October 2018

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Volume 56 | Issue 9 | October 2018

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Volume 56 | Issue 9 | October 2018

Tradespeople suffering from soaring tool thefts

WIN

workwear from Snickers and Solid Gear

Tool theft from vans has soared by 15% in the last three years, costing UK businesses over £46 million, with central London the worst hit area, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Facts and figures obtained by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles via a Freedom of Information request reveal the total cost of equipment stolen from vans – which includes power tools and heavy machinery – is more than £46 million over the last three years. Police forces across the UK have recorded over 64,000 cases of theft from commercial vehicles since April 2015, with a record 23,859 incidents in 2017/18.

The worst area for tool theft is central London where the Metropolitan Police recorded over 8000 cases a year worth an average of £11 million. Northumbria (4000 reports a year) and West Yorkshire (1000) were second and third. Humberside police recorded the biggest rise over the three years with incidents up by over 1000%.

VW points out that the cost of tool theft to businesses is more than just replacement equipment, as drivers are often unable to work while vans are restocked and locks repaired. Downtime costs companies an estimated £550 a day per van.

According to analysis of the police figures, September is when van drivers should be most vigilant, with over 2000 cases recorded across the UK in September alone last year.

Trevor Hodgson-Phillips, Head of Service and Parts at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, comments: “These findings are startling as it shows the problem is only getting worse right across the UK. Tool theft costs owner drivers and businesses millions of pounds each year in insurance claims and downtime.

“Any amount of time where a van

can’t be used is additional cost on top of the replacement tools. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is committed to supporting our customers wherever possible, and that includes preventing them from becoming victims of tool theft.”

According to the insurance broker Simply Business, a further concern is that tool thieves are becoming more sophisticated.

Some are now using electronic key fobs to break into vehicles without leaving any signs of damage, making culprits harder to trace and making it more difficult for tradespeople to protect their vans.

Criminals will sometimes work in pairs, with one intercepting the signal from the owner’s key fob while the other uses the bought fob to replicate the signal and open the van door.

Fiona McSwein, Chief Customer Officer at Simply Business, says: “In 2016 a ‘peel and steal’ craze affected thousands across the country. Now we are witnessing new and more advanced ways for thieves to target high-value items, which is a worrying trend.”

HSE backs continuity for gas registration Following a review, the Health and Safety Executive has confirmed that Capita Plc will continue to operate the Gas Safe Register until March 2024. As the preferred bidder determined by a public procurement process, Capita Gas Registration and Ancillary Services (CGRAS) – a division of Capita – will deliver the five-year contract starting 1 April 2019. The renewed contract is calculated to be worth £93 million.

As part of the new contract, Capita has promised a number of enhancements, including a new digital platform, an electronic register, an improved contact centre, website and mobile application. It will also increase inspections of gas installations and drive

broader consumer awareness about gas safety.

Announcing the news, Philip White, HSE’s Director of Regulation, said: “The bid from Capita / CGRAS was the strongest on cost and quality and we are confident they will continue to raise the standards of gas safety and provide a gas safe home for everyone.”

HSE said that in addition to the strength of Capita’s bid for the next concession, it felt assured by the way CGRAS had managed GSR services over the last nine years.

Jon Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at Capita, comments: “This new contract is an example of our expertise in harnessing digital technologies to deliver critical and specialist public services

and reflects Capita’s important role as a strategic partner to government, delivering tangible benefits for the public sector.”

A number of heating industry representatives have welcomed the decision, which will help to avoid unnecessary disruption. Speaking on behalf of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, Director Stewart Clements says: “We are pleased to see continuity, and we look forward to building upon our existing successful relationship with the Gas Safe Register to continually raise standards of gas safety and awareness amongst consumers of the need to always use a competent Gas Safe registered engineer.”

see page 75

Setting sail for charity

Picture courtesy of Hamo Thornycroft

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the annual Polypipe Regatta raised £11,000 for charity after nearly 50 boats took to the Port Solent in September. A tightlyfought contest saw independent builders merchant Elliots take home the top prize, narrowly beating law firm Squire Patton Boggs, and heating and plumbing supplier Williams & Co, who came in third. The most important winners, though, were charities Help for Heroes and the John Merricks Sailing Trust, who will benefit from the money raised at the popular two-day event.

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October 2018

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Inside this issue Gas Safe card – why Editor’s wait to be asked?

Viewpoint Apprentice Roundtable

A group of heating and plumbing apprentices share their views on the industry

Starts page 24

Electric Heating Why electric heating is proving a popular solution for many high-rise developments

Starts page 34

Gas Boilers How to improve boiler efficiency and advice on preventing frozen condensate pipes

Starts page 47

Tools & Workwear How the latest advances in battery technology is driving demand for cordless power tools

Starts page 66

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

In the run-up to last month’s Gas Safety Week (17-23 September), Logic4training undertook a survey of Gas Safe registered engineers to see how they used their Gas Safe cards and how often they get asked to prove their registration.

In response to the question ‘When do you show your customers your Gas Safe Card?’, only 53% of respondents answered that they show their card upon entering a customer’s house or building. 37% stated that they only show their Gas Safe card reactively, when a customer asks for it.

Survey results showed that registered gas engineers are most likely to show (prospective) customers their Gas Safe registration on their business cards (58%), on their website (41%) and on their company van (35%).

When asked whether they think that their customers understand the information on the Gas Safe card, respondents were divided: 52% answered ‘no’, 48% answered ‘yes’.

Although not all surveyed Gas Safe engineers felt that there were any improvements needed to make the card more comprehensible, some put forward suggestions such as

by Chris Jones

Another five year term giving a better explanation of the engineer’s qualifications (e.g. showing domestic and/ or commercial gas and a summary of appliances), moving the qualifications section to the front of the card, using larger fonts, including a bigger Gas Safe logo, and using more accessible terminology.

Of the 210 gas engineers that were surveyed, the importance of being Gas Safe registered was rated 88 out of 100 (i.e. very important).

Mark Krull, Director for Logic4Training, comments: “Installers on the ground have a huge influence on consumers’ understanding of what it means to be Gas Safe registered, and the Gas Safe card is a great tool to facilitate this. Engineers need to be showing their card to all their customers.”

See page 14 for news of Logic4Training’s Gas Safe card checklist.

There can’t be too many mandatory registration schemes that are particularly popular with its registrants, so it’s unlikely that news of Capita’s ‘carry on’ message from the HSE was greeted with wild enthusiasm by Gas Safe engineers. The outsourcing specialist, which took over from CORGI in 2009, has been awarded a new contract to continue to operate the Gas Registration scheme on behalf of the HSE until it is next up for renewal at the end of March 2024. Thought to be worth £93 million over the five year period, the Register is fully funded by registration fees (it has around 132,000 registered engineers) and money from building regulation notifications.

Nice work if you can get it, you might think, but the HSE is confident that Capita remains the front runner when it comes to delivering on cost and quality, and when the clock starts ticking on the next five years the organisation has every incentive to ensure that it meets its pledge to improve its services. As well as a new digital platform, this will include an increase in inspections and a drive to increase consumer awareness about gas safety issues.

Although the current administrators can point to a rise in businesses registered and the success of initiatives such as Gas Safety Week, evidence suggests that there is still plenty of work to be done. A recent survey (see news story, left) reveals that just over half of Gas Safe engineers will show their registration card unprompted and most believe that their customers don’t really understand the information on the card. Although the great majority of installers believe that Gas Safe registration is important, it seems that many consumers remain either ignorant or unconcerned – and that’s the biggest challenge.

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Incorporating: Plumbing & Heating News Plumbing & Heating Equipment News Published by: Pinede Publishing | 16/18 Hawkesyard Hall, Armitage Park, Nr Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 1PU Tel: 01889 577222 | Fax: 01889 579177 Email: info@phamnews.co.uk www.phamnews.co.uk Managing Editor Chris Jones Assistant Editor Carol Hitchcock Publishers Chris Evans Russ Jackson

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ABC Audited circulation Jan-Dec 2017 | 29,094 Subscription Rates United Kingdom £65.00 Overseas (Surface) £95.00 Overseas (Airmail) £110.00 ISSN 1368-9061 Printed by: Precision Colour Printing Ltd. Origination by: Design & Media Solutions

© Copyright 2018 | 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.

Getting by with a little help from their friends, BSS Industrial has raised £100,000 for Mind, the mental health charity, following the launch of its first ever ‘Car-aoke Rally’. The fun charity event saw BSS colleagues, suppliers and customers don musical themed fancy dress and then drive from the company’s Leicester head office to Italy and back in five days.

As well as sticking to a planned route, each team had to complete a variety of challenges, with penalty points given to those who didn’t complete them. The event was also supported and sponsored by leading industry brands such as Polypipe, Pegler Yorkshire, Geberit and Wilo. Pictured above is Lee Clayton and Oliver Lawton from Lawton Tube, with John Hammond from BSS.

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Gas Safe message Taunton installer lifts top plumber title on boiler packaging

With the aim of alerting people to the fact that gas appliances must be installed by a competent Gas Safe registered engineer, boiler manufacturers have pledged to place the gas safety messaging on their packaging.

Commenting on the news, Stewart Clements, Director of the Heating & Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), says: “Our boiler manufacturer members have

made this pledge to show their commitment to continually raising Gas Safety awareness and making it harder for unregistered ‘installers’ to operate in the industry.

“Awareness of gas safety is absolutely vital. New research has revealed that only two in five people (41%) who hire a gas engineer spend time checking they’re working legally before letting them into their home.”

Steve Bartin, from Taunton, has been crowned the 2018 UK Plumber of the Year in the nationwide competition run

by JT, Bristan and Wolseley UK. This year’s contest is said to have received a record number of applications, with Steve taking the title and a share of a £10,000 prize pot.

A judging panel made up of experts from JT, Bristan, Wolseley UK and WaterSafe shortlisted three plumbers in each region across the UK (North England, South England, Midlands and West, London, Wales and Scotland) based on their skills, qualifications and experience. The lucky 18 then went head-to-head to win public votes where the six individuals with the highest number of votes went through to the final stage.

In the final stage, which involved a 30-minute interview with the judging

Go green and win cashback Andrews Water Heaters has launched a new cashback scheme for anyone upgrading a commercial water heater to one of its new greener models.

For a limited time only, contractors and installers can claim between £100£500 cashback when they replace any branded non-ErP compliant commercial water heater with one of Andrews’ next generation ErP compliant products.

Dan Martindale, Sales Director at Andrews Water Heaters, comments: “We’re passionate about providing the most cost-effective

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solution for our customers and want to make it as easy as possible for them to make this switch. The more you replace, the more cashback you’ll receive.”

The promotion runs until the end of the year. For further information and details on the claiming process please visit: www.andrewswaterheaters. co.uk/greener

(l to r) Phil Viner (Wolseley UK), Simon Mepsted (Bristan), Steve Bartin (2018 UK Plumber of the Year), Chris Sneath MBE (WaterSafe) and John Schofield (JT)

panel at Bristan HQ in Tamworth, Steve impressed the judges with his qualifications, his experience and his views on the future of the industry.

Helping hand Steve has been in the industry since he left school 23 years ago. He started his working life as an apprentice and is now offering a helping hand to the next generation and advocates

apprenticeships, having already supported three young adults on the scheme.

Plug and Chain, Steve’s Taunton-based business, specialises in the design, supply and installation of bathrooms – from changing a tap washer to plumbing a full heating system.

Along with his title as UK Plumber of the Year for 2018, Steve also wins a prize pot which includes JT, Bristan and Wolseley UK products,

plus prizes from Proper Job Beer, Rothenberger, Job Man Workwear, BigWipes and HomeBoost.

Speaking of his win, Steve says: “I’m absolutely delighted to win the competition.

It’s an honour to call myself the UK Plumber of the Year.

I’ve been in the industry for 23 years and I feel like all those extra hours and dedication have paid off. I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me in the second stage of the competition and if anyone needs an award-winning plumber in Somerset, you know where I am!”

The regional winners and other finalists in the competition were: r 4DPUU 8IJUF 4DPUMBOE r .BUUIFX 4UPWFT /PSUI of England r +PIO /JDIPMMT .JEMBOET and East r +BNFT &MNZ -POEPO r 3PCCJF )BXLJOT 8BMFT

Student’s winning design A student from London South Bank University is the winner of Heatrae Sadia’s 2018 Design Awards competition. Entrants were asked to think outside the box and design a new problem-solving electric water heating solution for a chance of winning a prize of £10,000.

Kristen Tapping was announced as this year’s winner after impressing the judging panel with her efficient and well-thoughtout creation.

Paul Rivett, MD at Heatrae Sadia, says: “Manufacturers

MD Paul Rivett presents Kristen with the winner’s cheque

need to be making sure they’re offering young people greater opportunities into the engineering industry, especially with the growing

UK skills gap. The judging panel and I were extremely impressed with the standard of the entries we received this year”

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October 2018

10 NEWS Review Clarity on AAVs

New look for Lakes Showering specialist Lakes has unveiled a new look, with a refreshed logo and a new trading name. Formerly known as Lakes Bathrooms, the company is looking to capitalise on growth in the upper end of the market and is launching new products for 2019.

“These are exciting times for Lakes and our partners,” says Sales & Marketing Director Mike Tattam. “People will notice the difference in positioning and approach when they see our new brochure. Rather than replicating the same old images of people stepping out of the shower, we’re focusing on lifestyles and what the showering space means to each of us. Lakes is going on a journey. We hope installers will join us in selling to this attractive market.”

Rise of horizontal cylinders Loft installations of horizontal hot water cylinders are on the rise according to Kingspan Water & Energy, siting a new trend in retrofits and refurbishments. The manufacturer says the shift in the market is being driven by two challenges. First is the desire to have reliable hot

water throughout the home, and without a loss of pressure when it’s being used in more than one place at the same time.

The second is part of an effort to minimise the encroachment on existing living space and to keep any understairs or hallway

cupboards for storage instead of being taken up by a cylinder.

A horizontal cylinder in a loft space offers a practical solution to these challenges, says Kingspan. Its horizontal cylinders are 741mm in height (including cradle), meaning they easily fit in space-restricted areas under the eaves.

Investment enhancements In a move to provide value-added services to its customers, Durapipe has invested in a new research and development facility, chemist laboratory, and valve and actuation service.

Commenting on the announcement, Durapipe’s Head of Customer and Technical Services, Rebecca Findon, says: “The world of construction is evolving and manufacturers can no longer just supply a product. With increasingly stricter project budgets and timescales, customers are turning to us for more support to deliver enhanced solutions, increase operational efficiencies and reduce installation time and costs, which is why we don’t just supply a product, we provide the most appropriate solution for each individual client.”

New guidance from the BPF Pipe Group helps clarify the use of domestic air admittance valves. The document provides clear advice on how to position air admittance valves correctly, as well as highlighting the different regulations in place across the UK. The document provides a detailed guide to the current regulations on soil stacks and air admittance valves, as well as operation, ventilation, capacity, ratings and location. A building control checklist is included to help those installing such devices in domestic properties.

Steve Skeldon from BPF Pipes Group says: “Air admittance valves provide an alternative to open soil stacks, as they are positioned inside roof voids. We want this new guidance to provide a definitive aid to those working in plumbing and venting drainage systems for both new build and refurbishment projects.”

Download the guide at https://bpfpipesgroup.com/ applicat ion-g roups/ag 2building-services

W

e’ve teamed up with Gas App Uk to offer readers the chance to win a fabulous Makita radio – ideal for carrying around on site. The robustly built DMR104W has been designed to withstand up to five minutes exposure to rain and comes with elastomer bumpers to protect against rough handling. It receives both DAB and FM stations and delivers stereo sound from two powerful 76mm side firing speakers. It also features a micro USB port for software upgrades, easy-to-read digital tuner with LCD display, and AUX-IN jack for connecting to an external audio source.

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For a chance to win the radio, all you have to do is search for the picture of Gas App Uk founder Ant Provan (shown left) hidden inside this issue. Once you’ve found him, simply take a picture of the page and send it via What’sApp with your name, email and telephone number to 07879 627403, or send a text to the same number (complete with your contact details), or email editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk. Good luck!

Congratulations to last month’s winner, Sukhvinder Noorpuri, who found Ant’s picture on page 3 in the contents section of the September issue.

A Makita radio will now be winging its way to you!

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October 2018

12 NEWS Review Bosch promotion New scheme for thermal imaging users offers big rewards A Thermography Scheme has been launched by Elmhurst Energy for thermal imaging inspectors. Thermal imaging technology is frequently used as a nonintrusive method to check areas of missing or damaged insulation and air leakage in both existing and new build properties, locating problem areas and potentially reducing energy costs and emissions.

In addition, Elmhurst has partnered with iRed to deliver a three day

Thermal Imaging for Buildings training course to give attendees the skills

and knowledge to deliver thermal imaging heat loss inspections. On completion,

professionals are welcome to join Elmhurst’s Thermography Scheme. Members of the scheme can access an exclusive website portal which will enable them to enter client information, upload reports, and add details of thermal imaging inspections.

Members will also gain access to Elmhurst’s Technical Support and be included in a listing which members of the public can use to search for an inspector.

Integrated pipework from Pegler Heating engineers are being invited to take advantage of a new promotion by Bosch Commercial and Industrial which offers free Bosch home appliances with every completed installation of two of the company’s flagship products.

Installers can receive up to £200 to spend on Bosch home appliances every time they install a GB162 commercial boiler or the new Bosch Control 8000, with no limit on how much they can earn.

Running until the end of the year, installers first need to create an account on the Worcester Promotions website (www.worcesterpromotions.co.uk/GB162) before logging in and uploading their merchant invoice.

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As part of a move to deliver its integrated piping systems to the UK plumbing and heating sector, Pegler Yorkshire, part of the Aalberts Group, has announced that it will be bringing together its technologies under the long-established brand name of Pegler.

Phill Jackson, Marketing and Business Development Director, comments: “This is a truly exciting

time for us. We are renowned for our expertise in valve and fitting technology for domestic, commercial and industrial applications and have now combined this knowledge together with Dutch group member VSH to create a seamless integrated piping system solution for applications across the board.

“The Pegler brand is so iconic, in fact, it still remains 198 feet in the

air displayed on the original furnace chimney at our manufacturing plant in Doncaster.”

The move to becoming a fully integrated piping system provider has resulted in Pegler transferring its taps and mixers business to group member Comap, who will commence distribution and supply of taps and mixers from January next year.

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October 2018

NEWS Review 13 PHEX Manchester moved to new date

Expansion plans Vaillant Group is making a major investment in a new innovation centre that expands the business’s global headquarters as part of its focus on the renewables sector.

The development has seen the creation of a new R&D centre at Vaillant’s HQ in Remscheid, Germany.

The facility comprises a test centre which takes up more than 9000m2 and two additional office blocks. The development houses 570 employees.

To support this expansion, Vaillant Group has also put in place infrastructure that enables UK installers to take advantage of the investment to drive the growth of their own businesses.

Originally planned to run on 3rd and 4th of October, PHEX Manchester has been postponed due to a European fixture taking place at Old Trafford Stadium that week. The event will now be staged on the 17th and 18th October, with the same opening times and at the same venue.

The exhibition will still have all the features aimed at plumbers, heating engineers, technicians and installers. There will be over 80 suppliers showing their latest products and services. There will also be show-only deals that could save money, as well as competitions and give-aways. A free lunch will be served and a free tour of Old Trafford Stadium will be on offer. To reserve your free ticket, visit the website: www.phexshow.co.uk

As well as providing a range of heating products designed to run from renewable sources, Vaillant Group also offers a dedicated resource to support installers in the sale of renewable products.

Klaus Jesse, MD at Vaillant UK, says: “This is a landmark moment in the 144 years of our business. We are committed to being at the forefront of the industry’s efforts to drive the adoption of renewable heat sources by consumers across Europe.

Today’s news is a major step in these efforts, allowing us to invest in being an innovative brand within the sector and driving ongoing business benefits for our UK installer base.”

Stelrad backing for the Falcons

Premiership rugby’s Newcastle Falcons has welcomed Stelrad Radiators as a principal partner. The two-year partnership, with an option for a third year, will see the company’s name and logo on the front of the Falcons’ playing shirts, with Newcastle looking to kick on from their best season in 20 years.

Newcastle Falcons Commercial Director Mick Hogan says: “It is fantastic news that the Falcons will be partnering with such a prestigious organisation as Stelrad. Whilst they have their roots firmly in the North East, they are a national and international organisation who are market leaders in their field.”

Trevor Harvey, CEO of Stelrad Radiator Group, welcomes the company’s new principal partnership with Newcastle Falcons, saying: “We are delighted to be supporting the Newcastle Falcons at this exciting time.”

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October 2018

14 NEWS Review Academy aims high Change Checklist for Gas Safe card of name

Charlie Mullins (centre) with the latest Pimlico apprentices

With the aim of employing hundreds of apprentices, Pimlico Plumbers has announced plans to open a dedicated training academy, which will be based at the company’s headquarters in Lambeth, South London.

The announcement coincides with the induction of the latest tranche of eight new plumbing and heating trainees, taking the total number of apprentices to 83.

The Pimlico Apprenticeship Training Centre will enable the company to provide all

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the theory and practical skills required to qualify as a trade apprentice.

Working with training and education providers, as well as directly-employed trainers, the centre will recruit and train the young people, providing the opportunity to work alongside Pimlico’s team of tradespeople. They will spend four days a week training on the job with the company’s plumbing and heating engineers, with one day at one of the company’s approved colleges.

Westco Flow Control Ltd has changed its name to Comap UK Ltd to further strengthen the association between the companies.

“This is much more than a simple name change,” says MD Nick Horton. “It is a sign that our company is the sole representative of Comap Group’s thermal and sanitary efficiency solutions in the UK, and part of the Comap network in more than 20 countries.”

Comap will be introducing products such as taps and mixers, water quality systems, and a new multilayer push-fit system to the market. There are also plans to improve its services to make product selection easier and enable fast and constant access to information, with a focus on ease of installation and speed.

Following on from its survey which showed that more than half (53%) of installers are not showing their Gas Safe card, Logic4training has launched a Gas Safe card checklist to remind engineers of when and where they should be showing their Gas Safe registration.

Launched last month as part of the training provider’s G as S af et y Week

activities, the Gas Safe card checklist is designed to help keep consumers from harm by encouraging engineers to spread the Gas Safe message while ensuring that installers make the most of this important badge of competence.

To download a copy of the checklist, go online to https:// www.logic4training.co.uk/blog/ gas and search the blog entries for ‘Use your Gas Safe Card Proactively with this checklist’.

Partnership raises standards The APHC (Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors) and BPEC (British Plumbing Employers Council) have announced a partnership to formalise their close working relationship. The organisations will work together to develop industry qualifications, courses, learning materials and other areas in order to help raise skills and standards across the industry in England and Wales.

John Thompson, CEO of APHC, comments: “I’m delighted that APHC has entered into this agreement as we recognise BPEC as a quality awarding organisation and certification body for the plumbing and heating industry. I’m looking forward to

working closely with Paul and his team in the development and implementation of plumbing and heating qualifications, courses and assessments.”

BPEC CEO Paul Johnson adds: “I know that together both organisations can make a significant contribution in raising industry standards through the development of qualifications, learning materials, the new Plumbing and Heating Trailblazer Apprenticeship as well as encouraging engineers once they have successfully completed their qualifications and apprenticeships to continue improving their skills throughout their career.”

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October 2018

PEOPLE on the Move Ventilation manufacturer Titon has made two key new additions to its ventilation systems sales team by appointing Oliver Gledhill and Ken Johnson (pictured) as Area Sales Managers. Oliver will be responsible for growing sales in the Yorkshire and North East. Ken is based in Stoke-onTrent and will be covering the North West area. Both will be reporting to UK Sales Director Lee Caulfield.

Mark Hill has been appointed as MD for UK manufacturer Kudos Shower Products. Mark previously held a number of leadership positions within manufacturing businesses, most recently with the Moores Furniture Group, and prior to that with Euramax Solutions. Mark’s initial challenge will be to develop robust processes, particularly with the company’s new product schedule.

Buteline UK, the manufacturer of plumbing systems for hot and cold potable water for both domestic and commercial applications, has welcomed Paul Hever as Area Sales Manager covering East Anglia. He has over 30 years of heating knowledge and has worked for a number of major manufacturers, including Vaillant, Worcester, Ideal and Stelrad.

The new Sales Director at Hamworthy Heating is Jason Fretwell, who spent the last 13 years at A.O. Smith. He joins with nearly 30 years of experience in the sector. Jason started out early in his career in the HVAC sector. In 1989, he made his debut as pipefitter/welder apprentice, progressing to a variety of roles in sales and management. He is also a member of the Society of Public Health Engineers.

Covering the south of England, Chris Barrett has been appointed as Regional Sales Manager for Navien UK. Previously a domestic heating installer for 12 years, Chris has also spent 11 years as a Sales Executive in the motor industry. He has been tasked with helping to grow the Navien brand and will also provide technical support when needed (see also page 53 in this month’s issue).

Andrews Water Heaters has welcomed two new Area Sales Managers: Jody Smith will cover the Home Counties and Rebecca Casale (pictured) will cover the North East and Yorkshire. Jody started his career as a plumbing and heating engineer before moving into project management and sales.

Rebecca has worked in the H&V sector for nearly a decade and holds a law degree from De Montford University.

A new General Manager has been appointed at Lochinvar following MD David Pepper’s decision to go into semiretirement and moving into the role of Business Development Manager. Eelco van Driel (pictured) assumes the position of General Manager at Lochinvar UK with 20 years experience in a similar role at a European water heater company. In addition, Liam Elmore has been promoted to Sales Director.

As the new Area Sales Manager for Wirquin, Grant Howarth will be supporting customers in the South of England, Wales and the Channel Islands. Grant joins the company with a wealth of experience, having worked in the industry since his early teens. At 16 he began his selling career at Buildbase in Aylesbury. With Wirquin, his role is focused mainly on supporting buying group members in his area.

Neomitis, a specialist in controls and heating products for residential and small office environments, has announced the appointment of Mark Osborne as Regional Sales Manager covering the south of the UK. Commenting on his new role, Mark says: “I have been in the heating industry for over 20 years and I am looking forward to developing further sales growth for this new heating and controls business.”

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October 2018

18 YOUR Views

Naked prejudice I’ll confess upfront that I’m not a reader of your magazine.

In fact, I don’t even live in your country, but through the power of social media the letter from Jamie Anderson made it to my Twitter feed and I couldn’t let it go unchallenged.

Before we get to Mr Anderson, I want to question why that letter was published in the first place. Let’s imagine if this cultured gentleman had written the exact same sentiments about people of African descent, or homosexuals, or Muslims. Would it have shown up in print in your magazine? Why is it ok to show such naked prejudice and chauvinism against women?

Here in the USA the stereotype of a plumber is not a pretty picture. The ass-crack is the first thing people think of. Hairy, beer-bellied slobs that probably didn’t graduate high school, have no manners, but are skilled at padding their bills. So if Mr Anderson feels free to denigrate women who want to be plumbers, he should know plumbers like him are exactly what people think of when it comes to men of his profession – smelly, ignorant, narrow-minded swindlers who have an uninformed (and unalterable) opinion on everything.

Not that I believe in this ridiculous stereotype. The whole point of this letter is to demonstrate the absurdity of prejudice and stereotypes. Prejudicial thinking does more to reveal the character of the person who believes it than the group that is being attacked.

Mr. Anderson also said the vast majority of women don’t want to be plumbers. Guess what? The vast majority of men don’t want to be plumbers either.

It’s not my purpose here to denigrate plumbing or the people who do it. It’s to make clear that prejudicial stereotypes can be damaging, whether it’s one about women or about plumbers. I hope your other readers don’t believe that women should mind their place and be barred from the sacred territory of men. I hope that the average British male plumber’s perception of women bears no resemblance to Jamie Anderson’s.

Karen Learner Via email

Battery tip for oil tanks

With the move to bunded tanks, sight gauges are no longer supplied but these new oil tanks have a sender unit and battery on the top. My unit ceased working (not showing content level) but flashed a red warning light to indicate a low battery.

The battery on the tank is a 15mm copper tube which unscrews and has a copper cap on the top end. I thought to order a new one, but the cheapest was £50, with prices up to £90.

I laid out a large towel, adjusted a spanner to a sliding fit on the copper tube, and knocked the end cap off. The towel caught the small spring which fits inside cap and out slid a plastic tube and inside it were four AAA batteries.

I replaced these and reinstalled them as originally fitted and put it all together.

The gauge now is working and showing the oil level – all for 15 minutes work and less than a fiver! If this helps just a couple of readers, that’s a result.

G.A. Pitchford Winterton-on-Sea

The Tweet spot

Plumbing licence?

First educate the public

I read in your September issue that the APHC wants to introduce a mandatory licencing scheme for plumbers. Is this scheme to put hands in our pockets?

We live in Scotland and have an excellent organisation called SNIPEF (Scotland & Northern Ireland Plumbing and Employers Federation). In the early ’90s I worked for a company in Aberdeen who were members of SNIPEF and after three months with this company I was put forward to become an Advanced Plumber.

I have now been self-employed for 36 plus years and I was asked last month if I could lower my prices. I refused.

If trade organisations want to promote

£10 Let 0 ter

the genuine plumber, first educate the public!

Most people do not ask for ANY proof of competence. Some still think that CORGI is the gas organisation. A few small notices in plumbers merchants and articles in the local press would be a good start.

Anybody can go into a DIY store and purchase any gas appliance, plumbing and associated products. You might have noticed that there has been a sharp rise in ‘The Handy Man’ and we now have joiners plumbing in sink units, etc.

I hope this letter gives food for thought.

R.S. Watt Aberdeen

Hot water system enquiry

Could I just make a point concerning an advert in this month’s issue concerning the Harlequin Heatstream system? While the system itself seems a very good idea and has the required approvals, it must be noted that a blending valve at point of source and not the point of use will not allow the distribution pipework to get to the temperatures required to comply with the water regulations or the requirements as laid down in the legionella guidelines.

On talking with Harlequin about this matter (along with other manufactures who supply TMVs to be installed at point of source) I was informed that they will ask the installer to ‘just to turn it up fully’.

If that’s the case, why is it there in the first place?

Michael Raine Water Regulations Inspector

We invited Harlequin to respond to Mr Raine’s letter and received the following reply: Thanks for your enquiry. Utilising a novel concept, the Heatstream provides mains pressure hot water to the home using a static heat transfer fluid within the tank. Heat input to the tank is either direct with an immersion or indirect with a coil connected to a heat source.

Domestic water is heated instantaneously as it passes through a large surface area heat extraction coil contained within the body of the tank. The volume of water within the coil is less than 15 litres and in accordance with HSE274 part 2 section 2.68 is defined as a ‘Low Storage Volume Water Heater’, so they are deemed to be lower risk compared other types of domestic water heating systems with regards to legionella proliferation.

The Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) provided with the Heatstream as mentioned has a recommended set position of 50°C, in accordance with HSE guidelines for ‘Low Storage Volume Water Heater’. However, as every installation is different it is the responsibility of the installer to ‘risk assess’ the installation to ensure that the system is compliant with the HSE guidelines. With the ability to increase the TMV temperature up to a maximum of 65°C, depending upon installation requirements, all possibilities are covered. Having the TMV ‘factory fitted’ simplifies and speeds up the installation process and provides the additional reassurance against scalding and increased hot water efficiency and performance, for a significant number of installations.

kirbyplumbing78 @2StarKirbs Some say shiny pipes are a waste of time...I strongly disagree.

RSK Plumbing @info_rsk Brand new boiler, pipework and cylinder radiators isolated!

Unbelievable!

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Eastheat Plumbing & Heating @thedirtyplumber I had this one just recently, still in use and serviced every year, she asked what I was doing when the front came off!! “No-one’s ever done that before!”

Jason Cassells Technical Director Harlequin Manufacturing Ltd

Let us know what you think...

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

Please address your letters to: The Editor, PHAM News, 1b Station Square, Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1DP Lauren E Plumbing @Loz_Winter It’s all about making friends with the customers.

or email to: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk

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ENERGY Matters Rural oil users misled by false marketing messages OFTEC and the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) say they have been contacted by several educational establishments concerned about their future options for heating after reading the claims made in promotional materials for renewables.

Schools, businesses and other organisations in rural, off gas grid areas are being advised to ignore misleading marketing claims stating that ‘oil heating will be outlawed by 2030’.

Both organisations have also referred the matter to the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA).

Although the Government’s Clean Growth Strategy, published last year, includes a broad ambition to end the installation of new, high carbon fossil

Paul Rose, OFTEC CEO

fuel heating, no specific policy proposals have been developed in this area. There are also no plans to ban the use of existing high carbon fossil fuel heating systems.

OFTEC CEO Paul Rose says: “These schools were worried about these false claims which led them to

believe they would need to switch to other forms of heating in the near future.

This information is untrue.

We are concerned the misinformation may have been sent to many other organisations and hope that, with greater awareness, the myths can be dispelled.”

FPS CEO Guy Pulham adds: “For rural businesses to make informed investment plans, they need clear, accurate guidance. It’s essential that government sets out clear decarbonisation policies and takes action to prevent the kind of false claims we’ve highlighted in this case.

“It’s also vital that consumers and rural businesses are consulted as part of the debate about the best ways to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.”

Showing off green heating A delegation from Indonesia, hosted by the Department of International Trade, recently visited a residential area in Sudbury, Suffolk to see British renewable energy in the works. Come the end of October, it is anticipated that all 12 homes in the area, which used to rely on electric heating, will have their new ground source heat pump system fully installed and operational.

Property owners, Flagship Group, alongside UK specialist, Kensa Contracting, installed an underground energy grid and Kensa’s Shoebox ground source heat pump in each home.

Each unit is connected to a shared ground loop array that connects the properties to boreholes, where

heat energy is collected.

The Indonesian delegation is interested in the Kensa products with a view to reversing the heat flow in a shared ground loop array design to provide free passive cooling to buildings.

It is thought they could be used in a variety of domestic

settings and commercial industries, such as fishing and food preparation.

Like the UK, there is a significant low carbon programme in Indonesia, some of which is funded by the UK Government, and there is wide scope for the development of new technologies.

Hydrogen debate heats up

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Energy trade association, the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), has welcomed the latest report on hydrogen from Policy Exchange – ‘Fuelling the Future’. The report aims to contribute to the decarbonisation debate and raises key questions for government and industry, some of which the EUA is already working on with its members.

Mike Foster, EUA Chief

Executive, says: “I am pleased to see the debate on hydrogen taken to another level, and our members are actively working on hydrogen appliances and solutions to demonstrate that it can be distributed in the UK distribution network safely.

“However, urgent industry and government action is required to make this a reality. This report helps to

outline the opportunities for hydrogen and also some of the key hurdles that industry and government need to overcome. We look forward to working with all our partners over the coming years to transform the theory on hydrogen into a low-carbon reality.”

To see the report online, visit: https://policyexchange. org.uk/publication/fuellingthe-future

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October 2018

POINT of View 21

Assistance or market interference?

Government plans to allow ground source heat pump projects to have access to two funding streams – both ECO and RHI – have not gone down well with some parts of the market. Charlie Lamb, Sales Director at Windhager, explains why he believes it’s a serious error.

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s those of us who have been involved in the domestic heating industry in the recent past are aware, the UK Government has supported the drive to reduce energy consumption and the associated carbon emissions from domestic heating appliances in the UK. After legislation to mandate the use of condensing boilers in the gas sector and then oil boilers, the ECO (Energy Company Obligation) scheme was introduced in more recent times. Initially this was focused on gas boiler upgrades as well as other efficiency upgrades, but over the last 18 months the focus has switched to rural (off mains gas) customers and as a result the oil boiler market has seen a substantial increase in sales.

The Government has now

Charlie Lamb, Windhager

changed the rules and ECO is evolving from a ‘carbon saving’ scheme to one that is aimed at reducing ‘fuel poverty’. We as an industry supported this move and were encouraged by Ofgem to work with utilities to combine the use of both ECO funding and RHI (renewable heat incentive) to promote cost effective delivery of ‘low carbon heating’ schemes to fuel poor households, with an

emphasis on rural properties.

Working with utility partners, many manufacturers put in a lot of hard work to set up viable schemes that would be partially funded by private funders (banks). The ECO3 consultation responses supported this initiative, and so it was something of a shock to learn that the Government has decided not to support their initial proposal.

Favouritism To add insult to injury, the Government is now proposing to ‘favour’ one technology (ground source heat pumps) by allowing that technology to use both funding streams – unlike biomass or air source heat pumps. Perhaps more worrying is that the scheme is still being promoted as a ‘fuel poverty’ scheme!

Government ‘interference’,

which is all that this can be interpreted as, and the favouring of one technology, will sadly have unintended consequences and is likely to cause additional fuel poverty rather than reduce it.

In the right application all three technologies – air source, ground source, along with biomass – can deliver fuel cost and carbon savings for homeowners. In the wrong application, however, the reverse is all too often the case. In this instance, the only beneficiary will be the ‘funders’, as once the technology is installed they will be paid for seven years whether the appliance is used or not.

In effect, the Government is now using public money to interfere in a market by influencing the use of a particular technology.

In addition, they (or their

advisors) appear to be unaware of, or are ignoring, the consequences. Ofgem have been made aware of industry concerns but they are only able to give ‘politically correct’ answers – or ‘fudges’.

Fair play No one is asking for favouritism, just a level playing field. One only has to look at the annual installation figures for each technology installed using the readily available RHI installation figures to identify the most popular technologies used in the UK. Older, larger off gas home owners have overwhelmingly chosen biomass as their fuel of choice over the last four years. Newer, smaller rural home owners have equally chosen air source heat pumps as their preferred choice to

replace their existing fossil fuelled system. Ground source is by some distance the least used technology under the scheme.

Government has decided to favour ground source heat pumps despite the knowledge that electricity prices are forecast to remain high as we convert electrical generation to nuclear power and the guaranteed wholesale prices given to those companies (countries) investing in them. For the foreseeable future the UK will be heavily reliant upon fossil fuels for electricity generation in the periods of peak demand.

In this period of political change, with Brexit around the corner, it appears that senior politicians are making decisions that need to be challenged, as the poorest in our society will undoubtedly be the victims.

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October 2018

22 TRAINING Update Shower courses for Trade bodies unite to update standards all experience levels Whether an installer with many years of experience, or an apprentice who’s just setting out on their career, Mira Showers offers a range of resources and training options to enhance their skills and product knowledge.

Over 1250 apprentices are trained every year through the shower manufacturer’s Headstart sessions at colleges around the country.

Since its launch in 2014, Headstart has staged over 200 training days, given out nearly 5000 certificates, and visited around 75% of all UK colleges that offer heating, plumbing and electrician courses.

The sessions last around two and a half hours and students experience interactive demos of Mira products, such as retrofitting

Three trade bodies have joined forces with a view to managing and developing apprenticeships, qualifications and National Occupational Standards for the building services engineering sector.

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), SELECT, and SNIPEF have created a joint body called BSE Skills Ltd, which has received government backing to oversee vocational a Mira Jump Multi-Fit electric training in electrical, shower. There is also now a plumbing and HVAC. focus on digital showering.

The government-sponsored Over 1000 contractors sector skills council Summitare also trained every Skills was the managing year through Mira’s body for the sector until Toolbox Training – a it ceased trading in 2017 dedicated training scheme due to insufficient funding. for professionals in the Now, following a UK-wide community housing sector.

This hands-on course is offered to Mira customers free of charge.

(l-r): Iain McCaskey, head of BESA Scotland & Northern Ireland, with Fiona Harper, Head of Employment Affairs at SELECT, and Duncan Wilson, Deputy Chief Executive of SNIPEF

tender process, the central and devolved governments have turned to the three organisations, representing around 342,000 operatives, to deliver vocational training.

“This sets a wonderful precedent for the future of

vocational training across the UK,” says BESA Chief Executive David Frise. “We are very grateful to the UK governments for having the foresight to recognise the value industry bodies can bring to the management

and delivery of vocational training in vital technical sectors.”

Fiona Hodgson, CEO of SNIPEF, also welcomes the agreement. She says the successful bid demonstrated the strength of trade associations “working together to ensure that the sector and its employers continue to have the occupational standards, qualifications and apprenticeship frameworks they need to maintain and develop a skilled workforce for the future.”

BSE Skills will now set about consulting with its combined memberships as well as relevant government departments and training providers to update National Occupational Standards.

Guide to electrics for boiler engineers

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Therma proposal Free training on LG’s Therma V air-to-water heat pump is now available from the GRE Energy Training Centre in Chesterfield. Installers who complete the one day course will be able to become an LG accredited installer and gain access to the company’s extended product warranty (seven years). As well as an introduction to the Therma V range, the course will cover installation, maintenance, programming and troubleshooting. Refreshments and lunch will also be supplied free of charge on the day.

For more details visit: www.gretraining.co.uk

Worcester-bosch.co.uk/training

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A new training course from Worcester Bosch aims to give installers the knowledge and understanding needed when confronted with electrics when working on boilers.

The ‘Basic Electrics for Heating Engineers’ course provides installers with an opportunity to learn about the different terms used in electrical theory, while gaining hands-on practical experience.

The practical course is designed to cover nearly all electrical scenarios which are

likely to be encountered by a heating engineer, including: how to safely isolate an appliance prior to undertaking a service or repair; how to conduct an earth loop impedance test; the use and measuring of resistances and voltages on a range of components; and the basic checking of components.

Completion of the oneday course, which is verified

by Logic Certification Ltd, requires heating engineers to pass a practical and theoretical assessment.

Gas facility in Kent

Adding gas training to its portfolio, Premier Training Academy has announced the opening of a new training centre in Sevenoaks, Kent. The training facility will offer domestic gas training courses and assessments, and candidates will have access to a variety of tools and literature as well as complimentary lunch and refreshments.

In addition to the Core Domestic Natural Gas Safety and Appliances course and the Central Heating Control Systems course, the centre will offer a further eight courses, including Water Regulations Advisory Scheme training.

“The Sevenoaks centre will take the approach of our other centres in the fact that courses will be taught by experienced trainers. The use of the latest tools and equipment will be available, and we hope it will follow the trend of our other centres with high pass rates,” says Michael Collinge, Head of Premier Training Academy.

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24 APPRENTICE Roundtable

What it’s like to be an apprentice We recently caught up with a group of apprentices at Worcester Bosh HQ to ask them about why they decided to enter the heating and plumbing industry, what it is like to undertake an apprenticeship today, and how positive they feel about the future.

Do you think school leavers have a better chance of getting on in life by taking an apprenticeship rather than going to university?

Michael: “Yes, definitely. This is a skilled job for life and you can’t guarantee that kind of assurance at university most of the time.”

James: “It’s more relevant as well, it is far more specific.

There is far more chance of you ending up with an actual job at the end of it, because you’re already working with a company and have that practical experience.”

Max: “You have an income too with an apprenticeship, and you don’t have to worry about being left with a lot of student debt afterwards either.”

Tom: “Out of my friends, none of us decided to go to university. They’ve all gone into jobs or apprenticeships.

This is my reality, it’d be strange if I wasn’t doing this.”

Do you think the balance between work experience and coursework is about right?

Michael: “You learn things in the classroom obviously, but you also learn things outside, on site. Especially with the skilled jobs. We’ve all been to college, but there’s a considerable difference in what it is like in college and what it is like on site.”

Matthew: “I think if it was any more than one day a week at college then it might get a bit boring. I like the work/ learning balance.”

Brett: “I think you’ve got to have that time at college though.

You don’t get taught everything from the people that you work with. There are some things you need from college.

Also, at my college we’ve got people that are full-timers, and you wouldn’t want to get them working in someone’s house. So, I think it is good – getting one day at college and then having the rest working and gaining more practical experience.”

What do you all enjoy most about training and the work you do?

Max: “It is something different every day – you’re not doing the same things. It’s not repetitive.”

Brett: “Meeting new customers, just getting out there and meeting new people. You’re not stuck in a workshop or a yard – you’re always out, which is good.”

James: “It’s not repetitive. It’s not as rigid as ‘I’m going on to do this today’ – I might be fitting radiators, I might be fitting a boiler. It is always different.”

Matthew: “It’s the freedom of the job I like most. I can be flexible and we can take things like lunch whenever we want.”

Left to right: Michael Waring – Midland Central Heating, Cannock; Max Stephenson – R Stephenson Heating Services Ltd, Littlehampton; Tom Hayes – M Broer Heating, Derby; Matthew Taylor – T S Gas, Reading; Brett Wane – Gas Water Heating, Barrow; James Abolyhasemi – EcoPlumb, Worcester

Would you like to run your own business one day, and if so, what is the main attraction for that?

Michael: “Looking at my gaffer and his lifestyle, yeah, I definitely would like to have my own business one day.”

Matthew: “I think I’d like to have my own business one day and then I’d specialise in heating. Where I am at the moment, we do a bit on the bathroom installation side of things, but I don’t really enjoy doing that as much as the heating.”

James: “You can’t come up against DIY plumbers either.

When you’re doing things like gas heating, you have to be licensed to go and do that. Not just anyone can take a case off of a boiler – well they shouldn’t be anyway.”

If you all stayed in the industry, do you think that the work you will do will change?

What do you least enjoy about being an apprentice and the work that you do?

Matthew: “It will probably get more technical and digital going forward.”

James: “I think that would be coring holes for flues.”

Tom: “I think the majority of manual work will stay the same. Servicing and repair work might become a bit more computerised, like fault-finding especially. In the future you’ll being going out to find out what’s wrong with this boiler and you’ll go out to fix it but with the help of software.”

Matthew: “Going into lofts, or tight places. I don’t like the enclosed spaces that much.”

If you could, is there anything that you would change with your apprenticeship?

Michael: “The wage. It would be good to get a bit more money, but at least it is something.”

Matthew: “I agree on the wage point, but, no, I don’t think I’d change much else. I’ve got a nice job to be fair.”

James: “Here we have job security too, so I am really happy with doing this apprenticeship. There will never be a machine that can go out and do plumbing and heating jobs. You need people and I can’t see that changing.”

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Brett: “I’m sure there will be more regulation, but I don’t really see much of that side of things yet, so I couldn’t really say.”

Do you read magazines or newspapers, or do you prefer to get information online?

Brett: “Online, yeah. Just online.”

Matthew: “I mainly use Twitter to catch up on news.”

Brett: “I don’t really use social media. It might not be the best source, but neither are the newspapers now. I’d much rather read an article on my phone.”

Max: “I use Instagram quite a lot, where you can see pictures of other installers’ work. It’s another way of seeing how other people do it.”

Are you optimistic about your prospects and the demand for your services in the future?

Matthew: “Everyone’s going to need a plumber, that’s never going to change, is it? You just have to look for the work and get yourself out there.”

Brett: “The area I live in, there’s a lot of one-man bands, there aren’t really many firms that we’re competing with, so people are realising that, we do Worcester boilers and stuff like that, and people aren’t having many or any problems with them, so we’re getting a lot of work through that, so we haven’t really got much competition.”

James: “I’m a lot older than these guys, so I decided to retrain, and the skills gap was one of the reasons for me deciding to do that. I’ve had a lot of rubbish jobs and I wanted a job that would see me through. I’ve still got 35 years left to work so my drive is to just retrain and build up a career doing something that is always going to be needed.”

Worcester Bosch offers a wide range of courses across its four Training Academies. The manufacturer also works closely with leading colleges and training providers to meet the needs of apprentices and their employers.

To find out more, please visit: www.worcester-bosch. co.uk/professional/training/apprenticeships

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

NAME: Adrian McGill COMPANY: Adrian McGill Plumbing and Heating Services FROM: Birmingham

At work... At play...

What time do you start work?

“Usually I’ll start working at about 7:30, but in an ideal world I’d start work much earlier, because I find you get most of your work done in the morning. I do understand though that some customers won’t want me to start until later, after the kids have gone to school.”

Have you ever been tempted to walk away from a job?

“There have been times when I have certainly wanted to, but I am proud to say that I have never walked away.

For me personally, I think that it is important that if you are willing to start a job, then you should be prepared to see it through until it is complete, no matter how tough it gets.”

What’s your favourite trade counter?

“I have been using a local merchant, Bell Plumbing in Kings Norton, Birmingham, for some time now.

I’d say that they have established themselves as my firm favourite trade counter. They’re experts in what they do, always very helpful, and their customer service is unrivalled.

An added bonus of being a longtime customer is that they provide a number of product discounts to reward customer loyalty.”

Do you eat your five-a-day?

“Within the last three weeks I’ve been on a health kick, and so I have definitely started to eat a much healthier diet. As I get older I feel it’s incredibly important that I take greater care of myself. I do try to get a good mix of both fruit and veg, but lately celery has become a favourite of mine.”

What’s your favourite TV show?

“That’s a tough one to answer.

I watch TV shows to unwind whenever I get the time, but it’s hard to pick a favourite. If I had to, I would say ‘Shooter’. It’s an American drama series about an ex-military marksman who is trying to save the American President. It’s definitely a show that I’m enjoying right now, and one I’d recommend.”

How much tea or coffee do you drink in a typical day?

“I have a routine with tea and coffee. I’ll drink around three cups of coffee whilst I am working to keep me going, and then when I get home I’ll have two cups of tea to help me relax. I take my tea with a splash of milk, but because of the health kick, I don’t have any sugar.”

Is anyone in your family involved in your business?

“No, it just wouldn’t work. Having a family member involved would drive me round the bend. Luckily, however, my brother runs his own building company in Spain, so there’s no chance of us ever having to work together in the near future.

Outside of work, we certainly have fun, but work and family wouldn’t be a good mix.”

What do you listen to while you’re driving?

“I have two radio stations that I like to listen to on a regular basis.

My favourite when I am in the van is Talksport because I play quite a bit of Fantasy Football with the people at work, old colleagues, and friends of mine, so it’s important to stay on top of the latest fixtures.

Otherwise, I’ll be listening to the news on LBC – it’s important to know what’s going on.”

What van do you drive?

“For the last year and a half, I’ve been driving a Ford Transit Custom. I change the van every three years. This is a demanding job and the mileage can begin to take its toll on the van’s performance, so this is the latest van I’ve bought to keep up with the pressures of work. I do like to keep it nice and tidy – it’s important because it’s the first thing that a customer sees when you’re on a job.”

Do you buy any newspapers or magazines?

“Every month I like to buy a copy of National Geographic Traveller magazine. One of my passions is travelling and going abroad, so it’s always good to get the latest travel updates and insights. I like to use the magazine for ideas on where I’ll head next.”

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26 BUSINESS Matters

How to make payment painless For plumbing companies and other small businesses, bank-free payment technologies can be an effective way to unclog blockages to growth. Andrew Byrne, Chief Operations Officer of myPOS Europe, puts the case for letting customers use cashless payments.

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plumber’s nightmare in the flesh: you go over to service a faulty boiler that’s blown its top, and once you have put things right and it’s time to pay the piper, the customer reaches for their wallet and horror sinks into your stomach as their cash seems to have mysteriously disappeared.

To many this might sound like a joke, but it’s definitely one that makes uncomfortable listening for many plumbing and HVAC SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises). Things like this can add to the cash flow strain on a business, and with 50% of SMEs operating in the red on a regular basis according to the Small Business Index, it can hurt prospects of future growth if unchecked.

Even more worryingly, recent research from business insights firm Dun and Bradstreet has shown that the very existence of

card payments overtook cash in the UK for the first time last year. As such, additional strain can be piled onto businesses not in touch with the way things are headed. But new payment technologies offer the opportunity to bypass such troubles, and they do so in two fundamental ways.

Card payment Andrew Byrne, myPOS COO

almost 60% of SMEs they surveyed was threatened decisively by the problem of late payments – let alone handling things like trade accounts and overseas transactions, which can throw even the most carefully planned financial planning into disarray.

And this is being amplified by the increasing cashlessness of the societies we’re living in. Sweden is reportedly around 99% cashless now, and debit

In the first instance, the arrival of new tech innovations allows SMEs and individuals to affordably process payments immediately, with card payment processing facilitated by a handset bought with a one-off payment.

Choosing to use what are now called point of sales systems (POS) allows businesses to bypass banks in the interests of convenience, speed and cost. In doing so, plumbers and businesses can get paid instantly instead of waiting up to a week to receive their money, allowing them to

Three ways to find new customers Tradespeople often rely on word of mouth, but to really grow your customer base, Christine Telyan, co-founder of small business champions UENI, suggests following three simple steps:

1. Ask your customers for online reviews. Did you know that 88% of people trust online reviews as much as word-of-mouth recommendations? Evidence suggests that 70% of customers will leave a review if you ask them.

2. Set up and maintain a professional website. Even with recommendations, the first thing most people do today is Google the business name to see what comes up. It is important that prospective customers are reassured by what they find online. It’s important for any business to have a professional website that showcases the services offered, customer reviews, credentials and expertise.

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plan for the future more effectively.

This opportunity also offers plumbers the chance to supply customers with an additional payment method who might not have physical cash on them at any given time – but who do want to pay their dues. As the rise of the gig economy and increasing rates of self-employment make us all entrepreneurs, comprehensiveness of service will be key to

differentiate yourself clearly amidst the sea of competing plumbers and SMEs in the market.

Taking a wider view, the second point is that the growth of e-commerce, declining fortunes of the high-street and increasing closures of bank branches have created changes in the way we now shop, pointing to a more demanding customer as their expectations have grown. Legislation will also accelerate this, with a recent

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Enhanced financial security

3. Get your business information listed on trusted platforms. To be seen as a trusted business by customers (and by search engines), your business needs to have its information listed on other trusted sites.

At UENI, we can help with all three steps to grow your customer base. When UENI builds just a website and Google My Business listing for a tradesperson, he or she can expect to see at least three new customer leads in a month.

If a tradesperson is able to convert just one of these leads into a paying job that results in a full day’s work, he or she could earn on average £100-200 more revenue per month, or £12002400 per year. Of course, this benefit doesn’t even factor in repeat business over months and years, which could accumulate to thousands of pounds.

UENI can amplify these

Is it time for plumbers to embrace the cashless society?

EU Directive getting rid of the payment processing fees that consumers used to pay, encouraging more people to go cashless.

Therefore sole traders and SMEs need to make smoothing out the cashless payments process a priority, as leaving it as it is could throw up a question mark on your attitude towards customer service. Happily however, it’s clear the world is accelerating through a period of disruption like never before, providing opportunity for those who exploit the niches opened up in the market by embracing technology to deliver excellent service.

Ultimately, with a little bit of effort that nightmare can definitively be made to slip away. By embracing the cashless society and POS systems, you’ll be ready to face the future, here in the present.

Christine Telyan, UENI

effects by getting your business listed on other trusted sites relevant to your location and business type.

It’s time that small, independent businesses scale their word of mouth.

Find out more UENI is a Hammersmith, London based limited company which was founded in 2014 with the goal of providing an easy, low cost solution for small businesses to get online and get new customers through digital advertising. For more information about how UENI can help, please visit: https:// ueni.com

ECIC, specialist underwriters for contractors and trade associations in the building services industry, has been aquired by Markel International.

The Sevenoaks based company, which provides insurances ranging from the sole trader up to the large contractor with hundreds of engineers, now sits in Markel’s UK national markets business alongside its fee protection and advisory business, Abbey Legal and Abbey Tax. Markel Corporation, a US-based holding company for insurance and investment operations around the world, has 70 offices in 20 countries employing 15,600 employees.

Ron Berry, MD of Courtprice Ltd, an ECIC coverholder since 2011, comments: “The UK’s insurance markets reliance on French and German insurers is changing.

American insurers see the UK as a major opportunity for development and growth over the next five years. The acquisition of ECIC by Markel International comes at a time when our own business has been trading successfully with ECIC through delegated powers for a number of years.

We are extremely pleased to be able to look forward to development of our own business in partnership with such a financially sound insurer.

“Brokers with delegated underwriting authority will continue to provide

contractors with not only speedy document services and competitive premiums but extensive professional advice in the sector.”

Ron explains that contractors whose insurances have been placed with EC Insurance Company (ECIC) by specialist brokers will now find themselves protected not only by comprehensive policy cover but also by enhanced financial security of the insurer following the acquisition of ECIC by an ‘A’ rated international insurance company.

“The UK insurance markets have always been good at adaptation to change and are the envy of the world for divergence of market facilities,” adds Ron. “We are again entering a new cycle of gaining access to emerging markets operating in the UK.”

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BUSINESS Matters

HORROR SHOW make you shiver!

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

Keeping ahead in the Cloud According to Tradify, a software company that helps tradespeople run their business more effectively, companies that will succeed are going to be the ones that understand change and embrace it. With this in mind, Tradify has identified five key factors that will have an impact on the way most trade and construction businesses operate in the future and explains why looking to cloud-based solutions can help businesses get an edge on competitors.

1: Workloads are on the rise, but so are costs The Federation of Master Builders recently found that builders are reporting growth in workloads, but 76% reported increased material costs. Tighter cost control and margin tracking are things that can be easily done with a cloud-based app, and it will save hours on admin after having been out on site all day.

2: The move to digital Government initiatives such as the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) and Making Tax Digital (MTD) will force businesses to digitise, and using tools like Tradify will make the process easier and more

convenient, freeing up time for other priorities.

3: Cloud accountancy Businesses are getting a glimpse of the power of the cloud and the insights financial information can offer a business owner.

With easy access to this information, accountants and bookkeepers can play a crucial role in helping SMEs explore opportunities to improve their cash flow and overall business performance. Tradify brings the business and accountant together through its advisory directory and partner portal services.

4. Lead generation In a post-DIY era, householders are more likely to rely on professionals to complete tasks in the home.

This shift is leading to a

growth of lead aggregation (collecting leads that have already been generated) websites for services. With the growth of online lead generation, trade businesses will need to spend more and more time responding to quotes electronically. Apps like Tradify are designed to do this quickly and smoothly.

5: Handling data – GDPR GDPR compliance can be tricky, and cloud-based tools can help manage customer, staff and supplier details.

“These trends will change the way any SME will operate,” explains Robert Mark, MD of Tradify. “We can help tradespeople digitalise their business, including their job management, productivity and enhancing their company reputation.”

Switching on Do you hate mates’ rates?

Telling friends and family that they need to pay for your services can be a challenge.

Chris Mellor-Dolman, Head of Marketing at workwear specialist Scruffs, offers some tips on how to handle awkward requests.

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

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Following one of the hottest summers on record, the MD of a home improvement business says that a wave of demand for boiler replacements is coming. Andy Royle, co-founder and Director at Leads2trade, says homeowners will be in search of Gas Safe registered installers.

“The hot summer means that many will not have turned on their boilers for the last four to five months,” comments Andy. “Problems can occur when they’re are switched on for the first time in months, and many will be left without heating or hot water and may need to have their boiler replaced.”

Leads2trade says it generates thousands of leads per week for companies operating in the home improvement market, which are passed on to members of its Trusted Local Supplier network. It also offers members an appointment booking and hot key transfer service. Find out more by visiting: https:// leads2trade.co.uk/products/boiler-leads

Be upfront from the start: If a friend asks you to ‘pop over and look at something’, let them know how much it is likely to cost. Only give them a discount if you’re comfortable doing so.

Avoid awkward conversations: Talking money can be difficult, so stick to your usual quoting and billing processes.

A verbal quote is fine – but it’s also a good idea to send a written one with a breakdown of costs to avoid confusion.

Delegate where possible: Sometimes a trusted colleague in your business is the best person to lead a project for friends and family. That way, you can create distance and avoid interpersonal conflicts.

Professionalism is key: When someone you know is prepared to pay, make sure you offer the same professional service other customers receive – including the simple things, like arriving on time, tidying up and wearing suitable clothes.

To read a full version of this article, please visit the PHAM News website at: www.phamnews.co.uk/scruffs

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30 PRODUCT Spotlight

The dry trap tundish has evolved With the launch of the latest generation of the hotun dry trap tundish, featuring push-fit ends for quick and easy installation, installer and inventor Russell Armstrong is confident that he has a product range that will meet the needs of any flow discharge application.

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he innovative hotun was invented in 2015 to more easily and compliantly enable installers to discharge temperature and pressure relief valves from unvented water heaters, cylinders and boilers to drain. Now, RA Tech MD and experienced plumber Russell Armstrong has developed the next generation of the dry trap tundish, enabling installation in just a few seconds.

As creators of simple and longterm solutions that solve common heating and plumbing problems, RA Tech initially developed its first hotun dry trap tundish after Russell encountered an issue during the installation of a landlocked unvented cylinder. In wanting to run the pressure relief valve discharge to a macerator, creating a visible means of discharge and stopping foul smells coming back up, he realised there was no single product available that enabled him to do that job simply and easily.

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Officially accepted

The hotun range from RA Tech

This led to the development of the hotun as a compact, opensided tundish design that cleverly incorporates a patented in-built non-return valve. For the first time, the hotun provided a solution that enabled installers to route discharged water from a T and P Valve to an internal local drain or waste pipe, instead of having to drill through the fabric of the building for an external route. The inclusion of the internal non-return valve also eliminates the risk of odours returning from the foul drain.

Since its invention, hotun has become officially accepted for use with boilers, water heaters and cylinders by many of the UK’s largest manufacturers including Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Ideal, Intergas, Glowworm, Ariston, Navien and Fabdec.

Throughout the development process, RA Tech understood that providing reassurance about product performance would be key to its success. Therefore, the company put compliance at the heart of its design, ensuring it had the potential to meet all necessary water regulations in one unit, reducing potential issues for installers and helping them to follow best practice more easily.

For example, regulations require the end user to be able to see the water being discharged from the T and P Valve because it acts as a warning sign that there is something wrong with the installation. This is why hotun has an open-sided design, allowing the installer or

service engineer to easily diagnose historical discharges. Any discharged water can be easily seen in the upper chamber of the tundish, eliminating any doubt that a loss of system pressure has been due to the water escaping via the T and P Valve.

In all, there are seven regulatory requirements that hotun has been designed to help meet and these include those outlined by Building Regulations G3 relating to the safe discharge of water, temperature resistance and the elimination of foul air.

Speedy fit Following hotun’s success over the past three years, RA Tech has further invested in its development to deliver a new generation dry trap tundish. The latest hotun sf range now features JG Speedfit’s inlet technology.

The new range includes the hotun sf and hotun hiflo sf (both available in black and white), hotun xlsf

and hotun shield sf. The addition of the new push-fit ends speeds installation, providing an easy and simple solution for boilers, as well as small and large unvented cylinders. The range offers 15 and 22mm push-fit sizes on the inlet and 22mm compression and 32mm pushfit on the outlet.

Crucially, the hotun sf range is WRAS approved with air break to drain designation, having been independently tested for flow rate by UKAS test house Kiwa. Not only is the product able to cope with trickle and low volume flow discharges, it now boasts flow rates of 16 litres per minute for hotun sf (15/22), 25 litres per minute for the hotun hiflo sf (15/32) and 40 litres per minute for the hotun xlsf (22/32) model.

This latest development, says the company, will ensure that there is a hotun to suit a full flow discharge for every application.

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MERCHANT & Distributor News 33 Source electrical items online Missing Plumbing products now at Buildbase link UK electrical distributor Rexel has launched a new webshop to make purchasing online easier for customers.

The new platform has a range of new functions.

Once online, customers with a Rexel trade account are able to navigate the site, make purchases, and when ordered before 12 noon and within certain postcodes, these will be available for same-day delivery.

New customers are also able to register online for a Rexel trade account, with a decision made in just a few

seconds concerning eligibility.

The site offers the ability to build a basket which can be shared with colleagues, and customers can limit spend on an account and store invoice history. The search function has also been optimised to help discover items when users don’t know the exact name of the product they need.

For more information visit: www.rexel.co.uk

PHS to stock Sime boilers Domestic and commercial boiler manufacturer Sime has announced that it is now a Plumbing and Heating Supplies Ltd (PHS) preferred supplier. PHS, which has branches across County Durham and Tyne and Wear, will stock the full Sime range of boilers in all stores.

Commenting on the relationship, Sime National Sales Manager John Moran states: “We are delighted to have become a PHS preferred supplier. With its

commitment to delivering value and excellent customer service, PHS is a great fit for the Sime brand whose mission is to create and deliver value for our

customers. PHS has strong relationships with a number of leading manufacturers and we are thrilled to be in such great company as one of its select suppliers.”

Independent merchants have joined the search for missing children across the UK as part of a partnership between The IPG, a membership group for plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists, and Missing People, a nonprofit organisation.

IPG members will receive a collection tin for their store and van stickers which they can give out to customers.

Participating merchants will also able to download and print a Missing People poster showing a child that has gone missing from their local area, alongside contact details for the charity.

The hope is that by making customers aware of any local missing children when coming into a member’s store, they can become extra eyes and ears in the search to find them.

More fundraising activities are planned for later this year and beyond.

Builders merchant Buildbase is launching a dedicated plumbing and heating business within 44 branches. A core range of plumbing and heating products will be stocked across all branches, from boilers to waste pipes, and a wider breadth of products will be available at larger sites.

Lyndon Johnson, Buildbase Commercial Director (pictured above), says: “We understand that time is money for our customers. Plumbingbase will complete our ‘one stop shop’ philosophy, reducing the need for customers to go to several merchants for a project, saving time and making their lives easier.”

Buildbase currently operates more than 170 branches throughout the UK and there are plans to roll Plumbingbase out to more locations next year. Plumbase branches, that are also part of Grafton Merchanting, will continue to operate as standalone outlets.

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34 ELECTRIC Heating

Why high rise buildings lead to rising demand As more developers look to build more high-rise buildings to address the country’s housing needs, demand for electric wet central heating boilers is on the rise. Alan Clarke, Technical Support Manager at Heatrae Sadia, highlights some of the key reasons why electric is proving to be a popular solution.

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buildings, it can often be espite the construcproblematic to gain entry for tion industry taking a downturn in 2017, annual gas boiler services. more high-rise buildings are Gone are the days of being built this year – with inflexible and uncontrollable London alone holding 510 night storage heaters. buildings of over 20 storeys in Products that release energy the planning stages or under during the day – when construction. Additionally, many dwellers will not be many other major cities like residing in their properties, Birmingham and Manchester is not ideal, as the modern have high-rise residential consumer needs to be able to properties within their plans tap into their heating or hot too. water whenever they need.

Previously, such buildings On demand would have a central boiler Following the introduction of plant or individual gas electric wet central heating boilers to provide heating flow boilers, the market has and hot water to residents. seen increased change. As Despite central plants being products of this nature work the primary option in areas perfectly with conventional such as London – there wet radiators and underfloor are several reasons why heating systems, they can developers should consider provide central heating on other options. demand. Additionally, they From the perspective of are usually compact, efficient the installer, choosing an and can be wall hung. electric option over gas Inside the Amptec boiler They can be controlled and negates the need for any flueing, condensate drainage or pluming operated by a programmer and thermostat, issues to consider. This is a significant win, working in a similar way to a gas-fired boiler. especially since the guidelines on concealed Our Amptec electric boiler even modulates flues tightened in 2013. Following recent in the same way as a gas boiler, improving safety concerns surrounding gas boilers, running efficiency.

Electric boilers can also be paired with many are being removed from multi-storey buildings to prevent any potential incident direct cylinders as a way of supplying hot occurring, heightening the emphasis on the water to all-electric properties. Our Megaflo benefits of electric units.

Eco can deliver up to 72 litres of hot water per By opting for electric, the customer minute provided it’s connected to a mains can benefit from simplified maintenance water supply, ensuring a user has a powerful processes, as in the case of high-rise shower or a fast filling bath. What’s more,

performance of the cylinder shouldn’t be significantly affected, even if more than one tap or shower is used simultaneously (depending on the mains water pressure and flow rate coming into the property).

Product selection Whilst end users might want to opt for a low-cost option, installers should be emphasising that this could quickly prove to be a false economy. There are various electric boilers on the market, and alongside the difference in price, these will also differ in quality and will likely need to be repaired or replaced after just a few years. Furthermore, most users will want their electric boiler to be comparable to its gas counterpart – not only in terms of controllability, but also longevity.

Many electric boilers have an operating life similar to a traditional cast iron gas boiler. The Amptec might cost more initially, but will save a property owner money in the long run and offer them peace of mind.

In order to sustain a long operation life, many key features were implemented into the design of the product. For example, solid state technology was included for the switching of the heating elements to ensure a much longer life, in comparison to what is achievable using conventional electro-mechanical devices such as relays and contactors. We believe that only solid state technology is suitable for the typical switching life required for a longlasting electric boiler, and we avoid using mechanical relays to switch the heating elements on and off.

The heating elements used in Amptec are designed to run at low Watts density, which is essential to prolong the boiler’s life. For

Electric flow boilers are easy to install and their compact size means they can fit almost anywhere within a property

this, we chose copper sheathed elements, as in this application they last longer than other materials.

In addition to Amptec, Heatrae Sadia also has the Electromax to offer, which contains an electric boiler and a hot water cylinder in a single casing. The Electromax can provide full wet central heating and unvented domestic hot water from one compact unit. It comes factory assembled, tested and pre-plumbed, and is very simple to install.

So, whilst electric heating was historically considered to be lacking in choice and flexibility, there are now a raft of products that are available for when gas is not a viable option in a high-rise development – all of which not only offer benefits for the installer, but also help to meet the needs of specifiers, landlords and residents.

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Electric combi unit delivers the full package The latest addition to the wide range of electric heating solutions from EHC is the Comet V1 Electric Combination Boiler. Redesigned to meet the requirements of the ErP regulations, the Comet V1 Electric Combi offers the comfort and convenience of wet central heating and domestic hot water for domestic properties with no access to mains gas.

It is a fully packaged unit, available in 9, 12 or 14.4kW outputs, that incorporates

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a 140 litre Duplex stainless steel hot water cylinder.

The internal plumbing is configured to an ‘S’ Plan design that also has an in-built magnetic filter for protection.

A pre-plumbed expansion vessel for both the heating and domestic hot water circuits is included within the unit, which is also supplied with an external tundish, combination control valve, filling loop and external w eat he r c omp en sat ion sensor.

The built-in controller’s ‘navigation button’ provides easy access to the boiler’s settings by simply scrolling through the menu. There are various pre-set times that can be adjusted to suit the end user’s heating and domestic hot water requirements.

For ease of installation, a wireless room thermostat is supplied which can be located anywhere within the property.

W hen t he w eat her compensation is activated, the boiler will automatically

modulate and reduce input temperature in relation to the external temperature.

This helps reduce boiler cycling and, says EHC, could save around 15% energy per annum. Another energy saving feature is to add one of the company’s Titanium PV immersion heaters to the cylinder. When this is connected to a solar PV diverter it will automatically start heating the cylinder within the unit, creating further energy savings.

Measuring 1748 x 580 x

630mm, the Comet V1 Electric Combi Boiler has been designed to fit into a standard domestic airing cupboard. To assist the installer and maximise cupboard space, all the plumbing connections are located at the top of the unit.

The unit carries a twoyear guarantee and the stainless steel cylinder has a 10-year guarantee, subject to terms and conditions.

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Delivering hot water on demand Despite some 5million UK homes being off the gas grid, electric heating is mostly confined to flats – with a few exceptions. Gledhill’s Product Manager, Wayne Hyde, looks at how cylinders and thermal stores can provide innovative hot water solutions in electric systems.

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lectric heating and hot water systems have traditionally been far more expensive to run than gas-fuelled systems. However, with increasing government attention being focused on carbon emissions and energy efficiency, electricity does have several benefits over fossil fuels. The positives are multiplied when electric heating systems are powered – either partially or entirely – by alternative energy, such as solar PV and heat pumps.

As cylinders become more efficient thanks to improved insulation, energy efficient pumps and technology such as PCB software and flow sensors, they have once again become a key part of the heating mix.

But what should you consider when installing a cylinder or thermal store in

Wayne Hyde, Product Manager

an electric-only property?

Should it be direct or indirect?

And what about location or the need to combine multiple heat sources?

In electricity-only properties, direct hot water cylinders are the only suitable option, but there are a few other practical considerations when selecting a cylinder specifically for use in a flat. Firstly,

it is likely to be helpful if the cylinder is lightweight, especially where there is poor access and smaller spaces for installation. A slimline cylinder can be handy for narrow spaces, too.

A product specifically designed for use with off-peak electricity, combined with an unvented cylinder not requiring a cold water feed tank, is an excellent choice for an apartment installation. When it comes to specification, the first question should address the level of usage so that the right size is chosen, whether for a single person studio or a family apartment.

Our StainlessLite Plus Direct range offers a variety of sizes, with two immersions, one for off-peak usage and one for on-peak usage. In addition, there’s a slimline version and it’s the lightest

cylinder on the market.

Siting an unvented cylinder can be tricky in an apartment block. Discharge pipework can be a big issue if access to an exterior wall isn’t possible or desirable. In this circumstance, a thermal store might be the right product.

Make it easy With our aging population, we can expect to see more retirement flats being built.

These developments are likely to only offer electric heating and hot water systems for residents. When you’re dealing with the elderly, it makes sense for systems to be easy to use, energy efficient and low maintenance. In this scenario, an innovative thermal store like our PulsaCoil Eco is a great choice, as it has been specifically designed for use with off-peak electricity.

Thermal stores offer mains pressure hot water, along with a host of other benefits. They can be sited anywhere in the apartment because there is no need for discharge pipework.

They are relatively simple to fit and do not require G3 certification for installation.

With a thermal store, there is no risk of legionella because the domestic hot water is generated instantaneously through the plate heat exchanger. There is no annual maintenance requirement, making thermal stores perfect for properties like retirement homes or student flats.

One area where thermal stores can be a particularly innovative solution is in offgrid properties with multiple heat sources, including electricity. There are products on the market, such as our Torrent range, which can

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take inputs from, say, solar thermal, a wood-burner and mains electricity to provide not only hot water, but central heating for the property. The thermal store would only use mains electricity as a topup, when the other sources weren’t providing enough energy.

Living in a flat and/or being off the gas grid should no longer be a barrier to the comfort and benefits of mains pressure hot water.

There are some excellent, highly efficient cylinders and thermal stores on the market nowadays that are specifically designed for use in flats and where electricity is the only energy source available, making ample hot water accessible to all.

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36 ELECTRIC Heating

Heating upgrades can reduce fuel poverty Upgrading outdated static electric storage heaters in half a million homes could help to reduce household fuel bills and provide an opportunity for installers – so says Chris Stammers, Head of Insight at Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation.

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uel poverty continues to blight households across the UK. From inner-city suburbs to remote Scottish islands, Government statistics paint a bleak picture of families, couples and individuals all struggling to heat their homes due to cost. According to latest figures, more than 3.2million households in England and Scotland are fuel poor, causing stress, illness and worse for those effected.

What’s more, the average Chris Stammers, Dimplex annual fuel poverty gap in England – the difference between a household’s typical energy bill and the value that their bill would need to be in order for that household to come out of fuel poverty – is £353.

While some factors such as insulation, glazing, building fabric, even the quality of installation will all affect the cost to heat a property, incorrectly specified, inefficient or inadequate heating systems remain the biggest cause of financial concern in fuel poor households.

This is particularly evident in electrically heated homes, which make up 15% of fuel poor households across England and Scotland, accounting for almost 500,000 fuel poor homes.

Many of these properties are currently paying over the odds for their heating because of a legacy of ageing electric storage heaters and incorrect specification.

Off-grid opportunity Before we explore the reasons behind fuel poverty in electrically heated homes, it is worth noting the size of the market for heating installers off the gas grid.

Around 1.8million homes in the UK are heated by electricity, and with an increasing number of city centre apartments built each year, plus an increased focus on cleaner energy, it is no surprise that demand for electric heating is on the climb.

Whilst there are other options for rural homes off the gas grid, electric heating is often the obvious solution in city centre properties where access or other restrictions prevent gas heating. And for any installer with the competency

Installers have a key role in helping customers understand the potential energy savings from modern appliances

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The Dimplex Quantum space heater uses low cost, off-peak electricity and features easy to use controls and temperature display

and training to complete electrical work, electric heating can generate significant add-on business opportunities.

Off-peak electric heating is set to play a major role in plugging the combined fuel poverty gap of £160million every year – and it’s time installers exploited these opportunities in off-grid properties.

correctly matched to the lifestyle of the user.

Latest figures show 13% of homes in England and 48% of households in Scotland with electric storage heating are living in fuel poverty, while in Scotland 23% of homes using electric direct acting heating are living in fuel poverty.

While direct acting heating appliances have their purposes, Outdated technology they are best suited to very well insulated properties, or Let’s examine the figures driving this opportunity. Of the in conservatories, bathrooms and bedrooms where heat is 1.7million homes in the UK with electric storage heating, required in short bursts rather than throughout the day.

63% have a heating system which is more than 20 years old, The key to cost-effective electric heating, however, is and around 70% are of the old, manually-controlled type. to match a combination of high heat retention and direct It’s also worth remembering acting appliances to the that for the majority of lifestyle of the user.

“Off-peak electric heating is set to play a electrically heated homes in Independent research major role in plugging the fuel poverty gap” shows that the annual the UK, switching to gas is not an option – either because it cost to heat a 90m2 threeis not physically possible or not viable because of the large bedroom semi-detached house (built with typical 1960s costs involved.

Building Regulations) using only direct acting electric Consequently, homeowners, private tenants and social radiators is £2099, based on a standard tariff.

If two or three of the heaters were upgraded to high heat housing tenants with these outdated and inefficient storage heaters are unable to take advantage of the cost, comfort retention heaters, the household could save up to £975 per year on heating bills, or a total of £19,500 over the typical and controllability benefits of modern appliances.

Independent research shows the annual cost to heat 20 year lifespan of the heaters. These upgrades would a 90m2 three-bedroom semi-detached house built with cost somewhere in the region of £1400 to £2100 including typical 1960s Building Regulations using manual charge installation, dependent on whether two or three heaters storage heating and panel convector heaters on Economy 7 were required. tariff is £1542.

Helping hand Replacing the manual charge storage heating with high heat retention heaters, such as Dimplex Quantum For installers looking to unlock the upgrade opportunities (at an approximate cost of £2100 based on three heaters, this presents, it’s simply a case of helping the customer including installation), would reduce the annual running understand the savings to be had by installing modern cost by £418. This is a total of £8360 over the typical 20 electric heating appliances such as high heat retention year lifespan of the heaters, and in almost all cases would heaters.

The latest generation of connected electric heaters will lift the household out of fuel poverty.

The Department for Communities and Local Government boast the ability to accept new software enhancements estimates that around 65% of all storage heated homes that can upgrade operational capabilities and deliver new would benefit in Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) energy saving features. This will further enhance the and fuel poverty terms from an upgrade to a high heat longevity, efficiency and the value of capital investment in electric heating. retention heater.

By facilitating more heating upgrades across fuel poor Poor specification households, installers can not only boost their income The other main reason why electrically heated households through new sales channels but would inevitably reduce experience disproportionate heating bills is due to incorrect running costs and improve daily life for millions of specification of the heating system. An increasing number homeowners, private tenants and social housing residents of households, particularly those in the private rental across the UK. sector, use only direct acting heating systems, which can PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.gdvh.com 113 mean they are paying over the odds if it has not been

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ELECTRIC Heating 37 Precise temperature control

Safe and reliable water heating Providing mains pressure hot water as well as vented central heating for four to five radiators, the ECB 210 Electric Combi Boiler from Advance Appliances is claimed to be perfect for single bathroom electric apartments. The ECB is self commissioning and, if required, can be used on sealed systems with the addition of a plate heat exchanger and pump.

The combi works on the thermal store principal and will benefit from cheap electricity tariff supplies using 3 and 6kW single phase immersion heaters.

An overnight charge from the 6kW immersion will provide enough hot water for a bath and a shower. The 3kW immersion heater acts as a hot water boost in case of extra demand and should be fitted to a separate 15 amp fuse spur.

The ECB is independently CE marked and is preplumbed and pre-wired for ease of installation. An ‘A’ rated pump is also fitted and wired to plumb straight into the radiator circuit.

There are high levels of circuit protection to prevent overheating and an alarm fitted which sounds if this should occur. Store temperature can be easily adjusted on a factory-fitted thermostat.

A Honeywell central heating programmer and a timer are fitted and wired to the unit. The timer should be set to take advantage of off peak electricity to save money on heat-up, while the programmer controls the central heating. The programmer is wireless so it can be moved from room to room if required.

The stainless steel thermal store comes with a ten year

guarantee and a two year guarantee on parts. Advance has set up a Warranty Registration Scheme for installers and householders.

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Combining a programmable digital timer with an elegant design that fits any room, the new DEVIreg Opti electronic thermostat by DEVI is said to provide precise control of electric floor heating for optimum comfort and energy consumption.

Fast to set up and simple to operate, the control comes with pre-programmed settings that will suit most users’ needs but which can be easily adjusted by the installer if required. As a further benefit, as with the other members of the DEVIreg family, the new Opti electronic thermostat fulfils the energy efficiency and environmental requirements of the Ecodesign Directive.

The electronic thermostat offers a number of innovative features to boost system efficiency and make life easier for installers and their customers. The 3-in-1 design means it can be supplied with a floor sensor, room sensor or a combination of both.

Energy saving functionality

includes an open window detection and indication function, together with low standby consumption, helping to reduce heating costs for homeowners without compromising comfort.

In addition, the Opti incorporates PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) regulation, which assists in maintaining constant power to the device, as well as battery back-up.

To ensure the electric floor heating reaches the desired temperature at the correct time, Opti allows individual programming of the system

for two periods per day (5 + 2 or 7 days). For ease of installation, Opti is preprogrammed, so installers only have to set time and weekday to get started – any changes to time and temperature can be made in the installer menu. The easyto-read digital display shows set point temperature (when operated) and actual room temperature. Additionally, it has a maximum and minimum floor temperature range from 5 to 35°C (45°C with break out).

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Efficiency across the range | Since 1924, STIEBEL ELTRON has specialised in decentralised DHW heating, offering products geared towards maximum energy savings. No more high operating costs, thanks to innovative technology, reliable premium products and a first-class service from STIEBEL ELTRON. › Quality with a high level of innovation › Instantaneous water heaters for any application area › Convenience for kitchens, bathrooms and hand basins › Peace of mind with a 2 year on site parts and labour warranty DHE SLi | Instantaneous water heater DEL SLi | Instantaneous water heater

DCE | Compact instantaneous water heater DEM | Mini instantaneous water heater

Hot water and space heating solutions the STIEBEL ELTRON way.

With a comprehensive range of electric space and water heating products we always have the right solution for your project.

Contact us directly for our free of charge design service.

STIEBEL ELTRON UK Ltd | Telephone: 0151 346 2300 | www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk

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October 2018

38 ELECTRIC Heating

Meeting demand in rented homes Modern, more controllable electric heating solutions can help meet the needs of the increasing number of rented properties and student developments. Mark McManus, MD at Stiebel Eltron UK, explains how the latest products can improve comforts levels and save on energy.

I

become more common, so t’s no secret that the property sector in UK demand is driven for products cities is booming, with which can efficiently heat cranes dotting skylines them. Universities and across the country as BTR developers want to developers reap the benefits maximise efficiency and the of a robust market. This sustainability credentials of upturn has been powered, their buildings. At the same in part, by two major cultural time, larger numbers of changes – increasingly consumers now face renting positive attitudes towards until a later stage in their city-centre living and a lives – and this is creating growing student population. demand for high-quality The first of these changes Mark McManus, MD at Stiebel panel heaters that provide is evidenced by the Eltron UK greater control, energy increasing popularity of the efficiency and sleek design. private rented sector (PRS) and build to rent This disruption presents both challenges (BTR) developments, which have sprung and opportunities for the HVAC sector. up to meet the huge demand created by so-called ‘generation rent’. The second Advanced control change has materialised as many of the A major innovation that has transformed country’s universities look to consolidate the way that developers approach the issue their campuses into high density student of heating PRS and student developments is accommodation blocks – moving students the evolution of heating control technology. away from the suburbs to centralised In student accommodation for example, campuses, often found in city centres. there are significant opportunities to reduce As rental-sector residential developments the amount of heat that is demanded, and

temperature of a room. If a sudden drop is detected then the panel or radiator can cease heat output for a short period, before resuming if the window is deemed to have been shut.

Some heaters even incorporate a built-in motion sensor that can monitor the activity in a room and reduce temperature output if it is deemed that the occupant has left the premises.

Safe and secure

The CNS panel heater from Stiebel Eltron

often wasted, by an occupant. Unnecessary costs can often be incurred when students are given control of their own heating systems and choose to heat the unit constantly – while opening windows to cool the room down when it’s required.

In the context of universities, this can have a negative impact on campus energy budgets, and for those in private rented accommodation it can lead to unnecessarily high energy bills.

The evolution of heating controls has brought about solutions that can mitigate these issues. The introduction of ‘slave heating control’ – which gives building / facilities managers and landlords the power over the temperature and frequency of use of heaters – can allow for a tailored approach to heating a residence that minimises costs.

When combined with panel heaters across large scale developments, heating controls can provide major savings, building on the benefits already provided by panel heaters, which, with their slimline design, free up invaluable space in high-density, city-centre developments.

New technology can also detect when windows have been left open while the heating is on, by monitoring the air

At Stiebel Eltron UK we provide the CNS NC (no control) for university student accommodation builds, and the new CNS Trend UK panel heater for PRS and BTR residential developments. In addition to the ability to maintain control of the heating supply of any given development, these panel heaters come with secure fittings that maximise the unit’s space-saving capabilities, as well as safety features that protect against overheating should the grill of a unit be covered.

The combination of all these elements, alongside minimal noise achieved through heating with natural convection as opposed to a fan, means no-control panel heaters are an ideal solution for developers and universities searching for an energy saving heating product for new-build and refurbished developments.

Higher standards All newly manufactured electric heating products now have to comply with new European Union energy efficiency regulations. As regulatory bodies and governments zero in on energy efficiency, achieving the highest possible rating on the EU’s ErP regulations can not only be a boon to a development’s potential energy savings but also its desirability to customers and its chances of a smooth planning process.

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Wider range of options The Optimax heating range from Vent-Axia has been expanded and updated to offer customers a wider choice of sizes while being compliant with the latest ErP Directive.

The Optimax Plus Panel Heater range has been extended and is available with heat outputs from 500 to 3000W. Suitable for domestic or light commercial use, the Optimax Plus Panel Heaters are said to be ideal for smaller rooms such as bedrooms, studies, conservatories and loft conversions. The heaters are also splash proof so can also be used in bathrooms, ENQUIRY

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making this a versatile option. All models in the range come with an integral 7-day timer and adaptive start.

Meanwhile, the Optimax Plus storage heater (pictured) features a built-in 7-day timer to set heating times and temperatures to meet user requirements. The heaters are fan assisted to quickly and effectively distribute heat. Heat leakage has also been reduced, saving money and ensuring that there is enough stored energy to provide warmth in the evenings.

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October 2018

ELECTRIC Heating 39 Simple way to add underfloor heating

Tailored settings increase comfort The BHE 50 Plus bathroom towel radiator from Stiebel Eltron has been developed as a durable and reliable option for developers and specifiers. It is delivered ready for installation and connection to ensure quick job.

The unit allows residents to tailor settings to their preferences through intuitive control and programmable settings, and also provides rapid heating if a room requires quick reheating.

Operating from 10ºC to 30ºC, the BHE 50 Plus offers a programmable weekly timer with adaptive control alongside a learning function that provides customers with their desired temperature at precise times in line with routines – making the towel radiator fully compliant with the new ErP legislation for electric heating.

Mark McManus, MD of Stiebel Eltron UK, says: “The expectations of consumers

Voice control rad are changing, with particular demand for versatility, and this has led to a boom in rental developments that provide high-end, innovative fittings.

The BHE 50 Plus taps into this market to provide a solution that offers unprecedented levels of user control and comfort, especially in high density new-build developments and retrofit projects.”

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In addition to updating and expanding its Vanguard range of aluminium electric radiators, Electrorad has launched a new Vanguard Eco-smart range with voice control compatibility with the Amazon Echo. Both ranges are fully compliant with Lot 20 legislation.

Vanguard and Vanguard Eco-smart offer a choice of outputs (750, 1200, 1500 and 2000W) and feature a number of energy saving controls. These include virtual open window sensors that ensure that the radiators stop heating when they

sense a draft, and restart when the window has been closed. Adaptive start control helps radiators learn when to switch on in order to achieve optimum household comfort.

All models boast an in-built energy monitor.

In addition to wireless control via a control hub and app, the new Vanguard Ecosmart features a geo-location option that automatically reacts based on proximity to the home. All Eco-smart models can be controlled from anywhere in the world.

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For customers looking for a quick and easy solution to UFH, Amber Underfloor Heating offers an electric product available in 100W/m 2 and 150W/m2, as well as a 140W/ m2 foil mat. The pre-spaced cables are fixed to a strong self-adhesive mesh which can easily and quickly be fitted onto the existing floor to provide an even spread of heat.

Amber can be used to heat a room or take the chill off a tiled floor. It comes with a 12 year warranty, and a choice of controls are also available. www.amberufh.co.uk

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October 2018

PRODUCTS in Action Fan coils help scientists as they reach for the stars

Dunham-Bush Panther fan coil units have been installed in the new Square Kilometre Array Headquarters at Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics in Cheshire. With 135 staff from around the world, the new HQ will be home to the inter-governmental organisation set up to build, manage and remotely monitor the operation of the world’s largest telescope.

The Panther range of horizontal chassis waterside control units incorporate EC motors and have inlet and discharge plenums supplied with sound attenuators to meet the low-level sound requirements of the building.

These fan coil units were specially engineered to meet the demanding application.

With the latest design and manufacturing technology,

they provide the ideal solution to meet the precise thermal and noise criteria specified at the site. All models have multiple access panels for easy maintenance.

The heating and cooling systems were designed

by Mott MacDonald and installed by Chris Bowker Ltd of Morecambe.

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Piping the Royal Mile in style The universal pipework solution, Rautitan from Rehau, has been installed in 13 luxury apartments on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The 123 High Street development is a four-storey building built above three traditional stone buildings in the last gap site on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

The four-floor building has been constructed on top of a concrete deck which sits above the High Street’s listed properties, and much of the structure is made of timber.

The new pipework needed to be run through wooden joists, and copper piping would have been awkward in this case. It would also require soldering at the joints. The

natural solution was to opt for polymer piping instead.

Rautitan is fully certified as hygienic for drinking water and has a smooth inner surface to prevent deposits forming in the pipe. When used with Rehau’s joint system, it offers cavity-free,

impermeable joints which eliminate the risk of microbial contamination. This range can also be used for radiator connections and installations through the floors, skirting boards and walls.

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Cascade of heat at school

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Four Remeha Quinta Ace 160 condensing boilers and an Andrews Water Heaters ECOflo direct-fired water heater have been installed at Elms Farm Community Primary School in Birmingham to achieve more efficient and reliable space heating for the benefit of its students and teachers.

The school had previously relied on two boilers and a calorifier for its heating and hot water.

Following a condition survey carried out for Birmingham City Council

by Paul James, Senior Mechanical Engineer at

Acivico, the decision was taken to upgrade the ageing heating plant.

M&E specialist Spie UK was appointed as the main contractor on the project by Birmingham City Council.

Contracts Director Mark Nicklin recommended installing multiple boilers on a cascade system and connecting them to a low loss header to maximise heating efficiency and reliability. Installing multiple boilers in a cascade arrangement enables them to operate at part load, where they are most efficient.

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October 2018

PRODUCTS in Action Quiet efficiency at home A team from The Energy Centre North West has installed Panasonic Aquarea T-Cap heat pumps to provide energy efficient and costeffective heating and hot water for Primrose Development’s The Kem Mill comprising nine homes in Whittle-Le-Woods near Chorley.

The properties required a suitable solution to heat the homes as well as provide hot water. The specified requirements for the system needed to be from a renewable energy source, yet also reliable, aesthetically pleasing, quiet, energy efficient and cost effective for its residents.

The Panasonic Aquarea T-Cap air to water heat pump was recommended as the best solution to meet all the criteria.

Each home has been installed with underfloor

heating on the ground floor and radiators in the upper floors, and all are powered

by Panasonic Aquarea T-Cap renewable heat pumps.

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LST rads safe for tykes A primary school in Kent has opted for brand new low surface temperature (LST) radiators from Merriott as part of a complete overhaul of its antiquated, underperforming heating system – improving safety standards, boosting energy efficiency, cutting bills, and maximising comfort for pupils and staff in the process.

Morehall Primary School in Folkestone (part of the Turner Schools Academy Trust) was originally built in the 1930s and had been using 50 year old cast iron radiators to heat its premises. Turner Schools

secured funding to overhaul the school’s entire heating infrastructure to ensure much needed warmth to an old building, and to ensure compliance with modern Health and Safety regulations.

Specialist M&E contactors JT Edwards specified and then installed 175 NHScompliant Merriott Protecta LSTs over a six-month period.

These were located primarily in the school’s communal areas (such as halls), as well as in offices and classrooms.

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Need for speed and reliability Award-winning developer Pye Homes has chosen John Guest as a main supplier for first-fix plumbing to its Hanborough Gate estate, which will contain 169 houses. Ease of installation, reliability and customer

support were crucial factors for Pye Homes, which is why it chose JG Speedfit.

As well as speed, another key reason was to prevent theft of materials. “In some of our previous developments, theft of copper pipes became a

serious issue, not only because of the cost of replacement but the damage and delays it caused,” says the Commercial Director of Pye Homes.

“Obviously, developments of our size could contain a lot of copper, and thieves can eventually make a lot of money during the course of the project. Now, with JG Speedfit’s products, this is much less of a problem.”

A range of JG Speedfit fittings and pipes have been specified at Hanborough Gate for the first fix stage. The houses are also fitted with John Guest’s smart heating controls, including JG Aura thermostats and TRVs to control underfloor heating as well as radiators.

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October 2018

44 PRODUCTS in Action Efficiency targets met using InTec

Burner a bonus for bio-gas Ecoflam has supplied a 350kW Max Gas burner to Channing and Sons Farm in Coventry as part of the refurbishment of a heating system connected to an anaerobic digester.

The farm installed the sustainable energy system in 2015, but the original burner had failed, so the owners turned to industrial heating experts, Ryla Combustion, for a solution.

MD Neil Hunston says: “We needed to provide a durable, high performance

burner that was proven in this type of environment and compatible with biogas. We opted for the Max Gas due to its efficiencies and ease of installation.

We’ve always known that Ecoflam manufactures top quality burners and we’re confident that this unit will stand the test of time.”

Mark Richards, Sales Manager at Ecoflam, adds: “It’s great to see the Max Gas showing how adaptable it is, plus we’re really pleased to see one of our burners

utilised for such a forwardthinking approach to energy production. We’ve always been confident in the performance and longevity of our burners, which is why Ryla Combustion specified us for this project.”

The Max Gas range of extremely low NOx gas burners is suitable for domestic and commercial applications, and is available in outputs from 17 to 500kW, with low NOx emissions and an efficient fan ventilation system.

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Fewer joints on longer pipe runs Water management expert Wavin has provided a water distribution system for the renovation of over 180 residential apartments at Sim Chem House in Manchester. M&E contractor on the project was CLG, which tasked Wavin to propose a quick solution that would make most efficient use of the space available.

Wavin recommended the Tigris K1 pressfit range, which has various benefits for the specification of the development and

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the project’s timescales. The routing of the piping was restricted by the existing structure, so the Wavin team knew that CLG needed a quick turnaround for the water management system installation and Tigris K1 would be a perfect solution.

The press-fit nature of the Tigris K1 system meant that the installation was quick and simple, offering long runs with few joints needed throughout the site.

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A new housing development in Scunthorpe – Yaddlethorpe Grange – has Alpha Heating Innovation’s InTec GS boilers installed in all 68 properties.

The Alpha equipment was specified by Britcon for its energy efficiency as well as the customer service on offer.

Yaddlethorpe Grange is a development by HG Homes.

Andy Toyne, Contract Manager at Britcon, comments: “The Alpha InTec GS provided us with an energy efficient and cost-effective system that could easily fit into each house. The efficiency of these boilers also contributed to achieving our SAP certification without further added improvements.”

Another reason the product was chosen for these newbuild properties is that it complies with the new Boiler Plus legislation.

Andy Hales, General Manager of Hales and Coultas Heating and Plumbing, and Project

Manager for Yaddlethorpe Grange, says: “Our company is new to the Alpha brand, and we have been very impressed.

“They matched the specification perfectly, and one of the main reasons that they were chosen is because of their excellent energy efficiency, and how they automatically comply with the new regulations.

This was also very convenient and provided peace of mind for the end client.”

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October 2018

GAS Boilers 47

How to avoid another winter of discontent A drop in temperatures inevitably means a rise in call-outs for busy heating engineers, but some of these could be avoided if the industry did more to address the risk of frozen condensate pipes, as Graham Russell, MD of Viessmann, explains.

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inter is fast approaching and with it will come new business opportunities.

If you’re a heating engineer, the best jobs of all will be those which profit you, keep your customers satisfied, and hopefully improve the trade’s reputation at the same time. This matters because last winter the trade’s reputation took a hammering.

So many boilers stopped working because of frozen Graham Russell, Viessmann condensate pipes that the media yelled about a ‘cold-snap scandal’ and demanded to know who was to blame. Some reports pointed accusing fingers at unreliable boilers, others pointed at ‘cowboy plumbers’.

If this all sounded a bit hysterical, it’s worth noting that the problem was widespread. During just one day in March, the gas emergency helpline – which should only be contacted by people with serious concerns such as gas or carbon monoxide leaks – received 40,000 calls from cold and unhappy boiler owners. An article in the Times, mirrored by other similar newspaper reports, said ‘a significant proportion’ of boiler condensate pipes were freezing because ‘installations were not carried out to current standards and manufacturer’s instructions’.

Which? Best Buy

A British Gas video shows how to thaw a frozen condensate pipe

Prolonged spells of sub-zero temperatures can cause problems

You and I know that it’s all too easy for people to criticise things without really knowing what they’re talking about.

It’s wrong to blame the boilers: if condensate pipes freeze up, boilers are meant to cut out as a safety precaution. And it’s wrong to tarnish all installers with the same brush – the vast majority are well trained and conscientious.

Unfortunately, however, it is true that there are too many poorly installed or insulated condensate pipes out there – despite the necessary precautions against freezing being covered by manufacturers’ instruction and regulations. Sometimes this sub-standard work was done by corner-cutting cowboys, and perhaps occasionally by well-meaning installers who underestimated the risk of freezing.

British Standard 6798 states that ‘wherever possible, the condensate drainage pipe shall be terminated at an internal foul water discharge point’, but both British Standards and Building Regulations allow condensate pipes to be run either internally, externally, or in a combination of both. Let’s look briefly at these options before I mention other considerations which can be good for increasing business and reducing end user problems.

That’s why the British Standards Institute tightened up its guidelines in 2014 to stress ‘Insulation does not give complete protection if the temperature continues at or falls further below freezing point. Consideration should be given to fitting a frost thermostat, which should be set to operate at a temperature of approximately 4°C’.

Recommended remedy

For the second year in succession, Viessmann has secured a ‘Which? Best Buy’ status for its most popular Vitodens gas boilers. The annual survey by the consumer organisation is based on the scores of 12,000 boiler owners and 166 heating engineers who are registered with Trusted Traders. The report states that Viessmann’s boilers ‘have excellent build quality, are easy to repair and even non-incentivised heating engineers would recommend them’.

The Which? ‘Best Buy’ boilers from Viessmann are: • Vitodens 050-W 29kW • Vitodens 100-W Combi 30kW • Vitodens 100-W Open vent 26kW • Vitodens 111-W DHW Storage 35kW • Vitodens 200-W System 35kW • Vitodens 200-W System 60kW

The Heating and Hot Water Industry Council (HHIC) recommends that internal condensate drainage pipework must be a minimum of 19mm internal diameter (typically 22mm outer diameter) and should fall at least 45mm per metre away from the boiler, taking the shortest practical route to the termination point. When determining a suitable location for the termination point’s connection to a foul waste pipe, it is important to remember the possibility of the waste pipe freezing downstream from there.

Where it is necessary to run the condensate pipe externally, termination could be at a suitable foul water discharge point or a purpose-designed soak-away. The pipe should be run internally as far as possible before going externally, and the pipe diameter should be increased to a minimum of 30mm inside diameter (32mm outside diameter) before it passes through the wall. The external run should be kept as short as possible, taking the most direct and most vertical route possible to the discharge point, with no horizontal sections in which condensate might collect. External pipes should be insulated using waterproof and weatherproof insulation.

Sometimes, however, even insulation isn’t enough.

Value over cost Incorporating a frost thermostat in external condensate drainage pipework using a proprietary trace heating system, of course adds cost. But if it’s a necessary precaution, it’s necessary! Although most consumers are price-focused when replacing their boiler, they aren’t well enough informed to understand that low cost does not necessarily mean good value – and don’t know what they really need to ensure their heating works in the way they’d like it to.

This means the installer must have a conversation with the customer to explain the advantages of perhaps investing a little more for the additional work required for internal routing of the condensate pipe, for properly insulating the external pipe, and for having any inadequately-sized external piping replaced.

The same conversation is an opportunity, too, to explain the good sense in having the home fitted with a carbon monoxide sensor and alarm. Such recommendations will be more willingly accepted if they’re explained in a way that shows you’re looking out for the customer, taking seriously your duty of care, and offering them valuable peace of mind.

Joint effort I don’t believe that all this reasoned persuading should be the sole responsibility of the installer. Boiler manufacturers and the industry as a whole also need to do more to help educate the public about what they really need when they have a boiler installed. For this reason, manufacturers such as Viessmann are working with the HHIC on addressing these issues.

Installers and manufacturers together can genuinely add value for customers by convincing them to buy into fit-for-purpose technical solutions – and this will have the added benefit that they won’t be phoning the gas helpline or the newspapers this coming winter to complain about unwanted boiler shutdowns. www.viessmann.co.uk

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October 2018

48 GAS Boilers

Minding the modulation gap With condensing gas boiler technology continuing to evolve, there are many factors that can influence energy efficiency. However, the modulation capabilities of the boiler can often be overlooked. Alex Boweren, Product Manager at Ariston, investigates further.

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he humble boiler remains integral to the majority of the nation’s heating systems, with over 26 million installed throughout the UK. Their popularity was emphasised further when it was revealed the UK recorded sales of 1.6 million boilers in 2017, which saw it remain in the top three world markets.

Since condensing boilers were introduced to the UK market, they have become Alex Boweren, Product Manager at Ariston recognised for benefitting from larger heat exchangers than their non-condensing counterparts. This bigger size enables them to recover more heat, which sends cooler gases up the flue – resulting in more efficient levels of operation. The differences between the two are significant, with a typical non-condensing model being only around 75% efficient, in stark contrast to the 93% efficiencies offered by condensing boilers.

But now that condensing models have been adopted by all the major manufacturers, what else should installers be looking for when evaluating a boiler’s overall efficiency?

Complying with ErP legislation is now mandatory, as is meeting the requirements of Boiler Plus in England, so what differences remain, besides different front fascia designs? Well, one variable worth considering is the modulation ratio.

Large heat exchangers in modern condensing boilers mean they recover more heat and send cooler gases up the flue

Turndown ratios According to the HHIC, modern condensing boilers that operate on a wider modulation ratio can improve efficiencies and end user comfort while reducing wear and tear on components. The modulation ratio is a boiler’s ability to reduce its output from maximum to minimum, in line with system demand. For example a boiler with a maximum output of 30kW and a minimum of 7.5kW has a modulation ratio of less than 4:1. In contrast, a unit with a maximum output of 30kW but a minimum of 3kW has a wider ratio of 10:1.

Once a room is up to the set temperature, the power demands on a boiler decrease. However, if it has a narrow modulation ratio, the minimum output of the boiler will be higher than needed, resulting in the unit having to constantly switch on and off. Not only will this use more energy, it

Modulation in modern boilers: why it matters A boiler’s modulation rate is the ratio of maximum heat output to the minimum heat output at which the boiler will operate efficiently, and this delivers a number of benefits: •

reduces boiler cycling, which in turn avoids unnecessary wear and tear on boiler components

•

improves the stability of domestic hot water delivery in combi boilers

•

delivers even greater efficiency when combined with modulating heating controls and weather compensation

•

increases fuel efficiency and user comfort

•

contributes to longer boiler service life

48.indd 1

Achieving additional efficiencies in a condensing boiler is aided with the use of higher turndown ratios, modern heating controls and weather compensation technology

The Ariston Clas Net ONE boiler comes complete with a 12-year warranty and Cube S Net Wi-Fi thermostat – more efficiency can be had when operated with Ariston’s NET app

will also cause unnecessary wear and tear inside the boiler.

This has led to modulation ratios being increased in order to improve fuel efficiency and user comfort, as well as extend boiler longevity by preventing on/off cycling.

As a result, it is generally recognised that for a boiler to have a ‘good’ modulation ratio, its minimum output should be one fifth or sixth of its maximum output.

A wider modulation ratio also improves the stability of domestic hot water (DHW) delivery in combi boilers. Units with a poor ratio will not be able to maintain a stable DHW flow temperature at a low flow rate – and might even cause the burner to switch off during operation. This is particularly relevant to those who take showers more regularly than baths, or occupants requiring a constant DHW outlet temperature (e.g. young children or elderly people in a household who are more susceptible to scalding).

This highlights the importance of considering modulation ratios as well as a boiler’s output when analysing its overall performance.

Weather report

Control capacity Modulation is also an integral part of modern heating controls. While more basic thermostats utilise simple ‘on/off’ technology, their modulating counterparts (such as Ariston’s own Sensys Net) tell the boiler exactly what temperature it is currently at – and also the exact temperature (set point) it needs to achieve. So, as the boiler gets closer to achieving the set point, it will start reducing the flow temperature to the radiators in order to match the required demand.

Similarly, weather compensation-based controls can provide a supplementary line of external system data, resulting in more accurate heating adjustments. So, should it get warmer outside, the boiler will then respond accordingly by adjusting the system flow temperature, further reducing energy consumption – and costs.

Of course, heating requirements will vary from one property to another, with some systems including thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). As a result, variable speed modulating pumps have been developed to ensure a steady pressure can be maintained in systems where TRVs are present. This, in turn, has additional benefits such as reducing noise and the electrical energy used by the pump.

So, as the industry continues to take strides in improving efficiency, installers should certainly consider the modulation ratios of the boilers they are fitting. They should also take time to explain the benefits of wider ratios to their customers, alongside the advantages of other modulating accessories, such as controls and pumps.

Utilising such technologies will help reduce customers’ bills, as well as improve a boiler’s efficiency and lifespan.

Find out more For more information on the range of modulating boilers and thermostats from Ariston, enter the number below on the enclosed reader enquiry and registration card. www.ariston.com/uk

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Smart controls are just one option The introduction of Boiler Plus has encouraged some interest in smart controls, but what are the other alternatives for those less techsavvy consumers? Martyn Bridges, Worcester’s Director of Technical Communication and Product Management, looks at the options.

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y now, most heating engineers should be aware of Boiler Plus.

The legislation – which became effective in April this year – was introduced in a bid to reduce domestic carbon emissions, increase energy efficiency and reduce the cost of energy bills, without the need to make significant changes to the existing energy supply or gas infrastructure.

Martyn Bridges, Director of The policy requires any Technical Communication gas boiler that is installed and Product Management or replaced in England to meet a minimum efficiency rating of 92% ErP. Additionally, the boiler must include time and temperature controls. If it’s a combi boiler then, as well as the above, there is an additional requirement to fit one of four further efficiency improving measures. The requirements have been designed with flexibility in mind, so that installers can choose from a prescribed list based on the most suitable solution for each home.

One option is to fit a smart thermostat with automation and optimisation. It provides the consumer with the ability to ensure that the heating comes on at the most appropriate time by automatically adjusting the time and temperature settings, based on occupancy detection and/ or stored data. Optimisation starts the boiler operation at the most suitable time to achieve the desired temperature when homeowners need it most.

However, such controls may not be suitable for all

households, such as those who may be unwilling to embrace new technology. It’s important therefore to inform customers of the alternatives available to them. There are three other alternative measures that are worth consideration:

Weather compensation

exiting the boiler which is then reused to pre-warm the incoming cold water that is fed into the combi boiler. This reduces the amount of gas that is required to heat the water to the desired temperature, thus enabling the system to meet Boiler Plus regulations without adding additional controls.

One of the most attractive benefits of a flue gas heat recovery system is a reduction in gas usage and, ultimately, gas bills.

Installers should actively encourage those who do not want a smart control to consider a weather compensator since it requires few adjustments from Load compensation the resident. Indeed, the householder may not even be aware of the change in This feature has been designed with the temperature outside, but the house will homeowner’s comfort at heart. Load continue to maintain the same level of compensators adjust the temperature of comfort. the heat fed into the radiators without Weather compensation allows the requiring the homeowner to manually boiler to communicate with an outside adjust the boiler thermostat settings. temperature sensor or internet weather A flue gas heat recovery system They work by increasing the boiler flow fitted on a Worcester boiler data. This balances the required room temperature when a home gets cold. As temperature with the external temperature to give maximum the room warms up and less heat is required, the load comfort and economy. Weather compensators adjust the compensator proactively lowers the temperature supplied radiator circulating temperature by increasing it when the to the radiators without any manual intervention. This external temperature is colder, thereby ensuring that the ensures that a steady temperature is maintained within property proactively maintains the homeowner’s chosen the house while simultaneously reducing the amount of temperature without spikes in boiler performance or energy used. underheating the home.

In the age of Boiler Plus and technological innovation, smart controls may seem like a logical step. But for those Heat recovery less tech-savvy amongst us, load and weather compensators, Offering a simple means of meeting the Boiler Plus and flue gas heat recovery systems, can offer valuable requirements, a flue gas heat recovery system is either alternatives. Requiring minimal fuss and no added manual a device installed inside the boiler unit, or an additional control, they are ideally suited to many UK households. unit designed to connect directly to the flue of the boiler.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.worcester-bosch.co.uk 132 It works by extracting residual energy from the flue gases

Can you get any more from a condensing gas boiler?

In an increasingly tech-driven world, where an app on our smartphones handles so much in our lives, Terri Taylor, Marketing Executive at Intergas Boilers, discusses whether this level of control is a smart move for the boiler industry – or more of a distraction.

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t’s hardly news that appliances and thermostats can be controlled remotely, but when Google bought California-based Nest Labs for £2bn four years ago, it was a sure sign that the home was going to be the next tech battleground. Now it’s all about the connected home and smart energy management, with an app on your smartphone controlling household appliances.

But the key word here is ‘control’. There’s a danger that the tail can wag the dog, therefore it’s crucial that we are able to discern what’s really important when it comes to advising our customers.

When you consider that the UK has the oldest and most poorly insulated housing stock in the EU, with one of the highest rates of fuel

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to-heat homes but, with an outlay of up to £25,000, it’s an expensive business. There are always ways and means, subsidised or not, of getting windows double glazed and the loft insulated and, when that’s done, a new boiler has to be next.

Cutting edge

Terri Taylor, Intergas

poverty – despite having some of the lowest energy prices – we must never lose site of helping those customers achieve their goal of energy efficient heating and hot water. As around 45% of heat is lost though solid walls, double that lost through cavity walls, solid wall insulation should be the starting point for those hard-

All boilers are efficient – they have to be – but some perform better than others because they were designed to meet a very specific need. In 1994 our senior engineer was asked by a housing association in the Netherlands to find a solution to the unreliable and expensive-to-run boilers fitted. He built a prototype for a combination boiler that was so advanced, yet so simple, it remains at the cutting edge of boiler technology over two decades later.

The key difference is our two-in-one heat exchanger, which means there’s no need for a secondary hot water plate heat exchanger, so less energy is needed to reach the required temperature.

There’s no need for a diverter valve, valve motor or auto air vent – basically, all the parts that stick, leak or can let you down aren’t there.

The boiler condenses 100% of the time in both heating and hot water modes, routinely reducing emissions by 20% and shaving up to a further 5% off energy bills over other condensing boilers in the UK And it’s OpenTherm-ready.

The latest models come fitted with a RF module as standard which can be connected wirelessly to our Comfort Touch system.

The customer can manage the central heating controls

the pump fail, the system will always deliver hot water and, by changing the parameter settings, the boiler can be changed to heat-only, a system boiler, open vent and open vent combi – four boilers in one.

The Intergas two-in-one heat exchanger If you weigh remotely using our free up the smart technology app, and the installer’s available today against app, once paired with the the customer need, it’s not customer’s system, can get difficult to work out the most unprecedented remote access effective options. Of course to the boiler’s operation to we need to know what the view the boiler performance next best thing is, but it and monitor and change shouldn’t distract us from parameter settings. the real objective which Versatility is built in – it’s is to deliver heat and hot compatible with LPG and water economically and on solar PV. As direct hot water demand. is delivered by a separate PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. 133 www.intergasheating.co.uk circuit in the boiler, should

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How to avoid another industry meltdown Chris Yates, Business Development Director at CORGI Services, shares his views on the ‘cold snap scandal’ that hit in the industry last winter and offers advice on how to prevent frozen condensate by addressing the risk at the point of installation.

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arlier this year, a single plumbing problem left tens of thousands of households without heat and hot water when the ‘beast from the east’ hit the UK. The freezing temperatures caused cold water to freeze in the pipes that drain condensation from boilers – which then led to many of these boilers automatically switching off.

However, the issue of condensate is not a recent Chris Yates, CORGI Business one. In 2011 I was heavily Development Director involved in producing the guidance for overcoming frozen condensate and both boiler manufacturers and installers contributed to the development of a guide which was incorporated into British Standard BS 6798:2014 – Specification for selection, installation, inspection, commissioning, servicing and maintenance of gas-fired boilers of rated input not exceeding 70kW net.

Lack of awareness The guidance was heavily publicised at the time, but we’re still seeing a lack of awareness around the issues, which is leading to larger problems. So how can we stop the issues developing?

Ideally, pipes should be kept in a house rather than putting them outside the property. This can lead to

difficulties in routing, but put outside without insulation, they can be exposed to severe weather.

But, understandably, householders and landlords aren’t keen on holes being drilled through areas in properties, such as work surfaces below the boiler, which presents a lot of challenges for installers to find a good solution.

There are a number of insulated pipes that can be used but they can add extra, and often unwelcome, costs. And, not getting it right at the installation stage can lead to the problems we saw earlier this year which resulted in a significant number of callouts that the householder or tenant may have been able to rectify.

Short-term solution CORGI Homeplan has shared some useful advice on how householders can get their heating and hot water up and running quickly, without the need for an engineer, but this is only a short-term solution. Once the immediate issue is overcome it’s easy for householders to forget about it, but we’d recommend engineers checking to see if there is anything that could be done to improve the routing of condensate pipes to stop problems from reoccurring.

In addition, incorporating guidance into the Benchmark form that goes with the gas boiler is very positive, but it’s very unlikely in the current climate that the Government will make changes to the Building Regulations. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHDCLG) does not appear to be making any changes. It has been said that properly insulating condensate pipes is already covered in the Building Regulations, but this doesn’t correspond with my research.

Table 5, which covers pipework in the Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide (DBSCG), makes reference to central heating and hot water pipes but it does not specifically refer to condensate pipes. Delving into Associated Documents on the Government’s Planning Portal, I have also checked the Guide to the Condensing Boiler Installation Assessment Procedure for Dwellings which was published in 2005, and this only states that internal routing of a condensate drain is the preferred method.

Supplementary benefit A relatively easy change is to add the reference to frozen condensate in the DBSCG’s Supplementary Information that MHDCLG has provided in the past. This would be seen to be giving positive guidance to installers that in turn would benefit householders and tenants.

And it will also help fix the problem at the point of installation despite the article quoting MHDCLG as saying that Local Authority Building Control will inspect installations. This is far too late in the process as the cost of compliance will be very high for all parties concerned and a lot will slip through the net due to an already stretched system.

In my opinion, a change to the Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide will not eliminate frozen condensate overnight, but it will nudge things in the right direction. Let’s plan to ensure we can get the message out to householders and the heating industry so we do not have a repeat of this year’s significant disruption. www.corgiservices.com

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Could this be the answer to condensate complaints?

As boiler manufacturers and the wider industry look to address the issue of frozen condensate pipes (see above and also page 37) there is one company that has developed an effective solution – but finding a route to market has proved to be problematic.

Daventry based Atmos Innovations has developed and patented the Condensaway – a condensate disposal system that eliminates the need for a condensate drain altogether, and thereby solves the problem of condensate freezing when temperatures drop.

The result of several years of development and ongoing testing, the Condensaway system uses a pump which discharges the condensate at high pressure through a 4mm diameter tube in the centre of the flue pipe.

At the end of the flue terminal is an atomising nozzle which discharges the condensate as a fine mist into the atmosphere.

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John Thomason, R&D Projects Director at Atmos Innovations

Yet despite a number of positive discussions with major boiler manufacturers, strong interest from British Gas and positive feedback from installers at trade shows, the Condensaway solution remains unavailable to potential purchasers. So what’s the problem?

“There’s no point in us putting it out to market without

approval from some of the major boiler manufacturers because, without it, the warranties would be invalid,” explains company Director John Thomason. “Nobody has suggested there’s a problem with the product or offered a good reason why it shouldn’t be used, but, for whatever reason, they don’t seem to be open to new ideas.”

Having spent over £150,000 in the product’s testing and development, John is not surprisingly exasperated with a number of boiler manufacturers who have acknowledged the risks and potential damage caused by frozen condensate pipes, yet seem reluctant to back what he believes represents a simple and cost-effective solution.

“I think the industry has an obligation towards the general public to produce a solution, and they’re effectively blanking it out,” he says. “What they should be saying is that we now

Condensate can be discharged at high pressure through a tube in the centre of the flue

have a solution to the problem.”

The company acknowledges that the fitting of the Condensaway will add a little to the cost of the boiler installation, but points out that the installation of an external condensate waste is likely to cause a lot more upheaval and would also be significantly more expensive – and, of course, there would still be the risk of pipe freezing.

John argues that ease of installation is another thing in

the Condensaway’s favour. “A lot of the issues surrounding frozen condensate are ultimately to do with sub-standard installations, but the Condensaway can never be installed wrongly because it goes in one way – and that’s it.

It could be fitted into any boiler, but, as said, we just need the manufacturer’s approval.”

Having been responsible for the introduction of some of the first condensing boilers into the UK, Atmos has been looking at ways to deal with condensate removal well before it became such a major issue.

“We probably know more about condensate than anybody else in the country now,” says John.

“We’ve done a huge amount of work looking at chemical analysis and various boilers.”

It would be a shame if the industry couldn’t find a use for the results of that level of experience.

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How to gain installer confidence As a relatively new brand to the UK boiler market, it’s important for Navien to win the approval of UK professionals. As an ex-installer, Chris Barrett, the company’s new Regional Sales Manager for the South, is well placed to know what gas engineers are looking for.

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he UK gas boiler market may no longer be the biggest in the world (China and South Korea can lay claim to selling larger volumes), but with annual sales of around 1.6 million units, our market is a key target area for most major manufacturers. It is no surprise then that the South Korean giant Navien has set its sights on establishing itself as a leading brand with UK installers.

It’s still early days for the company, which is currently supplying its boilers through selected Plumbase branches, but staff numbers have doubled in size this year and the foundations are in place for several new product launches over the next 18 months.

Among the latest recruits is Chris Barrett, the company’s Regional Sales Manager for the South and South/Central territory. With over 10 years experience working as a heating engineer for his father’s Kent-based installation company,

have gone for aluminium and composite materials, but we’ve still kept the quality inside. That also goes down well with the end user, of course.

“I did a lot of research before joining Navien – finding out about the products and the various Facebook groups that installers get involved with. There were a lot of positive comments. It’s a decent company and a fantastic product.”

On the road Chris Barrett, Navien Regional Sales Manager for the South

Chris knows his way around a gas boiler and believes that the Navien product stands up to anything else on the market.

“When you look inside the boiler, you can see it’s a good product,” says Chris. “There’s the stainless steel heat exchanger, and a lot of brass in there too. We all know that a lot of manufacturers

With targets to hit and miles to travel, a life in sales isn’t for everyone, so what made Chris put down his tools and pick up the order book?

“I started to pick up various shoulder and back problems.

My Dad is over 70 and still going strong, but I’m not sure my body could take it much longer!”

The lack of technical knowledge from many of the representatives that Chris had dealings with over

the years is another reason for the change in career.

“You might speak to a rep in a merchant and when you ask them anything technical about the boiler, about flow rates or controls for example, a lot of them can’t answer you,” he explains, “but installers can relate to guys like me. 99% of the questions I get asked I can give an answer to straight away, which is so much better than having to say to someone you’ll get back to them.”

Still Gas Safe registered, Chris is happy to provide practical support to installers when required and will be there to offer commissioning advice to any installer when they fit their first Navien boiler.

Persuading installers to try a new brand is the main challenge for Chris and his colleagues, and the Navi-van – a fully-equipped sales and training vehicle – is proving an effective way for the company to make its pitch.

“These guys are out there earning a living, so it’s good to be able to say we’ll come to you,” says Chris. “It’s constantly in use.

It’s a brilliant sales tool. People can get their hands on the boiler, experience the flow rates and see just how easy it is to commission.”

New products As well as telling installers about the features and benefits of its current boiler range, Navien has also demonstrated a willingness to listen to feedback, and the dialogue with installers plays a major part in new product development, which will soon include a new range of wireless smart controls, instant water heaters and a new range of technically advanced oil boilers.

“It shows our intention to keep investing in the UK,” says Chris.

“We’re listening to the market and investing in heating solutions for today’s market and for the future.” navienuk.com

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It’s what’s on the inside that counts Some consumers think all boilers look much the same, but most installers appreciate that it’s the internal components that make all the difference when it comes to durability and performance – so says John Wilson, Ravenheat’s Technical Service and Training Manager.

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veryone is searching for high quality and v a l u e -f o r-m o n e y products that will last, including homeowners on the lookout for a new boiler, and heating and plumbing engineers who want to recommend the best possible products to their customers.

That’s why at Ravenheat Manufacturing we choose to use the highest quality components across our range of domestic gas boilers.

We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘you get what you pay for’ and the concept clearly applies when it comes to your boiler – its lifespan depends on how well it has been designed and made. Some components may be cheaper to buy or make, but that is not what most engineers or end users are looking for in the boilers they buy.

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John Wilson, Ravenheat Technical Service and Training Manager

The heat exchanger is an integral component at the core of all boilers, which means it needs to be made from good quality materials and have a durable design.

Stainless steel, single-coil heat exchangers are a great option, as they ensure constant water speeds and front access to make servicing an easy job for installers

during future visits.

Wide waterways help to reduce the likelihood of debris building up, and the absence of heat exchanger manifolds lengthens the component’s life expectancy by reducing the number of weld points and seals. Stainless steel also increases the useable life of the boiler, as it is highly resistant to corrosion and

does not require any special inhibitors when maintaining the system.

Whilst plastic manifolds may be the cheaper option for some manufacturers, it does not have as long a lifespan as that old favourite, copper, which is naturally suited for plumbing and heating work.

It has already been used for a number of years, and it is the perfect material to use for the internal pipe components of domestic gas boilers.

While it may cost a little more, it has many benefits.

Copper is difficult for bacteria to grow inside, resistant to corrosion and not affected by ultraviolet rays. It is also very durable and has a long lifespan of up to 70 years, so homeowners can rest easy knowing it will last.

The same ethos applies when it comes to using brass

for the internal block, rather than plastic. It is a natural and long-lasting material that is incredibly tolerant to high temperatures, meaning it will last much longer than a cheaper alternative. Like copper, brass is also resistant to corrosion, which makes it an ideal component to use inside domestic gas boilers, as it will not need replacing after a short period of use.

Only natural Perhaps the most important thing about these naturally sourced materials is that they are better for the environment. Copper, brass and stainless steel are all created from naturally occurring metals, and their durability also means they can be reused in future. If an installer removes some old copper piping, it can then

be taken to a scrap metal merchant who will find a new home for it.

A boiler is a big purchase for a homeowner, so they want to know that they are going to get something that will last a decent amount of time and will not cost them a fortune to repair every year.

Quality and premium internal components really help to combat this, so if you have the option to recommend copper and brass to your customers, it really is worth it – for you and for them.

As anyone who has bought a cheap iron or kettle will know, they do not last long.

This is why we’ve taken the time to listen to the people who fit our boilers to find out exactly what both installers and their customers want.

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Introducing the max factor The Max range from Ideal Boilers combines the Logic+ and Vogue boilers with a high quality system filter.

In addition to the system filter, the cupboard-fit Logic Max (combi, system and heat only) features an easy-to-use backlit LCD display and comes with a standard 10-year parts and labour warranty.

The Vogue Max (combi and system) has a stainless steel heat exchanger and full colour LCD display. It is also packaged with Ideal’s filter and a standard 10-year parts and labour warranty, but upgrades to a 12-year warranty when fitted by a Max-accredited installer.

“We wanted to go that extra mile for our customers

and believe the ‘Max’ range does just that,” says Adam Foy, Ideal’s Domestic Products MD. “Industryleading warranties are not only great news for installers but are the perfect way to demonstrate to homeowners that Ideal is a brand they can trust.”

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Meeting lower emissions targets To meet the requirements of the latest ErP Directive relating to NOx emissions, Worcester Bosch has improved the efficiency of its Greenstar Ri boiler. The new regulations, which came into force on 26th September, state that the emissions of new gas and LPG boilers must not exceed 56mg/kWh. Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication and Product Management, explains: “This necessary

and important upgrade to the already A-rated Greenstar Ri boiler will mean lower NOx emissions to ensure that the new ErP Directive requirement is met with ease. The change will not affect installers in any way other than to ensure that they can continue to recommend and fit the boiler with peace of mind.”

The reduction in NOx emissions was part of an agreement reached with the European Commission

some four years ago. At this time, the Commission proposed that boilers would steadily progress to lower emissions and higher efficiencies, with this being the latest timeline met.

As part of the Greenstar Ri upgrades, two new outputs (9kW and 21kW) will be introduced by Worcester to join the 12, 15, 18, 24, 27 and 30kW outputs already available.

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The Main Eco Compact is a new range of combi and system boilers, available exclusively from independent merchants from Main Heating (part of Baxi Heating). The new boiler range has been designed in response to national research carried out by Baxi, which identified a demand for more modern, compact boilers that are compatible with the latest smart control technology – including the company’s own uSense control.

The Main Eco Compact Combi (available in 25 and 30kW outputs) and Main Eco Compact System models (15 and 18kW options) both feature a lightweight and compact design, plus a wide choice of flue lengths, bends and accessories to ensure that they are easy to fit in tight spaces. All boilers are available with a five-year parts and labour warranty.

“Designed to provide reliable, safe, energy efficient heating, Main Eco Compact boilers offer superb value for money, making them a clear winner for consumers,” says Mike Parsons, Head of Product Management.

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How to provide the finishing touch Fitting a new boiler comes with its challenges, with concealing pipework often being one of them. Richard Braid, MD of Pendock, explains how the use of pre-formed boiler pipe casings and pipe boxing can help installers to save time and money.

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hile fitting pipework is part and parcel of every boiler installation, it has perhaps become more challenging over recent years. The regulations surrounding high efficiency boilers and flues largely dictate where boilers can and can’t be sited, and this can result in lengthy, complicated runs of pipework.

Many installers take just as much pride in the installation of their pipework as they do in fitting the boiler itself, and will spend time ensuring it’s tidy enough to remain exposed. However, no matter how neat the pipework is, many homeowners still regard it as unsightly and will want it covered (commonly known as ‘boxing in’). And, if the boiler is installed in a health or social care

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fabricate their own solutions on site using wood or MDF. Both these options take time (delaying completion and inconveniencing the customer) and can be costly for the installer.

Made to fit

Richard Braid, MD at Pendock

environment, concealing the pipework is likely to be a safety requirement (the surface temperature of exposed pipework can pose a burn risk for vulnerable people).

When boiler pipework needs to be boxed in, some installers will decide to pass the work on to a carpenter or joiner, whereas others will

An effective alternative is to use made-to-measure, preformed boiler pipe casings and pipe boxing – a costeffective, quick solution (we estimate it takes at least twice as long to fabricate boxing-in sections on site) that can be easily fitted by the installer.

Boiler pipe casings fit beneath the boiler, wrapping around the pipework for a neat look. Sizes are available for all standard boiler dimensions, but casings can be easily cut to size on site if required. They can be

easily removed (and refitted), providing full access to the pipework and underside of the boiler for annual servicing and maintenance.

Meanwhile, lengths of pipework running along walls, skirting boards or ceilings can be concealed and protected with pre-formed pipe boxing, which can be fitted horizontally, vertically and in corners.

Take cover Our one-piece pipe casing solutions are finished in either hard-wearing white melamine or high-pressure white laminate. They are available in kit form or factory assembled in a range of sizes, although bespoke measurements can be requested. Our pipe boxing is available in a range of sizes in pre-formed wood or metal.

Concealed pipework is often a requirement in care environments

While some customers will be happy to keep their boiler pipework on display, many will want it concealed for aesthetic or safety purposes.

Boiler pipework casings neaten the area underneath

a boiler, while pipe boxing can be used to hide pipework runs – providing a practical, cost-effective, time-saving solution.

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Solutions for low income homes Staying warm in winter is a serious issue for the 2.55 million UK households who are fuel poor. Here Darren Smith, Technical Manager at Alpha Heating Innovation, looks at the solutions available to provide warmth for low income households and reduce fuel costs.

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ccording to National Energy Action (NEA) and Energy Action Scotland (EAS), poor planning and a lack of national resources meant that UK residents were almost ten times more likely to die from a cold home than a road traffic accident last winter. As a result, local and central government bodies have introduced a series of grants and schemes to support those that are fuel poor.

However, fuel poverty is often accentuated by households being fitted with old, inefficient heating systems that are expensive to run and inadequate for the residents’ needs.

Unfortunately, many such homeowners will find that they cannot afford to update their heating system, regardless of whether it will reduce their bills.

ECO Scheme One option available for households in this situation is the Government’s ECO Scheme, under which qualifying low-income households and private tenants can apply to have their old heating systems replaced free of charge or with a significant subsidisation. This applies to noncondensing boilers of at least five years of age and was implemented to help reduce the carbon footprint of many households – this means that some households should be able to secure a more efficient system.

Where systems do not qualify and a household has no choice but to replace it due to break down, it is essential that installers assess the property and the needs of the family sufficiently rather than automatically replacing it like-for-like. Where fuel bills are an issue, the efficiency of the whole system should be a key consideration, not only the upfront cost of a new system.

Encouraged by legislation such as Boiler Plus – which stipulates that gas combi boiler replacements must have a minimum energy efficiency of 92% ErP – installers will already be well aware of the superior energy efficiency offered by the latest boilers, as well as additional energysaving products that contribute to the overall energy efficiency of a household.

Fitting a flue gas heat recovery unit can help to save on bills

Where funds are tight, heating controls can be a hugely effective and inexpensive tool in managing heating efficiency.

While there are a range of controls on the market, one of the most universally beneficial are controls that take account of external weather temperature with internal temperature and feedback to the boiler what is required to effectively heat the building.

For example, our Climatic Control is classed as an Enhanced Load Compensator – this control modulates and limits the boiler flow temperature depending on the measured internal room temperature, prompting the boiler to fire up only when necessary. This kind of control can offer savings of up to £50 per year, when compared to a standard programmable room thermostat.

Off-grid solution According to the Energy Saving Trust, in Great Britain 32% of off-grid households are fuel poor in comparison with 15% of those on-grid. This is because many off-grid houses are older buildings with solid walls and less efficient methods of insulation. Off-grid properties are also reliant on more expensive fuel alternatives like oil

or LPG, increasing energy costs further.

For off-grid properties, however, it is now possible to find efficient, value for money LPG convertible boiler systems.

Our new and compact E-Tec Plus combi boiler range is LPG convertible and incorporates a high efficiency Grundfos pump, which automatically adjusts performance based on the demands of the system. This helps to decrease running costs.

Unfortunately, many fuel poor families will be simply unable to invest upfront in order to improve their heating system. As such, it falls to housebuilders and landlords to ensure they install the most efficient system in their properties at the outset, along with thoroughly insulating the location, in order to help tenants and occupiers going forward. Where installers are working on such an installation it is important to highlight the steps that can be taken to ensure fuel payments for future occupiers are reduced as much as possible.

One ideal solution would be to specify Passive Flue Gas Heat Recovery Devices (PFGHRDs) such as a flue gas heat recovery unit. Positioned neatly above the boiler, the compact unit extracts heat from the waste gases exiting the system and uses it to heat the cold mains water prior to it entering the boiler. This reduces the strain on the boiler and enables hot water to be delivered to the taps quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, they can produce an average gas saving of 35% and also save up to half a tonne of carbon a year.

In preparation for winter, installers should look to refrain from recommending the replacement of a heating system like-for-like, and instead question what would be the most efficient and cost-effective solution. In addition, by working with housebuilders and landlords to ensure a new heating system is specified with efficiency in mind, installers can hopefully help to reduce the growing statistic of fuel poor households. www.alpha-innovation.co.uk

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Compact design Outputs to suit almost any project will fit right in With a compact footprint and low NOx emissions, the Trigon XL floor standing commercial boiler from ELCO Heating Solutions is suitable for a range of applications. Operating up to an 8 bar maximum working pressure, Trigon XL is compatible with higher buildings without the need for hydraulic system separation. A 30K flow/return temperature differential also allows easier integration with district heating systems while maintaining optimum efficiency.

The boiler’s low NOx emissions are achieved by the use of a commercially proven premix-burner system, which includes a fully modulating, water cooled cold flame burner.

This is combined with an optimised combustion system and stainless steel heat exchanger to deliver gross seasonal efficiencies up to 97.5%.

All models are designed to pass through standard 760mm wide doors, while factory fitted cargo wheels allow the boiler to be easily manoeuvred into position. www.elco.co.uk

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Providing a choice of 15 wallhung and floor-standing appliances, the new Sirius three range from Potterton Commercial represents the brand’s most comprehensive range of condensing boilers.

Suitable for installation in large buildings such as schools, hotels, nursing homes, office blocks and leisure facilities, the new range offers outputs of 50250kW and up to 1MW in cascade.

The floor standing models have been designed to pass through 700mm doorways, making them easier to position when space is at a premium.

The larger outputs also have castors on the bottom for greater manoeuvrability. To maximise space in even the smallest of plant rooms, the 110, 130 and 150kW models occupy the same compact

footprint as the 90kW model.

The new boilers are accompanied by a portfolio of cascade accessories including low loss headers and plate to plate heat exchangers, while case extension panels conceal the pipework for a more

professional finish.

All boilers in the range offer a seasonal efficiency of greater than 96% and modulation ratio of up to 9:1. Legislative requirements are also covered, with NOx emissions as low as 24.7mg/kW, thanks to the Sermeta bluejet burners.

All models are supplied with Siemens controls, including the QA75 full text twist button controller. A full discriptive display makes this control easy to navigate and helps save time on programming and commissioning. An integrated cascade function also means that up to 16 boilers can be managed by one controller.

Sales Director Steve Evans comments: “Customers can rest assured that they are getting quality, efficiency and reliability in outputs to suit nearly every application.

Contractors can also have

peace of mind knowing the products they install have been designed by a company with 150 years of commercial heating heritage.”

Potterton Commercial is currently offering a free commissioning service until the end of the year.

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GAS Boilers 59 Pipe crossover kit saves on time

Flexible eight model range Meeting the challenge of tougher energy efficiency targets while reducing emission levels, Lochinvar’s commercial floor-standing Herald range comes in eight models – with outputs between 41 and 221kW and low NOx emissions varying from 32 to 40mg/kWh, depending upon the model.

The range also boasts versatile control options, enhanced by the addition of the latest in ‘smart’ technology through its appbased Con-X-us module.

At the heart of each Herald boiler is a heat exchanger made from 316L stainless steel. The heat exchanger is supported by a 10-year warranty, and its robust construction enables the boilers to work at high operating pressures of up to 11bar. This makes them particularly suitable for installation in high-rise buildings.

They are also very compact and, at just 394mm wide, are

narrow enough to fit through a standard doorway. The largest model, at 228kW output, has a footprint under 0.5m2 and, at a maximum height of 1080mm, which means it can cope with most headroom restrictions and fit into small plant rooms.

Flue options Multiple flue options are available, including horizontal or vertical concentric balanced. Conventional runs of up to 60m are achievable, and having the flue outlet connection at the rear of the unit makes them a viable replacement for traditional atmospheric boilers – thereby bringing high efficiency

performance to a wider range of applications.

The Herald boilers employ pre-mix burners with 5:1 turndown to closely match demand patterns and enhance operating efficiencies, even under partload conditions. Multiple installations offer further operational benefits, as the integral controls include a cascade system. A two-boiler installation, for example, provides a combined turndown of 10:1, and up to eight boilers can be operated in ‘cascade’ providing up to 1.8MW heat output.

A further feature of the cascade system is that, should the lead boiler fail for any reason, the controls will automatically adjust the output of the other boilers in the cascade, designating another as lead so there is no interruption to the heating supply.

The Con-X-us control module enables users to connect their smart devices, including

phones and tablets, to the on-board boiler controls. The device requires an internet connection and allows users to monitor and adjust operational and heating parameters from literally anywhere in the world.

The Con-X-us is offered as an ancillary option, which can be ordered and fitted to the boiler before dispatch, or retrofitted on site.

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Designed to increase compatibility with older pipe layouts, Alpha Heating Innovation’s new Pipe Crossover Kit modifies the location of the gas inlet and the primary heating return with two easy-fit shaped copper pipes to simplify the installation of a new Alpha boiler when replacing an older model with a different pipe configuration.

Compatible with all of the company’s combi

boilers, including the new E-Tec Plus, the release of the Pipe Crossover Kit will save installers time and excess work on replacement installations.

Technical Manager Darran Smith comments: “With our Crossover Kit solution, refits should now be as simple as first time installations, with no need to cut back or relocate piping.”

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60 GAS Boilers

Boosting your business Chris Caton, Head of Commercial Product Management at Ideal Boilers, explains why the light commercial market could provide an opportunity for installers to boost their business.

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uring uncertain times, installers should be looking for new opportunities to grow their business, and the light commercial heating market is one sector where it wouldn’t be difficult for professional heating engineers to extend their services.

Installers can be deterred from light commercial work as it can be perceived as more complicated than the domestic installations they have become accustomed to, but in reality commercial boilers are often no more complicated than their domestic counterparts. The application might be slightly different, but with some training and research there’s no reason why this should present a problem.

If an installation has a total output under 70kW,

On the move

Chris Caton, Ideal Boilers

the gas system has a gas volume less than 0.035m3 and pipework less than or equal to 35mm, domestic installers can carry out light commercial installations in their domestic Gas Safe registration. Don’t be put off by not having commercial Gas Safe registration, just ensure you are working within the parameters stated.

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The key to making a successful move from domestic to commercial is to do some research. Have a look at the different products out there and familiarise yourself with warranties and aftersales support as these can differ from domestic boilers.

Once you have decided on your boiler choice have a look at the training available for that product. At Ideal Commercial we offer free training courses at locations across the country.

Learning about the boilers and how to install them is key to making the most of light commercial opportunities. One option some might consider is to use multiple domestic boilers in a light commercial setting to achieve the required power

output, but while this may be perceived as a slightly cheaper option on unit price, it could be a short cut to future problems.

Domestic boilers are not the best solution for cascade or multiple boiler installations and doing so may reduce their lifespan. What may be less expensive initially may end up costing your customer more in repairs and early replacements, which in turn could prove costly to your reputation.

Making space Making sure you have enough space for a commercial boiler is key. Some commercial boilers may have larger dimensions and with some light commercial applications, space is at a premium.

Then there is the consideration for the other

Ideal’s wall hung Evomax range offers outputs from 30 to 150kW

equipment that may be necessary.

Commercial boilers do not have an expansion vessel built into them, so you may need to allow space to include an expansion vessel as part of the overall system.

Additionally, if you need to use more than one boiler, a frame and header kit could be used to mount the boilers, giving a reduced installation time.

The flue is a further aspect that needs consideration.

If a boiler is to be installed in commercial premises, it has to meet the commercial

requirements of IGE UP10, and BS6644 must be adopted, even if the total power output is under 70kW. For a domestic business, branching out into light commercial projects can provide an income boost amidst economic challenges.

By arming yourself with knowledge of all the nuances between domestic and light commercial buildings, as well as the products available, you could look to create a steady flow of work throughout the year.

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GAS Boilers 61 More choice with Easier pipework Flexible power higher outputs Following on from the successful launch of the Baxi 600 Combi last year, the manufacturer has responded to calls for a more powerful output with three new additions to the range: the Baxi 636 Combi – which delivers a high flow rate of 15 litres per minute – and 624 and 630 Combi LPG models for customers in off mains gas areas.

Despite featuring brass components, these boilers weigh in at less than 30kg and are also small enough to fit into a cupboard. For ease of maintenance, they also come with Baxi’s popular Easy-Fill accessory, which allows consumers to easily repressurise their boiler themselves. And for extra peace of mind they are backed by a seven-year parts and labour warranty.

Mike Parsons, Baxi’s Head of Product Management, comments: “From inception

Responding to feedback from its installer customers, Ravenheat has extended its range of domestic gas boilers with the new HE30S compact. Featuring a new pipe configuration but the same reliable components and single-coil stainless steel heat exchanger as the HE98S, the new boiler measures just 700 x 400 x 265mm. Despite its compact size, it delivers an output of 31kW and has

through to design and delivery, every one of our boilers are created with our loyal customers in mind.

We want to make life easier for installers, so with these new additions they can be assured of the highest integrity of product, unrivalled reliability, exceptional ease of installation and, of course, high efficiency each and every time.”

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a flow rate of 12 litres a minute.

The revised pipe layout makes access and installation easier with a colourcoded valve pack complete with copper tails. For a neater finish, the HE30S compact’s isolation valves are hidden from view by the front cover.

A clear display screen makes it easy to see even in the darkest conditions, and it is easy to set the hot water temperature or view the system pressure.

Company founder and MD Louis Pickersgill comments: “We’re so proud to unveil the HE30S compact. It’s a great, powerful boiler that we’ve created based on the feedback we receive from installers. Nowadays, homeowners don’t want a huge boiler, so we designed this one to be able to fit in small spaces, without compromising on ease of installation.”

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Condexa Pro is the latest boiler from Vokèra (now branded Vokèra by Riello).

The high power condensing wall-hung boiler range is said to be ideal for a variety of applications, including residential buildings, schools, hospitals or manufacturing facilities.

The range extends from 35 up to 131kW, in different configurations.

An optimised stainless steel heat exchanger, designed and manufactured by Riello, comes with single or double coil patented sections, while premix burners ensure a high turndown ratio and low emissions.

For the installation of cascade systems, the primarysecondary logic integrated in the electronic control permits the interchangeability of the boilers in the cascade, ensuring constant operation, even during service operations.

A wide range of optional accessories completes the

offering and enables multiple configurations of the product: the interface between the primary circuit and secondary circuit can be made either with a hydraulic separator or plate exchanger; the electronic remote control modules and additional heating zones; the outdoor installation kits; a set of flue gas exhaust systems for both open chamber and room sealed combustion.

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62 GAS Boilers

Putting a stop to wasted energy Replacing ageing boilers with new condensing boilers and adding effective control can literally transform the energy performance of a building. Chris Meir, Sales Director at Remeha, looks at how small businesses and public buildings can best maximise energy efficiency.

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new condensing boilers. educing energy consumption makes Since replacing the school’s perfect sense for old boilers with Remeha Gas small businesses, helping 220 Ace condensing boilers reduce energy costs and and adding new controls, lower overheads, while Dorset County Council has cutting greenhouse gas seen an impressive 48% emissions and lessening drop in gas consumption. the building’s environmental And this is just one of impact. many examples, as our So where to start? Heating customers have reported accounts for up to 40% of the same impressive results energy costs in a typical in a number of schools and office environment. In offices around the country. the many non-domestic Low emissions buildings still relying on inefficient or dated Chris Meir, Remeha Sales Director On an environmental level too, there are significant commercial boilers, there benefits to be reaped, as condensing boilers is therefore huge scope for savings.

This is because old non-condensing boilers perform significantly better than nontypically waste at least 30% of the energy condensing boilers in terms of greenhouse input, creating needlessly high heating bills, gas emissions. For example, one of our even if they’re well maintained. Maintenance customers achieved annual gas savings of in itself can bring added costs as older £35K, equivalent to a carbon reduction of equipment typically needs frequent repair. 217 tonnes, after replacing ageing boilers In buildings like these, cost-effective boiler with condensing boilers. replacement is the low-hanging fruit of energy Condensing boilers also succeed in efficiency measures. ticking all the boxes for legislative and social requirements. As advanced models Quick payback are engineered to meet ultra-low NOx Let’s look at the benefits. Firstly, advanced condensing boilers are the most efficient of emission criteria, they easily comply with all boiler types, achieving near maximum the mandatory emission levels now enforced efficiencies. This means that payback is under the Ecodesign requirements of the rapid, with energy savings continuing into Energy-related Products Directive 2018. Their ultra-low NOx operation will also support an the future.

How great are the savings? The exact organisation’s wider commitments to reduce figure will depend on the existing boilers their environmental impact and improve and system design. A 20% reduction in energy air quality.

Then there’s the well-being factor. Wellconsumption and emissions is frequently quoted. But in our experience a boiler upgrade controlled condensing boilers generate more reliable heating, making workplaces can nearly halve gas consumption.

A case in point is Ferndown First School in more comfortable places to be, resulting in Dorset, which has nearly halved gas usage as a fewer sick days and ultimately improving result of refurbishing its heating system with productivity and profitability.

Better design

Clifton College in Bristol improved the performance of its heating with the installation of three Quinta Pro 90 boilers on a cascade system in its East Wing plant room. The small dimensions of the boilers helped contractor CODES overcome access restrictions into the basement plant room.

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Good design is the underlying factor in successful boiler replacement projects, maximising the performance of the condensing boilers. As modern condensing boilers are smaller and lighter – with wall-hung options offering an output of up to 160kW – they lend themselves to compact, modular arrangements that increase heating efficiency and reliability.

Sharing the load across multiple boilers rather than single larger output boilers brings inbuilt redundancy.

So even if one boiler is offline, the heating service will be uninterrupted. The arrangement also increases the turndown ratio, allowing fully-modulating condensing

Five Remeha Quinta Ace 160 boilers have recently been installed in cascade at Molineux Stadium, home to Premier League side Wolves

Ferndown First School has reduced its gas consumption by 48% after replacing ageing boilers with Remeha’s Gas 220 Ace models

boilers to meet the heating demand more accurately for reduced waste.

As the boilers are also easier to maintain and service in this configuration, lifetime efficiency is improved. And rotating the lead boiler means reduced wear and tear of individual units, which extends the boilers’ lifecycle.

the quality, support and design may differ greatly. So when recommending boilers, it’s advisable to take a whole-life costing approach.

Look for advanced condensing boilers that are designed to be easier to install and more robust. Boilers with accessible parts for easy, hassle-free interrogation and servicing, or additional features like internal lights and readily available spare parts kits, will help reduce time and costs in the long term.

Rapid installation Installation of multiple condensing boilers has been designed to be equally efficient.

Good manufacturers will provide optional extras such as easily-assembled cascade kits that reduce labour time and costs as well as on-site hot works.

Some manufacturers, like ourselves, also offer these configurations as an off-site prefabricated solution, ensuring a rapid solution to high-performance heating that can be invaluable to both installers and customers on projects with a tight timeframe.

Effective controls Adding the appropriate controls, like weather compensation and sequential controls, will achieve and maintain high performance from condensing boilers, keeping bills and emissions low without affecting comfort levels.

Manufacturers can advise on the appropriate controls to fit, but it’s worth noting that the latest models of condensing boilers are now supplied with intuitive, easily-set time and temperature controls as standard and easy connection to the building management system. All of which encourages better control and routine checking of settings to maximise further building comfort levels and system efficiency.

Whole life costing Energy efficiency includes maintenance and replacement costs as well as installation and energy bills. While two boilers may appear to offer output and achievable efficiencies,

Technical support Then there’s manufacturer support. Good manufacturers are far more than boxshippers. They will offer support throughout a design and build project, from site visits to after sales support, advising on the most appropriate, cost-effective solution for each individual project. As they know their products better than anyone, it’s a good idea to tap into their insight and experience from the early stages.

They can also offer specific advice on how to optimise whole-life boiler performance on a particular project – from water treatment and hydraulic separation, to controls and system design.

Reduced waste Some 80% of UK buildings rely on gas for their heating – a figure that is unlikely to change overnight – so it makes economic and environmental sense to use it more efficiently.

Replacing ageing boilers with condensing boilers is a cost-efficient solution to reducing energy consumption and achieving considerable energy, costs and emission savings. And with good manufacturer support, installers, contractors and endusers can be sure of getting the best from this highly-efficient technology, making everyone a winner. remeha.co.uk

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GAS Boilers Wall hung model goes high and low Incorporating the latest in stainless-steel exchanger technology, the new EVO S wall hung boiler range from Ideal Commercial Boilers is available in five different outputs from 50 to 135kW and is backed by a five-year

parts and labour warranty.

Its energy efficiency is boosted by a 5:1 turndown ratio and integrated sequence for control for multiple boilers. It is also eligible for Ideal Commercial’s free commissioning offer.

In addition to the stainlesssteel heat exchanger, EVO S also comes with the same concentric flue options used across the Evomax range.

Suitable for a range of applications, up to four boilers can be cascaded to an output of 540kW, while large domestic installations could take advantage of the 50kW model.

Chris Caton, Head of Product at Ideal Commercial

Boilers, comments: “We are thrilled to bring EVO S to market, which complements our already successful Evomax range of wall hung commercial boilers with further outputs. This ensures that there is now an application solution for all situations that our customers may come across.”

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On the energy saving list The ecoTEC plus 48, 64, 100 and 120kW commercial boilers from Vaillant have been listed on the Energy Technology List (ETL), the Government-managed list of energy efficient products.

The ETL is part of the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) tax scheme for businesses, and those that purchase products listed on the ETL can claim an ECA, a first year 100% accelerated capital allowance that delivers all available tax relief in one year. This is said to be equivalent to approximately five and a half times the benefit of standard tax relief in the

year of purchase.

John Bailey, Sales Director – Commercial and Renewable Systems, comments: “Vaillant has always prided itself on its

market leading engineering.

Having the larger output ecoTEC boilers listed on the ETL is testament to our commitment to ensuring we produce the most efficient boilers in the commercial marketplace.

“We understand that it is increasingly important that businesses consider the efficiencies of their heating systems, and this list makes it easier for commercial building managers to ensure that the technology products they choose are as efficient as possible.”

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Communal heating solution Meeting demand for the increasing uptake of communal or district heating schemes, the Evolution boiler ranges from Stokvis Energy Systems can be installed along with the manufacturer’s H Series Heat Interface Units (HIUs) to supply heating and domestic hot water to individual dwellings.

Using the R40 and R600 Evolution boilers in centralised plant rooms provides a primary heat source for the HIUs while saving landlords the headache of gaining access for annual gas safety inspections and maintaining individual units in each flat where space is often limited.

The Econoflame R600 Evolution offers outputs from 142 to 540KW and incorporates a patented downward firing pre-mix

burner and stainless steel heat exchanger. Low weight and compact dimensions enable them to pass through standard, single leaf doorways on wheels that are incorporated with the boilers.

They can also be installed in a cascade arrangement to share the load.

Equally versatile, the R40 Evolution wall hung range encompasses six models delivering between 56 and 138kW. These can be combined either back-toback or in line to provide a maximum capacity of 1102kW as a Modupak solution.

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64 PRODUCT Spotlight

Hot water on demand from a vented system Scott Lorraine, Product Category Manager, Hot Water Storage, Harlequin Manufacturing Ltd, talks about the development of HeatStream, the company’s new hot water system that can effectively produce hot water on demand and at mains pressure.

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he concept of thermal storage has been around for nearly 25 years. It addresses the problem of heat sources providing heat at a certain time to be used at a later time. This problem can be solved by storing heat for future use. After several years of research and development, there are now efficient water-based thermal stores emerging in the market. Although they are similar in appearance to a conventional hot-water cylinder, they are very different in their operation.

In a thermal storage water cylinder, the boiler heats the water that is to be sent to the taps and this water is stored until required. Whereas in a thermal storage system, hot water is provided through a heat exchanger. Cold water from the mains enters the coil at the top of the tank and is heated by the surrounding hot water before being sent to the taps. Hot water is therefore provided on demand and at mains pressure.

The UK market Currently hot water storage systems account for an estimated 67% of the UK water heating market. However, the number of homes with hot water storage has declined significantly in recent years, with an increasing reliance on combination boilers. The vast majority of new homes now have a mains pressurised system installed as standard.

According to the ‘Water Heating Market Report – UK 2017-2021 Analysis’ published by AMA Research: ‘The value of the UK water heating market increased by a modest 1% in 2016, following two years of slightly higher growth. The market for domestic and non-domestic water heating products has seen relatively steady growth since 2013, with the recovery in the UK economy stimulating construction activity, and also consumer and business confidence levels. The sector is set to grow by about 10% between 2017 and 2021’.

How it all began With this growth trend in mind and a desire to manufacture innovative products, Harlequin Manufacturing Ltd brought into the company one of the foremost experts in hot water storage, with a brief to produce a new improved hot water storage system for UK and European markets.

The company conducted extensive research and found that modern vented thermal store hot water systems were growing in popularity when compared to the traditional unvented systems more commonly found in UK properties. Several stages of research and development were undertaken

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over several years to arrive at the new concept of a square, plastic, highly insulated vented hot water system that delivers main pressurised hot water.

Launched as a ground-breaking advancement in hot water storage last year, the Harlequin Heatstream is a hybrid mains pressurized hot water storage system incorporating many of the advantages of unvented and thermal store cylinders.

The HeatStream range was the result of a collaboration of industry expertise in both the rotational moulding of plastic tanks, and technological development of pressurised hot water storage systems. This simple system made from polypropylene allows mains pressurised hot water to be produced from a vented system.

How it works

Scott Lorraine, with the Harlequin HeatStream cylinder

which is a very small amount of energy lost. In layman’s terms, what that means is ‘once it’s hot, it pretty much stays hot’.

The process of heating up the heat transfer fluid depends on the type of system – direct, indirect and twin. The direct version, which is electricity only, uses two 3kW immersion heaters – one at the top and bottom. The indirect uses a high capacity coil like the transfer coil connected to your primary heat source. The twin uses a solar capacity coil at the bottom of the unit with the primary coil located a little further up the cylinder to allow for this solar requirement.

In a normal unvented cylinder, water is stored under pressure and that is what comes out of your water tap. HeatStream works on a slightly different principle. The tank, which is made of plastic, is filled with water using a filling loop.

This static water is called the transfer fluid.

So, how does the water actually come out?

A DIN 316 stainless steel corrugated coil connected to your heating system is used to Key Benefit heat the transfer fluid. The coil that is as tall as the unit One of the key benefits of the HeatStream is reflected in itself runs through the heat transfer fluid, with the mains the way it works. It’s a stored body of water just like a cold coming into that coil circulating all the way round battery that’s got the heat inside of it. When the water is it on its passage through and the heat being transferred drawn off, it’s drawn through the coil and the heat is being from the outer body of heat into the coil. transferred. Because of this feature, a 200 Mains pressurised water comes into the litre unit can deliver 228 litres of usable system cold and goes out of the system water if the water is stored at 65ºC. At “Hot water is provided as hot water. that point, water inside the unit is still The HeatStream is a vented at 40°C, which means the water has to on demand and at cylinder which means it has be heated up again by only 25°C before mains pressure” a vent to the atmosphere it’s able to do that all over again. So, it but still can produce can achieve very quick recovery times. mains pressurised hot In a normal unvented 200 litre cylinder, it water. Since all the would have discharged all its water, which would probably connections are on the take 35 minutes or so to heat back up. top of the unit, there It works in a way you would consume hot water in a is no requirement for modern household. You would use it to have a shower and D3 discharge or associated equipment by the time you dry yourself it is likely that the unit will such as an expansion vessel and T&P be back to its full capacity, ready to go again. So the fact relief valve. It has an overflow, but it’s that the boiler is fired up for much lesser time coupled an overflow or vent to the atmosphere with the fact that it has very good insulation makes the which can be connected to a waste pipe, system very energy efficient and offers excellent value for a soil stack or directly to the outside. money. In short, the system can deliver mains-pressurised hot water at a fast rate coupled with super-fast recovery Two skins rates and ease of installation.

The HeatStream system is made up of two The future skins – an outer plastic skin and an inner After a good initial response to the product, the company skin. Between those two skins, there is is now keen to make further inroads into the hot water 70mm insulation inside and 110mm storage market by getting detailed feedback from installers insulation on the top. This means that and customers about the pros and cons of the product. the unit is an ERP ‘B’ rated energy efficient With this feedback the company would like to develop cylinder. Just to give the HeatStream into a hot water system that is preferred you an example: In by customers and recommended by installers. the 200 litre model, PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.harlequin-mfg.com 166 that equates to about 51 watts per hour

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66 TOOLS & Workwear

Breaking down battery barriers Recent advances in battery technology have helped to transform the performance of cordless power tools. Simon Miller, Marketing Director of HiKOKI Power Tools, explains how the company’s MultiVolt battery packs are helping to set new standards in power and flexibility.

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ew battery technologies are changing the performance expectations of cordless power tools. Connectivity and flexibility combined with highly efficient brushless motors means that installers are getting more power and durability from their tools than before. Power tool manufacturers are developing exciting new battery platforms that are removing the need for mains tools on site. This means you don’t need a power source or duplicate AC or DC tools. It also greatly reduces the likelihood of slip or trip hazards too, thus helping you get on with your day faster.

Longer lasting Thanks to battery technology and super efficient brushless motors, cordless tools have advanced at a terrific pace. Brushless motors ensure users get a more powerful, efficient and longer lasting power tool. A brushless motor can increase working time by up to 40% when used on those longer high-volume drilling jobs. Most users also find handling brushless motors easier as the design is more compact and the size and weight is reduced.

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HiKOKI’s 36V Multi Volt battery packs have more power than similar sized 18V battery packs, but weight and size remain almost the same

There is another important advantage of brushless motors – increased operator safety and overload protection. Brushless motors don’t generate the same heat because there are no carbon brushes and they can’t be burnt out. They also offer better protection on kick-back control when operating. Some manufacturers also have power cut out

technology, which keeps the operator safe too.

Matched performance Once powerful lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery tech-nology is combined with the benefits of brushless motors in cordless power tool ranges, users get more flexibility and performance out of their tools than ever before. Take first fix nailers, for instance, which now have a performance that matches those traditionally powered by expensive gas canisters.

Battery technology is central to this change. For instance, our battery platform known as Multi Volt essentially means one battery pack can deliver two Volt classes, and the 36V lithium-ion Multi Volt batteries are compatible with 18V class cordless tools. Intelligent connecting technology makes it possible for the battery pack to detect whether it is being used in an 18V or a 36V device, and automatically adjusts the voltage.

This battery pack technology is setting new standards in cordless freedom and high performance – at the same size and weight of our existing battery packs. This flexibility is particularly beneficial at high power levels. Take, for example, the new C3606DA cordless circular saw, with the same cutting performance of our mains power tools. The 36V tool requires half the amperage of an 18V tool to achieve the same power. Due to the lower amperage and an integrated ventilation system, the battery pack heats up much more slowly.

This has a positive effect on the battery’s capacity and working life because the battery pack can deliver its full power over a longer period of time.

Professionals can work with even the hardest materials when using our C3606DA cordless circular saw combined with the new Multi Volt battery packs. The DS36DAX cordless drill/screwdriver also benefits from the 36V power delivered by the Multi Volt

battery packs. In comparison to current 18V machines, the Multi Volt version is up to 30% faster.

With our new WR36DA cordless impact wrench, the Multi Volt battery packs provide exceptional tightening torque at 1100 Nm and a nut-busting torque of 1600Nm. Apart from the Multi Volt battery packs, the new devices are also equipped with particularly powerful and durable brushless motors. The brushless motor technology performs 50% more efficiently compared to conventional brushed motors.

Faster charging Using the UC18YSL3 r ap i d charger, the BSL36A18 36V battery packs can be fully charged in just 32 minutes.

All Hitachi/HiKOKI Power Tools 18V chargers for slide Li-ion batteries are compatible with the new Multi Volt battery packs. In addition, the battery packs have a particularly long service life – they can be charged up to 1500 times without any appreciable impact on performance. The energy available in the battery pack is displayed on the battery itself through a four-stage charge indicator.

Advances in technology, such as Multi Volt, means cordless power tools are providing tradesmen with greater performance, more run time per charge and longer warranties than ever before. For professional users, it means there are no longer any barriers to using a cordless power tool and they can be assured that they’ve got the power to get the job done. www.hikoki-powertools.co.uk

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TOOLS & Workwear Innovative drill accessory lets you square the circle Quadsaw is the name of a new invention that drills square and rectangular holes. Made in the UK, Quadsaw is an attachment for power drills that uses patented technology to convert rotary motion into linear motion in four planes at once. It means that perfect square holes for electrical sockets and other boxes can be cut in seconds rather than minutes.

The attachment incorporates four blades that cut square holes with minimal dust and high precision. It has a built-in spirit level and the blades can be changed in seconds.

Each set of blades will drill hundreds of holes, as tested in commercial applications, and the accessory is compatible with a variety of drills.

Inventor of the Quadsaw, Michael Sebhatu, comments: “Working as a kitchen fitter whilst completing my Masters degree in Product Design, I watched an electrician sawing the opening by hand to fit an electric box to a wall and wondered why he didn’t use a cutter. That’s how the

idea for Quadsaw was born.

The unique thing about this product is that it’s giving a better life to the person using it. It’s quick and efficient, and there’s no making good afterwards or returning to site to fix things up.”

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Drill makes a big impact Expanding the 18V LXT range from Makita is the DTW180 Brushless LXT Impact Wrench.

This new tool will drive home M8-M16 standard bolts and M6-M12 high tensile bolts, and it delivers 180Nm of tightening torque and 310Nm of nut busting torque.

The DTW180 is also the first 18V impact wrench in the Makita range to have a 3/8in square driving shank.

The new DTW180 is said to offer a number of benefits, including a brushless motor allowing double the run time compared to a standard brushed motor, less friction and more power. This

new impact wrench also benefits from an electric brake, variable speed trigger, forward/reverse rotation and a handy LED job light. The ergonomic soft grip handle will enhance user comfort, whilst the belt clip is another useful feature.

Makita has also added a new bagless vacuum cleaner to the 18V range, suitable for tidying up after a job in a domestic property.

It produces 30W of suction power in Hi mode and 11W in Lo mode, with a maximum airflow of 1.4m³/min.

ENQUIRY No. 169 www.makitauk.com

Help is around the corner Following the launch of new cordless grinders and a hammer drill earlier in the year, Fein is extending its 18V product range with the ASCM 18 QSW 4-speed cordless drill/driver.

This is an alternate version of the 12 and 18 volt ASCM machine, but with two new benefits. First, the Multi-Volt feature allows the machine to be powered by a 12 to 18V Li-ion battery, and second the body is lighter and more compact, weighing just 1.7kg.

Also new to Fein is the SKE drill chuck, an automatically re-tensioning drill chuck from Röhm that prevents drill bits and taps from slipping. Even in reverse running, the drill chuck is stable and remains reliably closed.

In addition, there is now an angle head that enables users to work around corners, even in tight spaces. This product was developed in response to ideas and tooling requests from Fein’s customers. www.fein-uk.co.uk

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Feeling good in your second skin Workwear is constantly evolving, with new fabrics, styles and technology making it better and more comfortable. Ben Maiden, Senior Designer for Scruffs Workwear, explains what you need to know about the future of your work wardrobe, and why you should care.

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nder UK law, all employers must supply appropriate clothing or PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to ensure staff stay safe while on the job. Even for the smallest firms employing a handful of tradespeople, it’s incredibly important to be legally compliant and pay attention to what your staff wear.

Of course, workwear’s number one priority is to protect people from hazards on the job – whether that’s grafting in cold, wet or dry conditions. Historically, workwear choices have tended to be bulky and heavy – something to endure rather than appreciate or enjoy wearing.

However, it’s worth taking the time to see how the latest workwear has evolved, because it doesn’t need to be a chore to wear. Each year, new innovations are being rolled out to help improve safety standards – without adding extra discomfort, weight or expensive cost into the mix.

Innovative fabrics is one area where workwear has evolved.

For instance, Cordura is commonly found in workwear products because it is an abrasion-resistant material. When used, for example, with knee pads, Cordura can provide extra support and durability.

Take comfort While safety is, and will always be, the top priority, it’s in your interests to give some consideration to comfort and fit. In contrast to the one-size-fits-all boiler suits of old, there is a growing trend for more fitted clothing better suited to various body sizes and shapes. Ill-fitting workwear can restrict free movement and could compromise safety, especially if there is excess fabric that might snag or tear

Smart measuring

conditions (and in close proximity to other people!)

Continuing with the footwear theme, steel-capped boots may be a staple PPE requirement, but they have historically been heavy, cumbersome and expensive.

Today, newer designs include upgrades to replace steel with aluminium and plastic composites, which still retain protective properties and also provide a lightweight feel.

First impressions

Hard work in comfortable clothes makes the day go better

on pipes. This is just one of the reasons why today’s work trousers are made with stretch material that allows for better movement – and something you should definitely consider if you’re in need of another pair.

Odour-eliminating fabric is another advance in workwear.

Look out for technology such as Micro-Fresh, which – when used in footwear – minimises unpleasant odours and the growth of bacteria. You only have to think of this year’s heat wave to appreciate how materials such as these would come into their own if you’re working in hot or cramped

Safety boots with comfort built in Three new styles have joined the footwear range from Dickies, each with DTi outsoles that offer comfort and slip-resistance. The new Trenton Pro (pictured) has a steel toe-cap and waterproof membrane as well as a zip fastening to allow quick and easy access.

The Andover safety boot also comes as a shoe and includes metal free protection within the toe-caps and midsoles.

Finally, the fully waterproof Cameron boot benefits from a composite toe-cap and non-metallic midsole anti-penetration protection. Smart and durable, the boot is available in three colour-ways.

The new 300 flue gas analyser from Testo combines intuitive touch-operation with robust construction and efficient documentation.

The 5in Smart-Touch display is operated in a manner similar to a smartphone and displays clearly structured menus for all heating system applications.

Measurement reports with values data also include customer address and site details, which can be created on the spot. The customer confirms the work of the technician with an electronic signature on the touchscreen. Reports can then be sent to the office or customers straightaway via wireless LAN.

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Kits using Testo’s long-life sensor technology, together with automatic dilution of measured flue gas, allow CO measurements up to 30,000ppm without instrument damage. These sensors have an expected working lifespan of six years.

Testo 300 is available in kits for domestic or commercial boilers. The domestic kits come with standard life sensors and various accessories in a soft case. Commercial kits are fitted with long-life sensors and supplied in industrial hard cases. The commercial kits also have the option of a third sensor slot for NOx. PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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Plumbers often rely on word-of-mouth to bring in new business, so it pays to think about first impressions – and workwear can help in making a positive one.

To encourage customer loyalty and retention, it’s important to make sure anyone representing a company at a client’s home or business looks smart and professional – bonus points for branded clothing. Modern, practical and smart workwear can work wonders for the image of a business, helping it stand out from the competition.

Other developments on the horizon include GPS and accelerometers, which, in future, could be woven inside fabric to monitor heat, moisture and location. One day, this could mean that if a plumber were to be badly injured during a job, the clothing would be able to send a message to another member within the company so that they could respond immediately.

Workwear is changing and will continue to do so. Keep an eye on the developments and look out for a style which maintains protection – as well as providing the flexibility and comfort you need to tackle any situation.

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Portable test multimeter with benefits Offering an easy-to-use, safe portable test solution, the new AVO800 multimeter range from Megger comprises two new models – the AVO830 and the AVO835. The range retains the build and performance of the previous AVO units while offering proprietary technologies such as simultaneous AC/DC voltage measurements, smart capacity discharge function and noncontact detection of live circuits and conductors.

“We are excited to bring to market two state-of-theart product solutions to truly help our customers make vital decisions about their most

important assets with peace of mind, which adds complimentary value to our new AVO800 series and takes ‘the Megger way’ of testing to the next level once more,” says Simon Wood, European Distribution Manager at Megger.

The AVO800 instruments have the highest level of protection – the CAT IV and CAT III 1000V ratings. In addition, a phasesequence indication function is especially useful on three-phase systems, ensuring the correct run of operations without the need of additional test leads or probes.

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Professionalism: it’s in the bag Keeping your van and tool bag tidy and well-organised can help you work more efficiently and presents a professional impression to your customers. John Dabb, Sales and Marketing Director at Hyde, looks at some of the solutions that can keep your kit fit.

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s your tool bag Heavy metal well organised?

Metal toolboxes are How about your certainly sturdy – they van? If they could do ensure tools don’t get with a bit of a tidy up damaged even if they then you’re not alone. get bashed in the back of While it can be easy to the van. One drawback, make excuses and tell though, is it can get yourself that you’ll get heavy, and carrying around to sorting things one around all day can out when you’re not so put a strain on the body. busy, the truth is that This is a particular issue an untidy van and an for those using public untidy tool bag not only transport to commute The ClipTech system from ToughBuilt have a negative impact between jobs. on your efficiency levels, they can also give A lightweight alternative made of synthetic a bad impression to customers. materials will be easier to carry around, and Investing in a tool bag or toolbox that keeps they also make organising tools a lot simpler, you organised from the outset can solve with multiple compartments to keep even problems before they start. But with such a the smallest of tools in their rightful place. wide range of bags, boxes and belts to choose Tool belts are often used alongside either from, which one best suits your needs? a tool bag or a box to ensure your tools are While choosing a tool bag is always down always to hand, even when you’re working to personal preferences, there are certain at heights or in tight spaces. However, when things you should bear in mind to ensure you’re working at floor level the tools can dig you pick the one that’s right for you. in your side, with many installers taking the

belt off to avoid this, with tools inevitably ending up strewn all over the floor.

What heating and plumbing engineers really need is a tool bag that combines all the durability and robustness of a metal tool box with the organisational capabilities of a tool bag.

The ToughBuilt range, available in the UK through Hyde, does all of the above.

The Massive Mouth, for example, features a super-wide opening that makes it easy to access tools, while its synthetic material means it is lightweight and easier to carry than a metal tool box.

Weight watchers Solving the issues of tool belts in one product, we also distribute a patented tool belt from ToughBuilt, the ClipTech system. The tool pouch is designed to clip effortlessly on and off a tool belt while its contents remain secure when it is not attached. When you’re working at floor level, the pouch can be unclipped and propped up using the built-in stand at the back, enabling tools to be kept close to hand without them getting in the way.

If you commute between jobs on the bus or train, then a backpack made specifically for carrying tools is a good idea, so long as it’s lightweight enough to carry around without putting a strain on your back, and with enough compartments to prevent tools from getting lost at the bottom of the bag.

Investing a bit of cash in such solutions will ensure you arrive at your next job looking smart and are able to work smarter, ensuring a good first impression.

Tote & pouch GIVEAWAY 3 to be won!

PHAM News is giving away five free ToughBuilt 8in Tote & Universal Pouch Combos with Cliptech technology.

For your chance to win in the lucky draw, just write the number below on the reader enquiry and registration card in this issue and get it to us by the closing date of 5th November 2018. brianhyde.co.uk

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Handy tools to get the job done The risk with hand tools is that some of them require so much force to operate that there is a risk of injury to the user, so selecting ones that can be worked with ease is important. Alex Garami, UK Sales Director for Knipex, takes a look at the hand tools that make life easier.

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nything that makes life on site easier is welcome to any plumbing and heating installer. Tradespeople now have more choice of tools than ever before and there are some sector-specific and ingenious tools that make every day issues – such as crawling into tight spaces, working alone and avoiding possible injuries – easier to deal with.

One of the risks plumbers may face is musculoskeletal injuries. Using non-power tools means your joints take

all the strain and it can be difficult to hold a tool correctly, particularly when confined in a tight space. Symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders in the hands and arms include decreased movement, decreased grip strength, muscle fatigue, tingling, joint swelling, soreness, numbness, changes in skin color and pain.

Minimal force

The Raptor Multiple Slip Joint Spanner makes light work of tightening or removing rusty or thick coated bolted connections, even when there are no surfaces to reliably grip

Tools such as our Knipex Pliers Wrench range has this sorted.

The lever transmission is greater than 10:1 so less force is needed to grip effectively, reducing the chances of injury. Model 86 43 250 also has a 15° angled pliers To help minimise musculoskeletal handle for even easier gripping injuries, the Knipex pliers wrench in awkward places, reducing range requires less force to grip the risk of knuckle injuries.

The pocket sized model (86 03 125) is ideal for working in confined areas. Several models also come in a tethered tool version to prevent tools falling from height, damaging flooring or work surfaces or injuring people or animals.

The smooth jaws grip with a high degree of pressure, allowing you to easily tighten locknuts, exert pressure to activate contact The Siphon and Connector pliers adhesives, snap cable ties and The TwinKey is a multi-functional tool that allows access to cabinets, lockers, and cupboards, plus are for use on siphons, tube fittings, use the pliers as a small vice. it’s useful for controlling heating and ventilation connectors and filter cartridges, as well Unlike a conventional wrench, systems, AC, gas and water supply, and shut-off valves as gently loosening hoses on nozzles where the jaw edge pressure can cause surface damage, the zero backlash jaw pressure on Injury prevention and ease of use take high priority the wrench means there is no damage to surface edges, with the Raptor. A guard prevents the operator’s fingers allowing damage-free installation of plated fittings and being pinched, and the comfortable handle width means no impairment to sensitive mechanisms. you are less likely to develop a strain or injury from use, Tightening can be adjusted at the push of a button, while the push button adjustment on the workpiece is and there is no need to lug a heavy toolbox packed with possible with just one hand. metric and imperial spanners since these pliers wrenches The Raptor Multiple Slip Joint Spanner also replaces the cover both measurement systems. need for a whole set of wrenches, keeping your toolbox lighter and easier to manage.

Key to convenience

For some contractors, the amount of cupboards and cabinets you have to access, not to mention the amount of keys you need to carry about, can be an issue. To access standard cabinets and shut-off systems, a tool such as the TwinKey, fits all common locking systems. This lightweight, small, multifunctional key has eight arms: two 4-way spider keys connected with a powerful magnet to save space. A reversible bit is joined to the key by a stainless steel wire. The tool allows you access to cabinets, lockers, cupboards and can be used when controlling heating and ventilation systems, air conditioning or gas and water supply and shut off valves. It’s a challenge to find something it can’t open!

No slipping up The Raptor Multiple Slip Joint Spanner makes light work of tightening or removing rusty or thick coated bolted connections even when there are no surfaces to reliably grip. The Raptor’s ratchet action and powerful gripping jaws are ideal for metric and imperial nuts and screws with widths from 10 to 32 mm (3/8in up to 11/4in).

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Make the connection When it’s time to get to work on siphons, tube fittings, connectors and filter cartridges up to 80mm diameter, tools such as our Knipex Siphon and Connector pliers are the answer. This robust range can tighten and loosen siphon screw connections, plastic pipe fittings and round union nuts for connectors and couplings with a screw connection. The pliers are also ideal for gently loosening hoses on nozzles and for gentle gripping of filter cartridges that require cleaning or replacement.

The innovative design of the Siphon and Connector pliers has been carefully considered. Adjustable to 25 positions to reach the ideal size, the box-joint design ensures the pliers can tackle a range of diameters.

Find out more For more details on the range of ergonomic hand tools available from Knipex, enter the number below on the reader enquiry and registration card inside this month’s issue, or visit the website below. www.knipex.com

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How to assess a cordless tool’s power capabilities What are the latest developments in power tool battery technology and – more importantly – how do they improve life for the user? Eric Streuli, UK Training Manager for Bosch Power Tools, explains the factors you need to think about when choosing a drill.

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o keep things simple, let’s stick to lithiumion (Li-ion) batteries, which are the only sensible choice, and focus on the 18V class. When shopping for new battery packs you will be bombarded with facts and figures, but what are the real practical differences between products? The answer comes down largely to their power, runtime and lifetime.

New and improved battery cells are now capable of higher power levels, measured in watts (W). Meanwhile, the latest cooling technology allows them to be pushed harder and further before overheating starts to be a problem. Until recently, 800W was the power ceiling. Today, the new Bosch Professional ProCORE18V series offers a battery producing 1600W and another approaching 2000W. As power capabilities conEric Streuli, Bosch Power potential tinue to increase, we are moving For the moment, ignore the battery’s towards a world of cable-free work sites. capacity. This measurement, in amp-hours More and more of the large tools, whose (Ah), gives an idea of how much energy the needs could previously be met only by mains battery can store, not what level of power power, are going cordless. If your existing it can deliver. Ah in a battery is equivalent cordless heavy-duty tools are struggling to get the most out of their batteries, switching to fuel tank capacity in a car. to the new packs will improve things.

When we say one 18V battery is more How to recognise powerful batteries is ‘powerful’ than another, we are talking another matter. Advertisers sometimes state about its ability to drive and maintain a the maximum power level in watts. Some will high current. Higher currents – measured in give an example of how much more powerful amps (A) – are needed by larger tools with they are than a comparable product. You may bigger motors, designed for heavier duties. need to dig deeper to work out which is best.

Sustaining high current is not easy, as intensive use of a tool can generate a lot Running time of battery heat. A battery with an inbuilt It may seem logical to assume that two 18V heat protection system will fade out when it batteries with the same capacity (in Ah) becomes too hot, so the user will lose some will have the same runtime. In practice, it of the expected power. A battery without depends on what you are doing with the tool, such protection will be badly damaged. how efficiently the batteries perform and

whether the cells have suffered any damage.

If you push a battery harder than its power level comfortably allows, it will run out faster than you expect. The most advanced cells not only have power and capacity advantages but work with greater efficiency. In particular, their internal resistance is lower. This resistance is the factor which generates unwanted heat and wastes energy.

Power management Further efficiency is gained in battery packs featuring intelligent power management, as found in our Professional range. Interaction between the tool and battery enables, for example, limitation of current once a screw is sufficiently tight. Automatic adjustments of this kind – a bit like those of an engine management system – intelligently save energy.

It should be remembered that battery cells start deteriorating from day one due to chemical changes. Over the years, their capacity reduces as a result. Batteries with cell protection systems maintain a high capacity for longer and slow down the ageing process.

Life expectancy As you will have seen by now, heat is the biggest enemy of a battery – and the main cause of a shortened service life.

Developments like our CoolPack system extend lifetime in two main ways. One is to use a battery design which dissipates heat quickly. The other is to monitor cell

The amp-hour measurement in a cordless power tool lets you know how much energy the battery can store – not how powerful it is, which is measured in watts

temperatures and reduce current output when they become too hot.

Intelligent heat and power management can now be applied to each individual cell via embedded temperature and current sensors.

These are linked to a circuit board in the tool, through which responses are automatically made to any imbalance or excess.

Progress Recent advances in power, runtime and lifetime are impressive, but there is still plenty of room for development. The nickel-cadmium (NiCad) battery was invented as far back as 1899 and enjoyed many years of development before the Li-ion battery was invented in 1980. Progress driven by the automotive industry, amongst others, is sure to bring further benefits to Liion battery users year after year.

Power to people Power, runtime and lifetime reach new levels in Bosch’s ProCORE18V series, comprising three versions.

‘Compact’ ProCORE18V 4.0 Ah: Single-layer cell arrangement saves significantly on size and weight compared to a standard two-layer battery, but with no reduction in power.

‘Performance’ ProCORE18V 8.0 Ah: Designed for jobs requiring high power intensity. As powerful as a 1600W corded tool, with 87% more power than a standard 18V battery. In tests, sawing and drilling distances have been increased by 150%.

‘Endurance’ ProCORE18V 12.0 Ah: Delivers extremely high power (almost 2000W) and longest runtimes for highly intensive tasks using rotary hammers, angle grinders or circular saws.

With the Bosch CoolPack 2.0, which features intelligent heat management in conjunction with an energy efficient, electronic power management system, battery lifetime is extended by 135% compared to non-CoolPack batteries.

The Pro-CORE18V batteries are 100% compatible with the complete range of Bosch 18V professional cordless power tools and chargers currently available. www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en

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72 TOOLS & Workwear Nibbler keeps cuts Do the twist with electric screwdriver clean and in line

The new nibbler recently launched by Trumpf is described by the company as a first of its kind.

The TruTool FCN 250 is designed to cut various fibre composite materials up to 2.5mm thick.

Unlike saws, milling cutters and angle grinders that have been traditionally used to cut this type of material, Trumpf’s nibblers generate minimal dust, so personal protective equipment is not essential.

The TruTool FCN 250 can separate thermosetting plastics and thermoplastic polymers, as well as carbon-

fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP), glass-fibre reinforced plastics (GFRP) and aramidfibre reinforced plastics (AFRP).

A high working speed of 1.9m per minute is possible and, as the tool provides a clear view of the work surface, users can make precise separating cuts along a scribed line or template, straight line or any contour that involves a tight radius.

The tool carrier can also be rotated through 360°, simplifying tasks in hardto-reach areas.

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Hand tool manufacturer Wiha has launched speedE, an electrically driven screwdriver that the company says will help users complete their work twice as fast.

An electric motor assists with fastening screws up to 0.4Nm before disengaging to ensure that material is protected. The screw can then be fixed by hand, just as with a conventional screwdriver. An electric ratchet function assists users as they complete fastening. The 3-step speedE process enables users to work significantly faster and more efficiently, but by using a controlled technique.

The electric drive handles time-consuming, energysapping screw-fastening at a rapid rate compared to conventional means, and it lets the user conserve their

strength. They can adjust or fasten by hand using up to 8Nm when the integrated material protection function activates at 0.4Nm.

Torque control The speedE can thus also be used as a fully-fledged screwdriver, in combination with the Wiha VDE-tested and insulated slimBits, completely protected for use and work on live parts.

This fine-tuned power transmission and torque control in electric mode

is particularly useful for delicate screw fastenings.

The electric ratchet function helps to make work more efficient, as there is no need for constantly changing grip. An integrated LED light illuminates the work area.

Comparable to normal screwdrivers in terms of size and weight, the Wiha e-screwdriver is suitable for a variety of applications with its compact, lightweight design. SpeedE can be used with all available drives in the Wiha slimBit range.

All Wiha VDE slimBits are compatible with speedE, are tested to 10,000V AC, and are individually tested for up to 1000V AC. When fully charged, the speedE can fasten up to 800 times. In an ideal case, this gives users a time frame of several days to work without recharging the batteries. Standard rechargeable batteries inside the handle eliminate follow-up costs.

The Wiha speedE will be available in three starter set variants. Besides the electric screwdriver, sets include two rechargeable batteries, a portable battery charger, a sturdy Sortimo L-BOXX, and an assortment of suitable slimBits and easyTorque torque adapters with content depending on the variant.

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Fastener has less noise, recoil and dust With the launch of the second-generation BX 3-ME 02 Cordless direct fastening tool, Hilti says it is giving mechanical and electrical contractors the chance to get the job done faster, safer and smarter.

Weighing just 3.8kg, the new tool’s weight-to-reach ratio allows it to fasten 400 nails per charge with the lighter and more compact 22 V, 2.6Ah capacity battery, an

improvement of some 30% on the first-generation tool.

It has also improved the tool’s working speed, allowing users to complete 1.3 fixings per second (FPS) into materials including highstrength concrete, concrete, steel and solid brick, which is also 30% faster.

The magazine – which contains 20 nails measuring

up to 24mm in length – gives both a visual and audible alert when empty.

Designed to keep contact pressure, recoil and noise to a minimum, the BX 3-ME 02 has practically no vibration and is virtually dust-free.

Stefano Acquati, Product Manager for Cordless Direct Fastening, says: “The extra battery lifetime, direct fastening performance and health and safety benefits really put this product into its own class. What’s more, the tool is propellant-free, meaning that operators don’t have the hassle of dealing with hazardous waste on the job site.”

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Right for righties The Mark-Right Tape from Fisco eliminates the problem of having to read tapes upside down. It is designed for righthanded users with a blade that reads from right to left.

By reversing the graduations and making the rule read from right to left, the tape can be held and positioned with the left hand, leaving the right free to make an accurate mark.

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The graduations are the right way up, not inverted, making the job easier and more efficient for the right handed.

Available in 5m lengths, the blade is graduated in mm and inches, is accurate to EC Class II and housed in a tough ABS case with a positive action slide lock brake, belt clip and zeroing end hook.

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TOOLS T OOL O S & Workwear Wo orkwear 73 How H ow to to cut cut larger larger p ipes without witho out fail fail pipes

Protect Pr otect ffrom rom tthe he w weather eather Guard yourself Guard yourself against against the the elements elements with w ith Snickers’ Snickers’ AllRoundWork AllRoundWork waterwaterproof while working on orr pr oof jackets jackets w hile w orking o n ssite ite o errands. jjust ust running running day-to-day day-to-day e rrands. With With plenty p lenty of of features features to to cope cope with with the the worst worst weather can deliver, are tthat hat tthe he w eather c an d eliver, tthere here a re options and o ptions ffor or both both tradesmen tradesmen a nd women. women.

With W it h lightweight light weight and and heavier-duty heav ier-dut y designs and are d esig ns a nd styles, st yles, tthese hese jjackets ackets a re 100% waterproof.

1 0 0% w aterproof. The The insides insides are are fully fully l ssealed ealed tto o guard g uard against against gusts g usts of of wind w ind and a nd d downpours, ow npours, and and every ever y seam seam is is ttaped aped or or sealed. sealed. Even Even the the pockets pockets and and cuffs are keep c uf fs a re specially specially designed desig ned tto o k e ep

weather tthe he w eat her out out and and dry dr y warmth war mt h in. i n.

There’s T here’s a host host of of designs, desig ns, styles st yles and you can a nd extensive extensive size size options options sso oy ou c an sselect elect jjust ust the the right r ight jacket jacket ffor or y you ou a and nd y our job. job. To To back back them t hem up, up, Snickers Snickers your h as a g reat range range of of winter w inter vests vests and and has great b ody war mers, e ven a B ody M apping bodywarmers, even Body Mapping M icro F leece – so so you’ll you’ll be be well well looked looked Micro Fleece a f t er a ll day, day, every ever y day. day. after all T o ssee ee more more o nickers’ collection collect ion To off S Snickers’ o utumn and and winter w inter workwear, workwear, just just off a autumn v isit tthe he w ebsite below. below. visit website PHAM P H A M NEWS NEWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk w ww.snic ckersworkwear.co.uk

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The T he ccutting utting edge edge Easy Easy in the the hand hand New ffrom New r om A Arctic r c t ic H Hayes ayes iis s a rrange ange o off p pipe ipe c cutters ut ter s ffor or u use se o nP VC a nd m ulti-layer p ipes. T ools iin n the the range range include include a on PVC and multi-layer pipes.

Tools 4 2mm pipe pipe cutter cutter with w it h a blade blade that t hat is is fully f ully hidden hidden when when 42mm help The rretracted etracted tto oh elp reduce reduc u e injuries. injuries. T he 3-35mm 3-35mm and and 3-45mm 3-45mm adjustable pipe a djustable p ipe cutters cutters come come fitted fitted with with four four rollers, rollers, making making and are ttwisting w ist ing a nd cutting cutt ing pipes pipes easier. easier. Spare Spare blades blades a re a lso a vailable ffor or a ll p roducts also available all products iin n the the range. range.

www.arctic-hayes.com w ww.arctic-hayes.com

PHAM PH A M NEWS NEWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.

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Erg Ergonomic gonomic design design is is at at the th he h heart eart of of B Bahco’s ahco’s 8 8231 231 s lip jjoint oint pliers plierrs to to deliver deliv ver slip maximum m aximum comfort com with minimum m inimum effort, effor helping to o re reduce educe the the risk of p ainful strain strain or painful iinjury. njury.

The T he jaws jaws have ha ve an extra wide e xtra wi de o p en i n g tto o e nsure e opening ensure llarge arge capacity capacitty y grip, griip, while while a shorter shorte er h handle and dle e provides provid des

better hand b ettte er access. access. Single Sin ngle h and o peratio on iis s en nabled by by a operation enabled thumb th hu umb adjustadjustmentt button. buttton.

These slip slip jjoint oint ers a re pliers are manufactured ac t u r e d with anti-corrosion orrosion treated high alloy oy steel steel jaws and and with hardened jaws ab lack finish. finish. black PHAM P HAM N NEWS EWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.

www.bahco.com w ww.bahco.com

185 18 5

To make To make good, good, clean clean cuts cuts on on larger larger pipes, pipes, REMS REMS offers offers cutting iinstallers nstallers its its Cento, Cento, a pipe pipe c utting machine machine that thatt cuts cuts square, square, dry d ry ((no no lubricants lubricants required), required), c chip-free hip-free and and with with no no outer outer burr. burr.

T he m anufacturer points points out out tthat hat d epth m arking iis sa The manufacturer depth marking critical c ritical p part art of of the the installation installation pr process, ocess, b because ecau use if if the the tube tube is is not n ot iinserted nserted tto o tthe he rrequired equired d depth epth tthen hen tthere here iis sah high igh rrisk isk off fi o fitting tting failure. failure. T To oc counter ounter tthis his rrisk, isk, R REMS E MS h has as pr produced oduced ad evice tthat hat c an e asily be be mounted mounted tto o tthe he C ento m achine device can easily Cento machine and a nd adjusted adjusted iinline nline w with ith tthe he d diameter iameter o off the the pipe, pipe, making making pipe p ipe marking marking sso om much uch e easier. asier. www.rems.de www .rems.de

PHAM PH A M N NEWS EW S E ENQUIRY NQUIRY N No. o.

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October 2018

74 WHAT’S New

Composite filter is so easy to fit and clean Adding to its range of in-line system filter options, Fernox has unveiled the TF1 Sigma Filter. The sealed filter is made from composite polymer and, like its brass counterpart the TF1 Omega Filter, will be available with valves or slip socket connection.

Said to have been designed in response to extensive market research and feedback from customers, the TF1 Sigma Filter will come in both 22 and 28mm versions and will be available for purchase from January. It features a high-performance filter with Hydronic Particle Separation (HPS) technology and magnetic filtration to

remove system debris fast and efficiently from a domestic heating system.

As a sealed unit with no removable lid, Fernox says that ongoing maintenance costs can be reduced as there will be no need to replace ‘O’ rings when servicing.

Ideal for use in restricted spaces, it can be installed horizontally, vertically or in any orientation in both flow directions. For extra reliability, it also features double radial seals on the connection between the manifold and the main body of the filter.

In addition, the filter is made from engineering-grade polymer that is ideally suited

Compact MVHR solution

for heating and cooling system applications – providing tough resistance against extremes in temperature and pressure.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.fernox.com

187

Designed for use in small to medium size residential properties, the HRXE range of high performance mechanical ventilation with heat recovery units represent the latest MVHR solution from Domus Ventilation.

Building on its success in MVHR, Domus has developed the HRXE units to provide greater efficiency through the use of advanced heat exchange proficiency and low specific fan power (SFP). When used with a kitchen and one wet room at typical installation, the HRXE provides a 90% heat exchange performance and boasts a very low SFP down to 0.57W/litres/sec.

Time is right for Viessmann oil boiler A floor-standing domestic oil boiler has been added to Viessmann’s UK product range. The Vitorondens 200-T condensing boiler features the company’s bespoke twostage Vitoflame blue flame technology, thereby meeting the latest requirements on NOx emissions that came into force in September.

UK Marketing Director Darren McMahon explains: “The exceptionally high standards of the Vitorondens 200-T has been proven in Germany and other international markets for many years. With the upcoming emissions legislation, the time is now right for the Vitorondens boiler to be more widely introduced into the UK as an alternative to biomass and LPG boilers for off-

ENQUIRY

356

grid customers and where renewable options aren’t always ideal.

“This will be good news for our installers, to whom we now provide a complete product range and access to technology that’s easy to install, wellproven and future-proofed

against future changes in legislation. Sharing the same connections as our Vitodens gas boilers, the Vitorondens 200-T can be installed via Viessmann’s time-saving four-pipe system, which has no need for cut-off valves or cylinder-overheat thermostats.”

The cast iron Vitorondens 200-T, with outputs ranging from 20.2 to 107.3kW, also features Viessmann’s downstream Inox-Radial stainless steel heat exchanger which separates combustion and condensation, so that combustion gases condense on the heat exchanger without leaving any residues behind. Energy efficiency is ‘A’ rated, with standard seasonal energy efficiency (to DIN) up to 97% gross and 103% net.

For ease of installation, the Vitorondens is easy to handle because the boiler body is delivered as a block, whilst thermal insulation, downstream heat exchanger, and control unit are fitted on site.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.viessmann.co.uk

189

The new system is also claimed to be whisper quiet in operation, and noise levels can be further reduced through the use of an anti-vibration tray, which isolates the unit from the wall to reduce any low levels of vibration.

There are four models in the HRXE range, all featuring 100%

thermal (summer) bypass which automatically activates when the air temperature reaches a pre-set level, allowing in cooler, fresh, filtered air without warming it through the heat exchanger.

For ease of installation, the HRXE units are smaller than previous models, making them ideal for wall-mounted cupboard installation, with opposite handed models available to meet different onsite requirements. Integrated controls can also be accessed via a front panel for easy commissioning.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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www.domusventilation.co.uk

Ready for action

In time for the new heating season, Grundfos has announced a new and improved domestic circulator line-up. Replacing ALPHA2L, the new ALPHA1 is claimed to deliver the highest efficiency on the market, while the new ALPHA3 delivers the same high efficiency but also includes wireless hydraulic balancing and direct set-up via a smartphone.

Also new and superseding the Grundfos UPS2, the UPS3 retains popular features such as: manual deblocking, robust start-up and ceramic shaft / bearings, but has also added a new plug for increased efficiency. It will also allow for a faster first-time fix, as it replaces many OEM boiler pumps. To confirm if the UPS3 can be used, simply scan an old pump with the Grundfos GO Replace app. www.grundfos.co.uk

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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October 2018

WHAT’S New

Win a workwear wardrobe from Snickers and Solid Gear Tw

It’s all in the utility room Now available from Packaged Plant Solutions (PPS) is a new range of heat interface unit (HIU) utility cupboards, providing hot water and heating on demand for large residential multi-occupancy properties.

The utility cupboards are built off-site and are delivered fully fitted with HIUs, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery ventilation systems, and underfloor heating capability.

They also include the associated piping and electricals as well as washing machine space to achieve a true ‘plug and play’ solution.

The HIU utility cupboards are available as a standardised option for simple projects, but can also be built bespoke to any type of design requirements.

o to be won

www.packagedplant.com

ENQUIRY No.

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Purge stale air to the outside A purge ventilation unit from Titon has been launched for use in residential dwellings.

Designed for house builders and specifiers, the new unit removes indoor pollutants within a home and is designed to satisfy the Building Regulations Part F 2010 requirement for purging, as set out in Appendix B. Titon’s Purge Ventilation unit is capable of extracting a minimum of four air changes per hour per room.

Featuring a low profile and boasting a high-efficiency EC fan to meet the requirements of both new build and refurbishment projects, the unit is suitable for use in rooms measuring up to 45m2. It can either be used as an independent purge system in its own right, or integrated into Titon’s HRV Q Plus MVHR or CME Q Plus

MEV systems to provide additional dedicated purge ventilation. The fans can be fitted inline or in ceiling extract ducting, while purging between multiple rooms can be achieved by adding a cross-talk attenuator to the ventilation system.

Other benefits of the new unit include the fact that it is lightweight, has low acoustic properties, and is simple to install.

The unit is 100% speed controllable, which allows designers to configure for every application, while ensuring compatibility with makeup air solutions when required.

In addition to improving indoor air quality, it can also be used to increase thermal comfort and combat overheating. www.titon.co.uk

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More than just fixing tiles A new premium tile fi xing grout by Weber joins a comprehensive range of tile prep-fi x-set and joint products. The Weberjoint Premium tile grout is designed to help achieve a high quality finish and long lasting performance.

The product is a scratchresistant, extra-flexible tile grout designed for interior and exterior tiling onto walls and floors and where some movement or vibration is expected. Suitable for all types of tiles – ceramic, porcelain, mosaic, quarry, natural stone, terrazzo and terracotta – Weberjoint Premium can be used for wooden floors and is recommended for floors with underfloor heating or undertile warming.

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This month two lucky readers will win a package of essential workwear that will keep them in comfort – and in style – while on the job.

The prize Each winner will get a workwear package that includes Snickers’ new Comfort Work Trousers, Solid Gear’s Phoenix Safety Boot, plus a Snickers’ logo’d full zip hoodie.

The comfort stretch fabrics in the trousers provide a slimmer, tailored fit for enhanced freedom of movement plus improved ventilation and close-quarter mobility.

Featuring a Boa closure system, the Phoenix GTX boots integrate a sporty, modern design with the best materials – Gore-Tex, Cordura and Vibram soles – for water protection and durability, plus ventilation to keep your feet dry and comfortable.

The stylish FZ Hoodie has a vertical 3D-printed Snickers Workwear logo. It’s really comfortable and easy to adjust for ventilation.

How to enter “This professional-standard grout is water repellent and has the added advantage of Weber’s new Pure Clean anti-stain technology,” says Tracey Dempster, Head of Marketing, Saint-Gobain Weber.

“This unique feature reduces the appearance of patchiness and greatly

improves resistance to staining and discolouration,” “Weberjoint Premium also benefits from the addition of Mould Stop Technology which offers lasting protection from mould growth, making it ideal for use in wet or damp environments.”

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.uk.weber

193

Simply read the question below and then write your answer on the freepost reader enquiry and registration card inside this month’s issue. So, for example, if you think the answer is ‘£99.99’, you should write 101 on the card. The winner will be drawn from all the correct entries received before the closing date of 5th November 2018. Only one entry allowed per person.

About how much does the average Brit spend on clothes each year?

£99.99 101

£1092 102

£15,000 103

03/10/2018 20:16

October 2018

76 WHAT’S New Super-white for accessibility Booster sets deliver savings with faster commissioning The AKW tiling and accessories portfolio now includes a complementary range of super-white tiles and accessories for accessible bathroom installations. Designed with both safety and practicality in mind, the range is available in three sizes, with accompanying accessories including spacers, edging and trims, adhesive and grout.

The surface of each tile is bumpy, enabling overhead lighting glare to be diffused and reduced, beneficial to those with visual impairments and those living with dementia. The super-white finish enables maximum colour contrast to be achieved with flooring, grab rails, shower seats and painted wall areas, helping those with visual impairments navigate the space more easily.

Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing, says:

“AKW continues to offer more by supplying a wider range of the elements needed to create a safe, long-lasting and costefficient bathroom adaptation.

With this in mind, it made

perfect sense for us to extend our accessible bathroom product offering with this new tile and accessories range.”

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.akw-ltd.co.uk

194

Armstrong Fluid Technology has launched the Design Envelope 6800G Boosters that are said to be are easier to install and commission, save space in the plantroom, and offer energy efficient performance across a wider operating range than ever before. Bringing together the benefits of Armstrong’s Design Envelope control technology and highefficiency IE5 rated motors, the new 6800G booster range is claimed to offer major advantages in installation savings and reduced commissioning time.

In addition, the integrated variable speed intelligence embedded in the controller optimises energy efficiency throughout the booster’s lifetime, delivering the building owner/ occupier a better return on investment.

The boosters address the water delivery

Shower specialist Try out the trap enters the kitchen Known for its premium range of showers and tapware, Methven has launched its first ever collection of kitchen sink mixer taps.

The Methven Kitchen range consists of seven products, including extendable and pull-out options, including the Gaston Sink Mixer, pictured left.

All products in the Methven Kitchen collection are manufactured from Eco Brass, ensuring longer product life and helping maintain water quality. The taps also come with a 20year warranty.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.methven.com/uk/home

196

The Neo from Wirquin is a range of basin and sink traps boasting a zero-leak bottle trap. All washers are over-moulded onto the body so there can be no loss of washers, which is claimed to give total protection against leaks.

Replacing the traditional ventapipe air admittance valve is the Neo Air system, which prevents noisy gurgling and bad smells. It allows the pipes to be naturally ventilated.

When a negative pressure is created in the pipework, the membrane rises, thus creating continual ventilation to prevent the suction of the water seal.

Wirquin is offering PHAM Get a readers the chance to get free a free sample of the Neo. Just visit: www.wirquin. sa m p le co.uk/freeneo

www.wirquin.co.uk

Three phase ground source The ground source heat pump range from Kensa has been expanded with a 15kW three-phase addition to its Evo series. Already featuring 7, 9 and 13kW models, as well as a 17kW option, Kensa has now developed this new three phase option.

The 15kW three phase model provides an MCS approved solution for larger commercial premises with three phase power supplies and higher heat demands. It enables the owners of these properties to apply for funding from the non-domestic strand of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Guy Cashmore, Kensa’s Technical Director, says: “Kensa is proud to release

76.indd 1

this latest update to the successful Evo Series, which is the first three-phase offering within the range and will provide a viable option for owners of commercial premises wanting to take advantage of the non-domestic RHI. “It features the same innovative yet simple design as the other models, ensuring high efficiencies and industry leading noise reduction. As with the rest of the series, it incorporates our Genesis System Controller, which enables installers to perform monitoring, interrogation and commissioning remotely.”

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.kensaheatpumps.com/evo

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challenges of high-rise buildings by combining vertical multi-stage pumps with advanced variable speed controls. Supplied fully-assembled and integrated, Armstrong 6800G packaged booster sets can be configured with 2, 3, 4 or 5 pumps to suit the application. Product selection is simple and quick, with purpose-designed online selection software, along with a return on investment calculator tool to help contractors quantify savings for their customers based on actual project data.

Off-site manufacture means that the packaged booster sets are fully-tested prior to delivery for quick, trouble-free installation and commissioning, with minimal wiring and mounting required on site. armstrongfluidtechnology.com

ENQUIRY No.

195

Inclusive shower has diverter tech

With multigenerational living on the rise, Triton Showers has launched the Elina Bar Diverter mixer shower, featuring diverter technology within an inclusive showering option.

Featuring a thermostatic TMV3 accredited temperature control, and an automatic shutdown if either the hot or cold water supplies fail, the Elina Bar Diverter has been designed with user safety at the fore.

The shower can switch the flow of water between a large diameter fixed shower head and a five-spray pattern handset, adding luxury and versatility to the bathroom while remaining suitable for all of the family to enjoy.

With a chrome finish,

this minimalist shower complements the modern bathroom. However, features such as tamperproof looped lever controls and clear flow and temperature markings are subtly included for added peace of mind.

As required by the TMV3 standard, the temperature can be set internally at the desired level for each enduser. The model is also easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance, as the design prevents trapped dirt.

For ease of installation, the Elina Bar Diverter comes with push-fit surface brackets. A full five year parts and labour guarantee is also provided as standard.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.tritonshowers.co.uk

199

03/10/2018 20:30

PHAM NEWS OCT18:Layout 1 04/10/2018 16:11 Page 77

October 2018

WHAT’S New 77 Get the air out of Oil boiler updates to comply with ErP bigger systems Installers working on larger jobs will benefit from Spirotech’s newest addition to the SpiroVent RV2 deaerator range, which offers ad-ditional levels of heating system protection.

The SpiroVent RV2 is now available to suit connections up to 2in and utilises the same Spirotube technology to create the right conditions for microbubbles to rise upwards out of the water before being released by an automatic valve at the top of the unit to removing air from a heating system.

Spirotech points out that the presence of air can affect

a heating system in a variety of negative ways, leading to corrosion and the formation of magnetite. By investing in a deaerator, engineers can offer long term protection against corrosion to their customers, who will likely also experience improved energy efficiency from their heating system.

Built to last, the SpiroVent RV2 is made from brass and is backed by a 20year guarantee.

The unit is now available in ¾, 1, 1¼, 1½ and 2in sizes alongside the existing 22mm and 28mm deaerators.

To find out more, enter the number below on the reader enquiry card.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.spirotech.com

200

A new range of Danesmoor and Greenstar oil boilers are the latest Worcester Bosch products to go low NOx as part of a drive for better energy efficiency under the Energy-related Products (ErP) Directive.

The oil range, which includes the Greenstar Danesmoor Regular, System and Utility models, as well as the Greenstar Heatslave II and Heatslave II External, will now comply with the maximum NOx emission levels of 120mg/kWh. Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication

and Product Management at Worcester Bosch, comments: “Since the changes were first announced, we’ve been working hard to develop our oil boilers without

impacting the external design or installation process. Installers as a result can continue to install our range of oil boilers without needing to be retrained.”

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

201

Heat pump works with R32 refrigerant Claiming to have produced its greenest heat pump ever, Grant UK has added the 12kW Aerona³ air source heat pump with R32 refrigerant.

This inverter driven model uses the more

COMPETITION

Win a Murelle Advanced HE ErP combi!

PHAM News has teamed up with boiler manufacturer Sime to give away a Murelle Advanced HE ErP boiler each month to one lucky reader.

Available in 30 and 40kW combination boilers, the Murelle Advanced HE ErP is among the most intelligent, practical and comforting combination boilers on the market. With its three star domestic hot water delivery, active combustion control, large user display and built-in service reminder, the Advanced LV SDFNHG IXOO RI WHFKQRORJ\ WR HIIHFWLYHO\ DQG HIÀ FLHQWO\ GHOLYHU LWV XVHUV· KHDWLQJ DQG KRW ZDWHU GHPDQGV 6LPH LV VR FRQÀ GHQW ZLWK WKH UHOLDELOLW\ RI WKH SURGXFW that it offers extended warranties of up to ten years. For more details visit sime.co.uk

environmentally friendly R32 refrigerant, which makes for a cleaner heat pump while still delivering the performance.

It has achieved an ErP rating of A++.

The introduction of the new heat pump is in response to the growing demand for products which have a lower impact on the environment. The 2014 EU Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas (F-Gas) Regulations is legislation designed to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbons, with the introduction of a series of targets which are designed to limit the use of gases that have the highest global

warming potential (GWP).

Grant’s latest ASHP uses R32 refrigerant which has a GWP that is considerably lower than other typical heat

Waterproof backer boards

pump refrigerants such as R410, thus complying with the upcoming legislative targets.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

Advertiser’s Index ACV UK Ltd

35

Hitachi Power Tools UK Ltd

Advance Appliances Ltd

21

(Hikoki)

69

Alpha Heating Innovation 54

Ideal Commercial Boilers

59

Anton Industrial

Intatec Ltd

13 60

Services Ltd

72

Intergas Heating Ltd

Ariston Boilers

56

John Guest Speedfit Ltd

8

BWT

42

Bahco Tools

66

Bathroom Manufacturers 32

Baxi Heating UK

53 3

Brymec

65

CMR Controls Ltd

74

Carrara & Matta

His smile is a bit of an oddity

Last month’s winner Congratulations to Paul Arnell who FRUUHFWO\ LGHQWLÀ HG 7RP &UXLVH LQ ODVW PRQWK·V LVVXH DQG ZRQ WKH SUL]H GUDZ

www.abacus-bathrooms.co.uk

ENQUIRY No.

203

(EMEA Bemis Ltd)

27

Conex Universal Ltd

45

Danfoss Ltd

25

Drayton Controls

20

ELCO Burners

33

The Electric Heating Company

Front Cover Wrap Kamco Ltd

30

Kingspan Environmental Ltd 44 MV Fluids Handling Ltd

Association Brian Hyde Ltd

The Elements Backer Boards from Abacus provides a waterproofing and wetroom solution that enables flexible designs.

With high compressive strength, the waterproof system also includes floor and wall kits, all of which can be tiled directly.

The system is lightweight, easy to handle and cut, and suitable for application with electric underfloor heating.

The boards come in various sizes within the mini, standard and wide ranges – mini boards start at 1200 x 600mm with a 6mm thickness, while wide boards go all the way up to 2400 x 1200mm with a 12mm thickness.

202

www.grantuk.com

BES Ltd

Who’s behind the famous smile?

To be in with a chance of winning a Sime Murelle Advanced HE 30 ErP combi, simply identify the famous person behind this smile.

Please send your answer via email to editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk with ¶6PLOH ZLWK 6LPH· in the subject line and including the following: <RXU QDPH DQG EXVLQHVV·V QDPH Phone number Type ¶<HV· in the body of your email if you are happy to receive offers from Sime via email.

All correct answers received before the closing date of 5th November 2018 will be entered into the prize draw. Only one entry will be allowed per person.

Only the Danesmoor 3250kW model has undergone a minor change to its external body, increasing in width by 50mm to 600mm and in height by 90mm to 1100mm.

Flue system and plume management designs will remain the same.

Internal changes to the Danesmoor design are minimal, with the biggest change being a burner with a new combustion head. This re-circulates the flames’ heat, with a consequential lowering of NOx emissions.

38

Navien UK Nest

16, 17, 80

Nu-Heat UK Ltd

29

OFTEC

14

Pegler Yorkshire Group Ltd 31 Ravenheat Manufacturing Ltd

57

Riello

11

Stiebel Eltron UK Ltd

37

Stokvis Energy Systems

61

Testo

10

TPI Europe Ltd

71

Vaillant Group

Firebird Heating

5 46

51

Solutions Ltd

23

Viega Ltd

Flamco Ltd

43

Viessmann Ltd

55

FLIR Systems Ltd

73

Westco

12

Ford Motor Company

19

Wiha Tools Ltd

67

Fortress Distribution Ltd

70

Wirquin Ltd

15

GasApp Uk

63

Worcester, Bosch Group

Gastec Training

22

Wunda Group plc

Grundfos Pumps Ltd

9

Heatrae Sadia Heating Ltd 39

6, 7

49 40,41

Xylem Water Solutions UK Ltd

4

78-79 Pham OCT18:Layout 1 04/10/2018 12:16 Page 78

October 2018

78 DIRECTORY Training & Assessments

Radiators

Controls

FREE INSTALLER TRAINING

BOOK NOW

TRAINING@AQUALISA.CO.UK 01959 560042 AQUALISA.CO.UK/TRAINING

Pictured: Adam (loves installing Aqualisa products)

BANICO CONTROLS

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MR COMBI

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STEVE WILLIS TRAINING

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Safety Products

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PALADIN

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

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

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To find out more about highlighting your Training Courses and availability to over 29,000* PHAM News readers, please contact Sharon classified@phamnews.co.uk 01889 577 222 *ABC Audited Circulation 29,094 Jan-Dec 2017

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78-79 Pham OCT18:Layout 1 04/10/2018 12:16 Page 79

October 2018

INFORMATION Centre 79 Central Heating Wiring & Controls Book

‘Central Heating fault finding & repair’

For years electricians and heating engineers have commented that wiring heating controls is a difficult subject to learn, existing diagrams are not always easy to follow.

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

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

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

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It’s Time to Gear Up for Changeable Weather

Detailed Chimney Component Product Information from Schiedel You can find detailed information on Schiedel’s product range and their component information includes diameter details and dimensions, as well as weights, colour variants and more.

It's easy to find products by keywords and the product code.

The Product Finder also includes useful brochures, videos and installation guides.

Visit www.schiedel.co.uk or enter the PHAM No. SCHIEDEL

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

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Solar Heating

Snickers NEW stretch garments and body-mapping layers deliver extreme working comfort and protection –whatever the weather.

Snickers Workwear continues to improve its working clothes with brand new weatherproof stretch Trousers and Jackets.

With great fit and superb value for money – they’ll be first choice for outside work that demands maximum comfort, mobility and protection.

Checkout the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk email info@snickersworkwear.co.uk or enter the PHAM No SNICKERS

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Stylish solutions from BLANCO by GUTMANN BLANCO UK has launched the new BLANCO by GUTMANN extractor hood brochure which illustrates the very latest in extraction hood design and technology.

GUTMANN’s hand-crafted extractor hoods set the highest standards on the market, combining style with unrivalled technology and advanced engineering. The creation of individual ventilation systems is conducted by GUTMANN due to their outstanding technical competence and specialisation in extractor hoods.

For further information on BLANCO UK, please call 01923 635 200 visit www.blanco.co.uk or enter the PHAM No.

Solar Thermal Heating The sensible choice for efficient commercial and domestic solar projects!

BLANCO

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New Recruitment Website For Construction Industry For expert design, specifications and supply contact us: info@cool-sky.co.uk ++44 (0) 28 91 829470 @CoolSkySolar www.cool-sky.co.uk COOLSKY

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The Courtney Smith Group are excited to announce the launch of their new, user friendly website and fresh new brand appearance.

Dan Boyce - Sales Director said “We wanted to give our brand a fresh approach but remaining true to our original values. We are focusing on both our sales division and the executive division to take the Group forward into the fast-paced recruitment sector of the construction industry giving help to both clients and employers, but also introducing our Group to potential candidates and employers who want to be involved in our recruitment process” To find out more visit www.courtneysmithgroup.co.uk Or enter the PHAM No. COURTNEY SMITH GROUP

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MR COMBI

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New High Tech Safety Boots from Solid Gear With a focus on comfort and S3 safety, Solid Gear’s Falcon (shown) and Apollo boots are probably the most robust boots you can get for the winter months. With durable uppers these heavyduty boots will keep your feet dry and insulated so you can work comfortably in the roughest conditions on site. What’s more, the new oil- and slip resistant Vibram soles deliver outstanding grip on snow and ice.

To get more information on Solid Gear - the Next Generation of Safety Footwear, visit the website at www.solidgearfootwear.com or enter the PHAM No. SOLID GEAR

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New Kinerock presenter from Saniflo To support sales and displays of the new Kinerock shower tray, the team at Saniflo has developed a stylish presenter. The sturdy book-style unit contains six samples of the cut-able tray that showcases the range of available colours and the actual material of manufacture.

Retailers interested in receiving a sample of the new presenter should contact their local Kinedo by Saniflo Sales Manager or enter the PHAM No. www.saniflo.co.uk SANIFLO

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Toshiba Highlights New ESTÍA 5 Heat Pumps in Brochure The latest generation of Toshiba’s ESTÍA heat pump, ESTÍA 5, is now available and being highlighted in a new brochure. After 10 years of continuous research and development in air-to-water heat pump technology, the new series of ESTÍA heat pumps delivers energy efficient, low cost heating and cooling for homes and small commercial properties.

To find out more about the benefits of Toshiba’s latest generation of high performance heat pumps download the new Toshiba ESTÍA 5 brochure. www.toshiba-aircon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ESTIA.pdf TOSHIBA

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