October 2021 by PHAM News

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OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 59 | ISSUE 8

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The big costs and challenges of converting homes for net zero The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council has produced a new white paper that seeks to clarify the challenges and costs of converting UK homes over to low carbon technologies It is widely accepted that retrofitting homes with low carbon technologies, like heat pumps and hydrogen boilers, will be key to meeting the UK’s net zero targets. However, many of the different heating systems that circulate heat and hot water in properties are not currently appropriate for these emerging technologies. To outline where improvements need to be made and how different domestic systems can be aligned with the country’s long-term goals, the HHIC has launched an informative white paper entitled ‘Heating up to Net Zero’. It has been researched and written by members of the HHIC, the Hot Water Association (HWA) and the Manufacturers Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC). It seeks to clarify what the challenges are, as well as what is required for them to be overcome. The document states that fewer than nine million UK homes now have a hot water storage appliance and many radiators may need to be replaced for the transition to high efficiency, low carbon

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used as a back-up during the coldest days of the year. However, it acknowledges that considerable work is needed to prepare legacy building stock for a net zero economy, and that the transition will be prohibitively expensive and disruptive for many people. For that reason, it is argued that low temperature heating systems with existing boilers and upgrades to system pipework and controls, which would deliver 6% to 8% efficiency improvements, shouldn’t be overlooked.

Inside this issue Energy matters See page ˚˟

Product news See page ˞˚

Installer training heating systems. Also, some five million homes built in the last ˜˙ years contain microbore pipework that may not be suitable for such upgrades. The paper also highlights the need for greater public awareness and installer training.

More support Stewart Clements, director of the HHIC, comments: “Homeowners need support to ensure they can plan and upgrade their heating and hot water systems. This will ultimately come down to government initiatives, which is where the white paper aims to provide a framework for formulating new policy. “A mix of low carbon technology along with lower temperature heating systems will be required to meet the government’s target of net zero by ˛˙˞˙. As most replacement heating appliances are due to a distressed purchase,

there is a tendency for the rest of the system to be forgotten.” One of the key examples given in ‘Heating up to Net Zero’ is that many homeowners are currently removing hot water cylinders. However, these are needed for the supply of hot water if a low temperature heat generator, such as a heat pump, is to be fitted in the future. Replacing old cylinders with better insulated and controlled models that incorporate high recovery heat exchangers and are suitable for low temperature/low carbon systems should be incentivised by a simpleto-understand government scheme. The paper highlights that hybrid approaches could be an effective way to accelerate the move to low carbon heating, with a smart control system ensuring that the most suitable technology is used. It is argued that a heat pump would satisfy the majority of a home’s heating demand, with the existing gas boiler only being

Aside from a focus on the heating system, the HHIC has also drawn attention to the critical role of installer training because they are the main point of contact with the homeowner. The report says that for both those entering the industry, and for individuals who already possess a wealth of experience, getting to grips with new technology will be vital in overall successful implementation. Stewart concludes: “There are many challenges ahead, but also a number of opportunities, not least in providing extensive retraining for the UK installer base. The ‘Heating up to Net Zero’ paper looks at these in detail, highlighting the different ageing systems that circulate heat and hot water in our homes, and aims to ensure they are adequately covered by future government policy.” Download a copy of the white paper by using the online readerlink below: ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˙˚

COMPETITION Set of press jaws and ƩŶŶĢłėŭ Ŷŋ ðā ƒŋł̉ See page ˞˜

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Inside this issue 5 OCTOBER 2021 VOLUME 59 ISSUE 8

Editor’s Viewpoint by Chris Jones

Investing in the future The fact that many UK householders will be facing a steep rise in energy costs this winter, coupled with many increases to other household bills, has been the focus of much discussion in the wider media. The well documented escalation of wholesale gas prices has meant that many households will be paying ŭĢėłĢƩ óÖłŶķƘ Ŀŋũā ĕŋũ ŶĞā ťũĢƑĢķāėā ŋĕ ĞāÖŶĢłė ŶĞāĢũ ĞŋĿāŭ ŋƑāũ the coming months. Any belt-tightening is unlikely to be welcomed by anyone, not least those on the lower end of the income spectrum, but it does at least present an opportunity to ĞĢėĞķĢėĞŶ ŶĞā łāāù ĕŋũ ĕŽũŶĞāũ ĢłƑāŭŶĿāłŶ Ģł ðŋŶĞ ŭĞŋũŶ-term and long-ŶāũĿ āłāũėƘ ŭÖƑĢłė ĿāÖŭŽũāŭ̍ The cost and disruption required to get the UK’s ageing housing ŭŶŋóĴ Žť Ŷŋ Ö ŭŶÖŶā ƒĞāũā ĢŶ ƒĢķķ ðā Öðķā Ŷŋ ðāłāƩ Ŷ ĕũŋĿ ķŋƒ temperature, low carbon heating technologies is something of a ŭŶŽĿðķĢłė ðķŋóĴ Ŷŋ ŶĞā ėŋƑāũłĿāłŶ̪ŭ łāŶ ơāũŋ ÖĿðĢŶĢŋłŭ̇ āŭťāóĢÖķķƘ at a time when the Treasury has shown little appetite to unleash ŶĞā łāóāŭŭÖũƘ ťŽðķĢó ĕŽłùŭ̍ ¦ĞĢŭ ĿŋłŶĞ̪ŭ óŋƑāũ ŭŶŋũƘ ĞĢėĞķĢėĞŶŭ Ö new study produced by the HHIC designed to concentrate minds on ıŽŭŶ Ğŋƒ ĿŽóĞ ƒŋũĴ łāāùŭ Ŷŋ ðā ùŋłā Ŷŋ óŋłƑāũŶ ťũŋťāũŶĢāŭ Öłù encourage householders to embrace a major alteration to their āƗĢŭŶĢłė ĞāÖŶĢłė ŭƘŭŶāĿ̍ RŶ óāũŶÖĢłķƘ ťũŋƑĢùāŭ ŭŋĿā ŭŋðāũĢłė ĕÖóŶŭ Öłù Ʃ ėŽũāŭ̍ ÂĢŶĞ ŶĞā ėŋƑāũłĿāłŶ̪ŭ ĿŽóĞ ùāķÖƘāù NāÖŶ Öłù ŽĢķùĢłėŭ Strategy still to see the light of day, we don’t yet know if it will be ťũāťÖũāù Ŷŋ ťŽŶ Žť ŶĞā ĿŋłāƘ łāāùāù Ŷŋ ĢłóāłŶĢƑĢŭā ĢłƑāŭŶĿāłŶ Ģł ķŋƒ óÖũðŋł ŶāóĞłŋķŋėĢāŭ̍ Rł ŶĞā ĿāÖłŶĢĿā̇ ĕŋũ ũāķÖŶĢƑāķƘ ķŋƒ óŋŭŶ̇ ĢŶ ƒŋŽķù ðā āÖŭƘ Ŷŋ ťũŋƑĢùā ĕŽłùĢłė ŋũ ũāùŽóā Á ¦ Ŷŋ āłóŋŽũÖėā ŶĞā ťŽũóĞÖŭā ŋĕ Ö ƒĞŋķā ĞŋŭŶ ŋĕ ķāŭŭ ùĢŭũŽťŶĢƑā āłāũėƘ ŭÖƑĢłė ĿāÖŭŽũāŭ̇ ŭŽóĞ Öŭ ŭĿÖũŶ óŋłŶũŋķŭ Öłù ðāŶŶāũ ĢłŭŽķÖŶĢŋł̍ ŽóĞ Ö ĿŋƑā ƒŋŽķù ðā welcomed by many hard-pressed households and would ultimately help to reduce the whole country’s energy bill.

Special Features

Gas Boilers

What the future holds for the UK gas boiler market and the potential for hydrogen heating

Electric Heating

8LI JIEXYVIW ERH FIRIƼ XW SJ IPIGXVMG heating solutions such as computer controlled infrared panel heaters

Tools & ÂŋũĴƒāÖũ

Highlighting the risks associated with using low quality, non-genuine batteries for power tools

Regulars 06 News Review

12 Horror Show

12 People on the Move

24 Business Matters 50 Product Spotlight

12 Horror Show

51 Product News

14 Your Views 16 Energy Matters 18 Company Spotlight 19 CIPHE Column 20 Training Update 20 Planning for the Future

22 Products in Action

More images that will make you shiver!

Don’t forget to use our online reader enquiry service to ŨŽĢóĴķƘ Ʃ łù ŶĞā ƒāð page you need

Contributors David Weed

Darren McMahon

Matthew Handley

CIPHE Viewpoint

Gas Boilers

Tools & Workwear

!R N1 ĿāĿðāũ 'ÖĢƑù Âāāù ŭĞÖũāŭ his experience of working in the public health sector

At a time of rising energy prices, what more can installers do to help their customers reduce their bills?

Many plumbers are resigned to future knee surgery, but good knee pads can ũāÖķķƘ ĿÖĴā Ö ùĢƦ āũāłóā

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PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

News Review

Recognising excellence in education and training BPEC, the industry provider of qualifications, assessments, training courses and learning materials, has partnered with the APHC and SNIPEF to announce a new awards initiative for the education sector. After what has been a difficult year for the education and training sector, these plumbing and heating awards will reward students, apprentices and tutors who have excelled over the past ˚ˡ months. BPEC is therefore seeking nominations for plumbing and heating trainers and trainees who have excelled in their area of expertise, overcome personal

Most consumers still favour boilers, says survey

difficulties to succeed, or helped their community during the pandemic. Nominations will close on ˜˚st October, after which an independent panel of judges will assess all the entries before putting together a shortlist, from which the winners will be announced at a special virtual ceremony set to be Ğāķù ŋł ˡŶĞ 'āóāĿðāũ̍ Entries are invited for the following four award categories: • Making a difference in the community • Best plumbing apprentice/ trainee • Best use of technology in the

Chester apprentice wins award JTL, the national training provider for electrical, plumbing and heating apprenticeships, has named Chester-based Harrie Nixon-Jones as the national winner of its Mechanical Engineering Services (MES) award at this year’s National Apprentice of the Year awards, which took place at The Victory Services Club in London. Harrie says: “I am completely overwhelmed and delighted to receive such a prestigious award. I have worked hard throughout the whole of my apprenticeship and have really committed myself to becoming the best engineer that I can be, so to have my work recognised like this feels wonderful.” The purpose of awards is to recognise its highest achieving apprentices in the building services engineering sector and to celebrate their success. Candidates – who are all recently qualified – are nominated based on their

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outstanding performances throughout the four years of their training. Nathan Price from Blackpool, who recently completed a successful apprenticeship at local ƩũĿ `1¦ 1ķāóŶũĢóÖķ̇ ƒÖŭ łÖĿāù ŶĞā overall winner of the JTL National Apprentice of the Year Award for ˛˙˛˚, while Southampton’s Oliver Parry was named the national winner for Electrical Engineering Maintenance.

delivery of plumbing training • Best plumbing trainer in the workplace “Our objective in launching these new and exciting annual awards is to celebrate the achievements and innovations of tutors and trainees over the past ˚˛ months,” states Neil Collishaw, Chief Executive zƧóāũ̇ 1!̍ ̦ ĕŶāũ ŭŽóĞ Ö ŶŋŽėĞ year, we are keen to showcase the dedication, expertise and sheer hard work of those working in the sector and actually in education.” It has also been announced that Monument Tools will be the main Awards sponsor.

A week to remember The APHC is inviting installers and manufacturers to get involved with this year’s Quality Plumber Week on ˚˚-˚ˠ October. Organised by the Association, the week aims to raise awareness of the skills within the plumbing and heating industry while also shining a spotlight on the many plumbing businesses that play a vital part in the community, from unblocking sinks to making sure drinking water is safe. ̵¦ĞĢŭ ƘāÖũ̇ ŶĞā ƒāāĴ Öķŭŋ ÖĢĿŭ to champion those who have ťũŋƑĢùāù óũŽóĢÖķ Ğāķť ĕŋũ̵ŶĞā b population throughout the pandemic. You can join the conversation on social media at #QPW˛˚ and learn how to get involved by using our online reader link service below: ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˙˜

A new customer survey undertaken by BoilerGuide has revealed that gas boilers remain the heating option of choice for the majority of UK consumers. The online boiler quotation service asked ˚˟̇˞˙˙ customers who had enquired for a new gas boiler if they had considered any renewable heating options before opting for a new gas boiler. Over ˞˞% of respondents replied negatively, with one customer saying: “They (heat pumps) are all a big expensive con job.” Another revealed that they had considered going green, “But a heat pump needs to go in a new build or better insulated house”. Other reasons for customers avoiding renewable alternatives included “government grant limitations”, and ˛˞% of customers said that they had considered more eco-friendly heating options but had ðāāł ťŽŶ ŋƦ ðƘ ŶĞā ŭŶāāť ťũĢóā̍ Founder of Boiler Guide David Holmes says: “The data show that more must be done by the government to encourage customers to consider installing renewable heating systems. The delay in the Heat and Buildings strategy is certainly not helping, and homeowners and the heating industry have been left in limbo. We’re still in the dark about incentives and any potential funding

that might be available to support greener alternatives. Meanwhile, demand for gas boilers continues to grow.” The government has committed to banning gas boilers in new-build homes from ˛˙˛˞ and is also expected to phase out gas boilers completely in a bid to achieve net-zero carbon emissions targets by ˛˙˞˙. Boiler Guide also asked customers if the recent news coverage on the so-called boiler ban had influenced their decision. ˞˛% said that they were not aware of any news stories while ˛ˠ% said they had seen the coverage but were still happy to install a new boiler. ˚˞% ŭÖĢù ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞāƘ ĞÖù ðāāł ťŽŶ ŋƦ ðŽƘĢłė a new boiler because of the news. David Holmes adds: “It’s surprising that despite a lot of media coverage, plans to ban boilers are clearly not seeping through to the public. Even when they are, it seems the majority of customers want to stick with what they know. If we want to achieve carbon emission targets and change customer behaviour, a rethink on strategy is a must and this needs to include a viable alternative that is both ÖƦŋũùÖðķā Öłù ũāÖķĢŭŶĢó̍ “It is clear that the government has a lot to do to convince and incentivise the public to change their thinking on heating their homes.”

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PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

News Review

Infrastructure plans need to be supported by training surge The government’s ambitious infrastructure plans for the next decade need to be matched by a massive surge in training and recruitment, argues the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). The plan, as detailed in the policy paper ‘Transforming Infrastructure Performance: Roadmap to ˛˙˜˙’, could lead to a surge in new opportunities for apprentices, R]LO`L_P^ LYO Pc[P]TPYNPO bZ]VP]^ bT_S _SP ]TRS_ ^VTWW^ ^Ld^ _SP ,^^ZNTL_TZY “The current turmoil in our supply chains T^ L ^_L]V ]PXTYOP] ZQ SZb QLTWTYR _Z TYaP^_ TY _]LTYTYR LYO ]P_LTYTYR STRS \`LWT_d [PZ[WP NLY undermine the best laid plans,” says BESA’s OT]PN_Z] ZQ _]LTYTYR LYO ^VTWW^ 3PWPY DP`WP_ “The government’s infrastructure plans are exciting but will place even greater strain on _SP TYO`^_]dɪ^ bZ]VQZ]NP `YWP^^ LNNZX[LYTPO by a colossal push to bring new blood into the ^PN_Z] LYO `[^VTWW PcT^_TYR bZ]VP]^ ɮ 3ZbPaP] NZX[P_T_TZY QZ] ^VTWWPO ^_Lʬ T^ expected to continue heating up over the next _bZ _Z ʭaP dPL]^ LYO bTWW ]P\`T]P PX[WZdP]^ TY construction and engineering-]PWL_PO ʭPWO^ _Z WZZV NWZ^PWd L_ bSL_ _SPd SLaP _Z ZʬP] ɭ;PZ[WP ^SZ]_LRP^ L]P WTVPWd _Z NZY_TY`P QZ] LY Pc_PYOPO [P]TZO ɮ LOO^ DP`WP_ ɭ?ST^ is not just about Brexit. We’ve seen a shift in the economy, which was accelerated by the

Resources for new recruits

[LYOPXTN LYO SL^ WPO _Z ]PNZ]O [Ld [LNVLRP^ QZ] [PZ[WP bZ]VTYR TY _]LY^[Z]_ WZRT^_TN^ LYO hospitality.” BESA says it is seeing encouraging growth in the numbers of young people interested TY bZ]V[WLNP-based training where they NLY bZ]V _ZbL]O^ STRS WPaPW \`LWTʭNL_TZY^ TYNW`OTYR OPR]PP^ aTL LY PX[WZdP] bSZ ZʬP]^ L guaranteed job at the end. The rise of technical training including the introduction of T-levels is also helping to promote careers in building engineering and related disciplines. ɭ?SP N`]]PY_ _`]XZTW TY WLMZ`] XL]VP_^ ^SZ`WO MP ^ZXP_STYR ZQ L bLVP-up call for XLYd PX[WZdP]^ ɮ ^Ld^ DP`WP_ ɭ?SP]P L]P L WZ_ ZQ bZ]VP]^ bSZ QPPW `YOP]aLW`PO LYO _]PL_PO WTVP NZXXZOT_TP^ 4YaP^_TYR TY _SPT] professional development and rewarding them properly is the best way to demonstrate _SL_ _SPT] ^VTWW^ L]P aLW`PO “Building engineering will play a crucial role in rebuilding the economy and driving us towards a lower carbon future, so it is very important that we don’t undervalue our own product. ”

The Future Talent Initiative (FTI) is a new educational programme from Worcester Bosch aimed at supporting young installers and apprentices to succeed in the heating and hot water industry. The training initiative, which has been devised in partnership with HIP magazine, will involve experienced installers, Worcester Bosch, and third-party experts across OTʬP]PY_ ^PN_Z]^ bSZ SLaP NZXP _ZRP_SP] _Z ZʬP] _SPT] insight across three initial themes. The ‘˙ to ˛˙ in ˟˙ Seconds’ series ZʬP]^ \`TNV-ʭ]P _T[^ NZaP]TYR L ]LYRP of topics including product installation, fault-ʭYOTYR LYO ]PLW-world insight. These are presented by Worcester’s training and technical support teams, plus experienced installers.

?SP ɩ1Z]bL]O ?STYVTYRɪ ^P]TP^ ^PP^ Worcester Bosch experts go into detail on where the heating industry is heading, including future technology and policy updates. Finally, ‘Life in the Fast Lane’ is a series of pre-recorded webinars from experts outside ZQ _SP SPL_TYR TYO`^_]d 0_T\`P__P Pc[P]_ BTWWTLX 3LY^ZY NZaP]^ ʭ]^_ TX[]P^^TZY^ when entering customer homes, while sales advisor and author Kieran Perry gives more general business advice, and wellbeing consultant Neil Laybourn focuses on the importance of mental health. Conor Evans from BZ]NP^_P] -Z^NS _LVP^ on the role of ‘Head of Future Talent’ as part of the scheme. He says: “We held a series of focus groups with young installers last year. They expressed the need for more support from manufacturers in their training and early career stages, which was really the inspiration behind the Future Talent Initiative.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˙˝

Guide to dementia-friendly bathrooms Now available from AKW is a new guide to creating dementia-friendly bathrooms. Produced with support from specialist dementia design advisers at the University ZQ >_T]WTYRɪ^ /PXPY_TL >P]aTNP^ /PaPWZ[XPY_ .PY_]P T_ ZʬP]^ MP^_ []LN_TNP guidance on designing this important space. ,6Bɪ^ >_`L]_ =PdYZWO^ ^Ld^% ɭBP SLaP bZ]VPO _Z _]LY^WL_P _SP NZX[WPc issue of dementia into practical design points that can be easily applied in any bathroom adaptation. The guide details the seven major challenges and gives ^[PNTʭN LOaTNP ZY bSL_ _Z TY^_LWW LYO bSP]P _Z SPW[ ZaP]NZXP _SP^P T^^`P^ ɮ /ZbYWZLO _SP Q]PP R`TOP Md `^TYR _SP WTYV MPWZb ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˙˞

FũÖłŶ FŽłùāķƩłėāũ ̛óāłŶũā̜ ƒĢŶĞ ÖŽķ !ķÖũĴ ̛ķāĕŶ̜ Öłù !Öũķ dÖùù ̛ũĢėĞŶ̜

Top award for Yorkshire installer The winners of the Heating Installer Awards ˛˙˛˚ have been announced following a peer-reviewed technical challenge and a record number of public votes. Grant Gundelfinger, of Leeds based Mayfly Group Ltd, fought off strong competition to be crowned at this year’s InstallerSHOW at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Grant impressed the judges and the wider public with his high level of technicality, outstanding professionalism and commitment to the industry and his customers. This is the third year Grant has excelled at _SP LbL]O^ 3P bZY _SP DZ]V^ST]P ]PRTZYLW title in both ˛˙˚ˢ and ˛˙˛˙ and was national runner up in ˛˙˚ˢ. “It’s the third year that I’ve been recognised as the best Heating Installer TY DZ]V^ST]P LYO 4ɪX ^Z []Z`O _Z SLaP won the overall national award,” said

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Grant. “To be honoured by your peers as well as some of the biggest names in the industry is incredibly gratifying and I am ^Z _SLYVQ`W QZ] _ST^ ]PNZRYT_TZY ɮ ;L`W .WL]V ZQ .ZYNP[_ ;W`XMTYR LYO 3PL_TYR Q]ZX 3ZdWLVP ZY _SP BT]]LW claimed the coveted runner-up spot, while Carl Ladd from Leamington Spa scooped the Rising Star award which recognises the industry’s budding apprentices. Carl, who started his plumbing career after severely crushing his hand in an accident, impressed the judges with his level of commitment to achieve high standards. Last, but by no means least, the Most Sustainable Installer Award, which recognises those who are doing everything they can to minimise the impact of _SPT] bZ]V ZY _SP PYaT]ZYXPY_ bPY_ _Z Benjamin Lee from B LEE Plumbing and Heating in Salcombe, Devon.

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PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

News Review

Shower showroom opening Cumbrian shower products manufacturer, Kudos has opened a new ˟˙̇˙˙˙ft2 warehouse in Sandbach, Cheshire, to house its ʭYT^SPO RZZO^ TY L XZ]P NPY_]LW location for efficient delivery to stockists. The move is part of a £˟˞˙̇˙˙˙ investment which has created more space at the Cumbrian factory and increased production. The facility also includes a ˛˞˙˙ft2 showroom and training facility where all of the company’s latest product collections are on display, including shower doors,

Earnings up in August

walk-in enclosures, shower trays and wetroom systems. Retailers are encouraged to use the facility to show products to their enduser customers and book product _]LTYTYR QZ] YPb ^_Lʬ Nick Graville, sales and XL]VP_TYR OT]PN_Z] ^Ld^% ɭBPɪO like our customers to treat these areas as an extension of their own showrooms, perhaps to show consumers a product they don’t have on display. They just have to let us know and we will facilitate the visit for them.” L to R: Todd Rief (CEO of Armstrong Fluid Technology), Jason Kee (Trade Commissioner of the High Commission of Canada), and Simon Parker (UK Country Lead for Armstrong Fluid Technology)

Meeting growing demand ĕŋũ ŋƦ-site plant rooms As part of its expansion in the UK, Armstrong Fluid Technology has opened a new systems manufacturing centre in Droitwich. The ribbon bL^ N`_ L_ _SP ZʯNTLW Z[PYTYR ZQ _SP YPb QLNTWT_d L_ ;ZTY_ZY BLd TY September. 3LaTYR ]PWZNL_PO Q]ZX T_^ BP^_ 8TOWLYO^ QLN_Z]d bL]PSZ`^P LYO ZʯNP^ Q]ZX YPL]Md 3LWP^ZbPY _SP XZaP _Z _SP YPb WL]RP] []PXT^P^ has provided additional space to accommodate growing demand for Zʬ-site manufactured plant rooms and energy centres. The new site is a key facility for Armstrong, which specialises in the construction of [WLY_]ZZX^ LYO PYP]Rd NPY_]P^ [LNVLRPO [WLY_ ^d^_PX^ LYO ʭ]P [`X[ packages. The company had been manufacturing packaged plant rooms L_ L ^T_P TY 3PdbZZO BSL]Q 3LWP^ZbPY ^TYNP ˛˙˙˝.

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The latest figures from Hudson Contract show self-employed plumbers saw their earnings rise in August, despite the holiday season. The second consecutive monthly ]T^P ^`RRP^_^ TYʮL_TZYL]d []P^^`]P^ in the construction industry supply chain. Average weekly earnings for self-employed plumbers increased by ˙̍˟% to £ˢˠˡ per week during August. 4LY ,YʭPWO XLYLRTYR OT]PN_Z] of Hudson Contract, comments: “Self-employed plumbers are enjoying good earnings with strong demand for their specialist services. Most construction companies are reporting full order books, driven by new housing and renovation work. “This growth is creating challenges with labour and material shortages. Costs are rising on a daily basis, which is squeezing margins LYO XLVTYR T_ OTʯN`W_ _Z []TNP YPb projects, and shortages are causing delays in existing projects. “Many companies are looking forward to the end of the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme this month, which should encourage more people back to work.”

30/09/2021 14:01

PHAM OCT21:Layout 1 30/09/2021 15:00 Page 11

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

News Review 11 Purchases mean prizes in rewards app A new rewards app has been launched by Wavin as part of its ‘Gear Up’ customer loyalty campaign. The mobile app gives customers points every time they buy Wavin products, including those in the Hep˛O and Osma ranges. Points can then be redeemed against a range of vouchers and gift cards from brands including Amazon, Argos, Just Eat and Greggs, and there is even an opportunity to put points towards

Association conference The Ground Source Heat Pump Association is using its upcoming annual conference to focus on net zero, and both members and nonmembers are invited to attend. The event will provide a number of opportunities to meet in an informal setting to get expert advice and information in the beautiful surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales. To be held on ˛˛ October at the Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa

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holidays, with vouchers up for grabs from Jet˛ Holidays and TUI. To collect points, users either submit their invoices or scan receipts through the app, earning one point for every pound spent. There are also hundreds of introductory bonus [ZTY_^ ZY ZʬP] QZ] OZbYWZLOTYR _SP L[[ LYO PY_P]TYR dZ`] ʭ]^_ [`]NSL^P Daniela Gould, marketing director, comments: “It’s important that our customers know we appreciate their support, and the Wavin Rewards app means we can give them something back with every purchase they make.” To download the app and start making the most out of purchases, simply use the reader link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˙˛˚̓˙˟

near Gargrave, North Yorkshire, the day begins with the AGM, followed by the conference which includes a series of coordinated Expert Panel sessions, presentations and networking events. Leading the speaker line-up will be Lord Callanan from the government. The OLd bTWW MP NL[[PO Zʬ bT_S L NSL]T_d dinner in support of Macmillan Cancer Support, hosted by Ricky Tomlinson (Jim from the Royle Family). @^P _SP ]PLOP] WTYV MPWZb _Z ʭYO out more about the conference and how to reserve a place on the day. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˙˛˚̓˙ˡ

Webinar on plastic pipes BPF Pipes Group is holding a lunchtime webinar focusing on the role plastic pipes will play in contributing towards the UK’s net zero targets. Scheduled to take place on ˛˙ October at ˚˛ noon, the webinar is aimed at those wanting to improve their knowledge of the net zero economy. The first part of this webinar will focus on how plastic pipe manufacturers can reduce their net carbon emissions and measure progress. The second part will cover how plastic pipes contribute to the journey to net zero through their various applications. This section will cover why plastic pipes are chosen for applications like hydrogen, ground source heat pumps, district heating and underfloor heating. The final webinar of the current series is ‘Designing Drains and Sewers’, taking place on ˛˝ November. More information on each webinar and links to register are available from the BPF Pipes Group website. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˙˛˚̓˙ˠ

Pedal power for charity A retired plumber and former board member of SNIPEF recently raised over £˝˙˙˙ for the Children’s Hospice Across Scotland charity (CHAS) by completing a sponsored cycle ride around the island of Arran. George Young, ˠ˛, decided to set himself the challenge because SNIPEF’s regular annual dinner, which typically raised around ͎˛˙˙˙ a year for CHAS, had not been held since ˛˙˚ˢ due to the pandemic. ɭ?SP TOPL ZQ a`WYP]LMWP NSTWO]PY LW^Z ^`ʬP]TYR Q]ZX _SP TX[LN_ ZQ .ZaTO ^P_ XP Zʬ ZY _SP TOPL ZQ RP__TYR ^[ZY^Z]PO by lots of my old SNIPEF friends, colleagues and associates to make the ˞˟ mile cycle round the beautiful Isle of Arran,” comments George. To date, the SNIPEF community has raised £˛˟̇˙˙˙ for .3,> XLVTYR L ]PLW OTʬP]PYNP QZ] _SP NSL]T_d

30/09/2021 13:59

NEW APPOINTMENTS

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

People on the Move Two new key appointments have been made at Spirotech. Tony Carling (pictured), previously area sales manager, has been promoted to national key account manager following almost ﬁve years with the business. James Hurtley joins Spirotech as the new area sales manager for the north of England.

Commercial hot water and heating company Lochinvar has appointed Paul Mitchell as area sales manager for the West Midlands region. Paul has worked at Lochinvar since 2009 and was previously a contracts manager and design engineer at an M&E consultancy. He joined Lochinvar as a product manager and has spent the last 12 years as service manager.

The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA), the industry membership organisation for the wood burning stove industry, has named Andy Hill (pictured) as its new, independent chair. Andy, who takes over the role from outgoing chair Morley Sage, has worked in the UK organics and alternative fuels sectors for over 17 years.

Air source heat pump distributor, Unitherm Heating Systems UK, has welcomed Steve Rhodes as its new training manager at its centre in Exeter. Steve has worked in the renewables industry since 2008. In 2012 he started his own renewables business as an MCS consultant, and in 2015 worked as a project manager on heat pump installations.

Joseph Arab has been named regional sales manager by Mark Vitow Ltd for the North West. An industry veteran with 30 years of experience in the sector, Joseph joins the sales team at a time of growth for the independent distributor and manufacturer of plumbing, heating and bathroom products.

Aermec has expanded its team by welcoming Robert Rhodes as a business development manager in the north west region. With longstanding expertise in the commercial sector, Robert has held a variety of technical sales positions working alongside consultants and M&E contractors for more than 25 years.

Tansun, a specialist in infrared radiant heating, has appointed Jeremy (Jem) Drew (pictured) as MD, while company founder Pete Rana becomes chairman. Jem will oversee strategic development and day-to-day control of operations, while Pete will focus on increasing uptake of the company’s technologies.

SNIPEF has expanded its Industrial Relations department with the appointment of Rosie Ritchie (pictured) as its latest IR specialist. Working with industrial relations manager Stephanie Lowe, Rosie will oﬀer expert advice to companies on a wide range of IR issues, meeting a demand which has increased since the start of the pandemic.

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30/09/2021 07:41

PHAM OCT21 MANTHORPE:Layout 1 24/09/2021 10:47 Page 1

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Product Spotlight

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Your Views Star letter Share your views and you could win £100 for writing the star letter

The Tweet Spot

Recent tweets that caught our attention Follow us on @PHAMnews

Hydrogen may not be the answer

Stylish solutions for public washrooms Often unhygienic, uninspiring and unappealing, public washrooms have long held a certain notoriety, but the right products – combining safety with style and convenience – can help to transform the user’s experience.

s we ﬁnally return to shared spaces, it’s time to address this lack of comfort, and place a renewed emphasis on hygiene when refurbishing communal washrooms and designing public facilities for oﬃces, shopping centres, restaurants and transport hubs.

Great expectations Nowadays, public washroom users expect cleanliness, aesthetic designs and comfort in terms of touch-free water and soap delivery, and full temperature control. The facility manager demands reliable, safe, and hygienic products, in addition to water and energy savings. The installer, for his part, looks for easy installation and reduced maintenance. The real challenge is meeting everyone’s expectations. DELABIE’s new range of BINOPTIC mixers and taps, with coordinating accessories, weaves an elegant link between design, functionality, hygiene and comfort. Our product designers combined form and function to deliver sleek proﬁles in matte black which withstand intensive daily use, yet retain their elegant looks.

Touch-free taps Completely touch-free, the user can wash, soap, rinse and dry their hands without touching any surfaces. However, hygiene runs deeper, with key features to reduce water stagnation and limit bacterial development, such as an automatic duty ﬂush, a smooth interior with low water capacity, and a reduced-stagnation solenoid valve. Mixer versions also have a side lever to adjust the water temperature with a maximum limiter to prevent

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scalding. User comfort is assured. Specifying BINOPTIC taps in public washrooms guarantees sustainability. They avoid unnecessary waste, activating only when a user is detected, and closing when their presence is no longer detected. The ﬂow rate is 3 lpm, but can be set as low as 1.5 lpm to meet water eﬃciency standards. Reducing water usage also impacts energy consumption. If less hot water is used, less energy is required to heat it.

Keeping it simple DELABIE’s taps and soap dispensers are battery-operated and therefore need no electrical connection. Maintenance for the electronic taps is also less onerous, assisted by LED diagnostic aids. Parts are standardised and they can be accessed without isolating the water supply since the mechanism, solenoid valve and battery are integrated within the body. As footfall increases, the fittings in public washrooms must be resilient. BINOPTIC taps feature shock-resistant mechanisms and sensors, housed in a solid brass body. The taps and soap dispensers also feature anti-blocking which ensures that no water or soap is delivered if the sensor is permanently covered. The matte black range from DELABIE offers a stylish solution to fulfil the complex demands on modern washrooms. Specifically designed for public and commercial places, it delivers user comfort, reduces waste, controls consumption and contributes to good hygiene practices – and all delivered in a stylish package. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/45

There has been much talk of hydrogen as a future fuel for domestic heating. If I’ve got this right, it seems that hydrogen can be used as a direct replacement for natural gas, using the same delivery infrastructure, with only minor changes to boiler technology. The boiler manufacturers are making lots of positive noises about this new fuel, but how far away are we from making it really work? And will it be as environmentally friendly as it’s claimed? Currently hydrogen production is not low emission because it is mostly got by extracting it from natural gas. I also read somewhere that hydrogen would be four times more dangerous than natural gas, with the number of gas explosions in UK homes likely to quadruple – this is something that clearly needs to be addressed before the government decides to push ahead with any hydrogen project. In any case, the development of hydrogen could be further delayed if the proposed ban on gas boilers doesn’t come to pass. Without a cut-oﬀ date, manufacturers and industry will not be incentivised to innovate and there is no way we’re going to reach the 2050 net zero emissions target. Not when domestic heating accounts for so much of our carbon output.

DC Price Via email

Hot drinks dilemma I recently saw a story on your website about a survey revealing that, on an average day, 22% of plumbers receive abuse from their customers. I can well believe that’s true and I don’t think the current tensions caused by the Covid pandemic are making our lives any easier. In my experience, customers are often either ultra cautious or totally blasé about the situation. I arrive armed with sanitiser, masks and disposable gloves, but some people look at me with scorn and act as if they had never heard of the virus. The offering of teas and coffees is another minefield. For hygiene purposes I drink from my own flask, but I’ve had some customers take offence when I gently refuse the mug of hot tea that they try to thrust in my hand. By contrast, I had a lady the other day who yelled at me when I briefly took my mask off to have a sip from my own drink! I’ve learned my lesson now and until things are finally back to normal, I only take tea-breaks in the van – with the windows up too!

N. Taylor Swansea

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

30/09/2021 11:54

PHAM OCT21 CARRARA:Layout 1 23/09/2021 12:13 Page 1

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Energy Matters

SPONSORED BY

Hydronic solutions for the heating & plumbing industry

altecnic.co.uk

Guidance on future mix of heating technology

Rising gas prices strengthen calls for energy efficiency With wholesale gas prices having risen 250% since January, and an increased price cap on energy bills set for this month (October), industry experts are reinforcing the call for improving energy efficiency in homes and alleviating fuel poverty. The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) says customers coming to the end of their fixed deal contracts can expect sharp increases in their bills, while households on prepayment meters may see as much as a 13% price hike. Heating and hot water accounts for over 50% of the average fuel bill, so many consumers are worried about the impact on their income and their ability to pay. Kevin Wellman, CEO of the CIPHE, says: “The current situation highlights the issues around existing and new housing stock. It’s fundamental to the net zero agenda that every building is as energy efficient as possible and that our engineers have the right knowledge and skills to install energy efficient appliances. As gas prices increase, it makes a more compelling case for alternative technologies such as heat pumps.” The CIPHE highlights that fuel

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poverty is a growing problem in the UK, with approximately 3.66 million households being fuel poor. “We have been urging government to bring in policies to target the energy efficiency of dwellings – especially those in band ‘D’ and under – and tackle the issues associated with poverty at source,” adds Wellman. “Those on low incomes should pay fair and competitive tariffs for energy use.” Mike Foster, CEO of the Energy and Utilities Alliance, says: “The current energy crisis around gas supply and demand was entirely avoidable, but that doesn’t help solve the problem now. In the short term, the tools available to help are limited and expensive, but may be necessary to keep fuel poverty levels in check – to keep the lights on whilst still keeping an eye on our emissions. “In the longer term much more can be done and should be. This crisis should act as a wake-up call to get on with improving the energy efficiency of buildings; of ramping up of zero carbon power generation, that’s nuclear, wind as well as gas with CCS; but most of all seizing the opportunity to massively invest in hydrogen production, so we are no longer dependent on geology for our energy.”

A new white paper has been issued by Vaillant – ‘Decarbonising home heating in the UK’ – which is said to offer a balanced overview of the mix of heating technologies, and aims to help installers and their customers make knowledgeable choices about how they heat their homes. Divided into three chapters – Heat Pumps, Hydrogen and Hybrid Heating Systems – the document aims to provide a single resource of information for energy efficient and sustainable technologies to ensure the right information is presented to customers. Chapter one addresses heat pumps, outlining the properties most suitable for this tried and tested technology. In addition, it looks at the opportunities as well as the developments needed to increase awareness amongst consumers. It also addresses the challenges in growing the

heat pump market, the lack of installers in the industry, the need for upskilling, and the routes available to those wanting to install this low carbon technology today. Chapter two looks at hydrogen fuel and highlights the current timeline for hydrogen trials in the UK. It covers the essential details of what a hydrogen-ready mandate could entail, what Vaillant believes needs to be done, the developments underway, what installers need to be armed with to answer homeowner questions, and how specifiers can prepare for the future fuel, today. Finally, chapter three covers

hybrid systems, where heat pump and boiler technologies are used in tandem. Again, the White Paper aims to give a no-nonsense approach to its usage, considerations, limitations and costs, so it can be included in the low carbon option mix for UK homes where this combination proves the most appropriate and energy efficient. Mark Wilkins, technologies and training director at Vaillant, says: “The progression to net zero will not happen overnight. There are 26 million homes in the UK, so during this decade trials and tests are fundamental to achieve our decarbonisation goals. It is clear that a mix of technologies will be needed to help reduce emissions, especially in the immediate future. “Giving clear information of where, how, and in the case of hydrogen, when, each technology is best recommended, our newly released White Paper highlights the essential information and reiterates the support available from Vaillant for those wanting to know more about each technology.” To download a copy of the white paper, please use the online reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/09

Funding vital for district heating schemes The latest round of financing from the UK government’s Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) will be key to ensuring low carbon district heating schemes are delivered from 2022, according to polymer pipework specialist Rehau. The GHNF is the latest funding scheme launched by BEIS, building on the Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP). As part of this latest funding, the GHNF has pledged an additional £270 million investment in low carbon technology, on top of the £165 million already provided by the HNIP.

Steve Richmond, head of marketing and technical at Rehau Building Solutions, says: “It is no secret that Covid has impacted the decarbonisation of the UK heating sector. The pandemic has left budgets strained for many, so investing in a new heating system simply hasn’t been a priority. “For this reason, schemes such as the GHNF will be key to putting low carbon progress back on track post-pandemic. The heating sector currently accounts for as much as 21% of the nation’s emissions total, so increasing uptake of heat pumps

and district heating networks will be key to achieving net zero by 2050.” The company argues that polymer district heating networks using low carbon technology such as heat pumps and waste heat recovery systems are one of the most effective ways to reduce reliance on traditional gas boilers, and low carbon networks are the only form of network supported by the GHNF. For more information on district heating networks, please use the online reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/10

01/10/2021 08:11

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PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Company Spotlight

Responding to what the market wants For over 45 years, BES has provided trade professionals with a speedy delivery service for a wide range of key products and components, but how has the company responded to a challenging trading environment? PHAM News talks to MD Sarah Ryan to catch up with recent developments. The last 18 months have been a difficult time for many businesses, but how has BES coped with the challenges of operating during the pandemic? SR: Sales initially plummeted, but within a couple of weeks we saw sales not only bounce back but increase dramatically. Having developed a new website pre-Covid, it helped us with the increasing online sales. Demand for products for the DIY market, garden maintenance and general home maintenance just went through the roof! Not surprisingly, brassware and hygiene related products did very well too. As we already had a great relationship with our carrier partners we were in a good position to continue to service customers, and we quickly ramped up our stocks so that we could cope with any potential supply issues. For a brief period we had to

change our delivery service from next-day to two-days delivery, but our customers were very understanding during this period and our usual next-day delivery service resumed quite quickly. So is it fair to say that the increase in demand was mainly due to online sales? SR: Yes, the majority of the additional business came via website sales, which I would say now accounts for around 65% of our business. There were certain points during Covid where it was nearer 70%, because there was so much business coming in from consumers. The warehouse manager also had challenges. With the increased stockholding we needed to rapidly increase the pick and bulk locations. More staff were required in all areas and over a relatively short period of time, racking went up, packing benches were installed and we introduced a weekend shift to

keep up with the demand, all whilst complying fully with Government Covid guidelines to ensure our staff remained safe. Despite the challenges, would you say that the business has broadly benefitted from the whole Covid situation? SR: Yes, I hate to say it, but there’s no denying it. We’ve enjoyed a big jump in sales and we’re still growing. The last financial year has been tough, but probably one of the most rewarding since my appointment as MD. All of the BES team have really shone throughout this difficult period. Are current product inflation pressures a cause of concern? SR: I think everybody has concerns at the moment – it’s a very tricky time. The market place in general is very unstable. The copper prices have plateaued a little bit, which certainly helps, and exchange rates are also reasonably stable at the moment, but as soon as we over come one challenge another appears. Continuity of supply is our main challenge at the moment. Has the increase in consumer sales changed the nature of the business? SR: We have been attracting more non-trade customers, but my feeling is that it will be fairly short lived. Plumbers, gas fitters and heating engineers remain our most important customers – they represent close to 80% of our business. With growing interest in renewable technologies and low carbon solutions, are there any plans to expand the product range? SR: At the moment we haven’t got any immediate plans to change our core products. We’re not going to pre-empt anything, we’re waiting for the market to move and for more definite plans t The BES warehouse stocks over 15,000 products, all available for next day delivery

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from the government. We’ll move with the market, rather than before the market. Whatever happens, we will evolve and diversify to reflect what the market wants and needs. Ultimately, we are suppliers to the heating trade – whatever the type of heating. We have introduced quite a lot of new products over the last 12 months, but the total number of products in the catalogue hasn’t changed dramatically. There’s a lot of product turnover, particularly in the heating controls and test equipment market. In January this year we introduced our own range of domestic and catering gas cooker hoses and sockets, which have been doing extremely well. (see panel below). Have you got plans to introduce any more own-brand products in the future? SR: Yes, it’s something that we’re looking at. We’ve already got the Cura brand which we introduced many years ago, which includes many consumable products and more recently a range of filters which have proved to be very popular. We have also introduced a new range of pressfit fittings which have also proved to be very popular. Many customers still prefer a branded product, so these will run alongside the Pegler Xpress range, but other customers will buy on price so for this and many other ranges we try to give a more competitively priced option. With the increase in online sales, are there any thoughts about reducing the print run of the catalogue? SR: That’s not on our agenda, because demand for the catalogue is as high as it ever was. We print about 120,000 copies, which has been fairly consistent in recent years. People like to flick through the relevant sections to find the products they need. We still get at least a thousand requests for a catalogue each month. The catalogue and website are

equally important. To complement the line drawings in our catalogue, the website provides photographic images of all the products. We’ve also started to introduce videos and specification sheets to give the customer as much information as possible to aid the buying process. I’m sure the website will continue to evolve in the years to come. One thing we recently improved is the account set up, which was too long winded. You can now very quickly and easily place your first order without being required to provide too much information from the beginning. So are you optimistic about the prospects for future growth? SR: Very much so. I want to grow the BES brand. Awareness of the BES brand has improved a great deal over the last few years as we have increased our digital marketing reach by using different tools within social media such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. We have a very loyal customer base, but I also think it’s important that, in addition to servicing our current customers, we reach out to a different, younger audience.

GASM8 RANGE The result of extensive research and development, the new GASM8 range of domestic and catering gas cooker hoses and sockets boasts a higher specification for products which are safety critical. Many of the products are tested, approved, and certified by BSI in accordance with industry recognised British and European standards. Also we have introduced the GASM8 Hob-Pro, designed to connect built-in gas hobs with greater efficiency and less joints compared to traditional soldered copper tube and fittings installations. Manufactured in accordance with BS EN 15266, it is available in 500, 750 and 1000 mm lengths. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/11

01/10/2021 14:58

PHAM OCT21:Layout 1 30/09/2021 15:00 Page 19

Viewpoint

A member’s view Roles across the plumbing industry are many and varied, and CIPHE draws in members from all areas. Here, member David Weed, who works as a Public Health Engineer Design Consultant, shares his experience of working in the sector. Please can you tell us about engaged with the CIPHE, your current role? and I think the fact that I am I am currently an associate still a member after all these at chapmanbdsp, which years is testament to his is a building services advice. consultancy. It’s an international company One of the key aspects of bT_S ZʯNP^ L]Z`YO _SP being a CIPHE member is world, but I work on continuing professional large-scale residential and development (CPD). Do you think that’s important? commercial developments I think self-development within London and the South East. is very important, and My role is a Public that probably applies David Weed MCIPHE Health Engineer Design across most careers. In Consultant, and that the plumbing and heating TYaZWaP^ WZZVTYR L_ _SP [W`XMTYR LYO ʭ]P sector, there is so much change ʭRS_TYR bL_P]-based) requirements happening at the moment, which is where CPD really comes into its own. for a building. It’s a job that entails a From my own perspective, it’s critical lot of collaboration with other design for keeping up to date with the latest team members, such as architects and industry guidance, to ensure that the structural engineers, because each and work I do is compliant and to the highest every building has its own unique needs. possible standard. How did you start your career? What do you enjoy most about the I began aged ˚˟ as an apprentice for the industry? contractor Matthew Hall. This lasted for 4 _STYV _SP QLN_ _SL_ PaP]d OLd T^ OTʬP]PY_ four years, and during that time I had a is what makes my job so enjoyable. I get one-day release to gain ONC and HNC a great deal of satisfaction from seeing a \`LWTʭNL_TZY^ L_ 9P^NZ_ .ZWWPRP ?ST^ concept develop into a physical building, blend of academic learning and real-life particularly when the occupants can applications formed a great foundation enjoy the functional plumbing systems for my career. that I have helped to design. I imagine it’s similar for a lot of Do you have any apprentices at plumbing and heating engineers, chapmanbdsp? because the work that we do is As a business we have a pretty ^ZXP_STYR _SL_ XLVP^ L ]PLW OTʬP]PYNP sophisticated apprenticeship to our customers. Taking pride in programme. We have an annual intake of delivering excellence should be three public health apprentices, but are encouraged, and we get the opportunity always on the lookout to recruit more. to do that on a daily basis. How valuable are the apprentices to What frustrates you most about the your business? plumbing and heating sector? Really important. Our senior engineers Again, I’m sure this is common for a lot are always keen to share their of people, but Covid has been a massive knowledge, and they take a certain frustration over the past ˚ˡ months. Part amount of pride in developing the of what makes our jobs so special is that younger generation. I think this is partly regular face-to-face interaction, which down to the fact that so many of us entered the industry through a similar has obviously been severely impacted by ]Z`_P LYO 4 VYZb Q]ZX ʭ]^_-hand the pandemic. experience that it’s a brilliant way to learn. If we can train apprentices, then łù ƩłÖķķƘ̇ ƒĞÖŶ ùŋ ƘŋŽ āłıŋƘ ùŋĢłė we know that they are integrated into most outside of work? how we think and work. It ensures that As much as I love my job, it’s vital that we have strength in depth for the future, people have time to unwind as well. ^Z T_ T^ MPYPʭNTLW QZ] MZ_S [L]_TP^ I really enjoy spending time with my young family, as well as supporting my WZNLW QZZ_MLWW _PLX 8TWWbLWW When did you become a CIPHE member? 4 MPNLXP L XPXMP] _SP aP]d ʭ]^_ bPPV that I started back in ˛˙˙˙. It was For more information, please something that my chief engineer was visit www.chapmanbdsp.com. keen to promote at the time, because he For more about the CIPHE, or to could see the value it brought to those become a member, please contact entering the industry. the team via email: membership@ 4Y QLN_ SP XLOP L NZY^NTZ`^ PʬZ]_ _Z ciphe.org.uk or call 01708 472791 ensure all public health apprentices were

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30/09/2021 11:36

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Training Update

Planning for the Future

Why it’s a good time to join the energy revolution

MCS made easy with support package A new online training tool has been developed by GTEC and Learning Lounge with the aim of helping installers comply with MCS 001, which covers the key requirements required to become MCS Certified. The ‘MCS Made Easy’ programme provides a package of support, including tutorials, Q&As and real-life scenarios, covering all the key requirements and supporting documentation. For companies that have already achieved MCS certification, the platform serves as a useful revision and ‘myth busting’ tool, which will help businesses get through their annual assessment. The e-learning takes the form of a webinar,

written and presented by Chris Roberts, who was the technical author for MCS 001. Chris talks candidates through the different elements of MCS 001 and how they can be achieved without having to be burdened with huge sets of documents. On successful completion of the webinar, candidates will have completed CPD that goes towards proving they have a knowledge and understanding of MCS 001. Griff Thomas, MD for GTEC, comments: “MCS Made Easy is a simple-to-use, informative resource that

Full suite of certified courses Since its launch in 2017, Uponor’s on-site installation training programme has issued some 2000 certificates, trained staff from 300 companies and provided bespoke on-site training for over 200 projects. The free, certified training for subcontractors, mechanical contractors, main contractors and consultant engineers gives delegates an in-depth understanding of how Uponor’s components work, how to install each of the technologies, how items integrate, as well as advice on tooling. The courses last

should really help installers gain a good understanding of what can seem a daunting task when it really isn’t. “Whilst systems are crucial to maintain standards in renewable technologies, they do not need to be fully documented and complex; our webinar demonstrates this and will hopefully give installers a great basis to get their certification in place.” With the support of funding from BEIS, GTEC is offering the first 200 places on the webinar (usually priced at £145) free of charge. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/13

between one and two hours, depending on the product category, and on completion delegates are given a certificate which is valid for two years. In addition, Uponor provides a oneday classroom-based UFH course at the company’s head office in Watford. The course is designed to help domestic plumbers make the most of this growing market and focuses on the theoretical elements of UFH, including different floor constructions, controls, performance values and the properties of PEX and MLC pipes.  Uponor also offers CIBSE approved CPDs for consultant engineers to help them meet the training requirements for their CIBSE membership. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/14

Southwest renewables centre A new purpose-built training centre has been opened in Exeter by Unitherm Heating Systems. The Irish company has moved into the UK with the aim of helping installers take advantage of the growing heat pump market with a complete support package, from training and design through to commissioning. Heading up the new company is MD Andy Hooper, who has extensive experience of the UK heat pump market from his time with Hitachi and LG. He says: “We have ideal premises for our first step into the UK market. They provide impressive, modern

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offices, along with a sizeable warehouse and a purpose designed centre of training excellence on the first floor that will allow us to begin the process of training installers to take advantage of this huge heat pump

revolution. “We’re looking forward to welcoming the first group of installers in the next few weeks and plan to run two or three courses a month for the foreseeable future.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/15

Continuing his regular column, Neil Hope from NIBE Energy Systems argues that rising gas prices and potential energy shortages make it an ideal time for installers to sign up to the company’s heat pump training scheme.

s the UK faces rising gas prices and potential shortages this winter, customers are increasingly looking for alternative ways of heating their homes. Heat pumps are predicted to be the UK’s primary heating technology in the coming decades, with the government aiming to roll out 600,000 units to households per year by 2028. This target, alongside plans to phase out fossil fuel heating systems in new homes from 2025, makes becoming a renewable heating expert seem (rightfully) the most attractive option for installers like you today. At this year’s Installer Show, we saw tangible interest in green technologies from a wide range of heating and plumbing professionals. One of the key things I was asked while hosting our stall was how installers can gain the new skills and training they need to install low carbon technologies at an affordable cost. My answer was the same for all – through NIBE Pro, an old dog can learn new tricks at a fullyredeemable price.

What is NIBE Pro? NIBE Pro is a streamlined, personalised installer training partnership scheme designed to guide heating and plumbing installers like you through the process of becoming an accredited MCS heat pump installer. You will not only receive a range of business, technical and online support, but will also have the opportunity to unlock benefits along the way through the programme’s reward scheme. On another note of no less importance to having an industry recognised mark of quality, the training that you will receive will enable you to deliver a brand-new selection of innovative products and solutions to your customers as they make the transition towards a greener way of living. Against the backdrop of COP26 and increasing awareness of the realities of the climate crisis, including renewable energy products as part of your business offering will greatly diversify and strengthen your business.

Neil Hope

Head of installer development at NIBE

Including renewable energy products as part of your business offering will greatly diversify and strengthen your business Training course One of the key elements of the NIBE Pro scheme is the 5-day installer training course in Chesterfield, which is targeted towards those with fundamental knowledge of heating. The course includes training on air source and ground source heat pump installation and commissioning, MCS compliance, and MIS 3005 installation and design. You will also be awarded a RQF Level 3 Award in Heat Pump Technology. Currently, the introductory offer for this course is £1500 (plus VAT) – a cost which is fully redeemable through the NIBE Pro cashback voucher scheme, which you will receive access to as you progress through NIBE Pro. Find out more about NIBE’s latest range of products by visiting: www. nibe.co.uk/products Start your journey today by visiting: www.nibe.co.uk

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PHAM OCT21:Layout 1 29/09/2021 12:28 Page 22

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Products in Action

ĞũŋťŭĞĢũā ťũŋťāũŶƘ ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ĕũŋĿ ũāłāƒÖðķā ťÖóĴÖėā A homeowner in Shropshire is PYUZdTYR L ^TRYTʭ NLY_ ]PO`N_TZY TY SPL_TYR MTWW^ LYO _SP LOOPO NZXQZ]_ ZQ NZY^_LY_ ]ZZX _PX[P]L_`]P^ QZWWZbTYR _SP TY^_LWWL_TZY ZQ L ]PYPbLMWP SPL_TYR ^d^_PX ^`[[WTPO Md ?PWQZ]O .Z[[P] >_LTYWP^^ .dWTYOP]^ 1PL_`]TYR L ]LYRP ZQ _PNSYZWZRTP^ _SP PYP]Rd-^LaTYR ^d^_PX T^ OP^TRYPO _Z SL]aP^_ _SP XLcTX`X LXZ`Y_ ZQ ]PYPbLMWP PYP]Rd TY_Z ^_Z]PO bL_P] LYO MLYV T_ QZ] WL_P] `^P A ˚˟VB 72 ?SP]XL A LT] ^Z`]NP SPL_ [`X[ ˛˞˙ WT_]P SZ_ bL_P] ^_Z]LRP NdWTYOP] bT_S ˞˙ WT_]P M`ʬ P] LYO L ɩbP_ɪ `YOP]ʮ ZZ] SPL_TYR ^d^_PX [LNVLRP

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PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Products in Action 23 Falkirk campus home to hundreds of radiators

Opera house invests in heating upgrade The Grand Opera House, Northern Ireland’s premier theatre in Belfast, recently upgraded its heating to ensure an energy Pʯ NTPY_ Q`_`]P ,4. SPL_TYR @6 7_O bZ]VPO NWZ^PWd bT_S WZNLW ^_ZNVT^_ . 1 <`LO]LY_ _Z []ZaTOP _SP MP^_ ^ZW`_TZY 4_ bL^ ^`RRP^_PO _SL_ _S]PP 9P^_L ˛˙˙VB ʮ ZZ] ^_LYOTYR MZTWP]^ bZ`WO []ZaTOP _SP LY^bP] Zʬ P]TYR L NZX[LN_ OP^TRY easing installation and reducing the boiler QZZ_[]TY_ TY _SP [WLY_]ZZX ?SP STRS XZO`WL_TZY ZQ _SP MZTWP]^ bSPY TY NL^NLOP NLY _`]Y OZbY _Z ˛˝̍˛VB ^LaTYR PYP]Rd LYO ]PO`NTYR Q`PW NZ^_^ Other features that impressed the client bL^ _SP 1T]P_`MP SPL_ PcNSLYRP] bSTNS ^T_^

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Black water solutions a success in Ireland

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PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Business Matters New payment protection platform

Free guide for employers :ʬP]TYR []LN_TNLW _T[^ LYO R`TOLYNP ZY SZb _Z L__]LN_ YPb bZ]VP]^ LYO VPP[ PcT^_TYR PX[WZdPP^ SL[[d L YPb P-ZZV SL^ MPPY []ZO`NPO Md Z`_^Z`]NPO [Ld]ZWW ^[PNTLWT^_ HIVE˜˟˙ ɩ,__]LN_% 0YRLRP% =P_LTY% dZ`] NZX[WP_P R`TOP _Z RP__TYR dZ`] [PZ[WP ^_]L_PRd ]TRS_ɪ T^ Q]PP _Z OZbYWZLO LYO T^ _SP ]P^`W_ ZQ _SP NZX[LYdɪ^ ZbY Pc[P]TPYNP LYO NZXXT^^TZYPO ]P^PL]NS ɭ?SP NZY^_]`N_TZY TYO`^_]d T^ `YOP] R]ZbTYR []P^^`]P ɮ ^Ld^ .0: /LaTO 8N.Z]XLNV ɭLYO YPPO^ _Z L__]LN_ LYO _SPY VPP[

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Online network for trades ɩ=PRT^_P]POɪ T^ _SP YLXP ZQ L YPb ZYWTYP WT^_TYR ZQ _]LOP^[PZ[WP bSTNS NWLTX^ _Z ZʬP] L ^TX[WP L`_ZXL_PO TY^_LY_ \`Z_P ^d^_PX LYO RTaP NZY^`XP]^ L ^LQP LYO ]PWTLMWP bLd ZQ WZNL_TYR _SP aP]d MP^_ WZNLW []ZQP^^TZYLW^ TY _SPT] L]PL /PaPWZ[PO Md _SP [PZ[WP MPSTYO _SP /]ZYP >LQP =PRT^_P] QPL_`]PO ZY --.ɪ^ /]LRZYɪ^ /PY _SP YPb [WL_QZ]X Z[P]L_P^ L ^_]TN_ aP__TYR LYO L[[]ZaLW^ ^d^_PX LYO WTXT_^ _SP Y`XMP] ZQ _]LOP^[PZ[WP TY PLNS L]PL ?]LOP]^ NLY ]PNPTaP LY `YWTXT_PO Y`XMP] ZQ \`Z_P^ LYO bTWW MP ^`[[Z]_PO TY M`TWOTYR _SPT] ZYWTYP []P^PYNP Md _SP NZX[LYdɪ^ XL]VP_TYR _PLX ,Y TY_P]LN_TaP _]LOP^[P]^ZY XL[ XPLY^ NZY^`XP]^ NLY WZNL_P L _]LOP^[P]^ZY Md PY_P]TYR _SPT] [Z^_NZOP ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˛˛

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;Ld _SP ?]LOP^ T^ _SP YLXP ZQ L YPb ZYWTYP [WL_QZ]X OP^TRYPO _Z []Z_PN_ _]LOP^[PZ[WP Q]ZX WL_P LYO YZY-[LdXPY_^ -L^PO TY 2]LY_SLX 7TYNZWY^ST]P LYO _SP M]LTYNSTWO ZQ QZ`YOP]^ 3L]aPd .]ZQ_ LYO :bLTY 3`RSP^ _SP NZX[LYd LTX^ _Z LN_ L^ LY TY_P]XPOTL]d MP_bPPY _]LOP^[PZ[WP LYO _SPT] N`^_ZXP]^ LYO SZ[P^ _Z SLaP ˚˙ ZQ @6 _]LOP^[PZ[WP `^TYR T_^ ^P]aTNP bT_STY _SP YPc_ ʭaP dPL]^ :ʬP]TYR _]LOP^[PZ[WP LYO N`^_ZXP]^ L ^LQP LYO PL^d XPLY^ ZQ PcNSLYRTYR RZZO^ LYO ^P]aTNP^ ;Ld ?SP ?]LOP^ɪ [LdXPY_ []ZNP^^ bTWW []ZaTOP TYNZXP []Z_PN_TZY QZ] ^PWQPX[WZdPO _]LOP^[PZ[WP =L_SP] _SLY [LdTYR _SP _]LOP^[P]^ZY OT]PN_Wd N`^_ZXP]^ [Ld aTL _SP ;Ld ?SP ?]LOP^ 0^N]Zb >P]aTNP :YNP _SP []ZUPN_ SL^ MPPY NZX[WP_PO L ˚˝-OLd SZWOTYR [P]TZO QZWWZb^ _Z PY^`]P _SP N`^_ZXP] T^ ^L_T^ʭPO bT_S _SP \`LWT_d ZQ _SP bZ]V LYO _SP _]LOP^[P]^ZY T^ [LTO bT_SZ`_ _SP SL^^WP ZQ NSL^TYR TYaZTNP^ 4Y _SP ^NPYL]TZ bSP]P

L N`^_ZXP] T^ `YSL[[d bT_S _SP ^P]aTNP _SPdɪaP ]PNPTaPO ;Ld ?SP ?]LOP^ bTWW ^P__WP LYd OT^[`_P^ Md []ZaTOTYR L ]PaTPb []ZNP^^ NSPNVTYR _SP bZ]V LYO ZʬP]TYR L ]PQ`YO bSP]P L[[]Z[]TL_P ,Q_P] M`TWOTYR L ^`NNP^^Q`W NL]PP] TY []ZO`N_TZY LYO WZRT^_TN^ UZTY_QZ`YOP] 3L]aPd .]ZQ_ [TN_`]PO LMZaP WPQ_ OPNTOPO ZY L NL]PP] NSLYRP LYO MPRLY Pc[WZ]TYR [W`XMTYR L^ L [Z_PY_TLW Z[_TZY 4_ bL^ O`]TYR _ST^ _TXP _SL_ SP PYNZ`Y_P]PO WZYR-^_LYOTYR T^^`P^ bT_S [LdXPY_ _SL_ XLYd _]LOP^[PZ[WP Pc[P]TPYNPO ZY L

]PR`WL] ML^T^ 4OPY_TQdTYR L RL[ TY _SP XL]VP_ QZ] L [WL_QZ]X _SL_ NZ`WO ^ZWaP _ST^ T^^`P .]ZQ_ MPRLY M`TWOTYR bSL_ bZ`WO MPNZXP ;Ld ?SP ?]LOP^ ɭBPɪ]P PcNT_PO _Z []ZaTOP _ST^ ^ZW`_TZY _Z L XL]VP_ ZQ SL]ObZ]VTYR TYOTaTO`LW^ bSZ^P YPPO QZ] [LdXPY_ T^ ZaP]WZZVPO ɮ ^Ld^ 3L]aPd ɭBPɪ]P LW^Z [L^^TZYL_P LMZ`_ PY^`]TYR N`^_ZXP]^ RP_ _SP \`LWT_d ZQ bZ]V _SPd L]P []ZXT^PO LYO ]PXZaTYR ɩNZbMZdɪ _]LOP^XPY Q]ZX _SP XL]VP_ Md M]TYRTYR L bSZWP YPb M`^TYP^^ []ZNP^^ _Z _SP _]LOP^ TYO`^_]d ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˛˜

29/09/2021 08:46

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Gas Boilers 25

Has the UK gas boiler market got a future? As the government looks to meet its carbon reduction targets, the UK domestic heating market is likely to change significantly – so is there a future for gas boilers? Martyn Bridges from Worcester Bosch looks ahead.

t’s no secret that there is an end of life in sight for the gas boiler. There is talk, but as yet no absolute policy, that by 2035 the natural gas we use in our homes and offices today will no longer be available. At the time of writing, some newspaper headlines have suggested that Boris Johnson may extend this until 2040. Whatever the date, our commitment to net zero means that there will come a time when natural gas will no longer be used in our homes. However, there is hope for the gas boiler because it can continue to be installed if we transfer from natural gas to hydrogen. This may also be the case for LPG too.

End of the road?

By 2050, a number of things need to happen. One assumption is that we should stop using gas boilers altogether and replace them with alternatives such as heat pumps or heat networks. Yes, there are occasions and instances where that could happen, but most are quite impractical, and relatively expensive. There are currently an estimated 24 million homes with gas-fired boilers. A high percentage of those would be unable to function without at least severe disruption if the boiler were no longer in situ. The alternative would be similar to unleaded petrol where they ‘greened’ the gas – in this case with hydrogen.

Blended sites

Martyn Bridges

Director of technical communication and product management at Worcester Bosch

One of the benefits of a hybrid system is that there is little or no change needed to the existing heating system

Trials have been underway for several months now to help identify the best heating solution using blended gas as we aim for net zero. The Keele University trial commenced in October 2019, with a blend of hydrogen and methane gas delivered to 100 homes and 30 University buildings. Up to a 20% blend of hydrogen was injected into the gas grid and fed these 130 properties, amounting to around 150 boilers fitted, with more than one boiler in larger properties. The trial has successfully demonstrated safe hydrogen blending works, for cooking, heating and hot water on campus. Another trial in Gateshead has 669 properties on site, all of which are residential, occupied properties which have been isolated from the main grid for injection of up to 20% hydrogen. Physical equipment has been installed on site in the shape of hydrogen storage facilities, while engagement has been undertaken with consumers and the industry generally. The safety case for the trial has already been submitted to the HSE for review, and as a result we expect to see more blended sites in operation.

Hybrid systems Hybrid heating systems could well represent the best solution to help meet the existing boiler needs in homes across the UK. A hybrid is a combination of a boiler that could be gas, oil, or LPG, running in tandem with a heat pump, which is generally a smaller output heat pump. A heat pump tends to serve the heating system for approximately 70% of the time that the heating is required. For the colder periods, the boiler can contribute to this, but it is generally a heat pump-led system. If this combination gets installed, we will decarbonise t Hydrogen-ready boilers have been put under test at a number of trial sites

25.indd 1

significantly, and one of the benefits of a hybrid system is that there is little or no change needed to the existing heating system, so the disruption to the property, which you would have to experience generally with a heat pump installation, is lessened or even eliminated.

Combi boilers This installation would also help significantly with the high proportion of combi boiler installs that we have. We believe that there are around 17 million combi boilers installed – so that’s 17 million homes without a hot water storage cylinder. A hot water storage cylinder is vital for the operation of a heat pump. If we can continue to use a combination boiler to generate hot water and to top up the heating system in extremely cold periods, but support this with an installation of a heat pump, then that is likely to be far more accepted in people’s properties, as disruption is kept to a minimum.

Heat networks An alternative to the challenges that we are facing with heat network schemes will be the use of hybrid systems to get good decarbonisation levels. If you have 40% of the heat load covered by heat pumps, then you can cover an excess of 80% of your kW hours. This means that 80% of the energy is going across to a renewable source, which will be a way to achieve a reasonable level of decarbonisation on some

of these harder-to-achieve schemes. The main benefit of including a hybrid system instead of a sole heat pump is that it can support future carbon emission reductions. It is looking increasingly likely that current boilers will be hydrogen-ready appliances in the coming years, so much so it could become a mandatory requirement. Heat networks typically operate below 25% of their peak demand for over half of the year, which is why heat pumps are well-suited to larger schemes. By having peak-load boilers on standby, and introducing a hybrid heat network, when the outside temperature drops to its coldest during the winter months, the hybrid heat network will provide end users with instant peak time hot water and heating.

Balancing act To conclude, there is not an all or nothing situation at hand when it comes to the future of gas boilers. We will not see the exclusive adoption of either heat pumps or hydrogen across the UK, however what is needed is finding that balance between the two types and promoting a mixture between them as we move away from gas-fired boilers in the future. The future for boilers is still there, it will likely reduce in size, but ultimately it will still be a very buoyant market, however using green gas as opposed to natural gas. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/24

29/09/2021 08:50

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Gas Boilers  The Viessmann Vitodens 222-F condensing combi boiler comes with a 100 litre DHW cylinder

How to optimise heating efficiency At a time of rising energy prices, research suggests that many installers could be doing more to ensure their customers’ gas boilers and central heating systems are working as eﬃciently as possible. Darren McMahon from Viessmann provides some useful tips on helping customers to reduce their heating bills.

ou’ve probably seen the news stories warning that big rises in gas prices are on the way, with wholesale energy costs having rocketed by 50% in the six months to August. Even without climate crisis concerns, it’s therefore more important than ever for the industry to maximise the energy efficiency of customers’ gas boiler heating systems. Yet recent research by the government into the implementation of Boiler Plus regulations, which aim to reduce energy consumption, would suggest that efficiency measures, whether mandated or not, are not always front of mind. The survey reports that installers have a broad awareness of the rules, but not all have detailed knowledge. As a result, many installers simply fit one additional Boiler Plus measure – most often smart controls – as a matter of habit, whereas it would be better to think about the most appropriate measures for each household. With legislation only likely to increase and with the growth of renewables, smart heating businesses will already be thinking of themselves less as gas fitters or heating engineers and more as climate solutions companies. However, if ever there were a time to look for ways to optimise energy efficiency when specifying and installing boilers, it is now. Here then are a couple of checklists to help in the quest. One list identifies technical product features worth searching for when specifying

26.indd 1

boilers, the other highlights suggestions for installation and servicing.

What to look for

Darren McMahon

Viessmann marketing director

It’s more important than ever for the industry to maximise the energy efficiency of customers’ gas boiler heating systems

Weather compensation controls: Sending the boiler information about temperature changes outside the building and altering radiator temperature to compensate is much more eﬃcient than waiting for room thermostats to detect that the inside of the building has become too hot or too cold. This alone can cut gas consumption by 15%. Boiler modulation: It’s easy to forget, but higher modulation results in fewer burner starts and better eﬃciency. Dynamic pause time optimisation: By matching pause times after each operating cycle to the rate at which the boiler water temperature increases, the number of cycles and prepurge phases is reduced. And

because average boiler water temperatures are low, standby losses are also lower. Automated combustion control: Technologies such as our Lambda Pro give the boiler a better ability to modulate down – for example, the Vitodens 200-W modulates down to 1.8 kW with an impressive turndown ratio of 1:20 – improving efficiency. It also adjusts the gas/air mixture to compensate for fluctuations in gas quality, ambient air and atmospheric pressure, to maintain constant efficiency and improve wear and tear. Burner efficiency: By regulating burner flame intensity with exceptional accuracy, and having a modulation range of 1:17, our MatriX stainless steel cylinder burner’s efficiency rate is a high 98%.  Weather compensation controls can reduce gas consumption by 15%

Remote monitoring: Software such as our Vitoguide mobile app allows installers to receive automated messages and fault displays for remote maintenance. They can quickly solve issues that might otherwise continue unnoticed and reduce boiler eﬃciency. Likewise, customer apps make controlling energy consumption much easier. Central heating pump: Most domestic boilers include a DC speed controlled pump, automatically saving energy; however in larger and commercial systems, which have external pumps, DC is better than AC and AC pumps can be updated. Rather than guessing what’s best, it’s important to consider each individual building’s boiler output, piping layout, and insulation in order to reduce electricity usage. Low-loss headers: It’s important that this performs properly. By acting as a hydraulic separator, decoupling the boiler and system circuits from each other, it increases operational eﬃciency and can prolong the life of the boiler or components.

What to do

System flushing and cleaning: Essential when installing a boiler or an entire system, because closed-circuit heating systems lose efficiency when circulating water is contaminated by particulate debris and sludge. Heating the flushing water to 40°C will enhance the loosening and suspension of debris. Hydraulic balancing: Many homeowners fully open both valves on every radiator, thinking it will give them more heat, but this can deprive radiators furthest from the boiler of adequate hot water flow, meaning that systems often need balancing. Insulate condensate pipes: If they are uninsulated they are at risk of freezing over. Internal condensate drainage pipework must be a minimum of 19mm internal diameter, should fall at least 45mm per metre away from the boiler, and increase to 30mm internal diameter before passing through the wall to the outside, where pipes should be insulated. Annual servicing: If a boiler isn’t serviced as often as the manufacturer recommends, it will gradually lose combustion efficiency and become vulnerable to breakdowns. This is worth mentioning to customers, who might not understand that stretching service intervals is a false economy. It is also worth briefly describing to customers the key measures that have been taken to ensure their heating system is performing with optimum energy efficiency. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/25

29/09/2021 18:20

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PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Gas Boilers

hile anyone working in the plumbing and heating industry will be well aware of the need to service boilers on a regular basis, the general public may be less aware of the importance of doing so. Left unchallenged, this disconnect could cause serious issues over time, such as reduced eﬃciency and even a complete breakdown. Therefore, communicating the reasoning behind why servicing is vital, not only from a safety perspective but also from a cost point of view, is worthwhile.

Asking questions As more people will have been at home over the past 18 months, any changes to their heating system, such as radiators not warming up efficiently or a lack of hot water, are more likely to have been noticed. Talking to customers and asking questions about how their hot water and heating has been performing can help to identify if any adjustments are required in order to ensure safe and efficient operation. There has also been a surge in home improvements during lockdown, most likely as a result of householders spending more time considering the work that may need undertaking in their properties. Whether this involves extending the space available by building an extension or revitalising the bathroom, these changes could have an unexpected effect on their heating system. Flue positioning, for example, is carefully thought through by heating engineers. However, when carrying out construction

28 (Baxi).indd 1

Helping customers to stay warm this winter As the colder months draw in, homeowners will once again be looking to their boilers to keep their homes cosy and warm. Chris Riley from Baxi takes a closer look at some of the key areas installers might wish to consider when giving their customers advice on how best to ensure that their gas boilers remain in tip top condition. work, people are all too often unaware of the requirement for a flue to be correctly sited in accordance with regulations. It’s simply something they would never think to check with their installer. Incorrect work in this area can lead to poor or restricted effectiveness of the flue, and even in extreme situations complete blocking of a flue outlet or air intake. To prevent this from happening, encouraging customers to get in touch when considering renovations is key. Similarly, educating them on the impact of adding anything requiring a supply of hot water, such as a shower, radiator or extra sink, may help to avoid pressure or supply issues.

Remaining vigilant Ensuring customers understand what signs are a cause for concern is just as crucial as encouraging them to share information about planned home improvements. Visually checking the boiler and hot water cylinder, as well as the areas around them, could indicate if something is not right. Throughout the year, homeowners can easily keep an eye out for any obvious areas of concern like leaks, staining,

scorching or a floppy yellow flame on gas fires or cookers. Explaining the significance of these tell-tale signs helps to highlight potential problems as early as possible, giving heating engineers the best chance of resolving them quickly.

Warranty conditions

Chris Riley

Baxi national operations manager

Many households may be unsure of where they stand with servicing and whether or not their boiler is still under warranty, especially given the disruption caused by Covid

Many households may be unsure of where they stand with servicing and whether or not their boiler is still under warranty, especially given the disruption caused by Covid on regular checks. While boilers must be serviced annually to remain within warranty, allowances were made in 2020 and 2021 due to lockdown, so having a conversation about the impact of this is useful. If there is any doubt about whether or not a warranty is still valid, you can check with the manufacturer. Our team at Baxi are always happy to help. To provide further protection, it is recommended that a filter is fitted with every boiler as per guidance in BS 7593. This is a mandatory requirement of the 10-year warranty for the popular Baxi 800 range, which comes with an Adey Micro2 magnetic filter in the box.

Looking ahead Giving homeowners the knowledge necessary to ensure their heating system is running as efficiently and safely as possible benefits everyone. It increases the likelihood of faults being identified earlier or avoided altogether, reducing the amount of time needed to resolve the situation. When servicing any Baxi boiler, we recommend that heating engineers refer to the appropriate installation and service manual for the type and model, which provides detailed instructions and combustion performance figures. This information is available free of charge online for nearly all older appliances, as well as the newer models – especially useful if the guide is missing from the home. Finally, they should always point households in the direction of the Gas Safe Register website to check safety alerts. It pays for everyone in the industry to promote this resource all year round, as more homeowners are aware that the Register exists, the more people will know to check the credentials of their chosen engineer. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/26

CUT TO THE CHASE  Talking to customers can help to identify if any system adjustments are required  If there is any doubt about whether or not a warranty is still valid, you can always check with the manufacturer  It’s always important to remind customers about the existence of the Gas Safe Register

29/09/2021 09:06

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To learn more, visit worcester-bosch.co.uk/professional

PHAM OCT21:Layout 1 01/10/2021 09:08 Page 30

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Gas Boilers

¦Ğā ðāłāƩŶŭ ŋĕ ðŋĢķāũ ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ 2L^ MZTWP] _PNSYZWZRd SL^ LOaLYNPO ^TRYTʭNLY_Wd ZaP] _SP WL^_ decade and, as a result, demand for these heating stalwarts is showing little sign of slowing down – Sean Keleher, Navien’s technical manager, explains more.

he humble gas boiler remains at the heart of many UK homes – and it looks set to remain this way, with the Energy & Utilities Alliance (EUA) reporting an ˚ˡ̍ˠ% increase in demand year-on-year. Indeed, the latest EUA report states domestic boilers were at their highest June volume since ˛˙˚˞, which is great news for the heating sector as a whole. Given this level of demand, what should installers be looking for when selecting a RL^ MZTWP] _Z PY^`]P _SPd L]P ZʬP]TYR _SPT] customers the best in heating technology? Let’s consider a few of the fundamental parts in more detail.

On display It might seem the obvious place to start, but a boiler’s display is often overlooked.

Modern, touch screen displays are key, especially in terms of ensuring a unit is user-friendly. Plus, from an installer’s [P]^[PN_TaP ʭ__TYR L MZTWP] bT_S LY TY_`T_TaP display will provide quick access to the details required for accurate and precise levels of servicing. The latest models ensure T_ T^ ^TX[WP _Z aTPb TYQZ]XL_TZY ZY ʮZb and return temperatures, as well as system water pressure. The type of displays found on condensing gas boilers, such as our own NCB units, also allow installers to test some components including the fan, pump and combi diverter valve, while an extra test for the gas venturi is available. All this information is essential when it comes to ascertaining the Benchmark information required during commissioning and servicing, which must be carried out in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions. It also helps NZYʭ]X L RL^ MZTWP] T^ ^LQP PʯNTPY_ LYO compliant with the necessary Building Regulations.

Heat exchanger When looking to ensure a boiler has a long lifespan without losing either performance Z] PʯNTPYNd _SP \`LWT_d LYO O`]LMTWT_d of the heat exchanger is crucial. A vital component of any gas boiler, the heat exchanger is required to operate in a harsh environment, where it is subjected to various thermal and mechanical stresses. It also has to contend with any impurities in system water, as well as dissolved oxygen LYO _SP PʬPN_^ ZQ NZ]]Z^TaP NZYOPY^L_P The most dependable heat exchangers are made from stainless steel because not only does this material excel in a wide ]LYRP ZQ [3 aLW`P^ M`_ LW^Z ZʬP]^ L STRS level of resistance against corrosion. Its ability to operate in a wider scope of pH values reduces reliance on chemical water treatments, while maintaining high levels ZQ O`]LMTWT_d LYO PʯNTPYNd

Control system Manufacturers have also made great strides in the development of heating controls, to ensure the latest devices are of the same high standards as their gas boilers. In fact, the savviest companies have ensured that heating systems pairing their boilers and NZY_]ZW^ _ZRP_SP] ZʬP] PaPY R]PL_P] WPaPW^ ZQ PYP]Rd PʯNTPYNd The concept spans far beyond the reaches of simply integrating controls into the boiler itself, thanks to advances in wireless technology and the evolution of ‘smart’ devices. Manufacturers’ own control units, such as our innovative Smart Plus, can TX[]ZaP PYP]Rd PʯNTPYNd ]LT^TYR L MZTWP]ɪ^ overall ErP rating to ‘A+’. These controls also provide a number of advanced and energy-saving functions, such as weather compensation, which accurately adjusts _SP ^d^_PX ʮZb _PX[P]L_`]P TY ]P^[ZY^P to external conditions, thereby reducing energy consumption and costs. Of course, modern smart controls also appeal to tech-savvy end users, especially when they can be accessed via a smartphone app. Not only does this allow remote access and adjustment of the heating and hot water system at

30.indd 1

the touch of a button, there is also the capacity to receive error messages or useful YZ_TʭNL_TZY^ bSPY LbLd Q]ZX L []Z[P]_d >XL]_[SZYP NZX[L_TMTWT_d LW^Z ZʬP]^ features such as geofencing, where a person’s proximity to their home dictates how the heating system operates, with the MZTWP] _`]YTYR ZY Z] Zʬ OP[PYOTYR ZY how close (or far away) someone is to their property. This can even be set up across multiple handsets, enabling all members of a household to enjoy their preferred indoor temperature.

DķāƗĢðķā ƪŽāŭ Now, if a gas boiler is to perform to an optimum level, it is imperative that the ʮ`P T^ ZQ LY P\`LWWd STRS ^_LYOL]O ,Q_P] LWW YZ_ ZYWd T^ _SP ʮ`P TX[Z]_LY_ TY terms of safety, it also has a role to play TY _P]X^ ZQ ZaP]LWW ^d^_PX PʯNTPYNd >Z when installers are assessing a boiler XLY`QLN_`]P]ɪ^ []ZO`N_ [Z]_QZWTZ _SP ʮ`P should not be overlooked. ?SP OP^TRY LYO OTLXP_P] ZQ L ʮ`P determine its maximum allowable length. This has led to us utilising the Ø˟˙/˚˙˙ [WL^_TN NZYNPY_]TN ʮ`P ^d^_PX ZY Z`] ZbY RL^ MZTWP]^ ?SP^P ʮ`P^ NLY MP ʭ__PO either horizontally (through the wall) or vertically (through the roof) – although the distance by which they can be extended aL]TP^ L^ _SP _Z_LW [Z^^TMWP ʮ`P WPYR_S T^ determined by the ability of the boiler itself. ,^ L ]P^`W_ bSP]PL^ ^ZXP ʮ`P^ bTWW ZYWd extend to around ˟-ˡm, at Navien we can ZʬP] NWL^^-leading lengths up to ˛˚m for a ]LYRP ZQ ʮPcTMWP TY^_LWWL_TZY Z[_TZY^ ?ST^ is due to our heat exchanger design and a powerful fan, which can provide the long LYO OTʯN`W_ ʮ`P ]`Y^ YPPOPO ZY ^ZXP applications.

Smart choice So, it is plain to see that thanks to the many advances in technology, the gas boiler is set to remain a key player in the heating sector for the near future. By choosing products bT_S _SP WL_P^_ TY SPL_ PcNSLYRP] ʮ`P LYO controls technology, emissions can be kept to a minimum – as can end users’ energy bills. Installers just need to make the smart NSZTNP ɧ PYP]Rd PʯNTPY_ MZTWP]^ NL[LMWP ZQ the excellent levels of performance their customers deserve. ͻ ťĞÖĿłāƒŭ̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̓˚˙˛˚̓˛ˠ

30/09/2021 15:24

Our new combi range packs powerful performance into our smallest-ever design. It’s the perfect fit for flats, off-grid homes and first-time buyers – or anywhere space and budget are tight. Available nationwide now Learn more at glow-worm.co.uk/compact

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PHAM OCT21:Layout 1 30/09/2021 08:27 Page 32

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Gas Boilers

All you need in just one package 3LaTYR L STRS aLW`P []ZO`N_ [LNVLRP `[ dZ`] ^WPPaP NLY SPW[ dZ` bTY UZM^ LYO MZZ^_ XL]RTY^ >[PYNP] .WL]V NZXXP]NTLW OT]PN_Z] QZ] 2WZb-bZ]X WZZV^ L_ SZb _Z PY^`]P dZ`ɪ]P Q`WWd []P[L]PO QZ] _SP ZYNZXTYR SPL_TYR ^PL^ZY

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The Energy boiler comes with a system filter and choice of flue

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Extra rewards ,Yd _]LOP []ZQP^^TZYLW bTWW bLY_ _Z PY^`]P _SL_ _SPT] NSZTNP ZQ []ZO`N_ bTWW MP ZQ MPYPʭ_ QZ] _SP PYO `^P] M`_ XLYd [LNVLRP^ LW^Z Pc_PYO _Z bTY^ QZ] _SP TY^_LWWP] _ZZ .L^SMLNV ZʬP]^ ^`NS L^ the £˞˙ ZY ZʬP] bSPY dZ` ]PRT^_P] _SP NZX[WP_PO TY^_LWWL_TZY ZY .W`M 0YP]Rd SPW[ _Z []ZaTOP LY Pc_]L TYNPY_TaP bSTWP QZ] _SZ^P bLY_TYR _Z LNNP^^ WZdLW_d ^NSPXP^ WTVP .W`M 0YP]Rd _SP ]PbL]O^ Pc_PYO _Z M]LYOPO NWZ_STYR _ZZW^ LYO LNNP^^ _Z ZYWTYP LOaTNP LYO _]LTYTYR BT_S XLYd TY^_LWWP]^ NZY_TY`TYR _Z bZ]V _S]Z`RSZ`_ L NSLWWPYRTYR dPL] bP bLY_PO _Z ZʬP] ^ZXP_STYR _SL_ SPW[PO _SPX RP_ MLNV _Z M`^TYP^^ post-WZNVOZbY bT_S L ^TX[WP M`_ STRS aLW`P MZTWP] M`YOWP ,_ 2WZb-bZ]X bP LTX _Z XLVP WTQP L^ PL^d L^ [Z^^TMWP QZ] TY^_LWWP]^ ^Z _SL_ _SPd NLY bTY XZ]P M`^TYP^^ ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˙˛˚̓˛ˡ

29/09/2021 16:55

PHAM OCT21 BOILER GUIDE v2:Layout 1 30/09/2021 17:49 Page 1

PHAM SEPT21 IDEAL HEATING:Layout 1 26/08/2021 14:02 Page 1

PHAM OCT21:Layout 1 30/09/2021 16:17 Page 35

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Gas Boilers 35 Flexible ƩŶŶĢłė Öłù ťāũĕŋũĿÖłóā :ʬP]TYR ʮPcTMTWT_d TY [P]QZ]XLYNP LYO TY^_LWWL_TZY _SP AT^TZY ;W`^ ]LYRP Q]ZX AZV°]L TYNW`OP^ MZTWP]^ bT_S ^_LTYWP^^ ^_PPW SPL_ PcNSLYRP]^ LYO T^ LaLTWLMWP TY L NSZTNP ZQ ^PaPY XZOPW^% QZ`] NZXMT MZTWP]^ bT_S Z`_[`_^ ZQ ˛˞-˝˙VB LYO _S]PP ^d^_PX MZTWP]^ bT_S Z`_[`_^ ZQ ˛˙-˜˙VB LWW bT_S L ^_LYOL]O ^PaPY-dPL] bL]]LY_d ?SP^P MZTWP]^ MPYPʭ_ Q]ZX L NWTNV-ʭ_ ʮ`P ^d^_PX QZ] PL^d TY^_LWWL_TZY LYO NZXMT XZOPW^ SLaP L `YTaP]^LW [T[P NZYYPN_TZY WLdZ`_ ?SPd ZʬP] .WL^^ ɩ,ɪ PYP]Rd PʯNTPYNd TY LNNZ]OLYNP bT_S _SP 0]; OT]PN_TaP ,WW XZOPW^ SLaP _SP :[PY?SP]X NZY_]ZW^ []Z_ZNZW PXMPOOPO ?SP ˜˞ LYO ˝˙VB NZXMT MZTWP]^ LYO LWW _S]PP ^d^_PX MZTWP]^ TY _SP AT^TZY ;W`^ ]LYRP QPL_`]P LY Z[_TXT^PO ]LOTLW ^_LTYWP^^ ^_PPW SPL_ PcNSLYRP] bSTNS PYLMWP^ L bTOP XZO`WL_TZY ]L_TZ ZQ ˚̆ˡ QZ] Z[_TX`X Z[P]L_TYR PʯNTPYNd ?ST^ XPLY^ _SL_ _SP AT^TZY ;W`^ ˝˙. NZXMT QZ] PcLX[WP NLY XZO`WL_P OZbY _Z ˝̍ˢVB

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ŽÖķĢŶƘ óŋĿťŋłāłŶŭ 'āŭĢėłāù ĕŋũ ŋťŶĢĿÖķ āƧóĢāłóƘ ŋł ŶĞā ĢłŭĢùā

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>LTO _Z ZʬP] L NZ^_-PʬPN_TaP NZXMT MZTWP] NSZTNP ,W[SL 3PL_TYR 4YYZaL_TZYɪ^ 0-?PN LYO 0-?PN ;W`^ ]LYRP T^ NSL]LN_P]T^PO Md T_^ M`TWO \`LWT_d ]PWTLMTWT_d LYO PL^P ZQ TY^_LWWL_TZY ?SP^P `YT_^ ʭ_ TY_Z L ^_LYOL]O VT_NSPY N`[MZL]O LYO ZʬP] Q]ZY_ LNNP^^ QZ] PL^P ZQ ^P]aTNTYR 0LNS XZOPW QPL_`]P^ L ^_LTYWP^^ ^_PPW SPL_ PcNSLYRP] bT_S bTOP bL_P]bLd^ bSTNS _ZRP_SP] bT_S _SP 2]`YOQZ^ [`X[ LYO SdO]ZMWZNV L^^PXMWd PY^`]P^ XLTY^ bL_P] T^ bL]XPO `[ \`TNVWd QZ] NZY^_LY_ OPWTaP]d ZQ SZ_ bL_P] :_SP] VPd NZX[ZYPY_^ TYNW`OP L 3ZYPdbPWW RL^ aLWaP LYO ;.- [W`^ L NZXMTYPO NZYOPY^L_P LYO ;=A NZYYPN_TZY ?SP 0-?PN ;W`^ T^ M`TW_ ZY _SP ^LXP [WL_QZ]X M`_ SL^ _SP LOOPO MPYPʭ_ ZQ NZ[[P] [T[P _LTW^ bT_S T^ZWL_TZY aLWaP^ TY_PR]L_PO ʭWWTYR WZZ[ LYO NZY_]ZW [LYPW ?SPd L]P LaLTWLMWP TY _S]PP Z`_[`_^ _SP ^LXP ˛ˡ LYO ˜˜VB XZOPW^ L^ _SP ^_LYOL]O 0-?PN bT_S LY LOOT_TZYLW STRS Z`_[`_ ˜ˡVB XZOPW L^ bPWW ͻ phamnews. co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˜˙

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29/09/2021 09:59

PHAM OCT21:Layout 1 29/09/2021 12:28 Page 36

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Gas Boilers

Comprehensive choice of outputs The Quinta Ace ˜˙-˚˟˙ range of condensing boilers from Remeha has been expanded with the addition of the Quinta Ace ˚˜˞. This means they are now available in ˜˙̇ ˝˞̇ ˞˞̇ ˟˞̇ ˢ˙̇ ˚˚˞̇ ˚˜˞ and ˚˟˙kW outputs. The Quinta Ace ˚˜˞ has similar dimensions and connections to the ˚˟˙ variant. With its compact design, it is suitable for both individual installation and as part of a cascade or rig system. As with all the models in the Quinta Ace range, there is the additional opportunity to mix and match outputs for LOOPO OP^TRY ʮPcTMTWT_d ?ST^ PYLMWP^ XZ]P accurate matching of heat demand for reduced energy consumption and waste.

Built on Remeha’s Ace control platform, the Quinta Ace ˚˜˞ ZʬP]^ TYN]PL^PO ʮPcTMTWT_d LYO PʯNTPYNd ZQ operation, from installation to commissioning to maintenance. In-built ˙̟˚˙V and volt-free contacts provide direct connection to any building management system for improved system control at no extra cost. The Quinta Ace ˚˜˞ delivers near PʯNTPYNTP^ ZQ `[ _Z ˢˡ% GCV. With excellent low Class ˟ NOx emissions of ˛˝XR VBS T_ \`LWTʭP^ QZ] XLcTX`X BREEAM credits. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˜˛

Compact boiler for when space is at a premium One of the smallest boilers currently available on the market, Glow-worm’s Compact boiler is claimed to deliver high quality performance. Fitting within a casing size of ˟˛˟mm x ˝˙˙mm, the new Compact combi boiler is available in both ˛˝ and ˛ˡkW outputs. It is available at merchants in a discounted M`YOWP bSTNS TYNW`OP^ L ʮ`P LYO ;ZbP] System Filter. What’s more, the boiler also has a stainless steel heat exchanger to provide protection against corrosion for older systems, helping to increase the lifespan of the boiler. The Glow-bZ]X .ZX[LN_ MZTWP] ZʬP]^ L

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range of useful features, including a built in bracket for easier installation, while the Pc_P]YLW P-@> ^ZNVP_ ^TX[WTʭP^ connectivity between boiler and controls. It LW^Z MPYPʭ_^ Q]ZX WZb ʮZb Z[P]L_TZY suiting it for more domestic properties. ,aLTWLMWP TY MZ_S YL_`]LW RL^ LYO 7;2 options, the Glow-worm Compact is ideal for applications where space is at a premium, including kitchen cupboards and NL]LaLY ]P_]Zʭ_ []ZUPN_^ 4Y LOOT_TZY _SP Compact is fully compatible with Glowworm’s existing range of controls and NZXP^ NZX[WP_P bT_S L ʭaP-year guarantee. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˙˛˚̓˜˜

WiFi on the inside for remote monitoring Available from Viessmann is the next-generation of its most popular gas condensing boiler, the Vitodens ˚˙˙-W. The WiFi-integrated Vitodens ˚˙˙-W’s control platform makes commissioning and servicing the boiler easier. It is possible to monitor and make adjustments to customers’ boilers remotely. No thirdparty controls are required, meaning a Vitodens boiler with ViCare Thermostat gives homeowners a loadcompensating smartphone-controlled system. The design of the Vitodens ˚˙˙-W has reduced the number of spare parts typically needed for routine maintenance by about ˞˙%, meaning Viessmann installers should be able to carry less stock. Compact and quiet, with outputs ranging from ˜̍˛ to ˜˛kW, the Vitodens ˚˙˙-W series is suited to a broader range of homes and is ideal for installers searching for boilers to match heat loss calculations. With WiFi inside the boiler, the Vitodens ˚˙˙-W is a smart machine that enables live interfaces and full control for both the installer and end-user. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˜˝

29/09/2021 10:10

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Electric Heating 37

Low carbon heating under computer control As gas prices soar and with little prospect of the cost to homeowners coming down any time soon, if ever, Oliver Baker from Ambion Heating makes the case for computer controlled infrared (CCIR) heating systems.

ver the last 12 months, we have seen several important pieces of government policy and strategy that all point to one common fact - if we are going to hit the UK’s net zero target by 2050, it will require the mass electrification of many aspects of our lives. From vehicles to heating, new electric technologies will be crucial to our decarbonisation success. This is particularly true when it comes to ‘greening’ the UK’s housing stock. For new builds, there is a clear deadline that properties should be ‘zero carbon ready’ by 2025 under the Future Homes Standard. For existing properties, there is a major retrofitting job to do. The Climate Change Committee estimates that out of 29 million homes in the UK, 19 million have an EPC lower than ‘C’. In the Energy White Paper, published at the end of 2020, the government reiterated its commitment that all UK houses should be EPC Band ‘C’ by 2035. We firmly believe that one of the biggest solutions to the decarbonisation problem will be electric heating systems.

And, while the headlines have been on air source heat pumps (ASHP), in reality, it will take a broad range of technologies to meet the government’s ambitious targets. So, how can electric heating technologies help meet sustainability standards for both old and new builds?

Cost effective

One of the main arguments against electric heating is the cost when compared to gas, largely due to the higher unit cost of electricity. However, there are technologies available now that are making electric a much more aﬀordable and viable option, even when budgets are tight. One of these is computer-controlled infrared (CCIR) heating, which has several beneﬁts for installers and their customers, as it is both low carbon and tackles the issue of cost when it comes to electricity vs gas. CCIR uses infrared which is a high performance way  The Ambion control panel is the ‘brain’ of the system and it displays the energy consumption of each individual panel in the home

Oliver Baker

CEO of Ambion Heating

BY NUMBERS

19m number of UK homes that have an EPC rating lower than ‘C’

60% Ambion’s CCIR delivers the same levels of comfort as electric convection systems, but uses 60% less energy to do so

25% Assuming a ﬂexi-tariff in the property, CCIR can achieve around 25% savings in the unit cost of energy

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of delivering heat using less electricity than conventional electric heating. What makes CCIR different is that it also uses software with each panel, which constantly monitors each individual room and the energy storage characteristics within it, adjusting its energy delivery routine to maintain the ambient temperature within the room, maximising its performance and using fewer units of energy than a traditional heating system. The resulting savings are compelling. We commissioned an independent performance review of CCIR to assess how it compares with both traditional convection systems and ASHPs. It revealed that CCIR provides the same levels of comfort within a room, using 60% less energy than a standard electric convection system and on a par with ASHPs. The system also reduces the unit cost of electricity because it works best across 24 hours. This flat demand profile - there is no morning or evening energy spike in usage - also means that if a homeowner is on a flexitariff, CCIR can achieve around a 25% saving in the unit cost of your energy. So, if you put those two things together – the 60% reduction in electricity usage with the 25% saving on unit cost – the running cost is comparable with gas.

Time saving

CCIR systems are also easier to install, whether they’re being retrofitted into an existing building or installed within a new build, because they simply need wiring into the mains rather than plumbing in. Therefore, an installer can fit the system and move on to the next job in minimal time. Another benefit is reducing

 CCIR systems are easily retroﬁtted into an existing building because it simply needs wiring to the mains

the administrative burden of processing warranty claims. For example, unlike AHSPs, CCIR has no moving parts and requires no annual maintenance, so it makes an ideal choice for end user customers who want to ensure that they have minimum after sales issues and warranty claims.

Wide application

Unlike other low carbon solutions, CCIR can be installed in any building that has electricity. While it is particularly suitable for offgas grid properties, given the UK’s targets for switching from fossil fuel heating to low carbon alternatives, housebuilders, landlords, commercial and public sector buildings could all benefit from the high performance and emissions reductions CCIR provides. To help installers prepare for the low carbon heating transition, we are working in partnership with several contractors across the country to train them on CCIR, its benefits, and how to install it. For us, working together with installers, developers, landlords, contractors and builders is crucial if the road to net zero is going to be a success. The future of heating has to be low carbon and we believe electric systems will play a transformational role. Therefore, for installers, demonstrating an expertise in installing the latest low carbon electric heating systems, like CCIR, could be a key differentiator when it comes to winning contracts. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/35

29/09/2021 10:18

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Electric Heating

Quick and easy ways to deliver hot water Around 12% of an average home’s energy consumption is for heating water, and while the amount depends partly on how much hot water is used, the type of water heater has a huge bearing on both cost and green credentials. With this in mind Richard Harvey from Wolseley Plumb & Parts looks at the potential of electric water heaters.

riven by both consumer demand and space constraints, the combi boiler has taken the market share in new build properties in recent years. This trend looks set to change, with the government’s Future Homes Standard banning all fossil fuel heating from new build homes from 2025. In response, housebuilders are exploring a range of options, such as ground and air source heat pumps. However, as the market evolves, electric water heaters are growing in popularity, oﬀering a solution that lowers emissions and oﬀers a viable alternative to gas.

Evolution

Traditionally a functional piece of kit hidden away, electric water heaters are evolving to become more aesthetically pleasing, with some even designed to complement and add to the interior design. For smaller homes, water heaters offer a space saving solution versus traditional cylinders or boilers. Slimline wall-hung solutions take up far less space than a cylinder in an airing cupboard. Instantaneous water heaters offer the most compact solution, while larger capacity storage water heaters also come in compact packages, with slimline versions offering sufficient hot water for a small household to have a bath or multiple showers. While the regulatory environment might account for a shift towards electric water heaters as a more sustainable choice for new builds, the pandemic has also resulted in a change in the way we use our homes. With home offices on the rise, water heaters can provide an ideal solution for those looking to access hot water in their converted sheds, garages and annexes. The pandemic has also seen an increase in multigenerational households. In these situations, water heaters are the ideal way to add extra capacity quickly, and at a relatively low cost, without having to worry about exceeding the capacity of the boiler or extending gas pipework. In today’s connected world, most homeowners are familiar with the likes of the Nest

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The Zip Inline instantaneous hot water heater  Electric water heaters can be real space savers, discreetly tucked away under the sink or in a cupboard

thermostat, with smart heating becoming commonplace in the nation’s homes. Electric water heaters are just starting to tap into this trend.

Richard Harvey

Commercial director of plumbing and heating and Wolseley Plumb & Parts

Making a connection

Triton Instaﬂow

The market is focused on models that ﬁt well in smaller spaces, meet interior design trends, and embrace smart home and app connectivity  Designers are paying attention to aesthetics so that units can blend into most interior designs

CUT TO THE CHASE  Electric water heaters can overcome issues such as lack of space, or remote areas of the home needing access  Smart technology is making electric water heating highly controllable and more efficient  Electric storage water heaters meet the demands of larger properties or light commercial  G3 qualiﬁcations are needed for installing heaters under 15 litres capacity

Ariston’s Pro1 Eco electric storage water heater

Today’s water heaters feature intelligent controls which give users a simple, fast and efficient way to control their heating and water supplies. Many also have the ability to link systems to a smart phone app, allowing users to start, stop, monitor and adjust the temperature of their water, tweaking settings to improve efficiency and save money. Ariston’s eco-evo function takes smart functionality one step further. This highly intelligent tech effectively memorises water consumption habits and manages the water temperature autonomously, ensuring that hot water supply meets demand when required. For installers, being able to upsell smart-tech products is one way to meet growing consumer demand. However, some systems on the market also offer the added benefit of being able to use the app for fault finding, allowing installers to assess the scope of the job and ensure they have the right parts to hand before they arrive on site. Water heaters come in all shapes and sizes, with key differences making them suitable for different applications. Instantaneous water heaters deliver hot water immediately at the point of use. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, where an electric element heats the water. With no standby energy losses and no need for flues or gas piping, these systems are a good choice for properties with minimal hot water requirements or remote areas of the home.

Industry leading brands, including Ariston, Heatrae Sadia, Santon and Triton, offer a range of wattages as well as multipoint specifications to fit the needs of the application.

Higher demands

For those with a higher demand for hot water, properties with up to three bedrooms, or light commercial applications, storage water heaters oﬀer increased hot water availability. Products such as Ariston’s Velis Evo range is available in 45 and 80-litre capacities, with titanium enamelled twin tank technology with separate heating elements that ensure more hot water is available when required.

Rule and regulations

For installers, the most important thing to note is the difference in the way that these units are installed. Installation of units under 15 litres will require a knowledge of G3 regulations. However, those over 15 litres must be hard-wired to the fuse board and require the services of an electrician - an important distinction to make. Installers looking to tap into this growing market should make sure that they carry a BPEC G3 Unvented Certificate/ identification card, enabling them to prove that they possess the relevant skills required to comply with regulations. For systems over 30 litres, it is important to consider the need for an expansion vessel, to help maintain pressure, handling the expansion and contraction of water as it heats and cools; a non-return valve to prevent backflow of any hot water into the cold mains; and a discharge tundish, which provides a visual indication of over pressurising and prevents any water from being sucked back due to high pressure. While smaller systems may be DIY projects, it is important that installers educate customers about the benefits and legalities of using a professional. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/36

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PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Electric Heating

Energy storage made easy ,_ L _TXP ZQ ]T^TYR PYP]Rd []TNP^ _SP]XLW ^_Z]P^ Zʬ P] L NZ^_-Pʬ PN_TaP bLd QZ] SZXPZbYP]^ _Z MPYPʭ _ Q]ZX Zʬ -[PLV _L]Tʬ ^ bSTWP PY^`]TYR SPL_ T^ LaLTWLMWP when it’s needed – so says Jason Hobson, McDonald Water Storage.

ith the ambitious target to remove gas from new build homes by ˛˙˛˞, there has been much deliberation over technologies such has hydrogen ready boilers, heat pump technology and solar PV or solar thermal to help achieve carbon reduction targets. However, the application of these technologies in some new M`TWO Z] ]P_]Zʭ _ ^T_`L_TZY^ ^`NS as multi-occupancy developments or high-rise apartments, is not always feasible. This has led to forward thinking developers and housing management companies already looking towards all electric systems to provide a XZ]P NZ^_ Pʬ PN_TaP LYO PL^TP] installation solution.

Energy use It is worth remembering that, on average, heating and hot water

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Jason Hobson Divisional director at McDonald Water Storage requirements account for ˠ˜% of all the energy used within a home. With this in mind, thermal stores provide the perfect solution bSPY `^TYR Zʬ -[PLV _L]Tʬ ^ ^`NS as Economy ˠ or Economy ˚˙,

providing the customer with much lower fuel bills. Thermal stores use the electricity not just as a backup but as the main heat source to enable the load shifting of energy demand. This provides a fantastic opportunity in apartments where the switch to electric is required, enabling the costs to be competitive with that of a traditional gas system. It is important to understand that the thermal store is not just a hot water cylinder, but an energy store. Therefore, when sizing the thermal store, the kW requirement for the property needs to be taken into account so that the load shifting potential can be calculated. For example, where a property has an annual requirement of ˝˙˙˙kW for heating and hot water, a ˛˚˙-litre thermal store is able to hold ˚˚kW of energy. This enables the store to fully NSL]RP O`]TYR _SP Zʬ -peak

period, load shifting the energy use to the lower cost periods to satisfy the average daily energy requirement of the apartment. By increasing the store size and safely increasing the temperature within the store, additional energy NLY MP _LVPY O`]TYR _SP Zʬ -peak periods to meet higher heating demands without an on-peak boost requirement. By taking advantage of the LaLTWLMWP Zʬ -[PLV _L]Tʬ ^ the thermal store allows the homeowner to take the power required at times of lowest cost, therefore saving on the largest portion of their energy requirements.

Flexible Solution Historically, homes have been restricted to either standard electricity rates or cheap rate Zʬ -peak periods, but with higher daytime rates. With the increased demand for electric, providers are not only looking L_ LW_P]YL_TaP _L]Tʬ ^ M`_ LW^Z electricity generation, much of which is now being produced from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. This means when wind and solar generation are at their peak, not only is the carbon intensity reduced but also wholesale electricity costs are at

their lowest, making it the best possible time to store energy at home, for use at other times during the day. This has led to the emergence ZQ ʮ PcTMWP _L]Tʬ ^ ^`NS L^ :N_Z[`^ Agile, which provide another alternative through dynamic pricing, enabling you to load shift your electricity use to when the cost is lowest at any time during the day or night. Products such as our ELECTRAstore, a bespoke ^ZW`_TZY OP^TRYPO _Z ^`T_ L ^[PNTʭ N application, can monitor, regulate and manage the amount of energy delivered into the thermal store, providing a smart control device to select the cheapest ʮ PcTMWP _L]Tʬ [P]TZO _Z SPL_ the store. This method of load ^STQ_TYR T^ LW^Z MPYPʭ NTLW _Z _SP adoption of renewable energy sources, helping to smooth out peak loads and maximise the use of environmentally friendly electricity. Unlike overnight storage heaters, which lose heat through the day, thermal stores deliver energy directly to a wet central heating system, meaning that homeowners can use the heating when they need it most with very little heat loss. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˙˛˚̓˜ˠ

29/09/2021 18:15

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Electric Heating

Simple and efficient way to heat water Electric water heaters are increasingly being recognised as an energy eﬃcient solution for a variety of applications. Victoria Gutierrez from Ariston looks at the reasons for this growing trend.

ith around 12% of an average home’s energy consumption spent on heating water, careful consideration is required when identifying the products most suited to the application in hand. The amount of energy consumed depends not only on how much hot water is used, but also on the type of water heater installed. While gas water heaters remain a valid option, electric water heaters are becoming more widely installed, especially in off-gas areas, extensions and standalone buildings. Research has revealed the electric water heater market in the UK is set to experience significant growth in the next five years, with both the residential and hospitality sectors identified as key drivers for this upturn. Of course, Covid-19 remains the elephant in the room; however, while this has affected the hot water heater supply chain, it has also contributed to heightened demand for products. Increases in hand washing, bathing and improving general hygiene has seen point-of-use water heating units become essential items – a trend that is likely to continue even as we enter a post-pandemic world.

 The Ariston Velis Evo Wi-Fi is suitable for both residential and commercial applications

Victoria Guiterrez

Marketing manager at Ariston

From an efficiency perspective, modern electric water heaters excel, as all the energy they use is converted into heat for the water

Why go electric?

Electric water heating systems are quiet, clean and easy to operate, plus they don’t emit any harmful greenhouse gases or nitrogen dioxide. There are a number of different units available, including models that benefit from conventional tanktype designs, as well as tankless versions suitable for domestic and light commercial applications. So, when – and why – is electric the best option? According to the Energy Saving Trust, there are four million households across the UK off the mains gas grid. These properties require an alternative means of water heating – and electric systems are one of the most popular options available for off-gas homes and applications without alternative

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KEY BENEFITS  Residential and hospitality sectors are expected to see increased use of electric water heaters in the next five years  Use of smart technology in electric water heaters can boost energy efficiency credentials  The latest models are required to adhere to environmental legislation such as the ErP  Modern heaters also have space saving benefits  They can help landlords meet minimum efficiency standards

energy supply. After all, the products are simple to install, requiring only a connection to the electric circuit and mains water supply (plus any required safety devices). Units need little maintenance and are extremely efficient, as there are no heat losses between the power source and the water output. From an efficiency perspective, modern electric water heaters excel, because all the energy they use is converted into heat for the water. Electrically powered units heat water by using coiled elements to maintain a pre-set temperature, thereby minimising energy wastage and maintenance requirements. Advances in ‘smart’ technology, particularly controls, have further boosted the energy efficiency credentials of electric water heaters. Some models, including our own Velis Evo Wi-Fi, now benefit from built-in WiFi, enabling units to be set and activated remotely via a mobile app (such as our Aqua Ariston Net). This precise level of controllability ensures there is always enough hot water ready when required. Such advanced

functionality also allows users to monitor their energy consumption, as well as reduce fuel bills, which is especially important in low-income homes and rental properties.

Landlords’ concerns

On the subject of the rental sector, energy efficiency is a key consideration for UK landlords, as they must make sure properties are safe and fit for habitation by their tenants. Landlords are responsible for ensuring all gas and electrical equipment – including water heaters – is correctly installed, tested and maintained, as well as compliant with the minimum energy performance of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The minimum level of Energy Efficiency standards (EPC band ‘E’) for domestic private rented properties was introduced in 2018 as part of the Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations. Not only must landlords disclose the energy rating of a rental property when advertising it, they’re also legally required to show the full EPC to potential tenants at a viewing. By having

the latest electric water heaters installed, landlords can more easily meet the necessary energy standards required. Electric water heaters offer enhanced energy performance, with the latest products having to adhere to environmental legislation, such as ErP. This can be coupled with other sustainable functions, such as learning from the household’s daily usage, ensuring that water is only heated during the periods when demand is high. The key benefit here is that units are not left cycling during periods when a property is empty; this could be 9am to 5pm for a typical working week or, conversely, when a commercial building or office is unoccupied. In addition to their energysaving credentials, modern electric water heaters are also extremely compact, so they can replace cumbersome immersion heaters and cylinders to create more storage space inside a property. The latest products actually eliminate the need for separate cylinders, as any water is actually stored inside each unit.

Sustainable solution

So, as demand for energy efficient products increases, electric water heaters offer an array of features and benefits designed to reduce consumption and fuel bills. The latest control options also enhance usability while adhering to all necessary legislative requirements. With the electric water heater market set to experience significant growth, installers, specifiers and property developers alike should all be looking to these products to maintain exceptional levels of long term sustainability. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/38

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PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Electric Heating Delivering heat to any room in the property An upgraded version of the original Plug N Glow has been unveiled by Advance Appliances. The Plug N Glow ˛ is a small ˛.ˠVB PWPN_]TN ʮZb MZTWP] _SL_ SL^ ˛˛mm connections for ease of installation, with a ˚˜ LX[ [W`R ʭ__PO _Z NZYYPN_ ^_]LTRS_ TY_Z L household socket. -PYPʭ_TYR Q]ZX MP^[ZVP ^ZQ_bL]P the programming is simpler and more intuitive to operate. The unit can be set to come on two times per day, with a week/ weekend option. An override button allows for the system to run continuously. The small boiler has many applications that can range from providing a ^_LYOLWZYP `YOP]ʮZZ] SPL_TYR NT]N`T_ QZ] a conservatory up to ˛˙m2, defrosting a greenhouse in the winter months or it can be added to an existing wet central heating circuit to boost the power if rooms have been added to a property.

It has also been adopted by a number of installers to dry out screed on new `YOP]ʮZZ] SPL_TYR ^d^_PX^ L^ L _PX[Z]L]d heat source. It can be unplugged and used LRLTY LYO LRLTY TY OTʬP]PY_ []Z[P]_TP^ L^ required. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˜ˢ

Warmth from mood lighting

?SP ,aLY_T PWPN_]TN ʭ]P ZʬP]PO `YOP] _SP Onyx brand from Stovax, is said to deliver _SP `W_TXL_P TY ʮLXP LYO PXMP] PʬPN_^ while providing a thermostatically controlled source of heat. ?SP ]LYRP NZX[]T^P^ _S]PP PWPN_]TN ʭ]P sizes that can each be installed as either a one, two or three-^TOPO ʭ]P [W`^ PL^d ʮL_wall installation options available with no building work required. Both the MyFlame App and the Eco Remote Control allow users to adjust an array of settings on the Avanti, including

room temperature and light aesthetics, such as Chromalight Plus visuals. This feature lets users change the colours of _SP []TXL]d ʮLXP^ ^PNZYOL]d ʮLXP^ WZR lighting, ember bed lighting and downlighting to create bespoke mood-lighting. Heat can be adjusted between ˚˞°C and ˛˞{. LYO _SP ʭ]Pɪ^ ˛kW heater will adjust its power to reach the desired level L^ PʯNTPY_Wd L^ [Z^^TMWP ?SP SPL_ NLY MP _`]YPO Zʬ PY_T]PWd _Z PYUZd _SP ,aLY_Tɪ^ visuals during warmer months. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˝˙

Radiators with WiFi control Vasco has expanded its range of electric heating solutions to include an updated WiFi-controlled electric radiator, the Niva, together with a hybrid version of the Niva Mix designer radiator. The E-Volve WiFi version of Niva can be controlled with the Vasco Climate Control app. The WiFi module uses Bluetooth to communicate with a small temperature sensor located in the same room as the radiator. The Niva is a dry thermal panel electric radiator which heats up quickly using infrared technology to generate radiant heat. For those who want to use their hydronic central heating system, they can choose the Niva Mix, which allows them to use the radiator as an electric option. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˝˚

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PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Electric Heating

Boilers and heaters for almost any type of housing project Recognising that there is no single electric heating solution that will suit every project, the 0WPN_]TN 3PL_TYR .ZX[LYd Zʬ P]^ an extensive product portfolio to accommodate almost any central heating and hot water requirement. The company’s product range includes: The Mercury Electric Combi Boiler – a premium electric boiler solution for heating and hot water bT_S _SP LOOPO MPYPʭ _ ZQ bPL_SP] compensation and advanced service diagnostics. The Fusion Astro Electric Combi Boiler – suitable for properties with a shower and hot water Z`_WP_^ QZ] ^TYV^ BT_S YZ ʮ `P requirements, the boiler rapidly provides heating and domestic hot water. The Comet Electric Combination @YT_ ɧ Zʬ P]^ _SP NZXQZ]_ LYO convenience of wet central heating and domestic hot water for properties with no access to mains gas. The SlimJim Electric Boiler – it features a compact design which makes it ideal for heating applications where space is at a premium.

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Easy to lay UFH system ,aLTWLMWP Q]ZX >Y`R T^ L ]LYRP ZQ PWPN_]TN `YOP]ʮ ZZ] SPL_TYR ^d^_PX^ OP^TRYPO _Z ^`T_ OTʬ P]PY_ ]ZZX ^SL[P^ LYO ʮ ZZ] NZaP]TYR^ ?SP NZX[LYdɪ^ >Y`R 8L_ system, available in ˚˟˙W/m2 and ˛˙˙W/m2 versions, is primarily designed to provide extra power for areas such as conservatories, kitchens and lounges, and can be installed under tiles, stone or marble. The cable T^ bZaPY TY_Z LY LOSP^TaP ʭ MP]RWL^^ XP^S bSTNS T^ ˞˙˙mm wide and just ˜mm thick. For small or awkwardly shaped areas, where a XL__PO ^d^_PX XLd YZ_ MP []LN_TNLW >Y`R Zʬ P]^ L ˚̍ˡmm thick loose cable system. Said to be perfect for bathrooms or en-^`T_P^ T_ NZXP^ bT_S ʭ cTYR _L[P

and can be laid on marine ply, concrete, or thermal insulation boards. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˝˜

ÖĢķŭ ƒĢŶĞ ŶĞā Ʃ łĢŭĞĢłė ŶŋŽóĞ

The Comet Electric System Boiler – designed to eliminate unnecessary external plumbing and pipework, they are ideal for wet central heating systems. The Solaris – a modern, slim and stylish convector heater that will enhance any room. ?SP 0ORP ;LYPW 3PL_P] ɧ a traditional convector heater which has been designed with a RPY_WP N`]aPO []Zʭ WP ZY PLNS ^TOP of the appliance. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˝˛

Electric towel rails from Ultraheat are now available in six contemporary colours – Rose Gold, Antique Bronze, Black, Bronze, Copper and Gold ɧ LYO LWW bT_S _SP Z[_TZY ZQ PT_SP] L M]`^SPO XL__ Z] [ZWT^SPO ʭ YT^S ?SP _PNSYT\`P `^PO _Z N]PL_P _ST^ ʭ YT^S T^ VYZbY L^ ;Sd^TNLW AL[Z`] /P[Z^T_TZY ;A/ LYO ]P^`W_^ TY L STRSWd O`]LMWP PWPN_]TN _ZbPW ]LTW _SL_ bTWW YZ_ _L]YT^S NST[ Z] NZ]]ZOP ;A/ T^ L ^[PNTLWT^_ XLY`QLN_`]TYR []ZNP^^ bSP]P L _STY ʭ WX NZL_TYR T^ aL[Z]T^PO LYO OP[Z^T_PO L_ZX Md L_ZX ZY_Z _SP steel towel rail surface. This forms a bonded, metal or metal-ceramic surface layer, making the towel rail hard-wearing and long-lasting. ?SP ;A/ NZWWPN_TZY TYNW`OP^ _SP .LWOP] [TN_`]PO WPQ_ TY L M]`^SPO NZ[[P] ʭ YT^S >_TWP 0NZYZc LYO AP]L XZOPW^ LWW ZQ bSTNS SLaP MPPY designed with thick wide spaced rungs, and each is available in three OTʬ P]PY_ ^TeP Z[_TZY^ ?SP _ZbPW ]LTW^ L]P []ZaTOPO []P-ʭ WWPO bT_S L SPL_ _]LY^QP] WT\`TO LYO L]P ʭ __PO bT_S L NZX[L_TMWP SPL_TYR PWPXPY_ ^Z L standard electrical outlet is all that is required for installation. All of Ultraheat’s electric towel rails come with a ˚˛-month warranty. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˝˝

29/09/2021 10:54

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PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Tools & Workwear

The real McCoy: why genuine batteries matter Purchasing non-genuine batteries for power tools can have serious consequences. Tony Coleman from Makita explains the issues around these low-quality and even counterfeit products, and how users can ensure they are buying the real deal.

nline retailers and marketplaces have made it simple for everyone to ﬁnd and buy the products they need quickly and eﬃciently. However, it has also made it harder to distinguish between genuine, high quality products and poor quality replicas and counterfeit products. To the end user, many companies selling these replica, or sub-standard, products appear legitimate and often sell through online marketplaces alongside the genuine versions, but at a far lower price. This is not a minor issue: the campaign group Electrical Safety First (ESF) estimates that one in three people in the UK has inadvertently purchased a counterfeit electrical item online. This is a particular concern when purchasing replacement batteries for tools. In most cases, counterfeit products have not been manufactured or tested to the required quality and safety standards required by law and this can present safety risks to the user as well as damage the machine it is attached to. Therefore, it is important that installers are aware of the risks and how to avoid costly issues.

Ensuring safety Cordless technology for power tools has made work easier and safer. Established manufacturers will have invested signiﬁcantly in research and development to produce batteries that are tested to reliably deliver the performance, run times and charge times that professionals require. To achieve the high energy density of modern lithium-ion batteries, reputable manufacturers will precisionengineer these batteries to control charge and discharge current, cell voltage and temperature. They will also ensure their ‘stability’ with rigorous safety checks. It is highly unlikely that the same level of attention and quality assurance will have gone into the production of very cheap or counterfeit products and as such, they present a serious risk. If the temperature of a lithiumion battery is not controlled properly in its design, a ‘thermal runaway’ can occur, triggering a chain of events that can cause the battery to catch ﬁre, or in a worst-case scenario, explode.

44.indd 1

Spot the problem

 Don’t underestimate the technology within the battery’s casing - it serves to prolong the life of the battery and to protect the tool it’s powering

Tool longevity

Tony Coleman

Technical manager at Makita

Online buying makes it harder to distinguish between genuine, high quality products and poor quality replicas and counterfeits

In addition to the safety issues, using non-genuine batteries can impact the operation and longevity of the machine itself. For example, Makita lithium-ion batteries, cordless tools and chargers include technology that allows all three to communicate in real time. This exchange of data protects the battery cells against overload, over-discharge, and overheating as well as maximise the life of the product and provide protection against damage. For example, if the controls detect conditions that threaten to overload, overdischarge or overheat either the tool or battery during use, the tool will automatically stop. Similarly, the charger will detect if the battery is warm when it is placed on the charger and cool it before it begins recharging to help maintain the life of the battery. These functions are not possible with third-party batteries and therefore cheap products can represent a false economy if they do not last

Manufacturers will often include unique or diﬃcult-to-replicate design features on their genuine products. For example, Makita lithium-ion batteries all feature our trademark logo and the STAR connectivity mark. It is therefore important to make sure that these elements are present. Purchasers should also look for spelling errors, variations in the logo design or clear signs of the logo being copied from somewhere, and diﬀerences in the packaging or images. These can all be signs that the product is not genuine.

or even if they damage the machine they are used with.

Performance The quality of a non-genuine battery cannot be guaranteed and so may not provide the level of performance. There are third-party batteries available that claim to have the same Amp hour (Ah) rating as genuine products, but without the necessary testing and accreditations in place, they are signiﬁcantly less powerful. As a result, run-times and even tool performance may be reduced. To ensure the battery performs as desired, always check that batteries are tested to IEC 61960 (the equivalent to the UK BS EN 61960 standard). This demonstrates that it can deliver the required level of performance and that this has been appropriately tested. The ﬁrst indication of whether or not the product is genuine will be the design of the battery itself and the packaging.

However, these indications are not always easy to see when purchasing online as the seller may have used images taken from elsewhere to deliberately mislead buyers. If the product does not match what is expected when it arrives, then it should not be used. If there is any doubt over whether a battery is genuine or not, Makita offers an inspection service at its Factory Service Centres. This issue is one of the key reasons why it is recommended that power tools and batteries are only purchased from a trusted supplier, such as manufacturer authorised dealers and merchants. They will only stock genuine products, so customers can be sure of quality. In general, buyers should always be wary of products being sold at unusually low prices. There is often a reason the product is cheap, and it follows that if ‘it seems too good to be true’ it probably is. Where products are offered on well-known online marketplaces, it can give people misplaced confidence; however cheap imitations are often sold in this way for this reason. Using a third-party, nongenuine battery can be dangerous to the user, damaging to the machine, deliver poor performance and invalidate most leading manufacturer warranties. It is therefore important to look out for signs that the products may not be legitimate and to purchase only from reputable suppliers. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/46

CUT TO THE CHASE  Counterfeit products can fall short of quality and safety standards required by law  Genuine batteries are made to control charge and discharge current, cell voltage, and temperature

Genuine batteries have been engineered to deliver longer battery life, protect the cordless tool it’s attached to, and ensure user safety

 Makita’s Li-ion batteries, cordless tools, and chargers include technology that lets all three communicate with each other for better performance  Using a third-party, nongenuine battery can be dangerous to the user and invalidate warranties

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PHAM OCT21:Layout 1 29/09/2021 12:28 Page 46

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Tools & Workwear

A cut above the rest Cutting pipes and various materials is a regular job for installers, so anything that can help make the task quick and easy has to be worth a look. David Barnes, marketing manager at Knipex, highlights some recent innovations.

ver the last year, cutting tools for plumbing and heating installers have been reassessed and redesigned, providing an opportunity for busy installers to make their working life easier. Pipe cutting, for example, can be particularly frustrating if your tool is not up to scratch – tightening a cutter too quickly or too hard, or not mounting a pipe properly on a cutter’s rollers, can easily distort or damage the pipe. The Knipex TubiX pipe cutter (ˢ˙ ˜˚ ˙˛ SB) has been designed _Z ^[PNTʭNLWWd XLVP [T[P N`__TYR so much easier. It features the one-hand QuickLock locking mechanism, which allows for independent holding and clamping on the tube, while an easy-to-use push mechanism enables users to quickly adjust to OTʬP]PY_ _`MP ^TeP^ bT_S U`^_ ZYP hand. This cutter is also very comfortable and cutting is

46.indd 1

easy due to high-quality needle bearings in the cutting wheel and guide rolls. The TubiX cutting wheel, an important part of any pipe cutter, is made of high-grade ball-bearing steel which cuts pipes from ˟-˜˞mm with a wall thickness up to ˛mm. A practical quick blade replacement system for the cutting wheel has also been designed into the tool, with a spare wheel stored under the feeding barrel.

Plastic piping When it comes to cutting plastic piping cleanly without shavings, the Knipex BiX (ˢ˙ ˛˛ ˚˙) can be used as an alternative to hacksaws and other types of MWLOP^ ?ST^ _ZZW ʭ_^ NZXQZ]_LMWd in one hand and can be used to cut high-temperature plastic drain pipes and empty electrical conduits in no time and with little PʬZ]_ The BiX is suitable for unreinforced plastic pipes with a diameter of ˛˙ to ˞˙mm and a

wall thickness of up to ˛̍˝mm. The integrated blade unit can be rotated by ˚ˡ˙° so it’s easy to cut plastic pipes of various diameters with the blade in the middle, or cut sealing sleeves two to three millimetres from the wall with the blade on the outside. The blade can be turned so that ʮ`^S N`_^ NLY MP XLOP LRLTY^_ L surface.

ÖĕāŶƘ ƩũŭŶ Most installers will carry a work knife in their toolbag, and just like pipe cutting tools, this traditional tool has been revisited by Knipex with new features to make cutting even safer and XZ]P PʯNTPY_ The ˚˟˞mm long CutiX Universal Knife is certainly no ordinary carpet or box cutter ɧ T_ T^ Pc_]PXPWd ʮPcTMWP bT_S L variably extendable stabilisation bar that makes the tool particularly versatile, allowing users to work faster and cut with greater precision. It features a

S The Knipex TubiX pipe cutter features a one-hand QuickLock locking mechanism which allows for easy holding and clamping of the tube

S The CutiX Universal Knife ƩŶŭ óŋĿĕŋũŶÖðķƘ Ģł ŶĞā ĞÖłù Öłù comes with a variably extendable stabilisation bar

stabilisation bar that ensures the extended snap-Zʬ MWLOP ]PXLTY^ rigid, so that pressure can be applied more safely directly to the back of the blade without any bending or breaking. The separate sliders for the blade and stabilisation bar are ʮL_ LYO OZ YZ_ []Z_]`OP Q]ZX the housing. This helps the slim snap-Zʬ VYTQP _Z ʭ_ NZXQZ]_LMWd and ergonomically in the hand and ensures that the sliders cannot be engaged accidentally. With numerous anti-slip grip eZYP^ T_ NLY MP SPWO TY L aL]TP_d ZQ bLd^ ɧ ʭ]XWd TY _SP [LWX ZQ dZ`]

hand, for example, or between dZ`] ʭYRP]^ WTVP L [PY QZ] OPWTNL_P tasks. The blade holder always holds the snap-Zʬ MWLOP^ ^PN`]PWd thanks to the hardened steel pin. The rear end of the handle is securely closed and reliably prevents the blade slider and the blade from slipping out. Such hand tools might not represent the biggest investment for professional installers, but good design can help save on time and prove to be an invaluable addition to any toolbox. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˙˛˚̓˝ˠ

29/09/2021 11:18

PHAM OCT21:Layout 1 29/09/2021 12:28 Page 47

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Tools & Workwear 47 Diamond cutting tools made simple The comprehensive range of CorePlus diamond cutting tools comes in specially designed packaging that makes it easy to match the right blade to the job in SLYO ?SP ]LYRP TYNW`OP^ diamond cutting blades, dry diamond core drill bits, diamond tile drill bits and OTLXZYO SZWP ^Lb^ The packaging clearly shows the type of jobs it will _LNVWP LYO Pc[PN_PO MWLOP WTQP ;]ZO`N_^ bT_S _SP ɩ0WT_P 0YO`]LYNPɪ XL]V TYOTNL_P L WZYRP] MWLOP WTQP The diamond cutting blades range also feature Hybrid Turbo Technology (HTT), which provides

the speed and clean-N`_ MPYPʭ _^ of a turbo blade combined with the Pʯ NTPY_ OPM]T^ removal and cooling of a segmented MWLOP “Selecting the right diamond cutting tool can be confusing, but CorePlus changes that and we have purposely made it the easiest-tounderstand range of diamond blades LaLTWLMWP ɮ ^Ld^ XL]VP_TYR XLYLRP] -]TLY ?]PaL^VT^^ “Our uncomplicated naming and packaging make it simple to match the correct blade for the XL_P]TLW MPTYR N`_ ,WW Z`] OTLXZYO N`__TYR MWLOP^ L]P manufactured to EN ˚˜˛˜˟̇ and our Elite Endurance ]LYRP XPP_^ _SP LOOT_TZYLW NP]_Tʭ NL_TZY ^_LYOL]O^ ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˝ˡ

Rotating head is better for tight spots Improvements have been made to Geberit’s ACO ˚˙˜Plus pressing tool with the addition of a rotating head, allowing easier manipulation in tighter spaces when installing Geberit Mapress and Mepla press-ʭ _ [T[P^ LYO ʭ __TYR^ Described as easy to use, compact and lightweight, the addition of a rotating SPLO LOO^ _Z L ^P]TP^ ZQ PcT^_TYR MPYPʭ _^ including: LED pressing point light for good visibility in dark corners, and Bluetooth interface to connect with the 9ZaZ.SPNV L[[ Zʬ P]TYR Q`WW OPaTNP OL_L Purdie Proudman, channel marketing manager for Geberit, says: “Geberit pressing tools and pressing jaws are optimised to deliver the best possible results when installing Geberit systems, LYO bPɪ]P NZYʭ OPY_ _ST^ PYSLYNPXPY_

Edge trimmer goes farther Adding to its router range, Hikoki Power Tools has launched the M˚ˡ˙ˡDA ˚ˡA .Z]OWP^^ 0ORP ?]TXXP] -PYPʭ __TYR Q]ZX L M]`^SWP^^ XZ_Z] _SP YPb PORP _]TXXP] OPWTaP]^ L N`__TYR ^[PPO _SL_ T^ QL^_P] _SLY ^TXTWL] NZ]OPO aL]TP_TP^ 4_ LW^Z OPWTaP]^ ZY Pʯ NTPYNd bT_S L Q`WWd NSL]RPO ->7˚ˡ˞˙C battery trimming approximately ˚˛˙X ZQ 8/1 bT_S L !XX ^_]LTRS_ NZWWP_ Users can easily change the speed with the variable speed control OTLW Z] NSLYRP _SP MT_ bT_S _SP ^[TYOWP WZNV ?SP _ZZW Q`WWd Z[P]LMWP bT_S ZYWd ZYP SLYO LNNP[_^ NZWWP_ NS`NV^ ZQ MZ_S ! LYO #XX ]PLOd QZ] LWW NZXXZY L[[WTNL_TZY^ LYO SL^ ]P^_L]_ []Z_PN_TZY QZ] XZ]P ^LQP_d “The M˚ˡ˙ˡ/, ]Z`YO^ Zʬ Z`] ]Z`_P] ]LYRP [P]QPN_Wd bT_S Z`] cordless routers matching power and accuracy with the freedom NZ]OWP^^ _PNSYZWZRd M]TYR^ ɮ ^Ld^ 9TNV .SLY XL]VP_TYR XLYLRP] L_ 3T6:64 @6 ɭBP `YOP]^_LYO bSL_ PYO `^P]^ YPPO Q]ZX _SPT] _ZZW^ These two new cordless routers are a great example of our innovation LYO _SP _PNSYZWZRTNLW ]Pʭ YPXPY_ ZQ _SP _ZZW^ɪ VPd QPL_`]P^ LYO MPYPʭ _^ bSTNS XLVP QZ] LbP^ZXP [ZbP] LYO [P]QZ]XLYNP ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˝ˢ

bTWW OPWTaP] MPYPʭ _^ _Z TY^_LWWP]^ “By introducing this rotating head, we are enabling a much easier connection in tight spaces for hot and cold water supply systems, gas applications, refrigeration, compressed air, and other industrial ^d^_PX^ bT_S []P^^ ʭ __TYR^ “With added training and support from Geberit, it’s a complete solution for press-ʭ _ TY^_LWWL_TZY^ ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˞˙

Scrape and cut with one tool

Pro’s solution to protect pipes The 3m PipeTube Pro carrier from Rhino is now available with a fullWPYR_S ;A WTYTYR _Z _SP _`MP ?ST^ bTWW help to stop the galvanic reaction that can otherwise take place, discolouring _SP [T[P^ ^_Z]PO TY^TOP The design includes an integral locking system and an added rubber seal _Z ]PO`NP bL_P] PY_P]TYR _SP _`MP 4Y addition, the stylish design of PipeTube ;]Z Zʬ P]^ L RPYP]Z`^ NL]]dTYR NL[LNT_d twin openings and full professional N]L^S _P^_TYR LYO ^LQP_d LNN]POT_L_TZY ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˞˚

47.indd 1

New from ToughBuilt is its latest Scraper Utility Knife that allows users to quickly ʮ T[ Q]ZX `_TWT_d VYTQP _Z ^N]L[P] bT_S _SP ʮ TNV ZQ L _S`XM ,^ L `_TWT_d VYTQP T_ NLY be used to cut all manner of materials, whilst as a scraper it can be used to remove paint, sealants, putty, adhesives and labels from various surfaces TYNW`OTYR bTYOZb^ XT]]Z]^ LYO _TWP^ The handle is made of metal for maximum durability while a rubber R]T[ Zʬ P]^ R]PL_P] `^P] NZXQZ]_ ZaP] Pc_PYOPO [P]TZO^ ZQ _TXP 1Z] LOOPO convenience, the ToughBuilt Scraper Utility Knife also features a carry loop and an in-M`TW_ [LTY_ NLY Z[PYP] ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˞˛

29/09/2021 11:41

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Tools & Workwear

Knee pain – why suffer unnecessarily? Many plumbing and heating engineers believe that knee pain is simply an occupational hazard, but this all-too-common problem can have many consequences. Matthew Handley from ToughBuilt explains why his company is on a mission to protect workers from unnecessary injury.

n an average 47 hour working week, most plumbers and heating engineers can spend around half their time on their knees. This extensive kneeling can have a damaging eﬀect, causing prolonged pain and a loss of earnings due to time oﬀ work. Worries about knee injuries are shared by many in the sector. A recent survey conducted by The IPG - the membership group for independent plumbing, heating and bathroom merchants - found that almost 60% of plumbers felt they would need to undergo knee replacement surgery in the future. Likewise, two thirds of those surveyed felt knee injuries sustained at work would cause them to retire early whilst many stated they have already been forced to undergo physio, keyhole surgery or other operations on their knees as a result of their occupation.

Lost hours When it comes to knee injuries sustained in the workplace, the facts speak for themselves. According to Business in the Community, a network established by the Prince of Wales to champion responsible business, musculoskeletal (MSK) problems such as back, shoulder and knee pain are the leading cause of lost working days in the UK. It is estimated they cost the country’s economy an alarming 31 million days every year. Similarly, research published by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) in late 2020 highlighted that of the 480,000 work-related musculoskeletal disorders

48.indd 1

Matthew Handley

ToughBuilt’s European head of marketing

BY NUMBERS

60% of plumbers believe they might need to undergo knee replacement surgery

31m the number of work days lost in the UK every year because of musculoskeletal problems

 ToughBuilt offers a wide range of knee protectors, including: the Rocker kneepads (left) and Stabilizer kneepads (right)

(WRMSD) recorded for 2019/2020, some 93,000 aﬀected the lower limbs – including the knees. Given these alarming statistics, it seems hard to believe that knee protection and the mandatory use of items like kneepads isn’t treated with the same importance as the use of other forms of PPE such as hard hats, safety glass and safety boots. At ToughBuilt we plan to change this, which is why we launched our KneelSmart, KneelSafe campaign earlier this year. We believe that just one knee injury sustained at work is one too many. We also want to help individuals and organisations to avoid falling foul of what is an unacceptably common problem with potentially devastating consequences.

Duty of care It’s an unfortunate truth that many of us take our knees for granted and only realise how crucial they are to our everyday movement, quality of life and well-being when they don’t function as they should. Aside from the human costs of knee injuries sustained at work, there are also commercial and legal implications. As a prime example, the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers by law to carry out risk assessments of activities undertaken by their employees. Where a need for knee protection is identified, it is important this is supplied to avoid significant financial penalties and compensation. Over the years, we have

acquired an almost unrivalled understanding of kneepads and the very real difference they can make in protecting people. This is amplified by the fact that we design our products from the ground up to offer standardsetting levels of both comfort and protection. This is only made possible by our extensive research into a broad array of related areas such as knee health and ergonomics. KneelSmart, KneelSafe draws on every aspect of our expertise. It’s a coordinated programme of activity that includes working with the media to produce educational articles, lobbying key industry bodies and policy makers, and working closely with leading authorities such as the British Safety Industry Federation. Ultimately, the KneelSmart, KneelSafe campaign is driven by a duty of care and by our desire to share our knowledge for the greater good of the industries we serve.

Our aim is to raise awareness of the risks posed by work-related injuries and of the ways in which they can be prevented. For instance, as a rule of thumb, we would urge people to always use kneepads at work whenever there is a risk of impact to the knees or of sustained pressure on the joint - for instance from extended periods of kneeling.

What to look for To choose knee pads which are fit for purpose and that offer adequate levels of protection, we would also stress the importance of checking for adequate levels of performance in three key areas - penetration resistance, force distribution and shock absorption. Penetration resistance is measured in levels between 0 and 2 with 2 being the highest. All ToughBuilt Kneepads offer either level 1 or level 2 penetration resistance which is unrivalled in the market. This primarily helps avoid serious injuries which can arise from accidentally kneeling on a nail, stone or other jagged or sharp-edged surface. Perhaps the simplest way of doing this for both individual and volume users, as well as for retailers and distributors, is to always opt for kneepads that carry CE or the new UKCA markings, or that are certified to relevant standards such as BS EN 14404. Just by having an awareness of the dangers and by following these simple steps can be sufficient to prevent you or someone else becoming another unfortunate, work-related knee injury statistic. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/53

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PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Tools & Workwear 49 Line lasers for simple setup and alignment

Workwear trousers with extra stretch

Two ˚˛Vmax CXT multiline lasers have been added to Makita’s range of site equipment. The multi-line lasers project one horizontal and two vertical ˜˟˙° lines and include a precise selflevelling feature to enable simple setup, layout and alignment. The ˚˛Vmax CXT Red Multi-Line Laser and ˚˛Vmax CXT Green MultiLine Laser have a range of features to make work on site as simple as possible. The Red Multi-Line Laser has a range of ˛˞m in each direction, while the green provides an increased range of ˜˞m and better line visibility in brighter conditions. The units are IP˞˝ (dust and splash water) rated, have an operating temperature range of -˚˙ to ˞˙ºC and feature a ¼in tripod thread for easy mounting. Each vertical and horizontal laser emitter on the tool projects four lines to create up to three ˜˟˙° laser lines. Depending on what is required, users can choose various combinations of the laser lines in addition to the Q`WW _S]PP WTYP NZYʭ R`]L_TZY >TYRWP SZ]TeZY_LW Z] aP]_TNLW WTYP^ aP]_TNLW and horizontal combined or both vertical lines (front to back and side to side) are available. It also includes three brightness settings for optimum visibility depending on the environment. The laser units feature a rotary base with eccentric rotation mechanism, which reduces set up time by enabling the laser body to ]Z_L_P bT_SZ`_ NSLYRTYR _SP [Z^T_TZY ZQ _SP OPʭ YPO [W`XM [ZTY_ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˞˝

>LTO _Z Zʬ P] L YPb WPaPW ZQ NZXQZ]_ and freedom of movement, the latest stretch workwear trousers from Mascot are now available in hi-vis versions. Low weight, high visibility and comfort are the key features of the new Mascot Accelerate Safe range. The trousers are elastic in all directions, and the fabric is designed to follow the wearer’s movements, whether kneeling or standing. The trousers are equipped with front and back pockets, a button for attaching a knife-holder, and a thigh pocket with phone pocket for safe storage. The adjustable kneepad pockets are reinforced with Cordura to withstand the daily wear and tear of a long working day. Another feature of note is the fabric ZY _SP [ZNVP_ ʮ L[^ bSTNS SL^ MPPY given a special dirt-resistant texture to prevent any mud or dirt from sticking and thereby ensuring that the trousers look clean and presentable for longer. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˞˞

Installation with ease using a trapeze bracket The Fast Trak range from Gripple is a pre-fabricated trapeze bracket for the installation of electrical containment, pipework, rectangular ductwork and other mechanical services, particularly in restricted spaces. The system is said to decrease project lead times and health and safety issues, while increasing environmental credentials. The company says that speed of install for a typical trapeze bracket is vastly improved from traditional methods of suspension systems – up to six times faster according to Gripple – helping contractors meet

their pressured deadlines. All of Gripple’s products are built around ease and speed of

installation, and are manufactured LYO L^^PXMWPO TY >SPʯ PWO ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˞˟

Surface temperature check in an instant The GTC ˟˙˙ C Professional from Bosch is a thermal NLXP]L Zʬ P]TYR []PNT^P ^`]QLNP _PX[P]L_`]P^ Q]ZX ˛˙ to +˟˙˙ºC. The images have a resolution of ˛˞˟ Ɨ ˚ˢ˛ pixels, with each pixel corresponding to one measuring point, producing a detailed and precise thermal image. The camera’s wide temperature range means it can be used outdoors, but it is also useful for a variety of indoor plumbing jobs. It can identify weak spots such as OPQPN_TaP ]LOTL_Z]^ LYO `YOP]ʮ ZZ] heating systems, whatever the _PX[P]L_`]P OTʬ P]PYNP^ @^P]^ NLY even add a voice note with up to ˜˙ seconds long to recorded images. The GTC ˟˙˙ C Professional also now features an extended list of emissivity values - more than ˜˙ OTʬ P]PY_ XL_P]TLW^ L]P ^_Z]PO 4Q for example, the user has selected

49.indd 1

tiles, the device considers the emissivity of this surface, i.e. its heat radiation, and thereby determines the surface temperature more precisely. The robust device can withstand a drop on concrete from a height of ˛m, and it is also dust and splash-proof, with protection class IP˞˝. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˚˙˛˚̓˞ˠ

29/09/2021 22:00

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PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Product Spotlight

Waterless traps provide a minimalist solution 8TYTXLWT^_ OP^TRY^ TY VT_NSPY^ LYO ML_S]ZZX^ NZY_TY`P _Z MP [Z[`WL] bT_S SZXPZbYP]^ LYO [LdTYR L__PY_TZY _Z [W`XMTYR OP_LTW^ NLY RZ ^ZXP bLd _Z LNSTPaTYR _SP ]TRS_ WZZV >_PaP >VPWOZY LMZaP R]Z`YO []ZO`N_ XLYLRP] L_ BLaTY Pc[WLTY^ SZb TYYZaL_TaP bL_P]WP^^ _]L[^ NLY SPW[ dZ` MLWLYNP ^_dWP bT_S []LN_TNLWT_d

raditional waterʭWWPO _]L[^ NP]_LTYWd do the job, but when T_ NZXP^ _Z XLVTYR L []ZUPN_ WZZV RZZO _SPd L]PYɪ_ PcLN_Wd PL^d ZY

_SP PdP 3ZbPaP] _SP]P L]P LW_P]YL_TaP^ Z`_ _SP]P _SL_ L]P X`NS MP__P] ^`T_PO _Z L ^WPPV WZZV 8Z]P LOaLYNPO bL_P]WP^^ _]L[^ L]P XLOP _Z MP XZ]P OT^N]PP_ _SPdɪ]P ^XLWWP] LYO

LW^Z ZʬP] LOaLY_LRP^ MPdZYO _SP OP^TRY BT_S L _]LOT_TZYLW ^d^_PX L VPd T^^`P NZXP^ Q]ZX _SP _]L[[PO bL_P] bSTNS ^T_^ TY _SP U-MPYO _Z []PaPY_ LYd_STYR YL^_d ʮZbTYR MLNV `[ TY_Z _SP ML^TY >ZXP_TXP^ _SZ`RS _SP ^PLW^ ZY _SP^P _]L[^ NLY QLTW O`P _Z PaL[Z]L_TZY ^T[SZYLRP Z] WPLVTYR ]P^`W_TYR TY `Y[WPL^LY_ ZOZ`]^ LYO RP]X^ MPTYR ]PWPL^PO TY_Z L SZXP ?ST^ T^ XZ]P WTVPWd _Z SL[[PY TY ^[LNP^ bSTNS L]P `YZNN`[TPO QZ] WZYRP] [P]TZO^ ZQ _TXP ɧ WTVP SZWTOLd SZXP^ Z] PY-^`T_P^ TY R`P^_ MPO]ZZX^ 8ZOP]Y bL_P]WP^^ _]L[^ bZ]V Md ]P[WLNTYR _SP _]L[[PO bL_P] bT_S L ]ZM`^_ ^ZQ_ ^TWTNZYP ]`MMP] XPXM]LYP ?ST^ N]PL_P^

W Hepvz Ģŭ āÖŭƘ Ŷŋ ƩŶ Ģł ŶĢėĞŶ spaces, such as under baths, where traditional traps might be Ŀŋũā ùĢƧóŽķŶ Ŷŋ ĢłŭŶÖķķ

50.indd 1

L X`NS XZ]P ]PWTLMWP ^PLW []PaPY_TYR ZOZ`]^ LYO MLN_P]TL Q]ZX P^NL[TYR -d `^TYR bL_P]WP^^ _]L[^ dZ` NLY L^^`]P dZ`] N`^_ZXP]^ _SL_ dZ` bZYɪ_ need to return to the job and OPLW bT_S LY LaZTOLMWP T^^`P

Easy on the eye 4Q dZ`ɪ]P WZZVTYR QZ] L XZ]P TYYZaL_TaP bL_P]WP^^ _]L[ bSTNS SPW[^ XPP_ _SP LP^_SP_TN YPPO^ ZQ dZ`] N`^_ZXP]^ _SPY 3P[ V O T^ TOPLW QZ] XZ]P XTYTXLWT^_ ML_S]ZZX Z] VT_NSPY OP^TRY^ ɧ T_^ ^XZZ_S WTYP^ XPLY _SL_ _SP aLWaP SL^ XTYTXLW TX[LN_ ZY _SP ZaP]LWW WZZV ZQ L ^[LNP LYO NLY MP WPQ_ Pc[Z^PO bT_SZ`_ N]PL_TYR LY PdP^Z]P DZ` bTWW LW^Z MP SL[[d _Z SPL] _SL_ _SP 3P[ V : _]L[ SL^ L STRS [P]QZ]XLYNP XPXM]LYP ^PLW XPLYTYR T_ MLWLYNP^ []LN_TNLWT_d bT_S L RZZO-WZZVTYR PYO ]P^`W_ ?SP 3P[ V :ɪ^ OP^TRY LW^Z XLVP^ TY^_LWWL_TZY XZ]P

^_]LTRS_QZ]bL]O LYO Q`^^-Q]PP 4_ NLY MP ʭ__PO \`TNVWd LYO PL^TWd MZ_S SZ]TeZY_LWWd Z] aP]_TNLWWd L^ _SP]Pɪ^ YZ YPPO _Z LNNZXXZOL_P _SP bL_P] ]P^P]aZT] ?ST^ XPLY^ _SL_ T_ɪ^ LW^Z PL^d _Z `^P TY _TRS_ LYO NZX[LN_ ^[LNP^ bSP]P _]LOT_TZYLW _]L[^ NLY MP XZ]P OTʯN`W_ _Z TY^_LWW WTVP `YOP] ML_S^ ]PXZaTYR _SP YPPO _Z N`_ TY_Z _SP ʮZZ] Z] `YOP] ^TYV^ bT_S TY_PR]L_PO MTY^ WPLaTYR Pc_]L ]ZZX QZ] X`NS YPPOPO ^_Z]LRP >Z _SP YPc_ _TXP dZ`ɪ]P bZ]VTYR ZY L ML_S]ZZX Z] VT_NSPY _SL_ TYaZWaP^ L XZ]P XTYTXLWT^_ WZZV OZYɪ_ U`^_ QZN`^ ZY _SP ZMaTZ`^ ʭc_`]P^ LYO ʭ__TYR^ -d [LdTYR L__PY_TZY _Z _SP ^XLWWP] OP_LTW^ dZ` NLY RTaP dZ`] N`^_ZXP] L ʭYT^SPO []ZO`N_ _SL_ YZ_ ZYWd WZZV^ R]PL_ M`_ [P]QZ]X^ bPWW _ZZ ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˚˙˛˚̓˞ˡ

29/09/2021 16:59

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Product News 51 Maintenance kit for heat pumps A Heat Pump Maintenance, Kit, which includes all the essential items needed to look after an Aerona3 air source heat pump, is now available from Grant UK. These kits will be available to members of the company’s G1 Installer Scheme and to heating engineers who complete air source heat pump product training through one of Grant’s Training Academies. The Grant Heat Pump Maintenance Kit comprises core items that are required when servicing a heat pump, and are all supplied in a compact, branded holdall bag. It includes the following: 5ltr Spear and Jackson water sprayer, Kane voltage tester, soft bristle brush, PZ1 Stubby Pozidrive screwdriver,

3mm flat head electrical screwdriver, refractometer, and lightweight protective work gloves. Annual servicing is recommended on all Grant heat pumps so that both the unit and the system can be assessed, ensuring that everything is operating correctly and able to do so as efficiently as possible. Each item in the pack has a use during a heat pump service, with the soft bristle brush, for example, designed to clean the evaporator, and the refractometer, which is used to measure the glycol. To purchase a kit, G1 Installers, simply need to log onto the G1 Portal (www.g1.grantuk. com) and visit the shop to place an order. Meanwhile, installers who complete the Air Source Heat Pump training course at one of Grant’s academies in Devizes, Hawes or Livingston can also place an order via a member of the training team. “Our new Heat Pump Maintenance Kits should prove to be an essential addition to an engineer’s van if they regularly work with Grant heat pumps,” comments Anna Wakefield, head of marketing. “We hope they will prove popular for our G1 installers, who are already working with Aerona3 heat pumps as well as with engineers who are newly trained on the range.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/59

New smart shower retrofit solution With the new Quartz Smart Retrofit Shower, Aqualisa offers a shower upgrade solution that can transform any exposed mixer shower into a voice-activated, smart digital shower system, without the need to disturb the current bathroom décor or re-tile the shower enclosure. Quick and straightforward to fit, there are no major pipework alterations required and once in place, the user will be able to benefit from a number of smart shower features, including an intuitive app enabling the creation of personalised shower profiles for all family members and remote activation by using voice or app control (Google and Amazon compatible). The Quartz Smart Shower collection is powered by the Aqualisa’s WiFi-enabled Smart Valve, which

can be located up to 10m away from the shower itself, providing flexible installation options. Setting the Smart Valve to Eco mode can reduce water consumption for the homeowner by up to 33%. The Quartz Smart Retrofit Shower can upgrade almost any brand of wall-mounted mixer shower (concentric, single lever or bar valve) with 130 to 170mm pipe centres, and is supplied with an extension rail to adjust the height of the controller, while the assembly back plate neatly covers all previous pipework and screw holes. A patented integrated storage shelf, which houses the new smart shower control, comprises two halves featuring a polished chrome finish. It also incorporates two useful hanging hooks for bathroom accessories. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/60

Heat pump package ONLINE For further information about any of the products featured on this page, simply visit phamnews. co.uk/1021/ followed by the relevant enquiry number.

A new domestic heat pump range has been unveiled by Ideal Heating designed to suit households of any size – whether for new build, social housing or retrofit installations. The Alfea Heat Pump combines a quiet, compact heat pump, a hot water cylinder and an easyto-use thermostat. The outdoor unit can be located up to 30m away from the building, while design elements of the indoor unit, including an integrated buffer tank and expansion vessel, help to save space inside. For further energy savings, the Alfea has been designed with intuitive control and intelligent weather compensation which monitors internal and external temperatures. For installers, the system has been designed to be fast and simple to set up, with Ideal’s specialist engineer teams on hand to support the installation. This UK-wide service includes training and technical advice for installers on design and specification as well as service and maintenance. Elizabeth Wilkinson, head of domestic product management at Ideal Heating, says: “We believe in a sustainable future and understand that our role in the heating industry means we are well placed to transition our customers to greener heating solutions that are simple, reliable and affordable. In the Alfea we provide a highly versatile product, comprehensive end-to-end support, and expert training required to help housing associations and new build developers install and maintain a low carbon heating solution.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/62

Water saver boosts flow when required

Fire protection for pipes and cables Extending its range of passive fire protection products for the commercial HVAC market, Armacell has introduced the new ArmaProtect range, designed to provide easily-applied fire penetration seals for pipes and cables. ArmaProtect is said to offer solutions for sealing off almost all types of building service pipes, whether rigid floors, flexible walls, plastic or metal pipes with or without insulation, or non-insulated composite pipes. With intumescent fire protection wraps, pipe collars, ablative-coated mineral fibre boards, sealants and mortars, the new range complements the company’s fire protection solution for walls – ArmaFlex Protect. By preventing fire spread between adjacent fire compartments, ArmaProtect and ArmaFlex Protect improve safety in buildings, extending the time for building users to self-evacuate in the event of a fire and allowing emergency response teams

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additional time to perform their jobs. Plus, they help ensure that wall and ceiling penetrations reliably pass building inspections, in accordance with local building codes. Tom Merton, Armacell UK’s technical specialist, explains: “Pipes, ducts and electrical cables penetrate fire compartments and form a path along which flames and smoke can spread. With our new ArmaProtect passive fire protection range, pipes and cables in fire walls and floors can be sealed off reliably and quickly.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/61

Now available from Neoperl is a new device that offers a simple way to help households to save water in the kitchen. The Mini Ecobooster is an aerator for kitchen taps that can be switched from water-saving flow to full capacity in an instant, allowing the tap to be on eco-mode for general use but boosted to a fuller flow when required. This new flow device, which can be easily retrofitted to most kitchen taps, protrudes slightly from the tap and can quickly be switched into boost mode by simply pulling the sleeve upwards. After closing the tap, it always switches back into the default water-saving mode. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/63

30/09/2021 13:39

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Product News

Black beauty opens up the style options

Brushed brass ﬁnish satisﬁes trend for metallics

In keeping with the trend for monochrome design, Vasco has unveiled a range of black radiators across its most popular designer collections. The clearly defined lines and flat fronts of the Oni and Niva models (pictured l-r) create the impression that they are floating near the surface of the wall. The aluminium Oni benefits from a gentle shape and rounded edges. At only 8mm thick, it’s the most slender radiator Vasco has ever produced. Both Oni and Niva radiators are suitable for a wide range of interior styles, from a minimal, pared-back space

The shower portfolio in the Bathrooms to Love Collection from PJH Group has been enhanced with the addition of two new models in a brushed brass finish. Satisfying the growing trend for metallic-effect brassware and showers, both shower kits boast a high specification balancing quality with design. The brushed finish allows for greater personalisation in bathroom schemes, especially when teamed with other brushed brass basin and bath taps, such as the ‘Pesca Brushed Brass’ range, also from Bathrooms to Love. The new thermostatic bar mixer shower (pictured) includes two outlets - a generous 250mm, round, ultraslim shower head, with brass arm and separate handset with riser kit. Featuring ‘Cool Touch’ technology to prevent scalding, and an integrated ceramic diverter valve, this model allows for excellent flow rates and great all-round performance. With a handy height adjustable main shower head and a 1.5m hose, this sleek, contemporary thermostatic mixer shower is an ideal choice for discerning customers looking for a premium showering solution. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/65

through to a more traditional living area. Other designer radiators from Vasco, including the Aster, Viola, Zana, Carré or Tulipa, are available in black, providing a multitude of

options to introduce individuality into a rooms design. This new collection is enhanced by a matching valve set available in jet black. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/64

How to make basin wastes leak-free

Perfect for upgrades The Renova Plan range of bathroom furniture from Geberit has been updated with two new ﬁnishes and a series of product enhancements across the collection. Now available in Hickory Light (pictured) and Hickory, the new colours match those available in the Selnova Square S range to provide an easy upgrade solution. An improved slim drawer system on the vanity unit also delivers a 2cm height increase, with the addition of both service space to the vanity cabinet and new hinges for a wider door opening in the tall cabinet. Internal panels have also been upgraded to match the colour of external panels across all products. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/66

Epson, part of Tyde, has launched Basin Mate, a leak-free basin waste seal kit. All of Epson’s basin wastes now come with the Basin Mate seal kit, which includes a sealing ring, washer and seating. It is also available on its own as a solution for a leaking waste that is already in place. Paul Weddle, business unit director for Tyde, says: “The Basin Mate is a perfect solution to avoiding leaking wastes. It is easy and quick to ﬁt, and supplied with everything you will need to make your wastes leak-free.” With the Epson Basin Mate there is no need for paint, putty or mastic. Made in Britain, it comes with a two-year guarantee. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/67

Press fit range enhancement The Inox fittings range from Conex Bänninger now includes an <A> Press Inox single press option that is available in 316L stainless steel (15 to 54mm). These WRAS approved fittings are suitable for a variety of commercial and industrial applications, including drinking water, heating and cooling installations, and rainwater harvesting. <A> Press products are pressed using ‘M’ profile jaws and carry a 25-year warranty when installed to manufacturer’s guidelines.

Dan Wild, business unit director for UK and Ireland, says: “Stainless steel is a high performing alloy with excellent properties that make it perfect for heating and plumbing applications. It is also fully recyclable, another important consideration for the industry, which is rightly focused on being as environmentally friendly as possible.” The ﬁttings are suitable for use with stainless steel tubes to EN 10312 series 1 and 2, and have a maximum operating temperature of up to 110°C at 16 bar pressure. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/68

Integrated earthing terminal for gas pipe

pipe all the way to the metre, without adding any time-consuming bonding clamps or having to join CSST to copper pipe to ensure a safe earthing point. Compatible with all Flexigas CSST fittings (which complies with BS EN15266), the company has now To save time on gas heating installations, Flexigas has added pre-drilled holes on all of their fittings for even introduced an integrated Earthing Terminal (patent quicker installation. All the installer needs to do is to pending) which offers a pre-fitted alternative to strip the earthing cable to reveal 1-2cm of copper wire traditional clamps. and then screw down. All gas lines are required to have earth bonding, Designed for all domestic and commercial which is normally installed at (or near) the meter box, installations, Flexigas claims to offer the UK’s largest but with corrugated range of CSST fittings, gas pipe (CSST) this with over 130 fittings can take time, as the and more than 25 DN40 installer would either fittings. Marketed as a have to attach a bonding flexible alternative to clamp around the fitting rigid copper or steel, or switch to copper no specialist tools are piping so an earthing required for installation connection can be made. and the gas pipe can However, the new be buried in screed or integrated Earthing the ground without Terminal from Flexigas additional protection. enables the installer ◼ phamnews. to run the flexible gas co.uk/1021/70

AVAILABLE HERE

Flexigas, the fast and truly flexible system for gas installations

Drainage up against the wall It’s easy to position a drain against a wall with Unidrain’s ClassicLine range. The series includes six different options in brushed stainless steel (Column, Stripe, Anniversario, Classic, Square and Inca), each with their own grating design. The patterns have been formed to create not only effective drainage but to enhance stylish shower and floor surfaces too. These patterns have recently been introduced as matching brushed stainless steel soap shelves too. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/69

DN15-50 available in coils up to 400m

UK’s largest CSST fitting range by far with over 130 fittings Reliable patented split collar sealing method - 100% metal-metal Free silicone tape included with every box and spool 52 (PN).indd 1

Can be buried in screed or the ground without additional

30/09/2021 08:20

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Product News For traditional or renewable systems The QR Cylinder range from Grant UK is offered as a universal solution for hot water storage needs, partnering with both traditional and renewable heating systems. The 14 cylinder models are suitable for installation alongside gas and oil boilers, solar thermal systems and air source heat pumps. They comprise single and twin coil variants as well as pre-plumbed and slimline models to provide clear choice for installers when it comes to specification. Available in sizes from 150-300 litres, these Quick Recovery cylinders are Grant’s most efficient generation of cylinders, boasting faster heat-up times and excellent standing heat losses. Each model can be installed alongside Vortex or VortexBlue oil boilers, Aerona3 heat pumps and Grant solar thermal systems. Grant is also launching its first cabinet cylinder model – the QR Integrated Cylinder. The QR pre-plumbed single coil 210 litre cylinder is suitable for kitchen or utility room installations and includes multiple factory-fitted features, including a digital dual thermostat and programmable immersion heater timer. The cylinder is easily integrated when a separate airing cupboard or room is not available. “We are very pleased to be including these new cylinders to our package solutions offering,” says MD Paul Wakefield. “The QR Cylinders are our best performing cylinders and they will provide installers with a go-to hot water solution whether they are installing a boiler or one of our renewable technologies.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/71

Colour choice in rainwater systems Offering more choice of colours in its rainwater systems, Hunter Plastics now includes over 150 RAL colours in a range of matt and textured finishes. From postbox red and deep teal to bright pink and sunshine yellow, the new colours are available on the 112mm half round, Surefit 125 and 114mm Squareflo rainwater systems – all manufactured to meet British Standards. Speaking about the new colour offering, Rod McLachlan, rainwater category manager, says: “We wanted to give our customers something that would enable them to explore more innovative and creative system designs and open up options for those looking to introduce more colour into their schemes.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/72

Contemporary wood stoves The latest freestanding wood stove from DRU under its Dik Geurts brand is Soren 5 (pictured), part of a series that includes the popular Ivar and Aste. It has a classic square shape with a distinctive new door design in a dark anthracite finish. The standard heat output is 4.9kW so it can be used without additional ventilation, and it has an ‘A+’ energy rating with 82% energy efficiency. These stoves can be installed into existing UK fireplaces by hollowing out the chimney breast and creating an inglenook fireplace. There are also freestanding models with various log storage options. Also new is the Odin, a stunning circular wood stove that can be wall-mounted or suspended from the ceiling. The latest model includes a sturdy base that takes up very little space in the living room but creates an impressive focal point. Finally, the Instyle Corner Slim 660/570

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COMPETITION

Chance to WIN a set of press tool jaws and a bundle of copper ﬁttings

CONEX BÄNNINGER is offering readers the chance to win a set of press jaws and a bundle of >B< Press copper fittings Press fit technology has become the go-to solution for multiple plumbing and heating applications. As a flame-free solution there’s no need for a hot works permit, and pipework joints can be completed much more quickly than with the traditional brazing technique. The speed of fitting means shorter installation times, along with cost savings. CONEX BÄNNINGER >B< Press fittings are suitable for drinking water and many other applications including chilled and cooled water. They are quick and easy to install and are available in copper and copper alloy in sizes up to 54mm. When professionally installed using a compatible press tool and jaws, >B< Press fittings carry a 25-year manufacturer’s guarantee (T&Cs apply).

THE PRIZE

The prize includes a set of Novopress jaws and comprises an AC103 jaw set. The set includes a V15mm, V22mm jaw and a V28mm jaw (‘B’ profile). In addition to the jaws, the winner will also receive a fantastic bundle of Conex Bänninger >B< Press fittings. The flame-free >B< Press range is designed with an innovative 3-point press system that ensures a secure, permanent, leak-free joint that is suitable for multiple applications. Fittings also host an unpressed joint indicator, so that any joints that are not completely secure can be easily identified. >B< Press fittings are compatible with a range of press tools and jaws (see the technical brochure or tool compatibility table on the Conex Bänninger website).

HOW TO ENTER: To be in with a chance of winning the set of jaws and a bundle of >B< Press ﬁttings from CONEX BÄNNINGER, all you have to do is answer the question below. The winner will be selected from a draw of all the correct answers received. Only one entry is allowed per person.

How many pressing points are there in a >B< Press ﬁtting? (a) One (b) Two (c) Three

Email your answer to editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk with ‘CONEX competition’ in the subject line. Please make sure you include the following: is the latest in a series of built-in wood burning ﬁres in single-sided, 2-sided, 3-sided and tunnel options. The 660/570 model has a compact size that is suitable for the conversion of a standard UK chimney or for installation in a false chimneybreast or room dividing wall. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1021/73

* Your name * Your company’s name * Contact telephone number * Please type ‘YES’ or 'NO' after your answer to indicate if you are happy to receive email offers from CONEX Please email your entry before the closing date of 29th October 2021

www.conexbanninger.com

30/09/2021 10:19

54-55 PHAM DIRECTORY-TRAINING-INFO OCT21:Layout 1 01/10/2021 15:39 Page 54

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Directory Safety Products

Radiators

Boilers

INDUSTRIAL BOILER SPECIALISTS The UK’s largest supplier of Industrial Steam & Hot Water boiler plant. Fast, efficient Nationwide service for planned or emergency cover, R&D projects or extra capacity. • Hot water boilers 30-8,000kw/hr • Steam boilers 150-15,880kg/hr • Pressures from 7-17 bar • Oil, gas or dual fuel • Long or short term hire • Full commissioning service • 24/7 support • Nationwide Sales & Hire

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The Copper King phamnews.co.uk/1021/104

NATIONWIDE SALES & HIRE Quote PHAM03

Call +44 (0)1992 451629 www.kingsboilerhire.com

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Controls Instruments for control, regulation & protection

phamnews.co.uk/1021/107

Water Heaters

0161 946 0088 www.banico.co.uk phamnews.co.uk/1021/102

Next Day Delivery Available on 100s of Controls Thermostats, Programmers, TRVs,Underfloor

www.heatingcontrolsonline.co.uk phamnews.co.uk/1021/103

phamnews.co.uk/1021/105

phamnews.co.uk/1021/108

Advertiser’s Index Altecnic Ltd BES Ltd Boiler Guide Ltd CMR Controls Ltd Carrara & Matta Continal Group Ltd Crowcon Detetction Instruments Daikin Air Conditioning Delabie The Electric Heating Company Geberit Sales Ltd Glow-worm The IPG

19 6 33 50 15 11 46 56 14 39 24 31 7

Ideal Heating Kamco Ltd Keston Boilers - Ideal Heating MV Fluids Handling Makita Manthorpe Building Products Navien UK NIBE Energy Systems Ltd OFTEC Omegaflex Ltd Omnie Pegler Yorkshire Group Ltd Pitacs Ltd

34 1 36 22 47 13 27, 43 17, 20 8 32 23 21 41

Polypipe Building Products

Bosch Power Tools - Robert Bosch Ltd

Screwfix

2, 3

Stiebel Eltron UK Ltd Telford Copper Cylinders Ltd Testo Ltd

42 4 49

Triton Showers

Vaillant Ltd

Viessmann Ltd

Vokera

Worcester, Bosch Group

Plumbpal Products

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54-55 PHAM DIRECTORY-TRAINING-INFO OCT21:Layout 1 30/09/2021 14:28 Page 55

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2021

Recruitment • Training • Information Centre 55 Recruitment

Training & Assessments

Information Centre

MIDLANDS GAS ASSESSMENTS

Unit 1, Mainstream Way, Nechells, BIRMINGHAM B7 4SN email: mgabrum@tiscali.co.uk www.mgabrum.co.uk Domestic Natural Gas & LPG Changeover, Energy Efﬁciency and Water Regulations. Un-vented, Part P Electrics, Training & Assessments.

0121 333 3903

phamnews.co.uk/1021/112

phamnews.co.uk/1021/152

Stride out in the All-NEW Work Trousers from Snickers Workwear

Sustainable fabrics, body-mapping designs and improved performance are key features in the All-New Work trousers for men and women. Whatever the weather, there’s a pair of trousers to suit. There’s new designs for both men and women with unrivalled functionality in the AllroundWork and FlexiWork ranges. With great ergonomic fit and superb value for money there’s optional features such as detachable holsters, Canvas+ fabrics for durablility and Cordura reinforcements for extra durability plus a choice of with or without the KneeGuard® Pro System. Check out the website www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or enter the code shown below.

phamnews.co.uk/1021/153 phamnews.co.uk/1021/110

Epson launches the new ‘Basin Mate’

Training & Assessments

Epson, who are part of TYDE, a Thomas Dudley Business, are proud to announce the launch of their all-new Leak-Free basin waste seal kit Basin Mate. All of Epson’s basin wastes now come complete with the LEAK-FREE basin mate seal kit which is manufactured from high quality materials and includes a sealing ring, washer and seating. The Basin Mate is also available on its own as a perfect solution for a leaking waste that is already in place. For further information visit the NEW TYDE WEBSITE www.thomasdudley.co.uk/tyde or enter the code shown below.

phamnews.co.uk/1021/113

phamnews.co.uk/1021/154

phamnews.co.uk/1021/111

phamnews.co.uk/1021/114

PHAM OCT21 DAIKIN:Layout 1 27/09/2021 11:47 Page 1

October 2021

Articles inside

Business Matters

News Review

Company Spotlight