mm over the entire 50m measuring range makes the tool indispensable for plumbing and heating installers.

About Grant UK For over 30 years Grant UK has strived to produce the most efficient and installer friendly heating appliances. From the award winning Vortex oil fired condensing boilers to the latest renewable technologies like Aerona air source heat pumps, Spira condensing biomass boilers and solar thermal systems, the company uses feedback from customers together with its extensive knowledge of the heating market to design and manufacture these industry leading products. The Grant Vortex oil-fired condensing boiler range has exceptional SAP2009 efficiencies of up to 93.3% gross (97% gross for SAP2005) and features 39 different model variations, with outputs ranging from 12 to 70kW (50,000-240,000 Btu/h). Meanwhile, the MCS approved Grant Spira condensing biomass (wood pellet) boiler is available in sizes ranging from 5-36kW and utilises the award winning patented stainless steel Vortex turbulator baffle system. It has many benefits including automated fuel feed, rapid ignition system with modulating burner, unique self-cleaning heat exchangers and burner brazier, and it is exempt under the DEFRA Clean Air Act. For more details on Grant products visit the award winning website at www.grantuk.com

How to enter

Entering the competition is easy and doesn’t even cost the price of a stamp. Simply read the four statements below and then identify which of the statements is NOT true by writing the appropriate number on the freepost reader enquiry and registration card inside this month’s issue. So, for example, if you think the false statement is statement No.1 you should write 101 on the card. Only one entry will be allowed per person and the winner will be drawn from all the correct entries received before the closing date of 2nd April 2015.

(1) The Grant ultra high efficiency oil fired boiler range is called Vortex Enter....................101

(3) Grant Spira wood pellet boilers are condensing appliances Enter....................103

(2) Grant’s oil fired boiler range spans outputs ranging from 12 to 70kW Enter....................102

(4) Grant’s air source heat pump range is called Aria Enter....................104

54 (WAS 58).indd 1

WHat’s New Ceramic sinks serve up style The Blanco Tolon XL 6 S ceramic sink creates a contemporary look with an easy-clean finish and natural design. It’s shown here with the Peak S mixer tap, it’s suitable for all worktop installations and also comes in a compact 45cm size. Available in three sizes to suit all standard base units and with a crystal white finish, Tolon has a U-shape design with generous drainer and curved rectangular grooves to differentiate it from traditional ceramic concepts. Additional benefits include an easy-clean finish and a raised flat-fitting rim. With its contemporary twist, the

sink is suitable for a 60cm base unit and offers an extra-large bowl to cope with oversized baking trays and bulky pots and pans.

There is a reversible model for streamlined styling and ease of specification. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.blanco.co.uk.

161

Control the hot water flow Reliance Water Controls has launched a compact thermal balancing valve (TBV) for use in hot water systems with a secondary return, which balances the temperature in the system by automatically regulating the flow. The valve will restrict the flow as the temperature rises to

its set point, but at 70°C a built-in bypass will open, allowing a higher flow rate for disinfection to protect against legionella. The pre-insulated valve is available in ½ and ¾in sizes and comes with female connections for simple adaptation to a wide range of fittings. The option of SharkBite push-fit ends enables even faster installation. Features include tamperproof set-up, adjustable between 40 and 65°C, with an indicator to show set temperature. A dry-fit, push-in thermometer eliminates the need to drain the system. The valve also comes with an insulation case (pictured).

The body of the TBV is made from DZR brass and the valve has a maximum working pressure of 10 bar and is accurate to within +/- 2°C. Available spares include a dry-fit push-in thermometer, service kit and spare insulation case. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.rwc.co.uk

162

Bath filler for better safety Bristan has introduced a new bath filler designed to aid commercial users in the complex task of ensuring optimum water temperature and infection control. Designed to complement B r i s t a n’s Opac shower range, the new bath filler offers a solution for healthcare, social housing and all other sectors where public safety is paramount. Key features include an integrated TMV 3 valve, cool-touch tap body and automatic shut-off in the event of hot or cold water supply failure for

guaranteed hot water safety. The key feature of the Opac bath filler is said to be its easy maintenance isolation and flush mechanism integral to the tap. As

with the Opac bar shower, this mechanism allows the mixed water passages to be flushed with hot water without a time consuming disassembly necessary. This means that maintenance

engineers can conduct a hot water thermal disinfection simply by opening the hot or cold valve as required with the simple turn of two grub screws. As such, the filler can be cleansed in a matter of ten minutes or less compared to traditional s e t u p s , where it can take up to an hour. Furthermore, the filler has a special wall fitting system which makes it easy to install both first time and also to retrofit. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.specifybristan.com

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25/02/2015 14:37

March 2015

WHat’s New Drainback solar for heat pumps The Altherma range of air to water heat pumps from Daikin can now be installed with a hot water thermal store to provide optional drainback solar. The new range is designed to be combined with Altherma low temperature (LT) or high temperature (HT) air-water heat pumps. The solar systems deliver mains pressure hot water via an indirect heat stainless steel exchanger. A key benefit of drainback solar is that since the solar thermal panels completely drain of fluid when not in operation, they do not need to be filled with glycol antifreeze, so associated fluid replacement costs are avoided. The solar system is less likely

to reach stagnation, helping to eliminate any thermal stresses on the system pipework. The thermal store provides a constant supply of fresh potable water, which avoids the issues associated with the build-up of deposits common in indirect water cylinders. The lightweight thermal store has a new, modern look and is designed with the installer and householder in mind, making it easier to install, commission and use. With 80mm insulation, the new thermal store offers reduced heat loss for increased running cost savings for homeowners, as well as improved levels

Sponsors of

SMART HOMES JARGON Every new trend comes with its own buzzwords, and the smart home is no exception. Andy Mansfield, Marketing Communications Manager at Honeywell, offers a guide to some of the jargon that surrounds smart heating controls and wireless technology.

of comfort due to higher flow rates through optimised heat exchangers. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.daikin.co.uk

164

Make the right connection Maincor has launched a range of Multi-Fit connectors, described as a simple and effective way of connecting Maincor 16-32mm MLCP to potable plumbing systems, heating, underfloor heating, kitchen and bathroom appliances. The connectors are designed to be simple to install with the aim of saving both time and money. No special tools are required – all that is needed are pipe cutters, a bevelling tool and an Allen key. The pipe is cut to length and bevelled at the end, the fitting is inserted into the pipe and then the Allen key is used to screw the thread into place (a Maincor Multi-

Fit tool is also available). Once the pipe is fully visible in the viewing window, the connection is made. Multi-Fit connectors are available in a wide range of sizes, with ½, ¾ and 1in compression nut connections, and are supplied with both an o-ring for conical seats and a flat washer for

flat face applications. The connector comes with a female thread to connect to appliances, manifolds and other connections. Multi-Fit is also fully demountable should a layout change be required to the system at a later date. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.maincor.co.uk

165

Easy clean hinged screen Available from Manhattan is an 8mm Hinged Bathscreen which lets you design in a shower when there is no separate space for an enclosure. The screen measures 1500 tall by 900mm wide and is available in either left handed or right handed configuration. It comes with a metal bar that can be installed internally as a support bar or externally as a towel rail. Another benefit is that it’s coated with EasiClean Glass Protective Shield to repel water, oil, dirt and other contaminants. It sits flush to the wall with the company’s flush fitting interior. The bathscreen’s chrome hinges allow for one panel to fold back, outside of the bath, to provide easy access both when showering and when cleaning. www.manhattanshowers.co.uk ENQUIRY No. 166

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Technical Tips Smart home There are many different definitions of a smart home – but one of the most popular seems to be a connected, controllable, intelligent home where all systems, including heating and lighting, communicate with one another and can be controlled from anywhere at any time using a single phone, tablet or computer. DECC defines smart heating controls as: ‘controls which may have one of the following features: remote control via the internet or mobile phones, sensors that can detect occupancy, open windows or doors, and external temperatures, or advanced heating algorithms that can learn occupant habits and preferences.’ The main point to make when discussing smart controls with a homeowner is that they promote flexibility and convenience which ultimately lead to reduced energy bills. IFTTT IFTTT, or ‘if this then that’, is a web tool that automates tasks between two apps or ‘channels’. It enables smart thermostats which are available on the IFTTT channel, to access information from and react to smartphone or tablet services, including Apple and Android favourites like weather, geolocation, calendars and sport apps. After registering with IFTTT online, homeowners can programme certain tasks to take place automatically. Each formula, or ‘recipe’, follows the simple ‘if this then that’ rule, enabling users to get the most out of their apps. So, for the homeowner this means they can set up rules for their smart thermostats to ensure they perform efficiently and increase the comfort of their home, such as: • If I leave postcode X, then turn the heating off • If it starts snowing, then set my bedroom temperature to 22°C • If my calendar says I am on holiday, then turn off the heating Remote gateway Establishing a remote gateway means connecting the thermostat to a home’s computer network, enabling it to use the broadband service to connect the product to the internet and allow it to be controlled via an app on a smart phone, tablet or android on the move. This is the basis in creating a smart home. The connection can either be via an additional router which is connected

to the home network using an ethernet cable, or by the device broadcasting a wireless signal which can then be recognised by the home network. Internet of things Sometimes abbreviated to the ‘IoT’, the Internet of Things describes ‘a system of interconnected objects and devices which are able to communicate and interact without human intervention, often using built-in sensors and wireless networks’. To the homeowner, this simply means that their lighting, heating and security can be integrated so each reacts to changes in the other and can be overridden or controlled from a single source. Wired or wireless Currently, installing a wireless heating system will still involve an element of wiring. Usually this will mean that a wireless relay box will be wired into either the boiler or motorised zone valve and acts as the communication point between the wireless heating controls and the boiler. The rest of the heating controls – room thermostat, programmer or programmable room thermostat – then communicate wirelessly with the relay box. In a fully zoned system, the wireless TRV heads also communicate wirelessly with the room programmer. TPI Today more advanced heating controls use TPI (Time Proportional Integral) technology, which uses past information to alter the on/ off pattern, varying the length of time the boiler fires for to maintain the temperature set point for longer. Put simply, TPI makes sure a boiler fires for the shortest possible time to reach the desired temperature with minimum energy use. Zoning Zoning – or splitting a house into different areas so that individual time and temperature profiles can then be created for each zone – helps to ensure that a property is heated according to the lifestyle of its inhabitants. Modern wireless and smart heating controls are designed to make zoning easier. Whether a flat, bungalow, terraced or detached house, zoning can deliver savings on a homeowner’s energy bills, as well as provide optimum comfort. For further information about smart controls visit: www.honeywelluk.com/get connected

25/02/2015 16:09

March 2015

What’s New

Screed sets faster Increased capacity in a compact design for quicker access The PACi range of commercial air conditioning units has been extended by Panasonic to include a 10kW unit that suits applications such as gyms, studios and computer server rooms. Accommodating a high SEER and a SCOP rating of A++/A, both the Standard and Elite models are designed for high-demand applications.

With the launch of the improved Weber.floor Flex, Saint-Gobain Weber has improved set time by as much as two hours. This floor screed allows light foot traffic within one to two hours following application. The low dust product is a cement-based, selfsmoothing and self-levelling renovation screed. It is used for correcting irregularities on difficult surfaces including concrete slabs, pre-cast elements, wooden flooring and existing ceramic and rigid plastic tiles. It is also suitable for floating floors and floors with underfloor heating, and will cover flexible coverings, parquet flooring and certain floor paints. The product can be built up to a maximum thickness of 50mm and its fibre-modified

The latest entry to Sentinel Commercial’s limescale prevention solutions is the 22mm KalGuard system package. It includes a zinc anode unit, water meter and controller, with the latter pre-set to a 22mm commissioning mode, making this a plug and play solution for light commercial premises such as restaurants, take-away outlets and launderettes. KalGuard permanently conditions water by dosing it with a very low level of stable zinc via an electrolytic process that uses a zinc anode and a copper cathode. When fitted on a

formula increases strength and resilience. In humid situations such as kitchens, bathrooms, spas and indoor pool areas, the Weber.sys Protect tanking system may be applied on top. The Low Dust Technology feature is said to significantly reduce airborne dust created during the pouring and mixing processes. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.loveweber.co.uk

167

Break

for chance to win £50 cash Boats Wordsearch

Boats Wordsearch Which one of the words is NOT in the grid?

Which one of the words is NOT in the grid?

A J S N E L E P E N I D N A L W C Y

E N N N I T P E B L S T E K R A M E

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Last Month’s H E U U Gondola Rivers Winner T F L L U I L C and Answers Kayak Sailing R Y H H T Y L R Winner: Mr N Eastwood from Lancashire Keel Schooners G S M I K T A T Advantage Elegance Keats Liners A R M U Vessel Allure Fashion Make-up C B E D Attraction Glamour Models M U L E Navy Water G L O L Beauty Glory Pulchritude T B M U Charm Grace Skincare Ocean Yacht S O S P Cosmetics Harmony Truth F M O P

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Please email your answer, including your name and address to: info@phamnews.co.uk The closing date for the March 2015 issue will be 20/03/2015

Missing word - Grace

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PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.aircon-panasonic.eu

168

rising main, WRAS-approved KalGuard provides whole-system protection and can help protect both new and existing

systems from limescale build-up. It is said to be fast and straightforward to install – usually taking less than a day. Additionally, the controller is pre-set for the 22mm kit. The KalGuard range is available in sizes from 22 to 54mm. Sentinel says a 22mm KalGuard system could represent savings of up to £1400 per year in comparison with a similarly sized, salt-based water softener. The return on investment is claimed to be approximately 18 months for many users. www.sentinelprotects.com ENQUIRY No.

169

More Strada to choose from

Take a

S E P A E R E M I E A L I I N G T R

design ensures a discreet installation – even where space is limited. And three options for pipe outlets (rear, right and left), installation is

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PHAM NEWS WORDSEARCH No.172

A J S N C A N A L S I D N A L W C S

The company says these units are among the quietest in the industry and following a 15% reduction in overall size, their sleek, compact

said to be easier. The unit’s flat faced front panel can be removed and washed for easy and trouble-free cleaning. The new units come with a variety of benefits that will help building owners monitor energy consumption.

The Strada range from Ideal Standard has been enhanced with the addition of new brassware. It is part of the wider collection, which includes ceramics and furniture. It includes four designs of basin mixer and a bidet mixer, which come with Easyfix technology and an eco-flow regulator. For added safety, the mixers are also fitted with temperature limit stops to help prevent scalding.

Three shower mixers have also been added to the collection, available as exposed or built-in. The

exposed option offers high pressure and a multiport cartridge, while the latter has been designed to fit into cavity depths of 73 to 95mm using the Easybox system. A selection of bath and bath shower mixers complete the set. The range has rim mounted flow controls for separate filling applications, such as waste fill. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.ideal-standard.co.uk

170

UFH system to stick with The StickyMat underfloor heating system from Warmup has been developed to provide a more efficient way to install UFH. The product consists of a thin loose wire, evenly spaced and taped to a pressure sensitive adhesive mesh, making it fast and easy to install. Simply roll out a length to cut, flip and press down to stick until the floor area is covered. The company says this method enables a smaller installation business to fit underfloor heating as fast as a larger company. In an internal testing environment, when using StickyMat against a similar product without pressure sensitive adhesive, the installation of StickyMat was 35% faster.

The mat uses a 1.8mm pre-paced wire with tough fluoropolymer coatings which provide inner and outer insulation for even surface heat distribution. Available in a choice of 150 and 200Wm² heat outputs and 13 sizes, it’s suitable for both new build and retrofit. Once installed there are two options: lay a thin, selflevelling screed over the mat and leave it to dry, or trowel a full bed of flexible tile adhesive directly

over the mat. Warmup offers tech support and backs the product with a lifetime and an installation guarantee.

PHAM ENQUIRY No.

www.warmup.co.uk

171

25/02/2015 15:56

March 2015

DIRECTORY 57 Controls

Radiators

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sociation, embers to ecognised hievement. DIRECTORY & INFO MARCH 2015.indd 2

26/02/2015 17:34

March 2015

58 DIRECTORY Training & Assessment

MIDLANDS GAS ASSESSMENTS

Mr Combi Training

Learn to repair Boilers/Combies BOOK GAS SAFE REGISTERED ’s & ACS only NOW DVD 2015 Fault Finding Tour

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Gas Reassessment

Was £795 + VAT

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Including a days training +

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Get ‘quids in’ this New Year!

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For all your Construction and Building Services training choose Central Sussex College. Get 20% OFF short courses at our fully equipped training facility in Crawley, when booked by 31 March 2015 and taken by 31 May 2015 (excludes AM2). ACS Domestic Gas

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01293 453501

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Call: 0800 088 7445 Or Email: Train@mytradetraining.co.uk Or Visit www.MyTradeTraining.co.uk

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Safety Products

Green Deal Provider Want to become one? Not got the time, resources or skills?

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A Green Deal Provider sits at the very top of the Green Deal Scheme and is the only participant able to directly access ECO and Green Deal funding.

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Domestic Core & Appliances Non-Domestic & Appliances Commercial Core Catering & Appliances Introductory Gas Training Courses (Commercial, Domestic & LPG)

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Water Heating

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OFTEC Assessment & Training (OFT 50, 101, 102, 201, 105e 600a)

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Swimming Pool Boilers

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Renewable Energy Courses

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Courses designed for your specific needs

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Electrical Part P & City & Guilds Electrical Courses

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26/02/2015 17:48

March 2015

INFORMATION Centre 59 9

H-Series Motorised Valve

Available online at www.centralheatingrepair.co.uk Price £26 inc P&P Also available from High Street and Online Book Stores. COPPER JOB

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371

IDHEE

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375

Snickers’ Quilted Jacket – ideal for work and pleasure!

Containing innovative and exciting new additions, the brochure incorporates Aqata’s entire product portfolio of shower enclosures, screens, walk-ins, thermostatic showers and quality shower trays. Fresh additions include three new bath screens to Aqata’s frameless Spectra range; providing a multitude of space saving design solutions for over bath showering. In addition, the new Spectra Double Door enclosure provides easy access with hinged inward opening doors allowing maximum showering space for recess areas. ClearShield ECO-GLASS™ protection is now standard on all Aqata shower enclosures and screens. For stockists contact Aqata. Tel. 01455 896 500 E-mail: sales@aqata.co.uk www.aqata.co.uk or enter the PHAM No.

Whether you want fashion or functionality – check out Snickers Work Jackets. The new Quilted Jacket is warm, cosy and made from a water repellent fabric lined with ‘high-loft’ lightweight padding. There’s also a stretch fabric in the armpits for enhanced ventilation and freedom of movement. This pioneering jacket is a perfect combination of functionality, insulation and ventilation both on-site and at leisure. Checkout the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk email info@snickersworkwear.co.uk call 01484 854788 or enter the PHAM No.

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372

‘Appy Days The Grundfos Installer Companion App is proving itself to be a worthwhile and valuable download, offering a wide range of support including: access to product information; application know-how; easy sizing and selection, a handy replacement tool, pump selection guide; calculators that are set to system parameters, trouble-shooting options and service videos. Whatever pump assistance you require, it will be where you need it, when you need it. To find out more visit the website www.grundfos.com/installer-app. html or download the App from Google play or the App store. GRUNDFOS

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373

Surestop launches new responsive website

N E L BOILER

TIME CONTROLLER

4 1 2

RMT230 ROOM STAT

BROWN / WHITE BLUE

L N E

L N CH HW ON HW OFF

George Staszak

Please order from www.mrcombi.com or enter the PHAM No.

New Luxury Shower Enclosures Brochure from AQATA

AQATA

230V 3amp fuse

Mr Combi® Training has developed a fantastic set of easy to follow coloured wiring diagrams for Danfoss and Honeywell Controls, 2 / 3 port systems, Faults, Frost stats, testing components, everything you need in one handy A5 book.

ATC CYLINDER STAT

L N E PUMP

GREY

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.

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

SNICKERS

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MR COMBI

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ProApp delivers Geberit Know-how straight to your Smartphone Installers can now enjoy fast access to product details and installation instructions for Geberit products directly from their Smartphone, with the launch of the Geberit ProApp. The Geberit ProApp is free to download from the App store, Google Play or by scanning the QR code on any Geberit ProApp promotional material. Visit www.geberit.co.uk or enter the PHAM No. GEBERIT

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379

Hultafors Tools New Product Catalogue

Titon Launches New E-Commerce Site

This full colour brochure is now available FREE to professional tradesmen around the UK. It’s packed with details of loads of innovative Hand Tools and accessories for working effectively wherever you are on site. Everything you find in the Hultafors Tools range bears the hallmarks of a company that has over 100 years experience in knowing what it takes to get a job done efficiently, effectively and safely and proof of Hultafors’ quality and innovation can be found in every Hand Tool. For more information on Hultafors Tools range call the Helpline on 01484 854788 check out www.hultafors.co.uk and download a digital catalogue or enter the PHAM No.

Titon has launched TitonDirect, its online shop selling a large range of products. Visitors to www.titondirect.co.uk can take advantage of real time stock levels and prices, as well as reduced delivery costs and regular special offers.

HULTAFORS

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To celebrate the launch, Titon is offering a 10% discount on any first orders placed before the end of April 2015. Customers simply need to enter the code “TD2015” when completing their purchase. Visit www.titondirect.co.uk or enter the PHAM No. TITON

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380

Advertiser’s Index

Surestop has launched a new website as it looks to drive consumer engagement and increase brand awareness. The website has a new look and feel and also includes a number of new features providing consumers with the user friendly functionality they want. Surestop Ltd manufacture a range of Stopcocks and Water Switches that allows home owners the ability to turn off their water at the flick of a switch; protecting their property from the risk of water damage. Visit www.surestop.co.uk or enter the PHAM No. SURESTOP

Mr Combi Training ORANGE

Danfoss & Honeywell Book of Wiring

‘Central Heating fault finding & repair’

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374

Abbirko Group (Dickie Dyer) Adey Innovation LLP Advance Appliances Ltd Alpha Heating Innovation Altecnic Ltd Anton Industrial Services Ltd ATAG Heating UK Ltd Baxi Heating UK Ltd CMR Controls Ltd Conex Universal Ltd DMS Flow Measurement & Controls Ltd Hitachi John Guest Speedfit Ltd JIS Europe Kamco Ltd

22 13 21 6, 35 1 47 10 9 52 27 8 41 60 3 16

MV Fluids Handling Ltd 53 Mitsubishi Electric Europe 44 Myson 32 NIBE Ltd 42 Nu-Heat UK Ltd 2 Pegler Yorkshire Group Ltd 28 Polypipe 2, 25 Purmo 34 QMSA 4 The Radiator Company 29 Reliance Water Controls Ltd 23 Remeha 45 Ridge Tool UK 49 Salamander Pumped Shower Systems Ltd 12 Smith's Environmental Products Ltd 31

Stiebel Eltron UK Ltd Stokvis Energy System Supplies 4 Heat Talon Manufacturing Ltd Towelrads Verplas Ltd Viessmann Ltd Vokera Ltd Warmup plc Wavin Ltd (OSMA) Westco Wilo UK Ltd Windhager UK Wolseley (Plumb Center) Worcester Bosch Group Wunda Group plc

43 37 30 46 36 51 17 20 19 15 11 24 18 26, 38 7 33

Features appearing in APRIL 2015 issue

Showers & Enclosures

DIRECTORY & INFO MARCH 2015.indd 4

Energy Efficient Products

Stoves & Biomass Systems

26/02/2015 17:57

JG Aura is the new heating control concept that gives complete control of your home heating in the palm of your hand. •

Smart App control at your fingertips

•

Unique ‘4 in 1’ Stats

•

Slimline design, touch sensitive control

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Energy saving

•

5 year guarantee App available FREE for iOS, Android and Windows phones as well as your desktop computer.

Speedfit Support: 01895 425333

www.speedfitUFH.co.uk JG SPEDFIT.indd 1

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24/02/2015 08:07