February 2020 by PHAM News

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FEBRUARY 2020 | VOLUME 58 | ISSUE 2

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FEBRUARY 2020 | VOLUME 58 | ISSUE 2

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Industry calls for urgent action to improve indoor air quality and ventilation. It is argued that ventilation systems should also be designed to help avoid exposure to outdoor air pollution, including fitting mechanical ventilation with filtration, while for refurbishment projects effective ventilation must be included alongside any energy efficiency measures.

Following the publication of a new document highlighting the risk to health from poor indoor air quality, manufacturers and industry bodies are calling on the introduction of bold measures to address the problem. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published a new guide – Indoor Air Quality at Home – that argues that poor air quality within UK homes and buildings is an imminent risk to everyone’s health. Following on from draft guidance published in July last year, the document provides detailed information and advice on how to reduce exposure to indoor pollutants, and highlights

Campaign to highlight the symptoms of CO poisoning While many people may have spent the first few weeks of the year avoiding alcohol, Gas Safe Register has used Dry January to highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and how its symptoms can mimic a hangover.

Industry support

the significant part effective ventilation plays in helping combat indoor air pollution. The guide issues recommendations to a range of stakeholders, including local authorities, healthcare professionals, and ventilation specialists. It advises that any new dwellings should be built to minimise IAQ problems and recommends the adoption of a whole house approach to heating

The report has received the backing of a number of ventilation manufacturers. “We are at a critical juncture, and as emerging technologies equip us with means to make our homes healthier, we have a responsibility to do so,” says Alan Macklin, group technical director at Elta Group. “Ventilation manufacturers must work closely with architects, designers, builders and developers to ensure homes are provided with the best solutions.” Speaking on behalf of Vent-Axia, head of marketing Jenny Smith adds: “Currently a staggering ˟˞% of UK homes suffer from poor IAQ as a result of inadequate

ventilation which has serious health implications for inhabitants. We are delighted to see that this latest guidance from NICE emphasises the crucial role good ventilation plays in improving IAQ and providing a healthy home environment.” The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has also called for the introduction of bold measures that could transform health and wellbeing in buildings. The Association recently launched a ‘Building Safe Havens’ campaign aimed at promoting the concept of indoor clean air zones ŶĞÖŶ ťũŋŶāóŶ̵ ŋóóŽťÖłŶŭ ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā worst impacts of air pollution. BESA is calling on the government to introduce legislation that would make the measuring and monitoring of IAQ mandatory. It is also backing recommendations that the relevant Building Regulations (Parts F and L) are closely aligned to ensure improvements in energy āĕĕĢóĢāłóƘ ̛ ÖũŶ d̵̜ùŋ łŋŶ ķāÖù Ŷŋ overheating and lack of effective mechanical ventilation.

Inside this issue Futurebuild Seeking out low carbon solutions See page 15

Training Fitting new boilers for Walsall College See page ˛˚

COMPETITION The new information campaign called ‘Better Gas Safe Than Sorry’ is designed to help people properly identify the symptoms. It follows recent research that shows fewer ŶĞÖł ŋłā Ģł Ʃ Ƒā b ÖùŽķŶŭ Öũā ķĢĴāķƘ to consider CO poisoning as the cause of their headache or nausea, which are also common symptoms of a hangover. Some ˜˙˙˙ UK adults were interviewed in the study, and only ˛˙% of respondents said they would connect a carbon monoxide leak in their home to feeling unwell.

Gas Safe figures show that ˞̍˞ million homes in the UK are known to have unsafe gas appliances that could potentially lead to carbon monoxide leaks, but only ˛˙% of those surveyed said that they would stop using a faulty appliance until ĢŶ ĞÖù ðāāł Ʃ Ɨāù̍ ķŭŋ ŋĕ óŋłóāũł̇ just ˝˛% said that they had their appliances serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Jonathan Samuel, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, says: “It is really important to be better gas safe than sorry. Staying safe includes being aware of the

symptoms of carbon monoxide ťŋĢŭŋłĢłė̍ Rĕ ťāŋťķā Öũā ŭŽƦ āũĢłė from ‘hangover-like’ symptoms, such as headaches or nausea, it is important to consider carbon monoxide poisoning alongside other possible causes.” Gas Safe registered engineer Paul Hull says he is supporting the campaign. He adds: “CO poisoning is extremely serious, but preventable. To avoid being exposed to carbon monoxide in the Ʃ ũŭŶ ťķÖóā̇ ĢŶ Ģŭ ƑĢŶÖķ ťāŋťķā ėāŶ ŶĞāĢũ gas appliances checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.”

Win a Glow-worm Easicom boiler! See page 52

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Inside this issue 5 FEBRUARY 2020 VOLUME 58 ISSUE 2

Editor’s Viewpoint by Chris Jones

Time to clear the air In the ongoing drive to improve insulation levels and the energy āƧ óĢāłóƘ ŋĕ ŋŽũ ĞŋĿāŭ Öłù ŋƧ óāŭ̇ ĢŶ̪ŭ ĢĿťŋũŶÖłŶ Ŷŋ ũāĿāĿðāũ that more air-ŶĢėĞŶ ĞŋĿāŭ Öķŭŋ łāāù āƦ āóŶĢƑā ƑāłŶĢķÖŶĢŋł̍ RŶ̪ŭ łŋŶ āƗÖóŶķƘ Ö łāƒ ũāƑāķÖŶĢŋł̇ ðŽŶ ũāóāłŶ ũāťŋũŶŭ ĞÖƑā ĞĢėĞķĢėĞŶāù ŶĞā ƑāũƘ ũāÖķ ùÖłėāũŭ Ŷŋ ťŽðķĢó ĞāÖķŶĞ Ģĕ ŶĞā ĢŭŭŽā ŋĕ ũĢŭĢłė ķāƑāķŭ ŋĕ Ģłùŋŋũ ÖĢũ ťŋķķŽŶÖłŶŭ Ģŭ łŋŶ Öùùũāŭŭāù ̛ŭāā ŶĞĢŭ ĿŋłŶĞ̪ŭ óŋƑāũ ŭŶŋũƘ̜̍ złā ŭŶŽùƘ ÖŶ ŋŽŶĞÖĿťŶŋł łĢƑāũŭĢŶƘ ĞÖŭ ũāƑāÖķāù ŶĞÖŶ Ģłùŋŋũ ÖĢũ óÖł ðā ˚˜ times more polluted than the air outside a ðŽĢķùĢłė̇ ƒĞĢķā ŶĞā ũĢŶĢŭĞ NāÖũŶ DŋŽłùÖŶĢŋł óķÖĢĿŭ ŶĞÖŶ ķĢƑĢłė Ģł Ö ũĢŶĢŭĞ óĢŶƘ ũÖĢŭāŭ ŶĞā ũĢŭĴ ŋĕ āÖũķƘ ùāÖŶĞ ðƘ ŶĞā ŭÖĿā ÖĿŋŽłŶ Öŭ ŭĿŋĴĢłė ˚˞˙ óĢėÖũāŶŶāŭ Ö ƘāÖũ̍ ÂĢŶĞ ÖĢũ Ʃ ķŶāũŭ̇ ťŽũĢƩ āũŭ Öłù āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłŶ ƒĞŋķā ĞŋŽŭā ƑāłŶĢķÖŶĢŋł ŽłĢŶŭ ̞ ÖķŋłėŭĢùā ùĢėĢŶÖķ ĿŋłĢŶŋũĢłė ùāƑĢóāŭ ̞ ŶĞā ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ ÖķũāÖùƘ āƗĢŭŶŭ Ŷŋ āłŭŽũā ŶĞÖŶ ƒā Öũā łŋŶ ðũāÖŶĞĢłė Ģł ŭŽðŭŶÖłóāŭ ŶĞÖŶ ƒŋŽķù ùŋ Žŭ ĞÖũĿ̇ ðŽŶ Öķķ ťÖũŶŭ ŋĕ ŶĞā ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ łāāù Ŷŋ ƒŋũĴ óķŋŭāũ ŶŋėāŶĞāũ Ģĕ ƒā Öũā Ŷŋ ÖƑŋĢù ŶĞā ùāŭĢėł ŋĕ āłāũėƘ ŭÖƑĢłė̇ ÖĢũ-ŶĢėĞŶ ðŽĢķùĢłėŭ ĞÖƑĢłė ŽłĢłŶāłùāù óŋłŭāŨŽāłóāŭ̍ ¦Ğā łāƒ ėŽĢùÖłóā ťŽðķĢŭĞāù ðƘ pR!1 āĿťĞÖŭĢŭāŭ ŶĞā łāāù ĕŋũ Ö ðÖķÖłóāù ÖťťũŋÖóĞ Ŷŋ ƑāłŶĢķÖŶĢŋł̇ ĢłŭŽķÖŶĢŋł Öłù ĞāÖŶĢłė Ŷŋ ÖóĞĢāƑā ðāŶŶāũ Ģłùŋŋũ ÖĢũ ŨŽÖķĢŶƘ̇ ðŽŶ ŭŋķŽŶĢŋłŭ Öũā ŋłķƘ ķĢĴāķƘ Ŷŋ ðā ũāÖķĢŭāù Ģĕ āłāũėƘ ŭÖƑĢłė ĿāÖŭŽũāŭ Öłù ĢĿťũŋƑāĿāłŶŭ Ŷŋ Ö ðŽĢķùĢłė̪ŭ ĕÖðũĢó Öũā łŋŶ óŋĿťķāŶāù Ģł ĢŭŋķÖŶĢŋł̍ zł ŶĞā ŭŽðıāóŶ ŋĕ ťŽðķĢó ĞāÖķŶĞ Öłù ŶĞā ÖĢũ ƒā ðũāÖŶĞ̇ ŶĞā FÖŭ Öĕā āėĢŭŶāũ̪ŭ ķÖŶāŭŶ ĢłĕŋũĿÖŶĢŋł óÖĿťÖĢėł ĞÖŭ ķŋŋĴāù Ŷŋ ũÖĢŭā ÖƒÖũāłāŭŭ ŋĕ ŶĞā ùÖłėāũŭ ŋĕ !z ťŋĢŭŋłĢłė Öłù ŶƘťĢóÖķ ŭƘĿťŶŋĿŭ ƒā ŭĞŋŽķù Öķķ ðā ÖķāũŶ Ŷŋ̍ ÂĢŶĞ ŋłķƘ ˛˙ͮ ŋĕ ŶĞŋŭā ŭŽũƑāƘāù ŭÖƘĢłė ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞāƘ ƒŋŽķù ŭŶŋť ŽŭĢłė Ö ĕÖŽķŶƘ ėÖŭ ÖťťķĢÖłóā ŽłŶĢķ ĢŶ ĞÖù ðāāł Ʃ Ɨāù̇ ŶĞāũā̪ŭ óķāÖũķƘ ŭŶĢķķ ťķāłŶƘ ŋĕ ƒŋũĴ Ŷŋ ðā ùŋłā ðāĕŋũā ƒā óÖł Öķķ ŭŶÖũŶ Ŷŋ ðũāÖŶĞ Ŀŋũā āÖŭĢķƘ̍

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We follow the installation of a combined heat pump and boiler

55 Information Centre

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News Review

Zombie boilers persist in record year The number of gas boilers sold in the UK reached record levels last year, seeing the market grow by nearly ˛% compared to ˛˙˚ˡ. But the estimated ˝ million ‘zombie boilers’ remain a blight on the UK’s journey to decarbonisation, according to trade association HHIC (the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council). In total, ˚̍˟ˠ million units were sold in ˛˙˚ˢ, an increase of ˚.ˡ% on ˛˙˚ˡ figures. The number of homes with central heating is also increasing, with around ˛˛ million homes in the UK now having gas central heating, compared to around ˚ˠ million homes ˛˙ years ago.

ŶāƒÖũŶ !ķāĿāłŶŭ̇ 'ĢũāóŶŋũ ŋĕ HHIC, comments: “HHIC estimate ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞā łŽĿðāũ ŋĕ ŋķù̇ ĢłāƧóĢāłŶ boilers still being used by UK households is approximately 4 million. Inefficient boilers cost consumers more and emit higher levels of carbon dioxide than modern condensing boilers. “The upturn in the industry signals a swifter demise of the ‘zombie boiler’ but if we are to reduce CO2 levels at the rate demanded by climate change, and help deliver lower bills, then a longer term plan is needed to get ũĢù ŋĕ ĢłāƧóĢāłŶ ̨ơŋĿðĢā ðŋĢķāũŭ̪̇ so-called because they don’t die, they just keep chugging away.”

Transatlantic deal

Ideal Boilers has revealed the destination for its ˛˙˛˚ Premier Club trip, giving loyal installers over a year to secure their place by registering their boiler installations from Ideal’s Logic and Vogue ranges. There will also be other ways to earn points as well as giveaways and ‘points boost’ promotions to take advantage of. Since ˚st October, installers have been gathering points and working towards their passport for the trip to Las Vegas, scheduled for ˛˛nd - ˛˟th April ˛˙˛˚. By registering the installation of a Logic MAX, Logic+, Vogue or Vogue MAX boiler, installers can bank points towards their passport to Vegas. Further details will be released over the next few ĿŋłŶĞŭ̍ ¦ŋ Ʃłù ŋŽŶ Ŀŋũā̇ ƑĢŭĢŶ ŶĞā ƒāðŭĢŶā ðāķŋƒ̆ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˙˟

Bell Plumbing Supplies has been chosen as the exclusive UK distributor and training provider for US-based Unico Systems. The Unico System provides the option of both heating and cooling when matched with a suitable air source heat pump. The system is also compatible with existing boiler and UFH systems. The US company partnered with Richard Soper CBE to help select its UK distributor and training provider. Richard says: “The Unico System offers that much needed cooling, but is also highly compatible with existing heating systems, making it a strong option for both the new build and refurb sectors.”

(l-r) Richard Soper CBE, Brian Intagliata (Unico Systems) Calvin Pope (Bell Plumbing Supplies)

Irish PM cuts the ribbon Last month, Grant Engineering in Birr, Ireland, welcomed the Irish Prime mĢłĢŭŶāũ Ŷŋ ŋƧóĢÖķķƘ ŋťāł ĢŶŭ āƗŶāłŭĢƑā łāƒ ĕÖóĢķĢŶĢāŭ ƒĞĢóĞ ĢłóķŽùā Öł ͽ' innovation centre, a dedicated customer services centre and a large training ÖóÖùāĿƘ̍ ¦Ğā ŋƧóĢÖķ ķÖŽłóĞ āƑāłŶ ĿÖũĴāù ŶĞā óŽķĿĢłÖŶĢŋł ŋĕ Ö ́˚˝ million investment project which includes ˚˙̇˙˙˙ft˛ of manufacturing, design and training facilities added to the existing site. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar was invited to open the new building Öłù Öùùũāŭŭ ŶĞā ėŽāŭŶŭ ťũāŭāłŶ̍ ¦ĞĢŭ ķÖŽłóĞ āƑāłŶ ŭĢėłĢƩāŭ Ö łāƒ āũÖ ĕŋũ Grant Engineering, marking a continuation of the company’s ongoing mission to help homes reduce the carbon footprint of their heating systems. The company says that the new facilities will enable it to develop and manufacturer the heating products of tomorrow while also providing engineers with the support they need to move the domestic heating market, both in Ireland and in the UK, into a greener, more sustainable future.

Tool theft numbers add up Freedom of Information data provided by the Met Police has revealed that ˚˟̇ˠ˛˞ tool thefts were reported over the last year. The average insurance claim for tool theft in ˛˙˚ˢ was £˛˟ˡ˞̇ Ö ƩėŽũā ŶĞÖŶ ĞÖŭ ũĢŭāł ŋƑāũ ͎˚˝˙˙ since ˛˙˚˟ – this is according to Safe.co.uk, which says after all that theft, it would take ˝˞˙̇˙˙˙ days of extra work from tradespeople in the UK to cover the costs of their stolen kit in ˛˙˚ˢ. To help installers avoid these consequences, Safe.co.uk recommends taking proactive steps to protect themselves, such as removing tools from the van overnight, installing alarm systems and using secure storage boxes. m' ŋĕ Öĕā̍óŋ̍ŽĴ łŶĞŋłƘ pāÖũƘ ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦¦Ğā ũāŭāÖũóĞ ùāĿŋłŭŶũÖŶāŭ ƑÖł theft is getting worse rather than better – and it’s a problem across the country. But tradespeople can reduce the risk of being a victim and hopefully feel at ease when they are not at work.”

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News Review

New year honour for pioneering plumber Hattie Hasan, founder of Stopcocks Women Plumbers and the Women Installers Together event, has been awarded an MBE in the ˛˙˛˙ New Year’s Honours List for her work supporting and promoting women in the heating and plumbing industry. Previously a primary school teacher, Hattie decided on a career change in ˚ˢˢ˙ when she went to college to train as a plumber. Recognising that the small number of women in the industry faced similar obstacles and challenges, Hattie looked to create a support network and relaunched her Stopcocks business as a national franchise in ˛˙˚ˠ. In the same year she also launched the Women Installers Together Conference,

Condensate problems persist in industry

now an annual event, for all female plumbing and heating engineers, plus supportive manufacturers and suppliers. NÖŶŶĢā ŭÖƘŭ ŭĞā̪ŭ ̨óĞŽƦ āù Ŷŋ ðĢŶŭ̪ with the MBE and believes it will provide an opportunity to further highlight women heating engineers and plumbers who remain seriously under-represented at around ˚% of ŶĞā ĢłùŽŭŶũƘ Öłù ıŽŭŶ ˞˙˙ members of the Gas Safe register.

A new poll shows that a large percentage of the trade is not proactively protecting condensate pipes from freezing. Some ˟˙% of ˚˟˙ poll respondents said they never or only sometimes protect condensate pipes. The poll, conducted by @TradesTalk, a social media feed for the trade, suggests that many installers are not fully complying with industry guidance despite frozen condensate pipes accounting for a substantial amount of boiler breakdowns in colder months. David Smith, a heating installer and inventor of Condensate Pro, an easy-to-install kit solution that protects condensate pipes, says: “Insulating the pipework is not easily done, can be quite intrusive to the fabric of the building, is hard to cost and explain to the homeowner and adds a significant amount of time to the overall installation. Condensate PRO overcomes all these issues.” Condensate PRO is described as an inexpensive, practical and easy-to-Ʃ Ŷ ĢłŭŽķÖŶĢŋł ĴĢŶ ŶĞÖŶ ťũŋƑĢùāŭ maximum protection against frozen condensate

Ranking the trades Research shows cost of leaky homes

Installer’s big surprise Michael Cockcroft, director of Centurion Plumbing Services Limited in Sleaford, has won the Ʃ ũŭŶ Ģė ÖƗĢ ŋłÖłơÖ Fŋķùāł ¦ĢóĴāŶ prize draw. He bought the winning boiler, a Baxi ˟˙˙ Heat, from the Sleaford branch of Wolseley. All the Baxi boilers registered on Baxi Works loyalty scheme in the Ʃ ũŭŶ ƒāāĴ ŋĕ `ÖłŽÖũƘ ƒāũā āłŶāũāù into the draw. Baxi representative Matt Seaman and Baxter the Baxi mascot surprised Michael when he visited Wolseley to stock up on materials for his next installation. They presented him with a ͎˚˙˙˙ shopping voucher. “I am lost for words!” exclaimed the surprised heating engineer. “This is fabulous! My wife Amy is

also a director of the business, and she will be over the moon too. Baxis are the only boilers we install and the ˟˙˙ Heat is the absolute best, but I do love the new ˡ˙˙. “The boiler that won was the ˚ˢth Baxi boiler we’ve registered in the last year. We are installing our ˛˙th boiler next week, then we will be eligible to be a Baxi Approved Installer. We are really happy about that!”

pipework. Available in convenient kits to meet the needs of different applications, the product has recently received the backing of Intergas, with the ðŋĢķāũ ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũāũ ðāóŋĿĢłė Öł ŋƧ óĢÖķ ùĢŭŶũĢðŽŶŋũ̍ For more details on Condensate Pro and to watch a how-to video, visit the website below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˙ˠ

New research from thermal imaging specialist FLIR ƘŭŶāĿŭ ĞÖŭ ũāƑāÖķāù ŭĢėłĢƩ óÖłŶ āłāũėƘ ƒÖŭŶÖėā Ģł b ĞŋĿāŭ̍ RŶ Ģŭ āŭŶĢĿÖŶāù ŶĞÖŶ b ĞŋĿāŋƒłāũŭ Öũā ƒÖŭŶĢłė a total of £ˠ billion – amounting to £˜˟˜ per household during the winter period. Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian era homes were found to be most wasteful, with average energy bills for these types of properties in the winter being ˝˜% higher ŶĞÖł ŶĞÖŶ ĕŋũ ƪ ÖŶŭ Öłù ĞŋŽŭāŭ ðŽĢķŶ ÖĕŶāũ ŶĞā ˚ˢ˟˙s. Rickard Lindvall, general manager for instruments at FLIR Systems, says: “In order to detect heat loss that is invisible to the naked eye, thermal imaging is a key quality control measure when building, inspecting, renovating, or auditing a home. Thermal imaging cameras are a well-established inspection tool for bringing to light crucial information such as heating malfunctions and drafts, thereby showcasing where āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłóƘ ĢĿťũŋƑāĿāłŶŭ Öũā łāāùāù̍ ̧

A new survey from My Job Quote has ranked the trades according to how friendly they are, with electricians coming out on top with ˠ˞% of the vote. Plumbers and HVAC engineers were not far behind, claiming third (˟ˡ%) and fourth place (˟˝%) respectively. Contrastingly, tilers were ranked the least friendly tradespeople – with only ˛˜% of those polled categorising them as friendly. Just above, only ˛ˢ% consider kitchen specialists to be friendly. Additionally, those surveyed were asked to identify the actions taken by tradespeople they appreciate the most. The survey found that homeowners are most grateful when tradespeople do not get annoyed when they kindly ask them for an update/progress check (ˡ˝%). Thereafter, ˠˢ% appreciate tradespeople who provide them with a valid reason and apology for not turning up at all when arranged/agreed. Slightly below, ˠ˛% really value tradespeople taking the initiative to clean up any mess they have created ŋłóā Ʃ łĢŭĞāù̍ ÂĞāł ŋł ŶĞā ıŋð̇ Ö ķŋŶ ŋĕ ũĢŶŭ ÖťťũāóĢÖŶā tradespeople who ask permission to use their bathroom (˟˚%) as well as before making/receiving a work/private phone call (˝˞%). On the other end, only ˜˚% are worried if a tradesperson greets them or not.

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

News Review Chance for installers to attend ˛˙˛˙ UEFA game

ImpraGas changes hands The boiler installation company ImpraGas has been acquired by investment company REL Capital. ImpraGas was founded in ˛˙˚˛ by Joseph Valente who went on to win the TV show The Apprentice in ˛˙˚˞, gaining Lord Sugar as a business partner in the process. Commenting on the acquisition, Joseph Valente says: “Starting out as a ‘one man and a van’ business in ˛˙˚˛, I was so proud to win The Apprentice show three years later and go into partnership with Lord Sugar. I learnt a lot from the great man and owe him a debt of gratitude. He fuelled my ambition which led to me buying him out on

my pathway to building a national business.” ImpraGas is the sixth company acquisition in the last ˚˛ months for REL Capital, owned by entrepreneur Andy Scott. REL aims to grow ImpraGas and move offices to its estate in Orton Southgate, Peterborough, where it already operates a transport business, RelTransport.com. Joseph is now setting his sights on the international stage, forming a new personal development venture – ‘Entrepreneur Empires’ – as well as ‘Trade-Mastermind’, advising tradespeople on how to scale their business.

Part of the ‘Ideal’ family Keston Boilers has unveiled a new identity that includes the words ‘By Ideal Boilers’ to emphasise the corporate association. The rebrand will initially be rolled out online and used more widely from March. Keston’s range of boilers and their accompanying Ʃ ķŶāũŭ ƒĢķķ ũāĿÖĢł ŽłóĞÖłėāù̍ Jo Shepherd, chief marketing ŋƧ óāũ̇ āƗťķÖĢłŭ̆ ̦zŽũ ũāŭāÖũóĞ showed us that many installers

are unaware that Keston is part of Ideal and that it combines all the ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ŶĞāƘ ũāėŽķÖũķƘ ėāŶ ĕũŋĿ installing Ideal boilers with the flexibility of Twin Flue Technology. Keston’s new look starts the journey of growing that awareness, helped by including the ‘smile’ from the Ideal Boilers logo to further cement the link between the two brands.”

Looking to help installers fight the winter blues, Viessmann has launched a ˛˙˛˙ UEFA European Football Championships sales promotion with exclusive rewards and the chance to win a VIP ticket to watch a Euro ˛˙˛˙ football match. To qualify, installers ĿŽŭŶ Ʃ ũŭŶ ũāėĢŭŶāũ Ŷƒŋ Ŀŋũā Vitodens boilers in January and February ˛˙˛˙ than in the same period in ˛˙˚ˢ. On achieving this, they will be sent a Viessmann sports shirt and an entry into a draw to win one of ˚˚ VIP tickets to watch a Euro ˛˙˛˙ group stage match, including full hospitality. With each additional boiler registered, installers gain another entry into the draw. If an installer registers ˚˙ boilers, they win a Viessmann foosball table. The ˛˙˛˙ UEFA European Football Championships tournament will be held in ˚˛ cities in ˚˛ UEFA countries from ˚˛th June to ˚˛th July, with Wembley Stadium set to host the semi-Ʃ łÖķŭ Öłù Ʃ łÖķ̍ The promotion is open to all Viessmann Trained Installers registering any ÁĢŶŋùāłŭ ðŋĢķāũŭ ƑĢÖ ŶĞā ÁĢāŭŭĿÖłł RłŭŶÖķķāũ ŋũŶÖķ ŋũ Öťť̍ ¦Ğā ŨŽÖķĢƩ óÖŶĢŋł phase of the promotion started at the beginning of the year and runs until the end of February. For more information, visit the website below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˙ˡ

ÖłĢƪ ŋ ŋťāłŭ ĢŶŭ doors in Watford

IN BRIEF ͻ Spirotech has launched its new Better Heating hub, a website created to educate ĞŋĿāŋƒłāũŭ ŋł ŶĞā ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ŋĕ dirt separation and deaeration. ͻ Advance Appliances was recently announced as winner of the regional apprenticeships SME employer of the year award. ͻ Radiator manufacturer Stelrad has been awarded with ServiceMark Accreditation from the Institute of Customer Service. ͻ A recent installation of ˢ˙ˡ PV solar panels at Fabdec means the heat transfer product manufacturer no longer draws power from the National Grid. ͻ VitrA Bathrooms is set to unveil ˞˟˙˙ft˛ of exhibition space in London’s Clerkenwell this spring. ͻ The HHIC has agreed on a reciprocal membership deal with the British Pump Manufacturer’s Association. ͻ Home assistance company HomeServe has been named the nation’s ‘Best Home Emergency Cover Provider’ in the ˚˙th Annual Moneynet Personal Finance Awards.

After ˜˙ years of occupying office space in South Ruislip, west London, Saniflo has moved its HQ to Watford. Its former warehouse and showroom, previously located in Bedford, have also made the move to Watford to unite all these elements of the business in Colonial Way. The new building was selected with an eye on future growth, providing room to expand. Saniflo MD Tim Pestell says every member of the existing team is happy to work from the new ťũāĿĢŭāŭ Öłù Ğā Ģŭ ķŋŋĴĢłė ĕŋũƒÖũù Ŷŋ ŶĞā āƧ óĢāłóƘ ėÖĢłŭ ŶĞÖŶ ƒĢķķ ðāłāƩ Ŷ ŶĞā ðŽŭĢłāŭŭ̍ Nā ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦Âā had outgrown our current premises in South Ruislip so it was very timely when the building in Watford became available. We’d been looking for a suitable option for a while to enable us to bring together all the various operations into one space. We will be far more productive as a result and this should translate ĢłŶŋ Ö Ŀŋũā āƧ óĢāłŶ óŽŭŶŋĿāũ ŭāũƑĢóā̧̍

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Your Views

The Tweet Spot ...

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

This month’s £100 letter

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

ACS has delivered

big improvements In response to the letters from John Martin, Alan Windsor and John Revill regarding how to improve gas assessments: Gas-Tec @GasTec_Cornwall We have been using the GTC400c thermal imaging to identify underﬂoor heating circuits, as the customer was having temperature issues. We discovered the zones were incorrectly wired. Simple ﬁx and a happy customer. @BoschPro_UK

Chris Hill @chris_hill856 Must have been a Friday job...only there to change the basin taps and spotted this absolute disgrace!

I have a vested interest in the matters addressed in the above-mentioned letters as I am and have been the owner of a gas training and assessment centre since the first assessments were carried out in 199 . ince that time, we have seen a massive improvement in the uality of gas engineers, who in the old O days could hide behind someone else. ith they cannot do this as it is an individual assessment carried out under strict assessment conditions or so it should be The has been the sole reason for the improvement of engineers . e have all heard rumors about the ‘ aturday morning assessment’ but we can’t prove that these centres are actually doing this, if indeed they are. Legitimate centres that uphold the law would like nothing better than to find and stop this illegal process. For people who are unaware, the managed learning programmes L have been tightened up tremendously by Blue Flame ertification, who now carry out regular audits on L centres, as well as the continuing audits on centres. f the other certification bodies are complying with the

regulations, then they should be doing the same. The minimum six months portfolio has made a massive impact on the new entrant courses, and for the better. The L is now very much aligned to the N when delivered correctly. s for ohn artin’s idea of moving with the times on technology, agree, but this should still be carried out under assessment conditions, in an approved centre. The uestions should continue to be multiple choice, carried out on a computer, with answers and the marking of answers recorded, along with times and dates. The results should then be downloaded to the B immediately. practical assessment still needs to be carried out, as people can easily revise for theory, but to complete a practical in front of an assessor shows your true colours s for prizes being awarded as incentives, agree with lan indsor that it makes a mockery of something which is far more serious than an voucher. The engineers should be proud that they are able to prove that they continue to remain competent in an industry that has such a strict policy in safety. To conclude, agree with ohn Revill when he states that people with over 1 years experience should not have to spend a full week in a centre. lease be aware though, ohn, that training is NOT a prere uisite of assessment, and that the reassessment can easily be carried out in two days. Graham Hawkes ECS Gas Training Limited Barnsley

Let us know what you think...

2020 Spot the difference ith reference to the ‘2020 ision’ special report in the last edition of

Simon The Painter @property_ready Life always seems to throw you a curve ball! Which to choose? Chiropractor shortly so tea & biscuits before being pulled and poked about

NEW WAY TO ACCESS FURTHER INFORMATION

The premise of the 2020 ision article was that there is ‘plenty of change’ to come this year but is there fear we will continue to see more of the same, banging in more and more gas and oil boilers. The familiar barriers to a wide rollout of heat pumps remain ﬁrmly in place and the ban on gas boilers doesn’t kick in until 202 . Furthermore, as of 2021 we lose access to the single market and frictionless trade with our nearest trading partners, where virtually all of our heating e uipment comes from. t seems everything is in place to keep the industry stuck exactly where it is J.D. Brown, via email

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

PHAM NEWS | OCTOBER 2019

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

The Tuff Form8 wetroom former from AKW combines the benefits of the company’s existing Tuff Form product but with a new octagonal fitting plate. This allows for up to 15 different waste positions and ensures an easier installation. The new former is made from high strength sheet moulding compound, giving it a weight capacity of 381kg (60 stone). This suits it for heavier wheelchair users and their carers. In addition, pre-formed fixing points and octagonal waste plate mean that all obstructing joists can be quickly navigated. Available in nine sizes, the Tuff Form8 former can be tiled or covered with safety flooring and it can also be used to create complete level access solutions on both timber and concrete floors. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1019/73

Furniture gets the royal treatment

Inverter technology inside heat pumps

Nuie, formerly known as Premier Bathrooms, has added a royal grey woodgrain textured finish to its York collection of furniture. The new finish complements the existing white ash and stone grey varieties. Three sizes of vanity unit (600, 800 and 1000mm) add versatility to the range, which is accompanied by matching mirrors, WC unit and toilet seat for a fully coordinated look. Made in Britain, with a fiveyear guarantee, the York furniture range is supplied rigid and features soft-close doors and is available with design-matching ceramic basin and front and side bath panels. Three handle choices are available: square strap, round strap and art deco, for further individuality and character. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1019/75

Aimed at the commercial market, Stiebel Eltron’s WPE-I inverter-driven heat pump system bolsters the company’s offering of renewable energy systems. The new range utilises inverter technology, which allows heat output to be adjusted to suit the requirements of bespoke projects. This boosts energy efficiency, helping businesses reduce energy costs. The product also allows businesses to maximise return on investment from the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, with running hours attracting tier-one tariffs. Space-saving unit design also streamlines the installation process. Preparatory groundworks can be sized to the building, rather than the nearest heat pump model itself, saving clients time and money. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1019/74

Hydraulic drainage system saves cost

New ball valve looks to the future Waterproofing system for showers The Shower Waterproofing Kit from Dunlop has been specially designed to include everything required to waterproof a shower area, wetroom or walk-in shower area as required by new British Standards. Suitable for any internal intermittent area where continued exposure to water may cause damage, the kit fully waterproofs the background behind a tiled surface to prevent water penetration up to 1.5m high in a two-walled shower unit or 1m high in a three-walled shower unit. As a result, the kit prevents water saturating the whole area, reducing the risk of unsightly black mould forming, and also reducing the risk of more serious issues such as floor collapse and other surfaces vulnerable to corrosion. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1019/76

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

GF Piping Systems has introduced the Ball Valve 546 Pro to help specifiers and building services contractors future-proof installations across different sectors. The new-generation modular design of the 546 Pro ensures future technical or digital demands can now be enabled, reducing the need for servicing or retro-fitting costs while enhancing efficiency in use from the outset. The all-plastic construction of the ball valve includes a range of accessories such as the spring-loaded, ergonomically designed lockable handle incorporating a ‘dead-man’ self-closing facility, compact double sensor accessories, as well as pneumatic or electric actuators to fit the entire range of sizes which runs from 16-110mm diameter. The smooth curving casing and double stem seals contribute to an IP67 rating, while a reinforced security break point in the stem helps to prevent leaks due to wear or the use of excessive force. All units are tested to a pressure of 16 bar and suitable for applications from hot or cold water services to pressurised or chilled water, chemical processes and other industrial uses. The 546 Pro is ready out-of-the-box to be installed or retro-fitted for wireless connectivity. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1019/77

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

New to the UK market, Geberit’s SuperTube flowoptimised hydraulic drainage system for highrise buildings is said to offer simple planning and installation while saving around 35% of the space allocated for a parallel vented dual stack system. The system combines the existing 12 litres/sec flow-optimised HDPE Geberit Sovent (d110) with two new bends – BottomTurn and BackFlip - which remove the need for a vent pipe by generating a constant air stream through intelligent design. The combined single stack system enables pipework with a smaller, consistent diameter of d110 and a maximum discharge capacity of 12 litres/sec. It also allows horizontal pipelines of up to 6m without slopes, thanks to the design of the BottomTurn bend, which reduces impulse losses during transition from the vertical to horizontal. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1019/78

We’ve introduced a new non-paper based PHAM News en uir ser i e or a ui k and eas wa to find out more about the products and services that interest you, the new online enquiry service is designed to take you directly to the information you require. At the end of most articles and items on our editorial pages there will now be a web address with a uni ue fi e or si digit ode Simply enter phamnews.co.uk and the appropriate numbers and the relevant website page should appear directly on your computer, tablet or smartphone without you having to use a browser or navigate through various website pages. e hope ou will find this new ser i e a useful and convenient way to access the information you need.

◼ pha

news co u /220/ 0

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

People on the Move ONLINE For further information about any of the stories featured in this issue, simply enter phamnews. co.uk/220/ followed by the relevant enquiry number.

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

LG has welcomed two new faces to its team as it steps up its presence in the UK heating sector. Andrew Hooper (pictured) has joined as UK & Ireland heating manager and Alastair Kay joins as heating technical manager. The two will be primarily responsible for the promotion and sales of the company’s Therma V range.

The IPG, a membership group for independent plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists, has announced the appointment of its new managing director, Glenn Fisher (pictured). Glenn will be taking over from founder and chairman Robin Beal. Glenn has held various senior positions and is also a ualiﬁed accountant.

The new CEO at Armstrong Fluid Technology is Todd Rief. With over 2 years industry experience, Todd was previously with Honeywell International working in a variety of senior roles, most recently as chief commercial officer for the Homes and Buildings Technologies division.

Water treatment manufacturer, Fernox, has welcomed Mark Hall as its new head of mechanical engineering and devices. Mark brings with him over 0 years of experience in mechanical design and engineering. He will primarily be responsible for heading up the company’s new product development projects and strategy.

Boosting its customer service team, Altecnic has appointed Melanie Stoddart as its new sales and customer service manager. Melanie joins with a background in customer service and sales gained from experience in electrical, manufacturing and distribution companies around the East Midlands and North West.

BPEC has welcomed Jon Price as its new business development manager. Jon will be working to strengthen centre and college partnerships. He joins from hesterﬁeld ollege where he was involved in developing the construction and engineering department. He also worked with the plumbing and gas curriculum to increase apprenticeship numbers.

As an expert in large-scale ground source heat pump installations, Karl Drage has joined the Kensa Group as director of business development. Karl will be looking to partner with various organisations to create new markets so ground source heat pumps can deliver results for owners, users, and the environment.

To join the Gas App community for FREE, simply visit the Apple or Google store and search for Gas App Uk

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Radiator specialist Stelrad has welcomed back Chris White to the Stelrad Brand Specialists team to look after the East Anglia territory. Chris held this role previously for two years before leaving to work for a shower tray company. Commenting on the move, he says: “It’s good to be back working with a company and a team I know well.”

29/01/2020 11:46

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Exhibition Preview 15

Showcasing sustainable solutions This March will see the country’s biggest show for the built environment return to its home at the ExCeL in London, bringing together a manufacturer exhibition and conference schedule, with a special emphasis on sustainable solutions.

ith the climate crisis driving change in both government policy and industry practice, the theme of this year’s Futurebuild is ‘responding to the climate emergency’. The three day programme includes a wide ranging manufacturer and supplier exhibition, along with conferences and seminars focusing on how to transform the industry to achieve a resilient and sustainable environment.

Installer role Addressing the installer’s role in delivering sustainable solutions, Futurebuild has partnered with the standards organisation MCS to deliver Future Installer, a dedicated platform for access to practical solutions.

Future focus Future Installer will highlight some of the technologies that plumbing, heating and commercial operatives can use to meet the evolving needs of their clients. This part of the show concentrates on the future of home-grown energy, exploring how renewable energy products and ŭāũƑĢóāŭ ùāķĢƑāũāù ðƘ ŨŽÖķĢƩ āù̇ óŋĿťāŶāłŶ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ ƒĢķķ contribute to a transition to lower carbon homes. Divided into three zones, Future Installer’s main focus ƒĢķķ ðā ŨŽÖķĢƩ óÖŶĢŋłŭ̇ ŭĴĢķķŭ Öłù ŶũÖĢłĢłė ŶĞũŋŽėĞ Öł educational zone where MCS will be central to the activity, showcasing its standards and advocating quality. Suppliers and manufacturers will showcase the latest innovations in energy technologies including solar PV, solar thermal, boilers, ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps and renewable technologies of the future. Rł ÖùùĢŶĢŋł̇ ŶĞā ƒŋũĴŭĞŋť ťũŋėũÖĿĿā ƒĢķķ ùāķĢƑāũ ťũÖóŶĢóÖķ ĢłĕŋũĿÖŶĢŋł Öłù ŶĞā ķÖŶāŭŶ ŶĞĢłĴĢłė̇ ŭĞĢłĢłė Ö spotlight on renewable technologies. Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, comments: “Over the last ten ƘāÖũŭ ŶĞā b ùŋĿāŭŶĢó ũāłāƒÖðķā āłāũėƘ ĿÖũĴāŶ ĞÖŭ radically changed, leaving some immediate challenges for MCS and our sector. Domestic energy will play a huge part in achieving government targets of net zero carbon emissions by ˛˙˞˙. However, in order to increase the scale and reach of small-scale, low carbon installations we need to prepare a generation of Future Installers.” ¦Ğā óŋķķÖðŋũÖŶĢƑā ŭĞŋƒóÖŭā Öķŭŋ ĢłóķŽùāŭ ĴāƘ ťÖũŶłāũŭ GSHP Association, AceOn Group, RECC and OFTEC. Malcolm Farrow, head of communications at OFTEC, says: “Achieving high quality outcomes will be essential as we embrace the challenge of achieving net zero. Excellence has always been a central goal of OFTEC’s competent person scheme so we are delighted to be partnering with MCS on their Future Installer stand.”

How to attend ¦ÖĴĢłė ťķÖóā ÖŶ dŋłùŋł̪ŭ 1Ɨ!ād āƗĞĢðĢŶĢŋł óāłŶũā Ģł ŶĞā 'ŋóĴķÖłùŭ̇ DŽŶŽũāðŽĢķù Ģŭ ĕũāā Ŷŋ ÖŶŶāłù ðŽŶ āÖũķƘ registration is recommended. To reserve a place at the show, please wvisit the website below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˙ˢ

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Step by Step

Installing Sime’s Murelle Revolution We follow the installation of the Sime Murelle Revolution 0 and boiler in one unit in a property in carborough.

roperty owner lan oodward discovered the Sime Murelle Revolution 0 thanks to the advice of his plumber. is 1900ft2 bungalow had huge problems with its existing heating and hot water system. long with 1 radiators only a handful of which reached temperature it had three towel rails which had never worked. The house was well insulated, though, and beneﬁted from underﬂoor heating and solar panels. ll that was re uired was a clever heating solution that would keep the family toasty and deliver considerable cost savings on fuel bills. The Murelle Revolution 0 a completely integrated boiler and heat pump in one single cased

JOB SHEET EQUIPMENT MAKE AND MODEL

Sime Murelle Revolution 30 heat pump and boiler INSTALLATION COMPANY

Chris Anderson Plumbing and Heating Ltd JOB LOCATION

Scarborough INSTALLATION DATE

November 2019

product provided the answer. t replaced a combi boiler at the three-bedroom, three-bathroom home, offering an output range of 0kW for the boiler and 4kW for

a heat pump

the heat pump. The installation has achieved an E rating of a ‘B’ up from a low ‘E’ and allowed the owners to en oy their home in the coldest of months. o how does the product work The boiler and heat pump operate in tandem, with the heat pump coming on ﬁrst as this makes the largest contribution to energy efficiency. hen the external temperature is higher than its minimum set value (default the heat pump and the boiler will be activated in uick succession. hen the set point is reached, the boiler will start to adjust power until the heat re uirement is attained and then both generators will be extinguished. If the external temperature is higher than value can be re-set , only the heat pump will

be activated. The boiler will be activated only when the desired temperature is not achieved by the heat pump on its own. t uses an Er 0 kW urelle boiler and completely sealed 4k output heat pump. The compact unit can be installed inside and hung on the wall like a conventional boiler and can be installed by any registered as afe installer, without re uiring an additional F-gas registered installer to be present.

Sam re-piped the house into three different zones, two heating and one a ross two hal es of the house

hat’s more it achieves an average seasonal heating performance of 1 4 , granting energy efficiency. nstaller am nderson says The Revolution was easy to install and really is a great piece of kit. t’s the ﬁrst heat pump and boiler that I have installed, and it was a lot easier than anticipated. The ime technical support team were great and were on hand to answer any uestions had. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/10

Each zone was connected to a low loss header, each with zone al e and pump and a separate time and temperature ontrol

ime urelle e olution installation omplete am then showed r oodward all the ins and outs of operating the s stem

Having removed the old boiler and before the Revolution was mounted on the wall, holes for the two 160mm air ducts were drilled, plus an mm hole for the ue

Sime product manager Phil Birchenough assisted with commissioning and set up of the boiler r oodward was using his own controls, so some of the functions on the Sime controller needed to be disabled and the weather ompensation ur e needed setting

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he s stem was then ushed and leaned and the magneti filter added er thing was then reinsulated and frost prote tion added

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Gadgets & Tools 19 Mini pliers in convenient pouch Pliers specialist Knipex has introduced three mini pliers sets in belt tool pouches made of tough polyester fabric, complete with a Velcro fastening and belt loop. The Mini Cobra High Tech water pump pliers feature in all three kits and allow adjustment directly on the workpiece at the press of a ðŽŶŶŋł̇ ƒĢŶĞ Ʃłā ÖùıŽŭŶĿāłŶ ĕŋũ adaptation to workpiece sizes up to ˛ˠmm. Each kit works for large and small gripping, holding and óŽŶŶĢłė ŶÖŭĴŭ Öłù ĞÖƑā Ö ùĢƦāũāłŶ tool to complement the Cobra.

Model ˙˙ ˛˙ ˠ˛ V˙˚ includes a Mini Pliers Wrench, ˙˙ ˛˙ ˠ˛ V˙˛ includes the high leverage diagonal cutter and ˙˙ ˛˙ ˠ˛ V˙˟ includes the needle nose combination pliers for working in hard-to-reach places. The needle nose pliers have a slender head shape with powerful, pointed jaws with cutting edges for soft, medium-hard and hard wire up to ˛mm. The Mini pliers sets provide ƪāƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ ƒĢŶĞ āÖŭƘ Öóóāŭŭ Ŷŋ Ŷŋŋķŭ when you are on the move. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˙̓˚˚

ÑÖť ŶĞā ðÖóŶāũĢÖ ĕũŋĿ ƘŋŽũ ĿŋðĢķā ƒĢŶĞ Á ķĢėĞŶ Did you know that your mobile phone is one of the dirtiest things in your possession? They get so dirty because we take them into places like restrooms and wash our hands, but never our phones. The PhoneSoap was invented to combat this problem: its bacteria-zapping technology is said to kill ˢˢ̍ˢˢ% with UV light. The patented design enables it to sanitise your entire phone as it sits on a UV transparent plate where it is surrounded by germicidal UVC light and a ũāƪāóŶĢƑā ĢłŶāũĢŋũ̍ Ğŋłā ŋÖť ƩŶŭ ĿŋŭŶ ťĞŋłāŭ̇ ĢłóķŽùĢłė ŶĞā ķÖũėāũ ŋłāŭ̍ RŶ also has two charging ports on the back, a USB and USB-C. You can charge a second device, like a smart watch, at the same time. The product includes both UK and EU plugs. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˙̓˚˛

'āāťāũ̇ ƒĢùāũ Ʃķķ óÖł ðā over-ťÖĢłŶāù Ģł Öł ĞŋŽũ ÂĢŶĞ ùŋŽðķā ŶĞā ƪāƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ of other caulk products, the HB˝˛ Ultimate Pro-Finish Decorators Caulk is long lasting, movementresistant and can be over-painted in just one hour. The white, solvent-free, ÖóũƘķĢó óÖŽķĴ Ģŭ ƪāƗĢðķā Žť Ŷŋ ˚˛̍˞% and can be used in joints up to ˛˞mm wide and ˛˙ĿĿ ùāāť̇ ƩķķĢłė ùāāťāũ and wider than most other caulks on the market. The HB˝˛ Ultimate range is designed for a ťũŋĕāŭŭĢŋłÖķ ėũÖùā ƩłĢŭĞ and is easy to apply, forming a hard-wearing ƪāƗĢðķā ŭāÖķ ƒĞĢóĞ óŋłŶÖĢłŭ a fungicide to help prevent mould. Suitable for working both inside and out, the product can be used for sealing around plasterboard joints, cornices and architraves, window frames and PVC óķÖùùĢłė̍ RŶ óÖł Öķŭŋ ðā Žŭāù Öŭ Öł ÖùĞāŭĢƑā ĕŋũ polystyrene and for sealing cracks in plaster, brick and stone, concrete, skirting boards and walls. The ˜ˡ˙ml container gives a quality professional ƩłĢŭĞ ƒĢŶĞ ƪāƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ Öłù Ö ùāāť Ʃķķ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˙̓˚˜

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Training Update !ŋķķāėā Ŷŋŋķŭ Žť ÖĕŶāũ ƒĢłłĢłė ðĢė óÖŭĞ ÖƒÖũù

ķŽĿðĢłė óŋŽũŭāŭ ŋł ŋƦāũ ĕũŋĿ N! The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) has unveiled its ˛˙˛˙ programme of one-day courses which include Water Regulations, Legionella Cold Water Risk Assessment & Disinfection, and Sanitary & Above Ground Drainage. ̵¦Ğā óŋŽũŭāŭ Öũā ĕŋũ āƗťāũĢāłóāù ťķŽĿðāũŭ ƒĞŋ ideally hold a relevant NVQ Level ˛ or have equivalent practical experience. ¦Ğā óŋŽũŭāŭ Öũā ùāķĢƑāũāù ÖŶ ŶĞā ŭŭŋóĢÖŶĢŋł̪ŭ ŋƧóāŭ in the West Midlands, but if there is a requirement for a group of employees then it may be possible to deliver óŋŽũŭāŭ ŋƦ-site at a suitable local location. APHC is also giving away ˚˙˙ training rewards which allow plumbing and heating companies to claim up to £˚˞˙ ŶŋƒÖũùŭ ŶĞā óŋŭŶ ŋĕ Ö óāũŶĢƩāù ŶũÖĢłĢłė óŋŽũŭā completed through a recognised provider such as N!̇ 1!̇ !ĢŶƘ ͽ FŽĢķùŭ̇ dzFR! !āũŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋł̇ NICEIC and all UKAS approved ACS providers. For more information, visit the website below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˚˝

In ˛˙˚ˡ, City College Norwich won a £˚˙̇˙˙˙ upgrade for its plumbing and heating facilities, courtesy of the College Refresh Scheme from Graham Plumbers’ Merchant. One year on, vital refurbishment work has been completed, which has helped to enhance the quality of training for students and create an āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶ ŶĞÖŶ ķāóŶŽũāũŭ óÖł āƦāóŶĢƑāķƘ teach within. After nearly ˡ˙ applications were submitted from colleges around the country, City College Norwich was awarded the funds due to its detailed submission with a clear and precise plan for the success of all its students.

¦Ğā ťũĢơā ĿŋłāƘ ŋƦāũāù ŶĞā óŋķķāėā funds for materials, labour and any other project costs associated with the refresh. So far, the prize money has been spent ŋł łāƒ ðŋĢķāũŭ̇ ėÖŭ ƪŽā ŶũÖłŭĕāũ ðķŋóĴŭ̇ wireless controls and other useful tools. Lecturer Tony Sandon says: “A large part of the college’s success is from

having the best facilities for training. This gives the students a clear understanding and accurate insight once they enter the industry. Winning the College Refresh Scheme with Graham has had a huge impact on the educational experience we Öũā Öðķā Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ̧̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˚˞

Slick new premises to highight press-ƩŶŶĢłė ðāłāƩŶŭ Conex Bänninger has unveiled its new training centre at its headquarters in Kingswinford, West Midlands. It features lecture and demonstration areas, with an overhead camera that enables practical demonstrations to be projected onto a large screen. There is also a wall-mounted display of the manufacturer’s expansive ƩŶŶĢłėŭ ũÖłėā ŶĞÖŶ óÖł ðā āÖŭĢķƘ ŽťùÖŶāù

as new products are developed. Business development manager Dan Wild says: “As more and more installers become aware of the advantages that ťũāŭŭ ƩŶŶĢłėŭ ĞÖƑā ŋƑāũ ŶũÖùĢŶĢŋłÖķ brazing, the demand for training in this ƪÖĿā-ĕũāā̇ ƩŶ-and-forget technology has risen. By spending just a couple of hours they can learn new skills and gain hands-ŋł āƗťāũĢāłóā ŶĞÖŶ ƒĢķķ ðāłāƩŶ

ŶĞāĿ ĕŋũ ƘāÖũŭ Ŷŋ óŋĿā̧̍ The sessions are led by members of Conex Bänninger’s knowledgeable technical team and cover theoretical and practical training. The training also features the company’s newly CIBSE-approved CPD on press-ƩŶ ŭŋķŽŶĢŋłŭ Öłù ĿÖŶāũĢÖķŭ ĕŋũ the future. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˚˟

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Training Update 21

College students learn from gas boiler project The recent installation of Alpha combi and system boilers at Walsall College provided an opportunity for apprentices to gain from some practical āƗťāũĢāłóā Öłù ŭāŶ Žť Ö łāƒ ŶũÖĢłĢłė ĕÖóĢķĢŶƘ ĕŋũ ŶĞā ðāłāƩŶ ŋĕ ĕŽŶŽũā ŭŶŽùāłŶŭ̍

alsall College required a training facility which could train up to ˚˛ apprentices in one area, ensuring each student had a dedicated bay to work from. After contacting a number of manufacturers, the college decided Alpha was the company that would best meet its requirements. One of the college’s main requests was to implement a single-branded heating system ƒĞĢóĞ ƒŋŽķù ŋƦāũ Ö ũÖłėā ŋĕ boilers to suit the standardisation and needs of the project. For this reason, Alpha supplied its combi and system boilers, ĢłóķŽùĢłė ŶĞā āłāũėƘ̟āƧóĢāłŶ̇ highly compact E-Tec Combi. The

Apprentices at Walsall College helped to install the Alpha boilers

company’s system boilers were installed for the apprentices to use, whereas the combi boiler was supplied purely for demonstration purposes. All boilers were installed on original systems, and the apprentices installed all the new pipework. During installation, the apprentices didn’t encounter any issues and performed the work well with the help of Alpha’s comprehensive installation instructions. Commenting on the experience, Graham Neale, plumbing and gas lecturer at Walsall College, says: “Working with Alpha was an utter delight, and the entire process was seamless. In terms of project delivery, there were time constraints. The training

provision was already up and running, which meant we had to source suppliers quickly. Alpha’s area sales manager AJ Kalirai went above and beyond, using his expansive industry contacts to source other manufacturers’ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ŶĞÖŶ ƒā łāāùāù Ŷŋ ƩłĢŭĞ the project. The college was extremely impressed with Alpha’s ability to accommodate the project’s requirements, investing ŶĢĿā Öłù āƦŋũŶ ĢłŶŋ ĕŽķƩķķĢłė āÖóĞ and every request.”

Perfect partners When it came to ease-ofinstallation, fellow gas and plumbing lecturer, Mark Dymond, was extremely impressed: “The boilers were installed by our apprentices working towards

their Level ˜ ėÖŭ ŨŽÖķĢƩóÖŶĢŋłŭ Öłù ƒāũā ŭĢėłāù ŋƦ ðƘ ĿƘŭāķĕ and Graham who are Gas Safe registered engineers. The boilers ĞÖƑā Ö ķŋŶ ŋĕ ƪāƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ Ģł ŶāũĿŭ of installation, and Alpha’s kit proved to be extremely helpful when deciding which ways to connect the pipework to the boiler. “Alpha’s system boilers in particular are ideal for the type of assessments the apprentices have to do. Using Alpha’s system boilers, the apprentices have already completed three assessments successfully. In the future, there is no doubt we will consider Alpha’s products. They are the perfect partner for Walsall College.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˚ˠ

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Business Matters

How to keep a business safe in the digital age While technological advancements help installation businesses access opportunity, it is more important than ever to protect your business against Ö łāƒ ƒŋũķù ŋĕ ùĢėĢŶÖķ ùÖłėāũŭ̍ 'ÖƑĢù !ŋŋĴ ĕũŋĿ ÖƗĢ ŋƦ āũŭ ŭŋĿā ÖùƑĢóā̍

any installers may think that ‘cybercrime’ – a term used when criminals seek out victims online or by using advanced technology – is something that would not ĢĿĿāùĢÖŶāķƘ ÖƦ āóŶ ŶĞāĢũ ðŽŭĢłāŭŭ̍ However, they would be very wrong. Recent research has revealed that small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) are the most at risk, with ˝˜% of cybercrime incidents targeting small businesses, as they are less likely to have the structures in place to prevent an attack. As we move towards an increasingly digital future, this should be a major concern for anyone looking to succeed in this new era. Yet despite this, they should by no means be deterred from embracing the promising potential that lies ahead. By adopting best practice procedures and remaining constantly vigilant, businesses – whatever their size – can not only ŭŽũƑĢƑā̇ ðŽŶ ŶĞũĢƑā̵̍

Dealing in the dark Perhaps the biggest danger surrounding cybercrime is that of the unknown. Although the consequences can be catastrophic, many business owners simply do not know the types of criminal activity that could be taking place behind the scenes. In actual fact, cybercrime Ģŭ łŋƒ óķÖŭŭĢƩ āù Öŭ ŭāũĢŋŽŭ organised crime, and alarmingly,

most victims do not even realise they have been attacked. Combine this with the fact that ĢŶ Ģŭ ĢłóũāùĢðķƘ ùĢƧ óŽķŶ ĕŋũ ŶĞā police to monitor and track incidents, it becomes almost impossible to make a judgment on the vast scale of the problem, as the majority of cases often go unreported. Common attacks include ransomware, whereby corrupt software takes over a user’s computer, phone or tablet, forcing them to pay a ‘ransom’ fee if they are to re-access their data. With more installers managing their accounts and customer database online, this is a worrying phenomenon. Phishing is another growing problem and involves criminals sending highly deceptive emails ŶĞÖŶ̇ ŋł Ʃ ũŭŶ ėķÖłóā̇ ÖťťāÖũ Ŷŋ be from reputable companies. They encourage victims to input personal information such as Ʃ łÖłóĢÖķ ùÖŶÖ ŋũ ťÖŭŭƒŋũùŭ ƒĢŶĞ the hope that they’ll take the bite. The emails can be incredibly realistic and sophisticated, tricking the reader into thinking they are being contacted by a known person or a trusted business that they regularly communicate with, and need to take urgent action to correct an immediate problem. Although you may not have experienced these latter forms of crime personally, something that most people will be familiar with is hacking. From managing accounts to simply liaising with customers

David Cook 7EPIW HMVIGXSV EX &E\M ,IEXMRK

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

on social media, installers are embracing the digital world more than ever before. Yet, while they initially may not feel the brunt of these common attacks, the consequences – whether Ʃ łÖłóĢÖķ ŋũ ũāťŽŶÖŶĢŋłÖķ ̞ óÖł ðā very damaging.

Ear to the ground Despite the threats surrounding a more interconnected world, ƘŋŽ ŭĞŋŽķù łŋŶ ðā ťŽŶ ŋƦ embracing the opportunities that modern technology brings. Remaining alert and aware is the key, and by putting the appropriate procedures in place, installers can rest assured that their business is secure against fraudulent activity. It may seem obvious to some, but the best way to protect against an attack is to regularly review bank, social and mobile accounts, as suspicious changes óÖł ðā āÖŭĢķƘ ƪ Öėėāù Öłù ũāťŋũŶāù before any damage is done. Understandably, while out on a job, many installers may lack the time to monitor their accounts, but it is crucial if they are to safeguard their business.

Mum’s the word Another simple exercise is to frequently change passwords and āłŭŽũā ŶĞāƘ ùĢƦ āũ ĕŋũ ŭāťÖũÖŶā accounts, as hackers are known to steal passwords from one site and try their luck elsewhere in the hope that can reap some Ʃ łÖłóĢÖķ ėÖĢł̍ mÖłƘ ťķÖŶĕŋũĿŭ now encourage users to create lengthy, unique passwords, and ĢŶ Ģŭ ùāƩ łĢŶāķƘ ƒŋũŶĞ ĞāāùĢłė ŶĞĢŭ advice. Again, it may go without saying, but one thing you must never do is keep a list of passwords saved in an accessible document. There are now many safe password manager platforms that will help to generate strong passwords for individual accounts, automatically logging in to ùĢƦ āũāłŶ ŭĢŶāŭ ƒĢŶĞŋŽŶ ŶĞā łāāù to store or remember an endless number of logins. To improve security, a lot of

platforms, such as Microsoft, Google and Apple, now require two-step authentication and will not allow the user to log in without verifying the account via a mobile phone, making it more ùĢƧ óŽķŶ ĕŋũ ĞÖóĴāũŭ Ŷŋ Öóóāŭŭ ùÖŶÖ̍ Although it sometimes seems like a chore, it is very important to install and keep security software updated by running the latest versions whenever possible to defend against possible viruses. It can be very easy to forget to put security measures in place, but cyber criminals are aware of this and will take advantage of any opportunity they have to manipulate an account. Another way to ensure best practice is to close down accounts that are no longer in use. By reducing your online footprint, it ĢłŭŶÖłŶķƘ ĿÖĴāŭ ĢŶ Ŀŋũā ùĢƧ óŽķŶ to target one person via multiple platforms.

Future tense Whether a global company, an SME or self-employed, óƘðāũóũĢĿā ÖƦ āóŶŭ ÖłƘŋłā using the internet or a smart device – which is now the vast majority of people. However, by remaining cautious when asked for personal data, avoiding downloading attachments from suspicious emails and adopting best-practice security measures, business owners should be able to embrace digital innovation without any fear of being caught out. Technology is constantly evolving, and we all need to adapt to it. Yet, while this evolution comes with a new set of dangers, there’s still a lot to be excited about. By simply remaining aware of the threats, installers stand a good chance of putting ŶĞāĿŭāķƑāŭ Ʃ ũĿķƘ ŋłā ŭŶāť ÖĞāÖù ŋĕ óƘðāũ óũĢĿĢłÖķŭ̵̍

Baxi Works 8S Ƽ RH SYX QSVI EFSYX FIWX FYWMRIWW TVEGXMGI ERH SXLIV WYTTSVX ZMWMX Baxi Works: www. baxi.co.uk/trade/baxi-works

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Point of View 23

Stop pension rules from hurting good employers Fiona Hodgson, CEO at SNIPEF – the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation – reviews the damaging consequences of Section ˠ˞ rules on companies that have signed up to the Plumbing Pensions Scheme.

he road to hell is paved with good intentions which, in the case of the current situation with the Plumbing Pensions Scheme, is having a devastating impact on our industry and many of the people within it across the UK. ̵¦Ğā ķŽĿðĢłė ͽ māóĞÖłĢóÖķ Services (UK) Industry Pension Scheme, to give it its full name, was set up in ˚ˢˠ˞ – decades before there was any legal requirement for employers to help provide for ŭŶÖƦ Ģł ŶĞāĢũ ũāŶĢũāĿāłŶ̍ ¦Ğŋŭā who joined it – many of them ŭĿÖķķ Ʃ ũĿŭ ̞ ƒāũā ùŋĢłė ŶĞā ũĢėĞŶ thing, but now those good deeds are being harshly punished. ̵¦Ğā ũāƑĢāƒ ŋĕ ťāłŭĢŋł legislation in the wake of the ŋðāũŶ mÖƗƒāķķ ŭóÖłùÖķ Ģł the ˚ˢˢ˙s, followed by further reforms in ˛˙˙˜ and ˛˙˙˞ after the mÖāũŭĴ ťāłŭĢŋłŭ óũĢŭĢŭ̇ ðũŋŽėĞŶ in stringent rules with what must be unintended consequences for a multi-employer scheme like Plumbing Pensions.

Debt notices The result has been a legallybinding requirement on Plumbing Pensions to issue what are often óŋĿťķāŶāķƘ ŽłÖƦ ŋũùÖðķā ̨ùāðŶ notices’ to those who have left the scheme, either through retirement or because they no longer have any employees. Others have been issued debt notices simply because they changed the structure of their business. ̵¦Ğā ðĢŶŶāũ ĢũŋłƘ Ģŭ ŶĞÖŶ ķŽĿðĢłė Pensions is a well-funded scheme which really doesn’t need the money, but must ask for it under the requirements of what’s known as the Section ˠ˞ employer debt. ̵ āóŶĢŋł ˠ˞ is meant to ensure that employers don’t avoid their obligations by leaving a pension ŭóĞāĿā ðāĕŋũā ÖłƘ Ʃ łÖłóĢÖķ ùĢƧ óŽķŶĢāŭ ĿĢėĞŶ ðā ŽłóŋƑāũāù̍ Under these rules, employers who have departed a scheme can still be pursued for shortfalls. ̵ ŽŶ ŶĞā ̨ŭĞŋũŶĕÖķķ̪ ÖŶ ķŽĿðĢłė Pensions is a theoretical one based on Section ˠ˞ rules which calculate ŶĞā ̨ŭĞŋũŶĕÖķķ̪ ŋł Ö ðŽƘ-out basis, ƒĞĢóĞ Ģŭ āƗťāłŭĢƑā Öŭ ĢŶ ÖŭŭŽĿāŭ the scheme will be wound up and

Fiona Hodgson CEO at SNIPEF

grave personal toll on the individuals involved. ̵Rł ŶĞā ĿŋŭŶ āƗŶũāĿā óÖŭāŭ̇ ƒā Öũā ŭāāĢłė Ʃ ũĿŭ ĕŋķù Öŭ Ö ũāŭŽķŶ ŋĕ ŶĞāŭā pension liabilities. With no incentive for businesses to grow, some are downsizing and cutting back on investment in new equipment and technology. ̵¦Ğāũā̪ŭ Öķŭŋ Ö ũāķŽóŶÖłóā Ŷŋ ŶÖĴā ŋł łāƒ ÖťťũāłŶĢóāŭ Öłù āƗťÖłù ŶĞāĢũ workforce, which has obvious longterm repercussions for the industry and the wider community. ̵NÖƑĢłė ðāāł ĢŭŭŽāù ƒĢŶĞ łŋŶĢóāŭ Ŷŋ pay sums ranging from a few hundred thousand to a million pounds or more, employers now in retirement are faced with personal bankruptcy. ̵zƒłāũŭ ŋĕ ŽłĢłóŋũťŋũÖŶāù ĕÖĿĢķƘũŽł Ʃ ũĿŭ ŶĞÖŶ Öũā óŽũũāłŶķƘ ŶũÖùĢłė can’t sell up or pass on the business to ŶĞā łāƗŶ ėāłāũÖŶĢŋł̇ ĕŋũ ĕāÖũ ŋĕ ťÖŭŭĢłė on an unknown liability.

Extra stress

Having been issued with notices to pay sums ranging from a few hundred to a million pounds or more, employers now in retirement are faced with personal bankruptcy ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ƒĢķķ łāāù Ŷŋ ðā ŭāóŽũāù with an insurance company. Furthermore, because it is a ̨ķÖŭŶ ĿÖł ŭŶÖłùĢłė̪ ŭóĞāĿā̇ ŶĞā Section ˠ˞ ùāðŶ Ģŭ ĕŽũŶĞāũ Ģłƪ ÖŶāù Öŭ ŶĞā āƗĢŭŶĢłė āĿťķŋƘāũŭ łāāù to pay to cover the obligations of those companies who have already left the scheme prior to the introduction of the legislation or because they became insolvent. ¦ĞĢŭ Ģŭ Ĵłŋƒł Öŭ ŶĞā ̨ŋũťĞÖł liability’. ̵mÖťťĢłė ŋŽŶ ŶĞā ĿĢłŽŶĢÖā ŋĕ how these rules apply in the case of Plumbing Pensions is an arduous task, but their impact is clear to ŭāā̆ Ʃ łÖłóĢÖķķƘ ŭŶũŋłė ðŽŭĢłāŭŭāŭ are encumbered with a huge, often unpayable debt/liability, and the Section ˠ˞ debt is taking a

¦Ğā āƦ āóŶ ŋĕ Öķķ ŋĕ ŶĞĢŭ ŋł ŶĞā ĿāłŶÖķ health of our members cannot be ŋƑāũŭŶÖŶāù̍ zƒłāũŭ ŋĕ ŶĞũĢƑĢłė Ʃ ũĿŭ are reluctant to seek help for fear ŶĞāŭā ̨ùāðŶŭ̪ ƒĢķķ ðā ťāũóāĢƑāù Öŭ Ö ũāù ƪ Öė ƒÖũłĢłė Ŷŋ ŋŶĞāũŭ ŶĞÖŶ ĿĢėĞŶ do business with them. Children who have inherited a business don’t want to discuss the pension liabilities with parents who would be consumed by guilt upon realising the disastrous consequences of what they have inadvertently passed on. ̵ ÖũāłŶŭ Öłù óĞĢķùũāł̇ ðũŋŶĞāũŭ Öłù sisters, husbands and wives – the impact on the families that own and run most of our plumbing businesses has been devastating. ̵Dŋũ ŶĞŋŭā Ʃ ũĿŭ ŶĞÖŶ Öũā óŽũũāłŶķƘ trading, there are some options available for managing or delaying Section ˠ˞ liabilities, which are known Öŭ ̨āÖŭāĿāłŶŭ̪̍ ŽŭĢłāŭŭāŭ ŶĞÖŶ Öũā unincorporated have the option of transferring to limited status, which gives a degree of protection by shielding owners’ personal assets from potential pension liabilities. ̵ ŽŶ ĕŋũ ŶĞŋŭā ƒĞŋ ĞÖƑā ÖķũāÖùƘ retired, there is little help available. And if a current or former owner of an unincorporated business dies, his or Ğāũ āŭŶÖŶā óŋŽķù ðā ĕũŋơāł ĢłùāƩ łĢŶāķƘ ŽłŶĢķ ŶĞā āƗŶāłŶ ŋĕ ŶĞāĢũ ťāłŭĢŋł liabilities are determined. The real irony here is that the scheme may never need to call in these liabilities while it continues to be well funded.

̵¦ĞÖŶ Ģŭ ƒĞƘ pR 1D Ģŭ continuing to campaign for a change to the law. We do not believe it was ever the government’s intention to pass legislation with such destructive and unfair consequences.

Pension bill Âā ƒŋũĴāù ƒĢŶĞ m ķÖł ũŋƒł ŋł ŶĞā mŽķŶĢ-Employer Pension óĞāĿā Ģķķ̇ ƒĞĢóĞ ĕŋóŽŭāŭ ŋł three main areas: issues faced by unincorporated businesses, a review of how Section ˠ˞ liabilities are calculated, and orphan liabilities.

̵¦ĞÖŶ ðĢķķ ėŋŶ ĢŶŭ Ʃ ũŭŶ reading in January ˛˙˚ˡ but has progressed no further amid the political turmoil ÖũŋŽłù ũāƗĢŶ̍ ̵¦Ğāŭā Öũā ŽłťũāóāùāłŶāù times for our democracy, ƘāŶ ƒā ĿŽŭŶ Ʃ łù Ö ƒÖƘ Ŷŋ continue governing on the urgent issues here at home which are destroying people’s lives right now. The situation at Plumbing Pensions – where business owners are being punished for doing the right thing as a good employer – cannot be allowed to continue.

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Merchant & Distributor News

Rescue package made for tool theft victims Plumbing and heating merchant Williams & Co has launched Tool ngel, a new service designed to support its installer customers who have been victims of tool theft. Tool Angel loans customers a set of power tools and a ﬂue gas analyser to keep their business viable in the ﬁrst weeks after the crime occurs. The affected customer can call illiams o’s national customer service team with the crime number and a drop off location, and the team will get a Tool ngel kit worth over 2 00 to them within normal delivery times. The recipient has full use of the armoured, secure tool box for free for two weeks. At the end of that period, the tools are collected free of charge. The recipient can choose to purchase a new kit of their own at the end of the loan period with a 1 % discount. year’s interest free credit is also available. Every day we hear of another of our customers whose van has been broken into and whose tools have been stolen, says Ray tafford, . ith the support of partners including Makita, Kane and rmorgard, we have established Tool ngel. For more information and T s, visit the website ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/18

Top taps on display

Making it easier for customers to find the right brassware to meet their needs, Graham Plumbers’ Merchant has launched a taps bar in all its bathroom showrooms. The display allows customers to view a variety of taps which can be removed and placed on a basin or bathtub for visualisation. reviously, installers would only be able to present options to their customers via a brochure, but now the taps bar a shelved section of the showroom offers a range of options to view in person, including lterna, Bristan, ansgrohe, Roca, R , eritage, and deal Bathrooms. variety of styles will be on show, from the classic aesthetic to modern ‘hotel chic’ options that are characterised by monochrome colour palettes and metallic ﬁnishes. The idea is that the customer can feel the uality, the weight, and see how it will look on the selected basin, comments erek harge, showroom brand manager. “Though the tap bar has only been in situ for a short time, sales have undoubtedly increased. e are seeing more and more customers using the display for their bathroom selection.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/1

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Newest branch has showroom, spares and more Bristol is the location of the th branch of City Plumbing/PTS, located on Taurus Road in Filton. This latest branch has created three new jobs in the local area and includes a new concept bathroom showroom, City Heating Spares, and an electrical department. The branch will be managed by Gary c uaid with a ﬁve-strong team. The new bathroom showroom is designed to encourage the trade to bring their customers in to choose for themselves from the extensive range of uality bathroom suites and accessories on offer. City Plumbing/PTS Filton is one of several new branches rolling out this year across the UK and Ireland, combining in-branch employee expertise alongside partnerships with leading suppliers. The branch will have everything a plumbing

and heating installer needs under one roof, making it uicker and easier to get the parts they need. Ashley Frost, regional director, comments e are very excited to open our newest City Plumbing and Bathroom Showroom in Filton. Not only does this latest opening allow us to offer great local and industry expertise, this will be one of the largest City Plumbing branches in the region so we can give our local customers and those across Bristol more variety and everything they need to service their customers. ary and the team have over 0 years of trade experience – so our customers can trust they are in good hands.” t (l r) Staff Tara ilson and Sa antha Derric with branch anager ar c uaid

National recognition Flame Heating Group has been named as one of Britain’s top 100 private companies when it comes to delivering sales growth. The independent plumbing and heating merchant, head uartered in Boldon, outh Tyneside, features in the 2019 Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 league table. Ranked th in the table, it recorded sales of £20.1m and achieved a 0% annual sales growth during the three years to June. ohn avage, founder and of the company, comments “This is an amazing accolade and is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone connected with Flame eating roup. e have experienced signiﬁcant growth in a relatively short space of time and I’m delighted Flame continues to be recognised on the national stage. It is especially pleasing that this is for our growth in sales, which reﬂects our uality products and dedication to customer satisfaction. “We are now a member of a prestigious club, as this league table is highly regarded in the business world. Our 0 staff can be very proud as they have all made a very valuable contribution.

Trade account holders at olseley are being given a chance to win a share of £20,000 worth of holidays and vouchers. ith six prizes up for grabs, one lucky winner will receive a £10,000 Love2Shop holiday gift card while ﬁve runners up will secure vouchers of 2000 to pay for holidays from over 100 different tour operators. The promotion, which launched at the start of the year and runs until 29th February, is open to both existing and new Wolseley Trade account holders. To enter, account holders simply need to visit wolseley.co.uk winaholiday and enrol themselves into the competition. Once enrolled, installers can enter the competition once per day, and each time they spend 100 (ex VAT) or more in branch or online, they will automatically

receive one entry. Winners will be selected at random after the competition closes and will be contacted directly by a member of the Wolseley team. Richard arvey, category director for plumbing & heating local at Wolseley, says: “This exciting new competition is the perfect example of how Wolseley are committed to giving our customers more. So along with the chance of winning a dream holiday, our customers will continue to beneﬁt from our services, all of which are designed to save time, money and hassle.” To ﬁnd out more about the competition, visit the website below: ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/20

More to be raised for cancer charity An eight year partnership between the Plumbing and eating division of Travis erkins and the Teenage Cancer Trust has been extended for another year. The plumbing merchant, which includes City Plumbing and PTS, has already raised £2. million for the children’s charity and is now looking to raise more money to help fund expert cancer nurses and the construction of a new specialist unit. EO ndrew arrison comments The relevance of Teenage Cancer Trust to both colleagues and customers alike is huge and I’m so proud of everyone who has been involved over the years, pushing us to this extraordinary total of £2. m. aving so many wonderful colleagues baking cakes, climbing mountains, hosting regional balls and golf days, running marathons, wading through mud and much more, it’s somehow in our N orking for this great cause is a privilege and am personally delighted to extend this partnership.”

Primaflow F&P sold Builders’ merchant Travis erkins has announced the sale of its wholesale plumbing and heating business, rimaﬂow F , for 4 m, to specialist distribution group, Newbury nvestments. national wholesale distributor of plumbing and heating systems, Primaflow has been part of the Travis erkins roup since 2010. Travis erkins issued a statement to say that the sale will enable its remaining plumbing and heating businesses to focus on delivering ‘market-leading service’ to its direct trade customers. hief executive Nick Roberts comments The divestment of our wholesale plumbing and heating business is a further step in reducing the group’s overall complexity and enabling greater focus and more disciplined capital allocation to our advantaged trade-focused businesses.”

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Pipes, Fittings & Valves

How to minimise the risk of water contamination Material choice is one of the major factors in determining water quality within a plumbing system. ith growing concern over the contaminating effects of metal components, Franz Huelle from Rehau Building Solutions looks at some of the potential solutions available on today’s market.

rom the early terracotta systems of ancient civilisations to modern PE-Xa pipework, plumbing systems and the materials they consist of have changed dramatically. Yet of these materials, lead is perhaps the most infamous, having been banned from use in pipework more than 40 years ago due to the associated health risks. With lead unavailable, material choices made by speciﬁers and building services providers altered, with brass and copper becoming the preferred choice for many. However, the use of these materials is now being questioned due to investigations revealing some potential health risks associated with harmful substances leaching from metallic components into water supplies.

Voicing concerns

In an open letter in early 2019, the UK’s water regulators made light of concerns surrounding this metallic leaching into drinking water supplies. It referenced findings from ater ndustry Research (UKWIR) which outlined the connection between metallic plumbing fittings and elevated concentrations of metal ions in drinking water. Also prominent in UKWIR’s research was the risk of potential leaching from some brass fittings, which could lead to increased levels of nickel and lead in affected water supplies.

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Franz Huelle

Head of Technical at Rehau Building Solutions

CUT TO THE CHASE  Recent research has revealed potential risks from metallic components in water supplies  Metals and alloys that comply with BS EN 15664 reduce the risk of metallic leaching but a guaranteed level of protection cannot be provided  Advanced polymer-based pipework and ﬁttings should be viewed as a viable alternative  Rehau’s recently launched lead-free gunmetal ﬁtting is a durable and easily installed solution for water systems

Currently, the reference point for evaluating the impact of non-metallic materials for use in pipework is represented by criteria in British Standard (BS) 920. For a number of years, this evaluation of metallic leaching from non-metallic fittings has been part of the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS). Although testing and approval processes that assess the potential for metallic materials to contaminate potable water supplies exist in the form of the British Standards Institute’s 2002 ‘Draft for Development Standard’, it has been revealed to be unsuitable as it is unrepresentative of real use. Recent investigations have also discovered that, unlike their non-metallic counterparts, no corresponding system exists to effectively carry out testing on long-term leaching from metallic fittings, nor is there a reliable method of testing. Recent scientific research has emphasised the increased metal leaching rates that can occur following the installation of new metallic fittings. n response, the 4MS Group – an initiative between the UK, France, the Netherlands and Germany to harmonise drinking water requirements – codified performance criteria to establish guidelines surrounding the correct use of metallic plumbing components that come into contact with potable water.

Working with Rehau’s Rautitan plumbing system

Reducing risk

These criteria are compiled in BS EN 1 4, which establishes the standards surrounding the assessment of metallic materials affecting water uality. etals and alloys that comply with BS EN 1 4, which are the ‘Common Composition List’, – available via the 4MS Website – can be used for plumbing fittings and therefore reduce the risk of metallic leaching into water supplies. owever, unless these fittings are completely lead-free, there always remains a small risk of contamination. It should also be considered that under current regulations, the 4MS Group’s criteria are entirely optional. Therefore, a guaranteed level of protection cannot be provided, even if the risk to consumers is reduced by better compliance among products. lso, for the first time, the candidate list for Annex XIV under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations has recently included lead. Referred to by some as the REACH Authorisation List, Annex XIV details materials that have deemed a Substance of ‘very high concern’ that should no longer be available on the market or used after a given date, expect with specific authorisation. As the pressure increases on manufacturers and plumbing solutions providers to include only compliant materials that are lead-free, the demand for nonmetallic leaching alternatives is growing more than ever. Under such circumstances, it may be more practical for specifiers, designers and other building service providers to

choose plumbing systems that use non-metallic components or, when unavoidable, those made from Common Composition List approved alloys, not substances found in Annex XIV. Although discussion around the use of plastic over metal components in plumbing systems continues, the risk of metal leaching into drinking water supplies should set polymer solutions apart as a viable, practical alternative. Thanks to advances in the polymer-based plumbing industry, plastic pipework alternatives are now a safer, stronger, more ﬂexible and more hygienic choice for contractors.

ew ﬁtting

Systems such as our Rautitan heating and plumbing range are able to comply with these standards, especially given the introduction of the REACHcompliant, lead-free gunmetal R fitting. Rautitan’s cavity-free impermeable joints eliminate risk of microbial contamination, and its smooth surface prevent deposits forming, making it a durable and easily installed solution for safe-drinking water systems. Because of this, and its new R fitting, both Rautitan flex and its multilayer counterpart Rautitan stabil enjoy WRAS approval. By avoiding large quantities of metallic fittings and making sure those used comply with BS EN 1 4, Annex XIV of REACH, and the ‘Common Composition Lists’, specifiers can en oy peace of mind that the water system will not run the risk of water supply contamination. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/21

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Pipes, Fittings & Valves

Why polybutylene should be the material of choice Flexibility and ease of installation makes polybutylene the ideal choice for pipework in a wide range of plumbing and heating installations – so argues Adam Pearson from Polypipe Building Products.

olybutylene pipe is ideal for most domestic hot and cold water plumbing and heating systems, offering exceptional durability and long-term performance. Many leading manufacturers are committed to using polybutylene pipe as it has become the preferred material of choice for building and renovation projects. One of the key advantages of the material is that it has natural ﬂexibility, so you can bend the pipe to ﬁt even the most awkward of positions. Whether it involves extending the number of rooms in a property, or the installation of a new bathroom, it’s the ideal product for the job.

offer superior performance in terms of low noise transmission and low water hammer effect, providing homes with a quiet and efficient system.

nder oor beneﬁts

Adam Pearson

Product manager at Polypipe Building Products

In from the cold

Polybutylene also delivers good resistance to freezing temperatures, which helps it to maintain durability in heating and water applications. The plumbing and heating pipe coils are lighter than comparable systems as well as being easier and quicker to install. Polybutylene pipe also has the added beneﬁt of ensuring more materials can be transported in either straight lengths or coils and, importantly, a number of market-leading manufacturers provide pipes that can be installed straight from the coil. Once installed, these materials

The plu bing and heating pipe coils are lighter than co parable systems as well as being easier and quicker to install

When it comes to installing pipes for underfloor heating systems, most reputable manufacturers provide polybutylene barrier pipe, which are typically available in 1 mm diameter in coils of 2 , 0, 0, 100, 120 or 1 0m lengths. While it is suitable for all underfloor heating applications that use 1 mm pipe, including solid, suspended and over-thefloor applications, the extra advantage of using this type of piping is that any surplus pipe can also be used in radiator systems and hot, cold and potable water installations. Polybutylene can also be adapted for use in very specific applications. For example, some grades of polybutylene pipe are designed ust for underfloor heating applications, with greater flexibility that can be used with the lowest profile retrofit systems.

Mix and match

Plastic plumbing pipe and ﬁttings are compatible with traditional materials like copper and so can be mixed and matched for use in retroﬁt or refurb projects.

ol but lene pipe

a es for an eas installation for an refurbish ent pro ect

The use of push-ﬁt ﬁttings improves ease and speed of installation and can be used to complement copper in mixed material systems. The key is to create the right solution for the job at hand, which means getting the very best out of plastic piping.

Going straight

At Polypipe our entire range of plumbing and heating pipe coils come with Pro-Straight

technology built in, giving you unparalleled ease of use during installation. The polybutylene ﬁve-layer barrier pipe remains highly ﬂexible and can be used straight from the coil. It is suitable for use in most plumbing and heating installations and is British Standard Class S rated to BS 291 Part 1 and also Kitemark Licence Number 14 to BS 291 Part 1 & 2. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/22

INSTALLER TIPS FOR PERFECTING PIPEWORK 

Step 1: Cutting the pipe

Check the pipe is not scored or scratched in any way. If it is, cut back to a point where there is no damage. Using a pipe cutter, cut the pipe squarely using the ‘K’ marks on the pipe as a guide. These marks indicate when the pipe has been inserted into the fitting correctly. 

Step 2: Use a pipe stiffener

Insert a pipe stiffener into the pipe. When using a sealed stiffener, the stiffener will be retained in the fitting when demounted. 

Step 3: Check the fitting

Visually check that all components are present, undamaged and free from contamination. If any further lubrication is required, silicone lubricant works very well. Substances such as solder flux must not be used. 

Step 4: Insert pipe fully into fitting

Insert pipe into the fitting, ensuring it is inserted to the full socket depth denoted by the next ‘K’ mark on the pipe. 

Step 5: Check joint security

A quick tug on the pipe will confirm that the pipe is inserted past the grab ring and that a grab ring was present in the fitting. It does not, however, ensure that the pipe is fully inserted, as this can only be confirmed by using the depth insertion mark.

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Pipes, Fittings & Valves

Pre-insulated solution The long-ŶāũĿ ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ŋĕ ũāłāƒÖðķā ĞāÖŶĢłė Öũā ŽłùāłĢÖðķā̇ ðŽŶ Ğŋƒ óÖł ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ āłŭŽũā ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞāƘ Öũā ĞāķťĢłė Ŷŋ ĿÖƗĢĿĢŭā āƧ óĢāłóƘ ķāƑāķŭ̎ `ŋĞł FĢŶŶāłŭ ĕũŋĿ mÖĢłóŋũ āƗťķÖĢłŭ ŶĞÖŶ ŶĞā ũĢėĞŶ ťĢťāƒŋũĴ óÖł ĿÖĴā Ö ùĢƦ āũāłóā̍

s energy prices rise and the government’s sustainable agenda presses on, there is more and more call for renewable heat sources for domestic and commercial customers. At face value, the cost of installing and maintaining such ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ óÖł ðā ŋƦ -putting, but it is important to weigh this up against the potential long-term savings. Looking at the numbers, the long-term savings, as well as ŶĞā āóŋ ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ŋĕ ũāłāƒÖðķā heat sources, are undeniable. However, what happens when the heat source itself, for example a biomass boiler, is sited in an outbuilding or communal plant room? How can installers be sure that the heat is delivered Ģł Öł āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłŶ ƒÖƘ̇ ƒĢŶĞ minimal loss along the way? The facts are simple – when remotely sited, most renewable heat sources, including air source heat pumps, ground source heat

John Gittens

Business Development Director at Maincor

pumps and biomass boilers, need pipework to transfer the heated water they produce into the main building or to multiple properties. So it stands to reason that the pipework used needs to be adequately insulated to retain the heat it is delivering.

One solution is to specify pre-insulated pipework, which will reduce the amount of heat lost during transfer quite ŭĢėłĢƩ óÖłŶķƘ̍ !ŋłŭŶũŽóŶāù ƒĢŶĞ an insulating layer and an outer casting, pre-insulated pipe systems provide high-quality insulation to maintain the temperature of the water running ŶĞũŋŽėĞ ŶĞā ťĢťāŭ̇ ŋƦ āũĢłė Öł āóŋłŋĿĢó Öłù āƧ óĢāłŶ ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł for heating buildings. Typically, the pipework is laid underground in a depth of between ˙̍˝ and ˚̍˙ metres and has an average working life of around ˜˙ years, with low maintenance risks for added peace of mind. zŽũ ŽŭŶũŋƪ āƗ ťĢťā̇ ĕŋũ example, minimises heat loss in point-to-point heating applications. Available in long lengths up to ˜˝˙m, the ƪ āƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ ŋĕ ŶĞā ťĢťā ĿÖĴāŭ ĕŋũ easy installation and minimises the need for joints. The pipe can be installed in one uninterrupted

Suitable for a range of domestic and commercial projects, Maincor has partnered ƒĢŶĞ ŽŭŶũĢÖł ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũāũ ŽŭŶũŋƪ āƗ Ŷŋ ŭŽťťķƘ ťũā-insulated pipes in the UK

length from the heat source to the building, eliminating the need for intermediate joints.

Little and large Often referred to as district heating pipes and commonly used for projects with a centralised heat source feeding multiple properties, pre-insulated pipework is a method that is commonly used in the commercial heating sector. However, with the rise in popularity of renewables among homeowners keen to escape hiking energy bills and live a ‘greener’ lifestyle, it is now increasingly seen in domestic situations too. With an average lambda value of around ˙̍˙˛˚ˢW/mK (used to

identify a material’s ability to limit āłāũėƘ ķŋŭŭ̜ ŶĞā ŽŭŶũŋƪ āƗ ťĢťā ƒĢķķ ĢĿťũŋƑā āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłóƘ and system performance. Other features include a protective aluminium barrier contained within the outer casing and a corrugated outer case which allows for a tight bending radius. In all cases it is important to look at the product cost versus lifecycle returns when calculating true lifetime cost. A pre-insulated piping system which can be installed in one uninterrupted length from the heat source to the building will further minimise installation, maintenance and overall system costs which is good news for you and your customers. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˛˜

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Pipes, Fittings & Valves

Water meter installation tips

the mains supply is split, after isolation and meter connection, cross contamination of water supplies and siphonage are a risk. Connection from the manifold for each individual supply requires several components to be included to meet water company requirements and regulations, which can vary from region to region.

Water meter installations carry on apace in the UK, but it isn’t always a straightforward job, especially in multi-occupancy dwellings. Simon Merckel from Plasson highights some of the issues.

Overcoming challenges Plasson has developed a solution - our MCP range – to provide answers to all of these challenges, ensuring an installation that complies with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations using WRAS-approved products, and guaranteeing a compliant and resilient installation with leakproof connections that are designed to last. For example, for multi-occupancy settings, the MCP range includes water meter mounts with a full ƪ ŋƒ óÖť Ŷŋ āłÖðķā óŋĿĿĢŭŭĢŋłĢłė ťũĢŋũ Ŷŋ Ʃ ŶŶĢłė the water meter. The stop valve and concentric water meter housing are supplied in kit form including all the necessary WRAS compliant components to meet current regulations. It is also important to isolate the incoming supply with a WRAS-approved valve to allow for maintenance and repair of a building’s water supply system if required. Our ˜ˠ˙˜ quarter turn mains stop valve can be installed anywhere along the incoming main, or directly screwed to the multiport manifold. The ˜ˠ˙˜ valve is also available with a built-in drain/test port, allowing the full manifold assembly to be isolated and drained if required.

ater scarcity is becoming a real threat: the Environmental Agency has warned that England will not have enough water within ˛˞ years with climate change together with population growth being the main causes. A recent WRAS survey showed that the majority of Brits are habitual water wasters, with ˡ˙% regularly using more than they need to. It is proven that installing a water meter focuses the minds of householders, with an average household saving about £˚˙˙ a year on water bills ƒĞāł Ö ĿāŶāũ Ģŭ Ʃ ŶŶāù̍ In ˚ˢˢ˙ it became compulsory ĕŋũ Öķķ łāƒ ĞŋĿāŭ Ŷŋ ðā Ʃ ŶŶāù ƒĢŶĞ a water meter, and to date only about ˞˙% of UK households have them installed. This number is set to continue to rise as water companies roll out compulsory metering programmes. Siting a meter in a house (replacing the traditional external boundary box) is becoming increasingly common. At Plasson we have seen a substantial rise in the amount of meter mounts over recent years. But this can present challenges including the need to incorporate a WRAS-approved stop valve and a drain-ŋƦ ĢłŶŋ

Simon Merckel

Plasson sales & marketing manager ¦Ğā ķÖŭŭŋł m! ũÖłėā ĢłóķŽùāŭ ƒÖŶāũ ĿāŶāũ ĿŋŽłŶŭ

In ˚ˢˢ˙ it became compulsory for new homes to be ƩŶŶāù ƒĢŶĞ Ö ƒÖŶāũ ĿāŶāũ̇ Öłù Ŷŋ ùÖŶā only about ˞˙% of b ĞŋŽŭāĞŋķùŭ have them

the housing which accommodates the standard UK class ‘D’ concentric meter without requiring an ÖùÖťŶŋũ̍ Rł ÖùùĢŶĢŋł̇ ŶĞā ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł łāāùŭ Ö Ʃ ŶŶĢłė that can adapt to the incoming supply pipe, as well as standard PE pipes – barrier pipes which have larger outside diameters now being a far more common occurrence. At the outlet end, it is important to ensure the connection is suitable for not only copper but also ŶĞā ùĢƦ āũāłŶ ťķÖŭŶĢó ťķŽĿðĢłė ťĢťāŭ óŋĿĿŋłķƘ used (PEX and PB). Fitting a meter in a multi-occupancy dwelling is an issue that installers increasingly face and can present additional challenges. Of nearly ˚ˡ˙̇˙˙˙ new housing completions in ˛˙˚ˡ-˚ˢ̇ ˛˛ͮ (nearly ˝˙̇˙˙˙̜ ƒāũā ƪ ÖŶŭ̍ ¦Ğā ŭĢĿťķāŭŶ installation option is to split the incoming supply into multiple feeds to avoid dead legs that, if left unused, can pose a legionella threat. And where

Water regulations Beware of any product which does not comply with water regulations. The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations ˚ˢˢˢ set out national requirements for the design, materials, installation and maintenance of plumbing ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ̇ ƒÖŶāũ Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ Öłù ƒÖŶāũ-using appliances. As a business, it is your legal duty to ensure your systems satisfy these requirements. These regulations are designed to protect the drinking water supply from contamination and ťũāƑāłŶ ĢłāƧ óĢāłŶ Žŭā ŋĕ ƒÖŶāũ ŋũ ĢłóŋũũāóŶ measurement of it. The regulations apply in England and Wales to all plumbing systems, water Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ Öłù āŨŽĢťĿāłŶ ŭŽťťķĢāù̇ ŋũ Ŷŋ ðā ŭŽťťķĢāù̇ with water from the public water supply. This applies to systems in all types of premises. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˛˝

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WINTER SEASON - PIPE DAMAGE CONTROL

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Pipes, Fittings & Valves

ũāŭŭ̟ƩŶ ŭƘŭŶāĿ ŭťāāùŭ ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł As the UK’s ageing population continues to rise, there is a growing need for living accommodation that caters to their special needs. This increased demand means care homes need to be constructed quickly using innovative plumbing products. Here, PHAM News takes a look at a large-scale project that saved time and money with Wavin’s Tigris K˚ press-ƩŶ ŭƘŭŶāĿ̍

edar Care Homes, a national provider of elderly care and accommodation, has recently started the construction of a new ˡ˜-bed care home in Bristol. This ùāƑāķŋťĿāłŶ łāāùāù Ö ũāķĢÖðķā̇ óŋŭŶ āƦāóŶĢƑā pipe system that met the requirements of both the project and its future residents. Plumbing installation experts, Redline, who were contracted to carry out the installation turned to plastic pipe manufacturer, Wavin, for the perfect solution. Following consultations with the product experts at Wavin, Redline decided that the Tigris K˚ press-ƩŶ ŭƘŭŶāĿ ƩŶŶāù ŶĞāĢũ plumbing and heating needs.

Perks of plastic A common issue with projects of this size Ģŭ ŶĞāĕŶ ŋĕ ĿÖŶāũĢÖķŭ̇ ŭťāóĢƩóÖķķƘ ťĢťāƒŋũĴ made of copper. Since Tigris K˚ is made of plastic this wasn't going to be a problem for Redline. Wavin was also able to reassure the installation team that the use of plastic products doesn’t mean any compromise on performance either. Tigris K˚ has an aluminium layer to reduce thermal expansion, making it comparable to its traditional counterparts.

Connectors are designed to leak during pressure testing to indicate faulty joints

The multilayer composite pipe system is joined together via a mechanical clamp without the need for welding. Therefore, Tigris K1 provides a secure connection that requires minimal force, consequently reducing installation time. The innovative product is further able to speed up the delivery process thanks to its leakage indicator – if the installer forgets to press the clamps, the connectors are designed to leak during pressure testing to indicate faulty joints.

No welding

zķĢ NŽĿťĞũĢāŭ̇ ťķŽĿðĢłė ĢłŭŶÖķķāũ ÖŶ Redline, says: “The fact that Tigris K˚ is made out of plastic but can still perform to the same standards as copper systems made it perfect for us. It allowed us to concentrate fully on the project without having to bring in preventative measures to stop any theft.”

Easy storage zł-site storage was also an issue for Redline, so the chosen product needed to be compact. The cross-linked PEXc inner layer of Tigris K˚ provides the pipe with extra ƪāƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ̇ ÖķķŋƒĢłė Ŀŋũā ťũŋùŽóŶŭ Ŷŋ ðā stored at one time. Quick and easy to install, the Tigris K˚ range is ideally suited to large-scale, commercial applications such as care homes.

Wayne Boswell, technical sales manager at Wavin, comments: “Having spoken with Redline and understanding the need for a quick and durable installation on this largescale project, it was clear that Tigris K˚ was the ideal choice. With no need for welding on site, as is the case with traditional copper pipework, or any consequential health and safety documentation, the team could start their work without delay. “Additionally, our customers can be assured that the system’s performance will continue to deliver for years to come, protecting the warmth and comfort of the care home’s future residents.” ťŋł ƩłĢŭĞĢłė ŶĞā ĢłŭŶÖķķÖŶĢŋł̇ zķĢ NŽĿťĞũĢāŭ ŭÖĢù̆ ̦złóā ŶĞā ðāłāƩŶŭ ŋĕ Tigris K˚ were explained to us through Wayne’s on-site demonstration, we were eager to try the product ourselves, and it didn’t disappoint. The installation was ŭāÖĿķāŭŭ̇ ÖķķŋƒĢłė Žŭ Ŷŋ ƩłĢŭĞ ŶĞā ıŋð ahead of schedule, much to the pleasure of Cedar Care Homes.”

Job done The care home is set to be completed by the end of September when its new residents will be able to enjoy the new facility and the ðāłāƩŶŭ ŋĕ ŶĞā ¦ĢėũĢŭ b˚ system ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˛˞

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Pipes, Fittings & Valves

Press- is ow i d ma d or dom s i ro s Press-ﬁt piping systems were once viewed as a solution primarily for the commercial market, but more and more plumbers are now turning to pressﬁt for residential pro ects. ere, lan Frost from Sanha explores the drivers of this trend.

or many years plumbing professionals working on commercial projects have realised the benefits of press-fit in terms of increased safety, speed of installation, and reliability. But recently there has been a surge in demand for press-fit from plumbers working on residential projects. This trend has been driven by a range of factors, reflecting both the advantages of press-fit systems and industrywide trends.

Speed of installation

ress fitting saves time, sometimes making the completion of a project up to three times faster than traditional soldering or brazing. As you might expect, with press-fit it takes less time to actually join pipes together. But shorter installation times are also a result of health and safety requirements, such as maintaining a ‘fire watch’ on site for at least an hour following the completion of soldered or brazed joints. This invariably has cost and time implications.

Flame free

Construction sites nowadays are often specified as flamefree, especially in the case of restoration or timber-framed projects. BS 9999 states that ‘hot work should only be undertaken if no satisfactory alternative method is feasible’. Every possible alternative for completing a task should therefore be considered before deciding to proceed with hot work. Legislation regulating the use of flames on site is limited so it is up to contractors to police themselves and to maintain a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. However, this doesn’t always happen. The shift towards flame-free ointing has also been influenced by insurers, following devastating construction site fires at historic buildings such as Windsor Castle back in the early 1990s and Charles Rennie ackintosh’s lasgow chool of Art more recently. Insurers have the right to withdraw cover if they have concerns over a site being managed safely with

34.indd 1

Press-ﬁt is increasingl being speciﬁed for residential products

Alan Frost

Director at Sanha UK

Demand for press-ﬁt fro plu bers working on residential projects is driven by a range of factors

respect to fire issues and they often stipulate that certain conditions are met before insuring a site. In addition, manufacturers of domestic appliances such as boilers often prefer installers to use press-fit pipes and fittings rather than soldered joints. This is because occasionally loose particles and debris from the joints (carbon deposits) can enter the system. These particles can clog the circulation pump, causing it to malfunction or lead to hygiene issues or corrosion.

Availability

The rise in demand in the domestic market is coming from two sources: trickle-down from commercial projects (plumbers using excess materials for residential jobs) and from the residential market itself. At anha, we’re ﬁnding distributors

and merchants are choosing to stock both copper and plastic piping systems, such as our Sanha-Press Copper and fit ranges, to meet their customers’ demand for high-quality press fittings. Copper is still the most popular material for press-fit systems in many plumbers merchants. But demand for plastic fittings and pipes for residential projects is growing rapidly, initially driven by the market for underfloor heating. In particular, MLCPs (multilayer composite pipes) and compatible press fittings are rising in popularity. Of course, plastic pipes without any metal inliner are economically more attractive but they are not 100% oxygen-tight, meaning that the introduction of oxygen can lead to corrosion in attached floor lines or risers. These systems offer many advantages across a range of pro ects, not ust underfloor heating but also for drinking water systems and other domestic applications. MLCP pipes and fittings are great for plumbers working on smaller jobs as they are so portable. They weigh less than metal piping systems and are available in a wide range of different lengths and coils. Our fit-Press system press fittings are made of a special lead-free copper alloy called silicon bronze (CuSi). This lead-free material makes them optimally suited for use in a system with MultiFit-Flex and MultiFit-PEX multi-layer plastic pipes in any drinking water or heating system.

More accessible tools Pressing tools have come down in size and price, making them more accessible for installers

In the past, the cost of the tools needed to install press-ﬁt systems has been prohibitive for many plumbers. However, this is also changing. Over the

past few years, smaller press guns have become available on the market and an increase in manufacturers producing them has also driven down costs. Nevertheless, for smaller businesses, buying the right press-fit tools can be a costly investment. This is why many plumbers merchants now offer flexible hiring services to their customers, making press-fit systems much more accessible to plumbers working on jobs of all sizes. Innovations in press-fit technology have also helped to remove barriers. Our press fittings are particularly adaptable because of tool compatibility - there is no need to worry about having the correct gun for a specific profile. For example, fit- ress fittings can be pressed with all jaws and slings with an original TH, B, F, H and U contour up to and including mm.

hanging culture

Finally, cultural change is also contributing to the rising popularity of press-fit systems. We are seeing a change in the demographics of plumbers in the trade. Older plumbers have always used soldering and compression fittings they understand the new way of doing things but tend to prefer their tried and tested methods, especially as the cost of materials is often cheaper. But the reverse is true for the new generation of plumbing professionals. Younger plumbers have been trained up working with press-fit, and these systems are all they have ever known. To them, press is the first port of call when approaching a ob it’s safe, speedy and the only way they would consider doing things, now and in the future. ◼ pha news co u /220/2

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Pipes, Fittings & Valves 35 Readily available To make it easier for contractors and installers to get Ğŋķù ŋĕ ĢŶŭ ͜ ͝ ũāŭŭ óŋťťāũ ƩŶŶĢłėŭ ũÖłėā̇ !ŋłāƗ Bänninger has announced greater availability across ùĢƦāũāłŶ ŭÖķāŭ óĞÖłłāķŭ̍ ¦Ğā ͜ ͝ ũāŭŭ ƩŶŶĢłėŭ Öũā ŭŽĢŶÖðķā ĕŋũ ťŋŶÖðķā ƒÖŶāũ̇ óāłŶũÖķ ĞāÖŶĢłė̇ óĞĢķķāù ƒÖŶāũ̇ óŋĿťũāŭŭāù ÖĢũ̇ łŋł̟ĿāùĢóÖķ ėÖŭāŭ Öłù ƑÖóŽŽĿ ÖťťķĢóÖŶĢŋłŭ̍ RłŭŶÖķķāù ŽŭĢłė Ö ĿāóĞÖłĢóÖķ ťũāŭŭ Ŷŋŋķ Öłù ıÖƒŭ̇ they are designed to help the heating and plumbing industry move away from traditional brazing ŶŋƒÖũùŭ ƪÖĿā̟ĕũāā ťũāŭŭ ŭŋķŽŶĢŋłŭ̍ As well as being able to order from selected ĿāũóĞÖłŶ ťÖũŶłāũŭ̇ ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ Öũā łŋƒ Öðķā Ŷŋ ŋðŶÖĢł ͜ ͝ ũāŭŭ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ĕũŋĿ óũāƒƩƗ̇ ðŋŶĞ ŋłķĢłā Öłù ÖŶ the company’s ˟˞˙ ðũÖłóĞāŭ̍ ̦¦ĞĢŭ Ģŭ Öł āƗóĢŶĢłė łāƒ ťÖũŶłāũŭĞĢť ŶĞÖŶ ĕŽũŶĞāũ āƗŶāłùŭ ŋŽũ óŽŭŶŋĿāũ ũāÖóĢ̆̇ ŭÖƘŭ 'Öł ÂĢķù̇ ðŽŭĢłāŭŭ ŽłĢŶ ùĢũāóŶŋũ ĕŋũ b Öłù RũāķÖłù̍ ̦Âā Öũā ùāķĢėĞŶāù Ŷŋ ðā ÖùùĢłė ŭŋĿāŶĞĢłė łāƒ Ŷŋ ŶĞā óũāƒƩƗ ťŋũŶĕŋķĢŋ̇ āłÖðķĢłė ĢŶ Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ ŶĞā óŋĿťķāŶā ťÖóĴÖėā ŋĕ ťķŽĿðĢłė ŭŋķŽŶĢŋłŭ̧̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˛ˠ

Noise reducing drainage system passes the test The Silent̟PP drainage system from Geberit has ÖóĞĢāƑāù óāũŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋł from the British Board ŋĕ ėũĂĿāłŶ ̛ ̜̍ ¦Ğā āłĞÖłóāù óāũŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋł means that the drainage system is compliant with ŽĢķùĢłė āėŽķÖŶĢŋłŭ̍ A range of easy̟to̟install and acoustically optimised ťŽŭĞ ƩŶ ùũÖĢłÖėā ťĢťāŭ Öłù ƩŶŶĢłėŭ̇ ŶĞā ĢķāłŶ̟PP system is made from mineral ũāĢłĕŋũóāù ťŋķƘťũŋťƘķāłā̍ The physical properties of ŶĞā ĿÖŶāũĢÖķ ÖóĞĢāƑā ƩũŭŶ óķÖŭŭ ÖóŋŽŭŶĢóŭ ŋťŶĢĿĢŭÖŶĢŋł̇ āƦāóŶĢƑāķƘ ũāùŽóĢłė łÖŶŽũÖķ ƑĢðũÖŶĢŋłŭ Öłù łŋĢŭā̍ The assessment of the drainage ŭƘŭŶāĿ Öķŭŋ ĢłóķŽùāù ŭŶũāłėŶĞ̇ ťāũĕŋũĿÖłóā ŋĕ ıŋĢłŶŭ̇ ũāŭĢŭŶÖłóā to elevated temperatures and ùŽũÖðĢķĢŶƘ̍ ŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ ķÖðŋũÖŶŋũƘ ŶāŭŶŭ̇ ŶĞā ŶāŭŶĢłė ťũŋóāŭŭ includes on̟ŭĢŶā āƑÖķŽÖŶĢŋłŭ̇ ŨŽÖķĢŶƘ ĿÖłÖėāĿāłŶ óĞāóĴŭ̇ Öłù ĢłŭťāóŶĢŋłŭ ŋĕ ťũŋùŽóŶĢŋł̍ Fũāė ŽŭŶĢł̇ ÖŭŭĢŭŶÖłŶ ťũŋùŽóŶ ĿÖłÖėāũ ÖŶ FāðāũĢŶ̇ ŭÖƘŭ̆ ̦Âā̪ũā

Stainless service

delighted that Silent̟PP has been ÖƒÖũùāù óāũŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋł̍ ¦ĞĢũù ťÖũŶƘ óāũŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋł ĕŋũ ùũÖĢłÖėā products is important within the construction industry and BBA óāũŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋł Ģŭ ƒĢùāķƘ ũāóŋėłĢŭāù as an important mark of quality ÖŭŭŽũÖłóā̍ Âā ĞÖƑā ðāāł ƒŋũĴĢłė closely with the BBA to ensure we are providing our customers with innovative solutions which meet the highest quality and safety ŭŶÖłùÖũùŭ̧̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˛ˡ

pŋƒ ŋƦāũĢłė Ŀŋũā ŶĞÖł ˚˞ ùĢƦāũāłŶ ũÖłėāŭ ̟ ĢłóķŽùĢłė ŭóũāƒāù ƩŶŶĢłėŭ ĕŋũ ðŋŶĞ ķŋƒ Öłù ĞĢėĞ ťũāŭŭŽũā̇ ƑÖķƑāŭ̇ óŋĿťũāŭŭĢŋł ƩŶŶĢłėŭ̇ ƪÖłėāŭ̇ ťĢťā Öłù ŶŽðāŭ ̟ pāũŋ is a specialist UK supplier of stainless steel pipeline ťũŋùŽóŶŭ̍ āóāłŶ ÖùùĢŶĢŋłŭ Ŷŋ ŶĞā ũÖłėā ĢłóķŽùā ŭŶÖĢłķāŭŭ ŭŶāāķ ťũāŭŭ ƩŶŶĢłėŭ Öłù ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ĕũŋĿ ķāÖùĢłė ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũāũ̇ Dù̟dŋĴ̍ ŽĢŶÖðķā ĕŋũ ðŋŶĞ ùŋĿāŭŶĢó Öłù óŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ ťũŋıāóŶŭ̇ ŶĞā ťũāŭŭ ƩŶŶĢłėŭ ĢłóķŽùā āķðŋƒŭ̇ óŋŽťķĢłėŭ̇ ðũĢùėāŭ̇ ÖùÖťŶŋũŭ̇ Ŷāāŭ̇ ƑÖķƑāŭ Öłù ũāùŽóāũŭ ũÖłėĢłė ĕũŋĿ ˚˞ up to ˚˙ˡĿĿ̇ óŋĿťķāĿāłŶāù ðƘ ŶŽðāŭ Ģł Öķķ ŭĢơāŭ̍ ¦ŋ ĿÖĢłŶÖĢł ĞĢėĞ ŭŶŋóĴ ķāƑāķŭ̇ pāũŋ ĞÖŭ ũāóāłŶķƘ ĢłƑāŭŶāù Ģł āƗŶũÖ ŭŶŋũÖėā ŭťÖóā āłÖðķĢłė ĢŶ Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ ĕÖŭŶ ŋƦ̟the̟ŭĞāķĕ ùāķĢƑāũĢāŭ̍ !ŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ ƒĞŋ ŋũùāũ ŭŶŋóĴāù ťũāŭŭ ƩŶŶĢłėŭ ðāĕŋũā ˝̆˜˙pm are guaranteed to have ŶĞāĢũ ŋũùāũ ùāŭťÖŶóĞāù ŶĞā ŭÖĿā ùÖƘ̍ ¦ĞĢŭ ŭāũƑĢóā Ģŭ ðÖóĴāù ðƘ Ö ķĢƑā óĞÖŶ ĕŽłóŶĢŋł ŋł pāũŋ̪ŭ ƒāðŭĢŶā̇ āłÖðķĢłė ƑĢŭĢŶŋũŭ Ŷŋ ÖŭĴ ŨŽāŭŶĢŋłŭ ÖðŋŽŶ ÖłƘ ťũŋùŽóŶ̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˛ˢ

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Pipes, Fittings & Valves

Additions ŋƦ āũ Ö complete range of solutions Billing itself as total solutions provider of systems for the safe transportation of water around a building, Uponor has expanded its MLC composite range with the introduction of four new products: a new pipe system called SAC, a range of high performance ˚˟-˜˛ĿĿ ťũāŭŭ Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ̇ Ʃ ũā resistant pre-insulated composite pipes, and an extension to the current PPSU range of press Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ Ŷŋ ĢłóķŽùā ˟˜ and ˠ˞mm. Uponor’s Uni-Pipe PLUS SAC (Seamless Aluminium Composite) is a multi-layer composite pipe with a seamless, extruded aluminium layer. The product ŋƦ āũŭ āƗóāťŶĢŋłÖķ ƪ āƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ ƒĢŶĞ up to ˝˙% narrower bending radius compared to conventional multi-layer pipes, and ˙% readjustment. This means the pipe will stay perfectly in shape ÖĕŶāũ ðāłùĢłė̵̵̍ ̵ ķŭŋ łāƒ Ģŭ ŶĞā -Press PLUS PPSU (˚˟-˜˛mm) range of press

Multilayer pipe system joins line-up

Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ̍ ¦Ğā łāƒ ũÖłėā ŋƦ āũŭ ĞĢėĞāũ ƪ ŋƒ ũÖŶāŭ Öłù ķŋƒāũ pressure losses than the current S-Press PPSU press range. Adding all of the features that are currently available from the S-Press PLUS metal range of Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ̇ ŶĞā -Press PLUS PPSU ťũāŭŭ Ʃ ŶŶĢłė ũÖłėā ŋƦ āũŭ Ö óŋŭŶ āƦ āóŶĢƑā ÖķŶāũłÖŶĢƑā Ŷŋ ĢŶŭ ĿāŶÖķ óŋŽłŶāũťÖũŶ ƒĞĢķā ŭŶĢķķ ŋƦ āũĢłė features such as two O-rings on each connection, stainless steel pressing collars and an easy-to-read colour-coded size ĢùāłŶĢƩ óÖŶĢŋł̍ ̵ťŋłŋũ ĞÖŭ Öķŭŋ āƗŶāłùāù ĢŶŭ S-Press PPSU composite portfolio to include dimensions ˟˜-ˠ˞mm, ideal for use in sanitary and heating systems in both domestic and commercial buildings. With growing demand for ever safer products, Uponor has Öķŭŋ ĢłŶũŋùŽóāù Ö ũÖłėā ŋĕ Ʃ ũā resistant pre-insulated pipes. In pipe sizes ˚˟̇ ˛˙̇ and ˛˞mm, these pre-insulated systems make for a much faster installation saving time and money as well as providing extra safety in the event ŋĕ Ö Ʃ ũā̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˜˙

A recent addition to the Pegler portfolio is the VSH MultiPress. The multilayer pipe system is said to incorporate many new features as part of both its design and molecular construction that set it apart from other plastic piping systems. The secret of VSH MultiPress pipe lies in the aluminium layer with additional inner and outer layers of polyethene (PE-X) and the way these layers are linked to deliver enhanced resistance to loads generated by internal pressure and high temperature. The aluminium means there is minimum linear expansion, which delivers a performance comparable with copper, while the smooth surface prevents the build-up of scale and other debris, making VSH MultiPress pipes corrosion and wear resistant, yet at the same time ensuring minimum pressure loss.

Amy French, product manager at Pegler, comments: “By incorporating a quality plastic based piping system into our portfolio we really are the only UK leading manufacturer with a complementing product portfolio that can make any plumbing and HVAC system truly integrated.”

Applications The VSH MultiPress system ĢłóŋũťŋũÖŶāŭ ĿÖłƘ ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ĕŋũ Ö variety of applications in domestic and light commercial plumbing

projects including sanitary, ĞāÖŶĢłė Öłù Žłùāũƪ ŋŋũ ŭƘŭŶāĿŭ Ŷŋ name a few. The thermal memory of the pipe can reduce the number ŋĕ Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ łāāùāù Öłù ŶĞāũāĕŋũā provide cost savings in terms of materials used and time on site. The system, which includes a range of multi-ťũŋƩ ķā ťũāŭŭ Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ ĕũŋĿ ˚˟-˟˜mm, has been colour coded according to size for easy recognition. It also incorporates the intrinsic ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ĕŋŽłù ƒĢŶĞĢł ŶĞā Á N XPress range from Pegler. These include the ‘leak before press’ feature in addition to the insertion depth control window, safeguarding against incorrectly made joints and the problems they can cause. Furthermore, the Ʃ ŶŶĢłėŭ óÖł ðā ťũāŭŭāù ƒĢŶĞ ðŋŶĞ Öłù ¦N ťũŋƩ ķā ıÖƒŭ Öłù Öķŭŋ ŋƦ āũ optimal positioning of the press jaws for a fast and secure pressing. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˜˚

Valve features the best of two methods As a manufacturer of mechanical pipe-joining systems, Victaulic has launched the new StrengThin ˚˙˙ Series E˚˛˞ Installation- āÖùƘ ðŽŶŶāũƪ Ƙ ƑÖķƑā ĕŋũ NÁ ! applications. The Series E˚˛˞ ðŽŶŶāũƪ Ƙ ƑÖķƑā ŋƦ āũŭ ŶĞā ðāŭŶ ŋĕ Ŷƒŋ ĿāŶĞŋùŭ̆ ŶĞā ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ ŋĕ Ö ėũŋŋƑāù ƑÖķƑā combined with the ease and speed of installation of an Installation-Ready coupling. By encasing the capability of a rubber-ķĢłāù ðŽŶŶāũƪ Ƙ ƑÖķƑā ƒĢŶĞĢł Ö óŋŽťķĢłė̇ the Series E˚˛˞ valve reduces the overall footprint, considerably speeds up installation, and reduces weight by almost ˞˙ͮ óŋĿťÖũāù Ŷŋ Ö ƪ Öłėāù ƑÖķƑā assembly. ťāóĢƩ óÖķķƘ ùāŭĢėłāù ĕŋũ Žŭā ŋł ŶĞĢł ƒÖķķ ŭŶÖĢłķāŭŭ ŭŶāāķ ťĢťā ĕāÖŶŽũĢłė ŶĞā Ŷũāłė¦ĞĢł ːˏˏ ėũŋŋƑā ťũŋƩ ķā̇ the rubber-lined valve protects against leaking and ensures easier maintenance – all in a compact, easyto-ĢłŭŶÖķķ ùāŭĢėł̇ ŭŽĢŶÖðķā Ŷŋ ðā Ʃ Ŷ ĢłŶŋ ŶĢėĞŶ ŭťÖóāŭ often associated with HVAC systems. ¦Ğā łāƒ ðŽŶŶāũƪ Ƙ ƑÖķƑā Ģŭ ķĢėĞŶāũ Ģł ƒāĢėĞŶ Öłù allows for full ˜˟˙Ƭ ŋũĢāłŶÖŶĢŋł̇ ŭŋ ĢŶ Ʃ Ŷŭ ĢłŶŋ ŶĢėĞŶ̇

irregular spacing. Its economic design means there are no loose parts, making it quicker to install – without any need for star-pattern bolt and nut tightening. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˜˛

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Radiators & Towel Warmers

Helping customers warm to their theme More homeowners are looking to create a bathroom space to match their style, and the heating solution can play a key part in helping to achieve their goal. Simon Morris from The Radiator Company discusses how designer towel rails can help make a dream bathroom come to life.

hile a very functional room, the bathroom is also a very individual and even emotional space. Some want practicality and efficiency, others aspire to a spa-like haven of cosy tranquilly. Something that everyone can agree on is that a bathroom needs to be the right temperature and provide a comfortable environment in which all users can spend as much or as little time as they wish. With a vision for the space in mind, the floorplan of the bathroom will often shape around where key features of the shower, bathtub and sink can be positioned. However, the bathroom heating supply will often be the last factor considered, thus narrowing the choice for a radiator or towel rail to simply ‘fit in’ to the space that is left. Thankfully, most major manufacturers will have a breadth of supply that provides a solution to fit even the most challenging of spaces, but for bathroom designers and installers, it is something to consider early on.

reduces the risk of repeated call outs, unnecessary wear and tear on the boiler and an unhappy customer.

More choice

Simon Morris

Marketing manager at The Radiator Company

Every bathroom is different, but installers should be able to call upon a wide choice to suit any style in any home

Recent innovations in the designer radiator market ensure that there is a style to suit every aesthetic in the bathroom and can assist in making a bold statement rather than being a standard ‘one size ﬁts all’ ladder towel rail that many consider typical. Every bathroom is different, but installers should be able to call upon a wide choice to suit any style in any home. Designer manufacturers can offer modern towel rails in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example side loading towel rails, including our ‘Sitar Lato’ and ‘Blues’ models, provide a unique twist on the traditional towel rail, and contemporary bathrooms can also beneﬁt from slimline horizontal orientated rails that can be installed above the bath or in small space. For a more traditional look, installers should consider towel rails with distinctive period features, such as ball joint connections, cast iron

The Blues towel rail in stainless steel (left) and Sitar Lato, available in 188 RAL colours and 32 special ﬁnishes, both feature side loading rails for ease of use

radiator sections and antique galvanised ﬁnishes. For example, the ‘Linton’ towel rail uses cast iron sections to create a timeless and elegant look whilst providing tidy towel hanging bars.

Designer options

The heated towel rail has come a long way since the 1920s saw the birth of the cast-iron water heated towel heater. The market now includes advanced designer options including a towel rail which doubles as a full-length mirror, such as the ‘Relax Bagno’, as well as statement towel rails such as ‘Tratto’, with its curved design shelving and optional LED side strips to create a warming effect. Not only do these designs afford the homeowner a stunning design, they also provide space saving solutions to maximise the space.

Comfort counts

Even for the most practical minded bathroom user, reaching for a warm towel after stepping out of the shower or bath is a (often taken for granted) luxury. A towel rail offers a neat solution to function as a towel warmer where space is at a premium. Opting for a good quality manufacturer will also ensure the towel rail is sufficiently powerful enough to heat the bathroom space, to meet – and guarantee – the desired BTU output. Offering the homeowner a heating supply that is compliant with EN 442 and certiﬁed will ensure your customer has a bathroom space that is not too hot and not too cold, which matches their expectations and therefore

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Warm with colour

White? Tick. Chrome? Tick. Both options are readily available, of course, but why limit your customer to these options? With some forward planning to allow for delivery times, we can provide your customers with more than the standard RAL and provide them with a towel rail that makes a colour statement, or blends seamlessly with the wall paint. Towel rail colours can now be fully coordinated to create a unique statement and add impact to a room and offer your customers more than just a practical addition.

Finishing the job

Applying pipe and shroud covers will ensure your installation is ﬁnished neatly, removing the need to paint copper pipes and hide unsightly holes drilled in the ﬂoor or wall, for the feed pipe.

Made to measure

The classic Linton towel rail combines a cast iron radiator with steel tubes

Trato comes in hydronic or electric versions, with optional LED lighting

The Relax Bagno model doubles as a full-length mirror

As with most aspects of bathroom installation, there are sometimes factors that simply cannot be avoided that will limit the choice of product – whether it be space, speed, fuel supply, or budget. Installers should look to use a manufacturer that has a broad range to suit any space, in a wide selection of colours and ﬁnishes. Importantly, before making any recommendation, check the manufacturer is compliant with CE approval and EN 442 certiﬁcation, offers warranty and after sales service, and can stand by their BTU ratings to ensure you create a space that your customers envisaged and more. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/33

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Radiators & Towel Warmers colour schemes and introduce the óŽŭŶŋĿ Öłù ÖķŶāũłÖŶĢƑā Ʃ łĢŭĞāŭ which are now available on many radiators. A custom RAL colour Ʃ łĢŭĞ̇ ĕŋũ āƗÖĿťķā̇ ƒŋŽķù Öķķŋƒ your customer to match their radiator directly to their chosen colour palette, not to mention the ƑÖũĢŋŽŭ ŶāƗŶŽũāŭ̇ ƒŋŋù āƦ āóŶŭ Öłù ŭŶŋłā Ʃ łĢŭĞ ŋťŶĢŋłŭ̍

It pays to invest in good design New designs and inspirations are helping to deliver a world of interesting and unusual radiators to the ĿÖũĴāŶ ŶĞÖŶ ƒĢķķ ėāŶ ƘŋŽũ óŽŭŶŋĿāũŭ ŶÖķĴĢłė̍ ÖƦ āŶ Kalender of Pitacs explains more.

The technicalities Exercise your expertise so that your óŽŭŶŋĿāũ óÖł ĕāāķ óŋłƩ ùāłŶ Ģł Ö premium choice. Be ready to talk about the relative technical merits of materials and manufacturing techniques. Stainless steel, for āƗÖĿťķā̇ ƒŋł̪Ŷ ŭŽƦ āũ ƪ ÖĴĢłė ŋũ discolouration, and due to its natural resilience and elasticity, can absorb impacts far better than mild steel. A TIG welding process will create an almost invisible weld, achieving a joint area which is as strong as the main body of the product. Be ready to talk about the shape of piping and how it can make a ùĢƦ āũāłóā Ŷŋ ĞāÖŶĢłė āƧ óĢāłóƘ̍ Square or rectangular designs always give better output compared to round tube cross-sections, due to their greater surface area. Further, by building a round tube inside a larger square outer, the wet surface area increases by about ˝˙%, improving the heat output by almost that much as well. Of course, when it comes to which design or model to recommend, you can’t just base your knowledge on what you’ve done before – and this means doing your homework. Visit trade shows, watch the product videos online and talk to other installers about their experiences.

adiator designs are branching out – so don’t get left behind with same old, same old. As an installer, having a growing gallery of stylish installations is important for business growth – you can attract attention with exciting visuals, you have a great excuse to communicate regularly with prospective customers, and beyond that, your customers will be excited to share your work with their network. If you want to maximise your opportunity to install a premium product, get out in front, make your mark at the ideas stage, and encourage your next customer to ‘invest in interesting’.

The space Space is often limited in UK residences, but ‘unusual’ can Öķŭŋ ĿāÖł Ʃ łùĢłė Ö ťũÖóŶĢóÖķ ŭŋķŽŶĢŋł Ŷŋ Ʃ Ŷ ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā ŭťÖóā̍ Look at high, wall-mounted designs to move away from the skirting board if the room is cluttered or lacks lower wall space. Our new Ultraheat Electric Towel Rail collection, for āƗÖĿťķā̇ ŋƦ āũŭ ėũāÖŶ ƪ āƗĢðĢķĢŶƘ

The Clipper by Aeon can double up as a hanger for coats or towels

Saffet Kalender Director of Pitacs Limited

CUT TO THE CHASE Đ Propose multi-purpose solutions, such as radiators with towel hooks or loo roll holders Đ Tall, narrow models can provide as much as 2m of pipe length while taking up no more than 30cm of width Đ Look for models with multiple connection points and a good range of accessories

Earning trust However, you can only recommend a product you can trust to do a good job for your customer, and won’t present ÖłƘ ťũŋðķāĿŭ ƒĞāł ƘŋŽ Ʃ Ŷ ĢŶ̍ Nāũā̇ it is our duty as the manufacturer to support the installer so that you can take pride and interest in installing an unusual radiator ̛Öłù łŋŶ ðā ťŽŶ ŋƦ ðƘ Ö Ʃ ùùķƘ Öłù irritating installation process). As you build out your portfolio of recommendations, look for the ðũÖłùŭ ŶĞÖŶ ŋƦ āũ ũÖùĢÖŶŋũ ùāŭĢėłŭ with multiple connection points, as well as a good range of coordinating accessories so that pipework can follow the most direct route, look neat and not detract from the intended shape and design.

The Calder electric radiator by Aeon

of placement, as there is no need to position in relation to plumbing. Discuss tall, vertical designs for space saving without compromising on size and heat output. Under the Ultraheat brand we feature many tall but slim options, such as in our Imperium, Klon and Trojan ranges, where up to ˛m of pipe length can be achieved using little more than ˜˙cm of width. Propose a multi-purpose solution. In the kitchen, this might be tea towel hooks as an integrated part of radiator design, as seen in our Aeon Clipper range, or coordinating accessories for the bathroom, such as a clip-on toilet roll holder.

Service priority

The design Be willing to discuss aesthetics, as this is where your customer will be able to engage with you most óŋłƩ ùāłŶķƘ̍ Encourage the client to consider the radiator itself as an integral part of the room design. Suggest moving away from decorative radiator covers, as these reduce the radiator’s ĞāÖŶĢłė āƧ óĢāłóƘ Öłù ŶÖĴā Žť additional space, as well as requiring an additional purchase. Put that spend into a better radiator design. Complement the customer’s

The Klon Vertical by Ultraheat

You should also provide good ŨŽÖķĢŶƘ ťũŋùŽóŶŭ ŶĞÖŶ ŋƦ āũ Ö ėŋŋù lifespan and long warranties, a consistent standard of materials and manufacturing, and – just as important – a reliable delivery ũāóŋũù̍ mÖĴā ŶĞā āƦ ŋũŶ Ŷŋ ťũŋƑĢùā good customer service at the sales stage, and also after sales care, so you know you’re covered for any installation queries. All these factors contribute to a smooth installation process, a great ťũŋùŽóŶ̇ Öłù Ö ŭÖŶĢŭƩ āù óŽŭŶŋĿāũ̇ because ‘investing in interesting’ should be best all round. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˜˝

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Radiators & Towel Warmers

There’s always more than one solution n today’s heating market there are an increasing number of different heat emitter options that help meet the demands of varying applications, and these can often be combined for a single project. Kelly Smith, product manager for yson, looks at some of the varieties that deliver speciﬁc beneﬁts.

hether you are specifying for one room or many, the starting point for product selection is a careful consideration of the property. As well as room sizes, this should include how much wall space is available and whether the walls are interior or exterior. Ceiling height, number of doors, building materials, and level of insulation, including windows, should also be inﬂuencing factors. ith this information you can perform a heat loss calculation, which you can now do online with aids such as the Myson Heat Loss Calculator. Once you have considered the construction of the property and the speciﬁc heat outputs re uired, you then need to look at the products to understand if they meet the needs of the individual project. A solution which may work in one property may not be suitable for another due to the needs of the users and the nature and purpose of the building.

CUT TO THE CHASE  Heat loss calculations can easily be carried out online using tools like the one on Myson’s website

Low surface temperature radiators have wide application in settlings like hospitals and schools 

Kelly Smith

Product manager at Myson UK

 Electric radiators are increasingly popular in commercial applications  Look for value added services that make specifying the right radiator easier

Safe temperature

A prime example of this would be in a hospital in any areas accessible to patients, residents and visitors. Here you will need to use low surface temperature radiators (LST) in order to comply with NHS Estates Health Guidelines. These will also be appropriate in locations such as care homes, special needs schools, children’s nurseries and retirement accommodation. In these settings it may be desirable, in addition, to use dexterity TRVs, which make controlling room temperature easier and offer easier controllability to the user.

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These features also offer the highest possible efficiency when in use.

When looks matter

If the property is design-led, such as in executive homes, high rise apartments or corporate offices, aesthetics will be vital and designer radiators may be the best choice. Flat fronted and decorative panel radiators such as the Plan and Plan Plus range, which are available in both horizontal and vertical models, lend a great deal more style for not a lot more investment. Commercial spaces such as retail outlets and restaurants need to use wall space wisely in order to accommodate more display space or table covers. The answer here is often to specify high level wall mounted fan convectors which utilise the space above doorways, sales rails or shelving units; leaving the main wall areas free for more proﬁtable use. Tall, vertical radiator styles are also increasingly popular as they add elegance and provide large heat outputs, while making clever use of less wall space.

At home

Plugging in

Public spaces such as libraries, hotels and retail outlets may opt for electric solutions, due to their controllability and energy saving features. Products such as our new Rio range - which is available in three models, Compact, Plan and Linea offer ust that, with superb controllability via a digital controlled display, allowing the user to programme each radiator individually. The range is also fully Lot20 compliant, offering features such as open window function, frost protection and an adjustable surface temperature which creates a comfortable, radiant warmth.

Myson’s Plan radiator

An LST radiator is an ideal heating solution for care homes

In residential properties and apartments, including new build and replacement projects, a solution that is easy and uick to install may be re uired. This is where central connection heat emitters come into their own. Products such as the T6 Compact and T lan offer a central connection which enables the installer to pipe a system before the specifier has even chosen the radiators. This makes the first fix on any project straightforward and simple as exact measurements are not needed. It also eliminates any piping mistakes on the first fix, reducing costly call backs as any sized radiator could be fitted once the pipes have been placed. An ideal solution, especially for those large scale residential projects where time and cost is vitally important.

It is also true that as long as the heat emitter solutions are correct for the needs of the project, more than one type of solution can be utilised. One project can easily use several heat emitter types with great success. For example underﬂoor heating may be teamed with radiators, radiators with fan heaters, premium panel radiators with traditional panel – any combination that will best serve the property.

Value added

When choosing a solution specifiers should also be aware that manufactures now offer a number of value added services, which can aid the process of choosing the correct solution for their project. At Myson, for example, we not only offer a comprehensive range of products, we also provide a design and estimating service that provides flexibility and convenience for the specifier. ervices like this take the strain out of the decision process and allows the manufacturer to provide help and support to guide the specifier on their pro ect journey. When specifying solutions in today’s market it is vitally important to take into consideration many factors when choosing the correct heating solution or combination of heating solutions. The project you are working on and its heat loss re uirements is the first port of call but you should always assess the type of building and what it is used for, along with the heat emitter solution and its features and benefits. ith so many different solutions on the market today it is also important to get good advice from manufacturers who offer a combination of solutions – that way you know you are getting unbiased advice, which ultimately could lead to you specifying the perfect solution or combination of solutions for your next project. phamnews.co.uk/220/3

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Radiators & Towel Warmers

Providing installers with full support With a mobile training unit, a new loyalty club and a free-todownload radiator app, Stelrad is looking to provide its growing number of installer customers with all the support they need. Âā ŭťŋĴā Ŷŋ ĿÖũĴāŶĢłė ĿÖłÖėāũ !ĞũĢŭ NÖũƑāƘ Ŷŋ Ʃłù ŋŽŶ Ŀŋũā̍

ngoing product development and a reliable delivery service have both played a key part in the success of Stelrad. Last year, the UK radiator manufacturer, with a national distribution centre at Mexborough in South Yorkshire, was able to boast an on time delivery record in excess of ˢˢ%. But training Öłù ŭŽťťŋũŶ ĕŋũ ĿāũóĞÖłŶ ŭŶÖƦ Öłù ĢłŭŶÖķķāũŭ is another area of the business that is winning the company further plaudits from within the industry. Recognising that installers need to think carefully about how they use their time – and a day on a training course is a day they’re not earning money – Stelrad has recently introduced a new way to deliver courses by simply taking its training facility to the installer. The Stelrad Academy undertook more than ˛˙˙ training visits around the UK last year and is set to continue its tour of UK merchants over the coming months. Courses are delivered by the company’s team of Brand Specialists and are designed to inform and educate participants in relation to what to look for from their radiator selection. All attendees ũāóāĢƑā Ö óāũŶĢƩóÖŶā Ŷŋ ũāóŋėłĢŭā ŶĞā ŶĢĿā they have dedicated to learning more about radiators and their installation. There is also a fully kitted out training van travelling around the country giving installers the opportunity to learn more about the Stelrad Vita Series, providing an opportunity to ask questions about every aspect of ŭāķāóŶĢłė̇ ŭĢơĢłė Öłù ƩŶŶĢłė ŶĞāŭā ťŋťŽķÖũ radiators.

Stelrad's Vita Compact K˜ radiator

The Vita Series that is featured in the training van includes the Vita Compact and Compact K˜, Vita Silhouette, Vita Deco, Vita Deco Concept, Vita Column and Vita Column Concept for those wanting a designer radiator look, the three Vita Concord options, the ÁĢŶÖ ķÖł Öłù ÁĢŶÖ ķÖł !ŋłóāťŶ ̟ Ö ƪÖŶ ĕÖóāù̇ ŭĿŋŋŶĞ ĕũŋłŶāù ùāŭĢėł ̟ Öłù ƩłÖķķƘ̇ ŶĞā ÁĢŶÖ ķŶũÖ̇ ƒĢŶĞ ðāŭťŋĴā óŋķŋŽũ ƩłĢŭĞāŭ ÖƑÖĢķÖðķā̍ There are also the Vita Compact Vertical, Vita Column Vertical, Vita Deco Vertical and Vita Plan Vertical for those looking for a stylish choice in a smaller space.

The Stelrad radiator app enables customers to ƑĢŭŽÖķĢŭā Ğŋƒ ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ ƒĢķķ ƩŶ ĢłŶŋ ŶĞāĢũ ĞŋĿā

“We’re conscious that some installers and plumbers are persuaded by the lower quality products available to them online and via nonspecialist outlets,” says head of marketing, Chris Harvey, “but now, with the Vita Series, you can have a market leading Stelrad branded radiator from a merchant branch near you. You can now choose the best in terms of quality and value.”

Join the club ¦ũÖĢłĢłė Ģŭ ıŽŭŶ ŋłā ðāłāƩŶ ŶāķũÖù ŋƦāũŭ purchasers of its radiators. Last year also saw the launch of the Installer Loyalty Club. “We’ve been contemplating what else we might be able to do to show our gratitude to installers and the result is the new Stelrad Loyalty Club,” says Chris Harvey. “It’s a simple concept – installers buy our products, they register as members of the Club, they upload their invoices for the products they have bought and in return they get ˚˙ points for every ͎˚˙˙ they spend. They can redeem their points for rewards, choosing from branded clothing, workwear and tools, or they can save the points and exchange them for radiators if they prefer.” Several hundred installers have already signed up to the Installer Loyalty Club and are ðāłāƩŶŶĢłė ĕũŋĿ ŶĞā ũāƒÖũùŭ ŋł ŋƦāũ̍ “We really hope installers will welcome this attempt to give something back to them,” adds Harvey. “The rewards include things like ƪāāóā ıÖóĴāŶŭ̇ Ŷ-shirts and trousers, even hand towels to take on jobs with you – all things that will be helpful in day-to-day jobs across the country. Take a closer look at the website and see for yourself!” In addition, there is the free radiator sizing and heat loss calculator available on the website that many installers and ŭťāóĢƩāũŭ Ʃłù ũāÖķķƘ ĞāķťĕŽķ Öŭ ƒāķķ Öŭ ŶĞā ĕũāā augmented reality app. The Stelrad radiator app, which helps the customer to envisage the installation of many of the company’s radiators in real life scenarios, is free to download and is available from the Apple App Store and Google PlayStore for Android phones by searching for ‘Stelrad ˜D’. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˜˟

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Radiators & Towel Warmers Easy to add a bit of aroma zƦ āũĢłė ĞĢėĞ ĞāÖŶ ŋŽŶťŽŶ Ģł ŶĞā bathroom, Vogue’s Axis towel warmers feature a ladder rail design and are available in new metallic Ʃ łĢŭĞāŭ̇ ĢłóķŽùāù ðũĢėĞŶ łĢóĴāķ Öłù brushed nickel, and a new wider width. The range is also available with an option for an aroma plug to add fragrance to the bathroom. This

small blanking plug provides a dish where users can place a fragrance oil. The warmth of the rail will emit ŶĞā ĕũÖėũÖłóā Ŷŋ Ʃ ķķ ŶĞā ũŋŋĿ̍ The Axis MD˙˟˛ model (pictured) comes in a wide range of sizes, with the option of ˚˛ to ˜˛ cross bars, with ˛˛mm round tubing. The new ˠ˞˙mm width is supplied with adjustable brackets. This model works with central heating systems, with both dual fuel and electric options available. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˜ˡ

!ŽŭŶŋĿ ĿÖùā óŋƑāũŭ ùāķĢƑāũ Öł āƗÖóŶ Ʃ Ŷ Wafer thin on the wall The distinguishing characteristic of Vasco’s Oni range is the wafer-thin design. A copper heating tube with minimal water content is integrated into the ultra-thin aluminium front plate (ˡmm) to deliver the heat. Optional cut-outs can be selected for hanging towels (Oni O-P model, pictured). ¦Ğā ŽłŽŭŽÖķ ùāŭĢėł ėĢƑāŭ ŶĞĢŭ ũÖùĢÖŶŋũ Ö ķŋŋĴ ŋĕ ƪ ŋÖŶĢłė ŋł ŶĞā ƒÖķķ̍ RŶ̪ŭ Öķŭŋ āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłŶ Öłù āłāũėƘ-saving, working well in combination with low temperature heating systems. The Oni range is available in all Vasco colours and can also be selected as an electric option. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˜ˠ

BKL Radiators specialises in producing tailor-made óŋƑāũŭ ĕŋũ ũÖùĢÖŶŋũŭ Öłù ťĢťāŭ ŶĞÖŶ Öũā ùāŭĢėłāù Ŷŋ Ʃ Ŷ around any application, including perimeter heating (pictured). The covers are built to a commercial standard so they stand up to knocks and bumps in settings such as schools and hospitals. They are constructed in an easy-clean powder coated steel or, for more corrosive environments, aluminium. Easy access makes these covers useful in the healthcare sector where equipment must be deep cleaned from time to time. For secure facilities, the company can manufacture anti-ligature covers. BKL’s radiator covers are NHS compliant, registered with Constructionline and RIBA, and laboratory tested under British Standard requirements for output and touch temperature. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˜ˢ

PHAM FEB20:Layout 1 28/01/2020 15:05 Page 43

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Radiators & Towel Warmers 43 Getting in shape with geometry

Flat or curved, tall or horizontal

The multilateral Anglia towel warmer from Aestus is a geometric-style heating solution crafted from ĞĢėĞ ŨŽÖķĢŶƘ ĿĢķù ŭŶāāķ̍ łėķĢÖ ŋƦāũŭ ÖĿťķā ĞÖłėĢłė space owing to its maze-like design and high capacity ˞˙mm square tubing. The neat proportions make it a good heating solution above a bath, next to the shower or within easy reach of a washbasin. Measuring ˠ˚˙ x ˞˙˙mm, Anglia is suitable for closed heating systems and has a heat output of ˚˛˟W. Supplied with a ˚˞ year manufacturer’s guarantee, this contemporary towel warmer is ƩłĢŭĞāù Ģł óĞũŋĿā̍ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˝˙

Gloucester-based Apollo Radiators, an independent distributor of European designer radiators and towel rails, has launched the Apollo Magenta range. It is available in Flat and Curve (pictured) designs in four stock colours: white, anthracite, white aluminium and black metallic – all available in vertical, horizontal and low level. The Flat range is also reversible, with a smooth side and a corrugated side, while the Curved style is suitable where children and the elderly are living. Both models are available with a twoday lead time. ͻ phamnews. co.uk/˛˛˙̓˝˛

Kids are alright with Lateo The Lateo from Zehnder is a natural convector heat emitter made for care āłƑĢũŋłĿāłŶŭ̇ ķĢĴā ĞŋŭťĢŶÖķŭ Öłù łŽũŭāũĢāŭ̇ Ŷŋ ŋƦāũ Ö ŭÖĕāũ ÖķŶāũłÖŶĢƑā compared to standards radiator solutions. The heat emitter is positioned behind the casing to deliver a lower touch temperature. David Lorrison, radiator product manager at Zehnder, says: “When low water temperatures are used, the Lateo provides the ideal convector for care environments and education settings. It is safe, durable and provides a high heat output.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˝˚

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Products in Action Development installs UFH o all floors

Indoor air kept fresh and clean Two Titon HRV10 Q Plus units with Trimbox NO2 Filters have been installed as part of a self-build project in East Dulwich, London. When architect Jake Edgley began building his own six-bedroom house, he included a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system as part of the design, alongside other environmentally-friendly measures, including non-toxic paint and flooring. The 400m2 house was constructed in two halves, each built around a tree, with one MVHR system covering each half of the property. ommenting on the decision to have nitrogen dioxide filters added, ake said e noticed if a neighbour lit a bonfire or a barbecue, the smell would still enter the house. Fortunately, I had seen the Trimbox NO2 Filter on the Titon website, so I made enquiries into the possibility of adding one to the ventilation system.” The bedroom area had the Trimbox NO2 Filter added first, and the Edgley family were so impressed with the results, a second unit was installed to the other half of the house six months later. phamnews.co.uk/220/ 3

A development of 4 new properties in Newquay is being built to the Zero Carbon mart ome specification with underfloor heating systems from Omnie. Hilgrove Mews is being built by Verto Homes using Sadler and Bourne as the specialist mechanical services contractor to deliver an integrated package that includes air source heat pumps which will deliver warmth via FoilBoard floating and taple UFH arrays. MD of Sadler and Bourne, Carl Sadler, says: “We installed the

Domus Ventilation’s HRXE mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems are being installed into the new Abbey Wharf residential development in Alperton, London. Abbey Wharf will feature 111 shared ownership homes, 24 homes for affordable rent and two commercial units. To provide the new homes with ventilation, Domus HRXE MVHR systems with Domus ducting are being installed by Grant Walker

God’s House Tower, a late 1 th century gatehouse in the old town of Southampton, has had its heating systems modernised with the installation of a diverse selection of Dunham-Bush heat emitters, including fan convectors, hydro-course trench heating and radiant panels, to meet the varying installation requirements of this ancient monument. The fan convectors installed include AM and BM Series models in the Tower’s entrance and Crawford Room. Finvector hydro-course trenches are used in the Tower’s café, with the added benefit of the system’s anodised aluminium grilles blending unobtrusively with the décor. Evolution radiant panels provide heating in the Display enue and on the first and second floors. phamnews.co.uk/220/

i m

Two XL Series boilers from ATAG Commercial have been installed at the Menphys Hub – the new headquarters of Leicester-based charity, Menphys. An XL140 and XL 0 boiler were ﬁtted at the venue, with ATAG Commercial providing one of the products free of charge as a charitable donation. One of company’s PHR-M wall-mounted pressurisation units was also installed as part of the new heating system. Menphys supports disabled children, young people and their families in Leicester and Leicestershire and recently took over the Bassett Centre in South Wigston, where the boilers were installed. phamnews.co.uk/220/

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do a io

company’s air and ground source heat pumps when they launched a couple of years later. We have built up a good rapport with Omnie who have a solution for every type of bespoke challenge.” phamnews.co.uk/220/

Ventilation choice for new homes

Warming a medieval tower in Southampton

oil r

Omnie Staple system across the ground floor slab and the Foilboard floating system for the upper floors, connecting up to the manufacturer’s PrecisionFlo manifolds. We started using Omnie in 2009, later fitting the

l s

Engineering in every apartment. The products will also enable the project to achieve BREEAM status, which identiﬁes the development as being a more sustainable environment that enhances the wellbeing of the people who live there. Steve Goodall, project manager at Grant Walker Engineering, cites the systems’ competitive pricing and performance as the key deciding factors in the system choice. phamnews.co.uk/220/

orda l o si o sa i r wa l sol io

s Carlisle-based heating specialist, Tailored Heat, has delivered an in-screed underfloor heating system and air source heat pump package for the redevelopment of old, hard-to-heat social housing properties in an off-gas area on the North East coast. Bernicia, an affordable housing provider in the region, is building nine new energy efficient dwellings at eahouses in Northumberland intended for local people, including some who had been residents in the old properties. Presmac from Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the mechanical services contractor responsible for the design and installation of the heating systems, including the Mitsubishi Ecodan QUHZ-W40VA heat pump with Mitsubishi EHPT20Q-VM2EA hot water thermal store and the easy to lay staple UFH system from Tailored Heat As a major trade supplier of heating solutions across the north of England and into Scotland, Tailored Heat undertakes the design and integration of not ust underfloor heating systems complete with controls, manifolds and fittings but also boilers and a full selection of renewable technologies. phamnews.co.uk/220/ 8

28/01/2020 17:11

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Light Commercial Heating 45

It’s what’s inside that counts Today’s boilers are much more than a sum of their parts, with a variety of technologically advanced components coming together to create highly efficient sources of heating and hot water. aul artin of T ommercial looks at some of the key elements inside the latest condensing gas boilers. odern condensing boilers, both in domestic and light commercial environments, operate efficiently thanks to the combination of a number of factors. These include the burner and controls, as well as the latest modulating circulation pumps and energy efficient heat exchangers. The latter two components are particularly important for their contribution to reliability and energy efficiency. The pump and the heat exchanger work together to ensure that levels of energy efficiency remain as high as possible. Firstly, consider modern heat exchanger technology: this has advanced signiﬁcantly over the last decade, with product performance improving due to an increased ability to maximise heat transfer, while maintaining reliability.

Maximum transfer

With the vast majority of modern heat exchangers being constructed from stainless steel and comprising multiple, specially engineered pipes, they are capable of achieving high levels of heat transference and condensation. lus, an inclined mounting position (such as the one found in T ommercial’s L eries

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boilers) ensures quick disposal of condensate.

Stainless steel

The properties of stainless steel further enhance the heat exchanger, as the material is able to retain its smoothness, regardless of the presence of sulphuric and nitric acid in the system water. n fact, not only does its smooth surface prevent contamination, it can neutralise any corrosive effect, resulting in a longer lasting, higher level of operational efficiency when compared to alternative heat exchanger materials. This is of notable benefit, especially in commercial heating systems, considering the volatile operational environments heat exchangers find themselves exposed to. ommercial boiler heat exchangers are designed to optimise the transfer of the thermal energy generated by burning gas into the system water. owever, in order for the heat exchanger to absorb the maximum amount of heat, the flow rate and turbulence of the water passing through it is crucial. This is where the pump comes into play.

Turbulent water

n the most efficient boilers, the modulating circulation pump is utilised to ensure the water inside the heat exchanger remains turbulent. Turbulence

Paul Martin

National sales manager at ATAG Commercial

CUT TO THE CHASE  The majority of modern heat exchangers are constructed from stainless steel  The smooth surface of stainless steel heat exchangers protects them from contamination and corrosion  urbulent ow in heat e hangers is more e ient ompared to laminar ows  Boilers are considered to have a good modulation ratio when its minimum output is one-ﬁfth or one-sixth of its maximum output

agitates the water flow, as opposed to it being smooth. This ensures there is no insulating barrier between the heated water and the wall of the heat exchanger, for a rapid transfer of heat. Turbulent flow occurs when the velocity in the water channel is high – a factor determined by the pump. s the pump is moving water around inside a closed system, it does not expend a lot of energy. lus, the turbulent flow of the water also assists in preserving the lifespan of the heat exchanger itself, as it reduces the build-up of any precipitates on the heat transfer surface. t is worth noting that turbulent flows always have a higher heat transfer coefficient compared to laminar flows, ensuring energy efficiency remains as high as possible. The higher flow and transfer rates also ensure a boiler reaches maximum temperature uicker. Then, once it has done so, it modulates down accordingly.

Modulating matters

On the subject of modulation, this is also important in terms of saving energy. fter all, boilers with wide modulation ratios not only improve efficiency, they also reduce wear and tear on components. ut simply, the modulation ratio is a boiler’s ability to reduce its maximum output to its minimum output, with the consensus being the wider the modulation range, the better. s an example, a boiler with a maximum output of 0kW and a minimum output of . kW has a modulation ratio less than 4 1, whereas a maximum output of 0kW and a minimum

output of kW has a wider – and signiﬁcantly better modulation ratio of 10 1. enerally speaking, boilers are considered to have a ‘good’ modulation ratio when their minimum output is one-ﬁfth or one-sixth of its maximum output.

Flow and return

ost boiler manufacturers will offer a range of products boasting different outputs, flow rates and modulation ratios. Our L eries has its own energy efficient pump to ensure a reliable, turbulent flow of water inside the heat exchanger or heat exchangers in those models containing more than one . t is important that the flow level is calculated and engineered for each boiler’s respective heat exchanger, so as to ensure it operates at its maximum efficiency for the duration of its working life. This can be assisted by utilising flow and return sensors inside the heat exchanger to enable the best possible rate of heat transfer. o, modern condensing boilers have come a long way in terms of performance and efficiency, via successful advances in key components such as the heat exchanger and circulating pump. owever, as the industry continues to evolve, along with continuing legislative developments and end user expectations, manufacturers cannot rest on their laurels. t is important that the industry continues to invest in producing boilers that will meet the heating and hot water demands of both the domestic and commercial sectors for many years to come. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/

28/01/2020 14:35

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Light Commercial Heating

Technology stands up to the tests Recent technology innovations in commercial condensing boiler technology are helping to address the call for improved sustainability while also reducing the cost of ownership, according to Bill Sinclair from Adveco.

he increasingly stringent legislation that light commercial establishments face in terms of reduction of carbon emissions and hazardous air pollutants is driving the speciﬁcation of systems that are based on high efficiency condensing boilers, or a hybrid approach. The latter combines heat pumps to provide continuous effective low grade, low carbon heat, with the fast responsiveness of a condensing gas boiler to top up heating and avoid the requirement for higher carbon emitting generators at electricity peak demand times. As such, we are seeing increasing interest in adopting hybrid technology as a practical response to the consistent needs of light commercial heating and the wider requirement to be both future-proof and compliant.

Wall hung advances

The compact size of condensing natural gas or LPG boiler technology has advanced the concept of the floor-standing modular cascade. We have been able to demonstrate up to eight such 2 0kW units in cascade providing more than 2200kW while occupying minimal plant room floor space and assuring clearance for maintenance. Typically, new condensing boilers will be fitted with a heat exchanger made from a nonferrous metal, usually stainless steel, to counter corrosion. At Adveco we work with unique and The Adveco 31 Ti heat exchange unit and burner

Bill Sinclair

Technical director at Adveco

CUT TO THE CHASE The latest condensing boilers satisfy the need to cut running costs as well as carbon output 

 Wall hung models have advanced the concept of modular oor-standing cascade arrangements

he highest e ien in condensing models occurs at the low end of the ﬁring range 

 re-mi burners allow for a high modulation ratio  The commercial market will remain heavily reliant on energy e ient gas boilers for the forseeable future

extremely high quality AISI 1 Ti heat exchangers constructed from a continuous, non-welded run of titanium-stabilised stainless steel. This approach reduces weak points and offers improved strength and corrosion resistance at high temperatures for long periods of time, reducing the chance of failure while ensuring high capacity heat transfer. To maximise condensation means operating at a sufficiently low temperature, and this requires condensing boilers to be tolerant of the condensate. Our patented design features a large bore, three-pass arrangement with circular, not ﬂattened, crosssection tubes to reduce the collection of debris.

Improved reliability

The heat engines, each 0kW, are then pre-stacked in a single, compact casing, and each exchanger incorporates a control board that allows communication and load balancing across adjacent exchangers. This not only provides built-in redundancy, but also offers improved reliability and longevity as all internal components receive uniform wear. Such systems can demonstrate a turn down as low as 14kW and 94% redundancy in case of failure. This integrated system control not only provides an intelligent maintenance self-check of all primary appliance components and functions, but also incorporates MODBUS communication and alarm output to assist with wider BMS integration.

Adveco MD 1 0 free standing condensing boiler with pre stacked heat exchangers

bustion e

cienc

But what of the air quality and sustainability of the technology? To improve combustion efficiency, condensing boilers operate so that the water vapor in the exhaust – which contains about 4 4 kJ/kg of latent energy – condenses on the heat exchanger and not in the flue or outside the building. Designed so that the highest efficiency is at the low end of the firing range, condensing boilers typically operate at 94 9 combustion efficiency. ith a high-efficiency pre-mix Fecralloy burner, ideal combustion efficiency can now be achieved of up to 10 (net)/9 (gross) reducing energy costs and producing low emissions. With low CO and NOx emissions, a heating system built around a high efficiency condensing boiler lass appliance satisfies the requirements of the Energyrelated Products (ErP) directive.

Modulation ratios

Correctly sized and professionally commissioned, a cascade system with a high efficiency pre-mix burner provides a high 1 20 modulation ratio. This large modulation range, along with built-in cascade control, ensures that efficiencies are maximised no matter the heating load of the

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building. With the input of the boiler easily altered to closely match the heating load, the system is better able to derive as much heat out of the exhaust gases as possible. This efficient reuse of heat results in low flue gas temperatures, allowing for the use of standard 0-1 0mm diameter plastic flue pipe . is efficient, environmentally friendly and significantly cheaper than stainless steel, offering a cost effective and space saving alternative in terms of pipe run.

Future gas

While arguments continue to rage regarding the validity of gas for a low carbon future, the reality is that for the foreseeable future our national infrastructure will continue to remain heavily reliant on the provision and improved use of gas – from hybrid systems to the introduction of green gas with its lower carbon footprint. For light commercial projects, high-efficiency condensing boilers remain a realistic and effective means of meeting the demands for improved sustainability, while offering considerable economic advantages in terms of operational costs for built assets. phamnews.co.uk/220/ 0

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PHAM FEB20:Layout 1 30/01/2020 11:48 Page 47

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Light Commercial Heating When hygiene and cleanliness matter Responding to demand for increased stability, hygiene and performance in the commercial heating sector, AIC Heating UK has introduced a stainless steel manifold system and low loss header to complement the company’s Nesta Chrome boilers when installed in cascade. Featuring the company’s own patented heat exchanger design, the Nesta Chrome condensing boilers are available in six models – 6˙ to ˚˞˙kW – and come with self-cleaning ƪ Žā ƒÖƘŭ Öłù Ö óŋłƑāłĢāłŶ ĢłŶāũłÖķ ùāŭĢėł that allows easy access to components and controls. All boiler outputs have the same height and width dimensions, which helps keep the footprint to a minimum. The boiler’s stainless steel construction is not only ideally suited to high temperatures, but also provides resistance to corrosion within the heat exchanger and all pipework. The modulating burner, with a turndown ratio of up to ˚˙̆˚, further improves the ŋťāũÖŶĢłė āƧ óĢāłóƘ ŋĕ ŶĞā ðŋĢķāũ̇ ƒĞĢķā ŶĞā fully stainless steel cascade kits will deliver higher outputs where required. When space is a consideration, the Nesta Chrome cascade is also available in a back

Enhanced combustion means better performance

to back version. All mounting frames are manufactured at a low height of ˚ˠ˛˞mm, which again helps with space restraints. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˞˚

The new Sensei N Series water heater range from ĢłłÖĢ ŋƦ āũŭ Ö łāƒ Öłù Ŀŋũā óŋĿťÖóŶ Ŀŋùāķ with an enhanced combustion design that allows for easier installation and improved operational performance together with increased levels of serviceability. ¦Ğā óŋłŶĢłŽŋŽŭ ƪ ŋƒ ŽłĢŶ Ģŭ ĿÖłŽĕÖóŶŽũāù ƒĢŶĞ a stainless steel heat exchanger to give a longer working life to each of the four models in the range. ¦Ğā ĕŋŽũ Ŀŋùāķŭ Öũā̆ ŶĞā p˚˟˙˙i (ˢ˞˝ litres/hr); the N˚6˙˙e (external) (ˢ˞˝ litres/hr at ˞˙º); the N˚˜˙˙i (ˠˠ˞ litre/hr) and the N˚˜˙˙e (ˠˠ˞ litres/ hr at ˞˙º). The two ˚˟˙˙ŭ ĞÖƑā ķŋÖù ťũŋƩ ķāŭ ŋĕ ÇÇḋ while the ˚˜˙˙ŭ Öũā ķŋÖù ťũŋƩ ķā Çd̍ ũā ŶĞā ŽłĢŶŭ Öũā ũÖŶāù óķÖŭŭ ̨ ̪ ĕŋũ ƒÖŶāũ āƧ óĢāłóƘ̍ All the models in the range use Rinnai’s advanced ðŽũłāũ ŶāóĞłŋķŋėƘ ĕŋũ āƗŶũÖ āłāũėƘ āƧ óĢāłóƘ̇ which boasts a ˚˜̆˚ turn down ratio. An advanced temperature control system helps reduce the risk of legionella. The burner controls ensure the appliances are well ahead of the NOx requirements set within ErP. The current level of permissible NOx set by ErP is ˞˟mg/kWh. The Sensei N Series range has been third-party tested at ˛ˡmg/kWh. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˞˛

Expansion of wall mounted range Hot water and heating specialist Adveco has added ˚˙ new wall-mounted models to its MD condensing gas boiler range for ķĢėĞŶ óŋĿĿāũóĢÖķ ÖťťķĢóÖŶĢŋłŭ̵̍ ķķ Ŀŋùāķŭ Ģł ŶĞā ũÖłėā ŋƦ āũ ŶĞā same heat exchanger with a continuous non-welded run of titanium stabilised stainless steel, providing strength and corrosion resistance. They also incorporate a three-pass design featuring large bore, circular tube cross-sections that reduce the collection of debris to ensure greater longevity. All the MD boilers feature pre-mix burner technology to help control operational costs and reduce NOx and !z āĿĢŭŭĢŋłŭ Öłù Öķŭŋ ŋƦ āũ ĢłŶāėũÖŶāù run/fault signal for connection to a BMS ŭƘŭŶāĿ̵̍¦Ğā āłŶĢũā m' ƒÖķķ-mounted range supported by a seven-year parts

and labour warranty when boilers are commissioned by Adveco. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˞˜

PHAM FEB20:Layout 1 30/01/2020 08:27 Page 48

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Light Commercial Heating

Electric water heaters to meet high demand

ÂÖķķ ŋũ ƪ ŋŋũ ĿŋŽłŶāù ùĢėĢŶÖķ ťũāŭŭŽũĢŭÖŶĢŋł

New from Lochinvar is a range of high performance āķāóŶũĢó ƪ ŋŋũ ŭŶÖłùĢłė ŭŶŋũÖėā ƒÖŶāũ ĞāÖŶāũŭ ĕŋũ commercial and large residential applications. The Cavalier water heaters are available in seven models, all of which meet the requirements of the EcoDesign (ErP) directive, and can operate at working pressures of up to ˡ bar. The fully packaged water heaters feature factory-Ʃ ŶŶāù ĿŽķŶĢťķā ĢĿĿāũŭĢŋł elements which operate in sequence for rapid hot water production. This ranges from three ˜kW elements in the lowest output model (ˢkW) up to nine ˟kW elements powering the highest output (˞˝kW) water heater, which is capable of providing up to ˢ˛ˢ litres of continuous hot water per hour at a temperature rise of ˞˙ºC. The water heaters are insulated with ˟˞mm polyurethane foam and encased in an enamelled grey jacket to ensure heat losses are substantially lower than the standard required by Part L of the Building Regulations. For ease of maintenance, all of the electrical components are accessible from the front of the units. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˞˝

Matrix is the name of Altecnic’s new range of digital pressurisation units for use with sealed heating and chilling systems. They are suitable for maintaining pressure in large domestic and commercial sealed heating systems, chilled water systems, refrigeration units and industrial cooling systems. The Matrix range comes in Mini, Midi and Maxi models, with two products in the Mini and Maxi category and four in the Midi product range. They ĕāÖŶŽũā Ö ĿŋłŋóŋŨŽā ùāŭĢėł ŶĞÖŶ óÖł ðā ƒÖķķ ŋũ ƪ ŋŋũ mounted, and include digital controls, premium quality pumps, precise pressure transducer, a robust break tank and external alarm. Stephanie Allchurch, product development manager, says: “The new Matrix range aligns itself with Altecnic’s core values and principles – to ŋƦ āũ ŨŽÖķĢŶƘ ÖŭŭŽũāù products which keep focus on the installer. This is achieved through the simplicity of installation and the unique features, which include: selfdiagnostics, alarm outputs and a BMS Modbus interface, bringing the product range into the modern world.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˙̓˞˟

Seven years boiler warranty All models in the commercial condensing boiler range from Remeha are now available with a seven year warranty, including parts and labour. The warranty applies to all current models, including the wall-hung Quinta Ace ũÖłėā̇ ŶĞā ƪ ŋŋũ-standing Gas ˚˛˙ and ˛˛˙ Ace series and the Gas ˛˚˙, ˜˚˙ and ˟˚˙ Eco Pro ranges. ¦Ğā ƒÖũũÖłŶƘ ŶÖĴāŭ āƦ āóŶ ĕũŋĿ the date of commissioning as opposed to the date of installation, extending customer cover still further, and is subject to the boilers being commissioned by Remeha, or an agent acting on behalf of the company. Remeha is part of Baxi Heating. ÖƗĢ NāÖŶĢłė̪ŭ ŭťāóĢƩ óÖŶĢŋł director, Tom Murray, comments:

“Our boilers are renowned for their unrivaled quality, high āƧ óĢāłóĢāŭ Öłù ũāķĢÖðĢķĢŶƘ̇ ðŽŶ extending the warranty to an incredible seven years means that our customers and end users can be sure of a high performance boiler óŋłƩ ėŽũÖŶĢŋł ŶĞÖŶ ƒĢķķ ıŽŭŶ Ĵāāť ŋł ėŋĢłė Öłù ėŋĢłė̵̉ “With tighter environmental targets to meet, maximising ķĢĕāŶĢĿā ðŋĢķāũ āƧ óĢāłóƘ Ģŭ Ŀŋũā critical than ever to avoid unnecessary energy waste. Carrying out regular servicing with genuine spare parts helps maintain optimum performance from our boilers, keeping building comfort levels high and operating costs and emissions low, year in, year out.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˙̓˞˞

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2019

Fires, Chimneys & Flues 49

Good advice stacks up for clean burning

t Installers registered with HETAS are trained and approved to UKAS standards and can selfcertify their work

allowing them to self-certify via HETAS that their work complies with the relevant building regulations. We provide access to free technical handbooks, advice and updates, competitively priced insurance, equipment and use of the HETAS approved mark.

When it comes to helping customers choose and use heating appliances, wood biomass and other solid fuels that are safe, efficient and environmentally responsible, HETAS can play a supporting role – says Director Bruce Allen.

Approved appliances

s a nation we have a legally binding commitment to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 20 0. Last year, the government also published its Clean Air Strategy, outlining a range of solutions to tackle air pollution, along with the proposed Environment Bill. Now that the general election is done, it is likely that the Bill will move forward with the aim to create legislation that removes the option of buying wet wood (except in larger volumes) and limit the sale of appliances to those which burn most cleanly.

Bruce Allen

Director of HETAS

Testing times All of this has brought intense scrutiny on the industry, particularly on the use of wood burning stoves and burning practices within the home. This is where installers have a critical role to play in reassuring customers and encouraging best practice that will, over time, reduce environmental impact. Despite the increased popularity of wood burning stoves in recent years, these are undoubtedly testing times for our industry as a whole and as a result, the supporting role that HETAS plays in providing advice and guidance has never been more critical, or in demand.

Trusted source HETAS is a not-for-proﬁt organisation responsible for driving the highest standards of fuel, appliances and people throughout the solid fuel heating industry. Most importantly, we provide an independent and impartial voice for the industry and as such have worked hard to become a trusted source of information for installers, chimney sweeps, consumers, industry, government and policymakers. As a trusted mark of quality, we receive thousands of calls to

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Installers have a critical role to play in reassuring customers and encouraging best practice that will, over time, reduce environmental impact

FACTS ABOUT HETAS  It is responsible for driving up the standards for fuel, appliances and operatives in the solid fuel industry

It is a UKAS Accredited ertiﬁ ation od



 Registered installers can selfcertify their work  Appliances on the Approved Appliance list are compliant with legal requirements  HETAS Approved Retailers offer trusted advice to customers

The proposed Environment Bill aims to create legislation that would ban the option of buying wet wood for burning in stoves

our consumer support helpline and around 0,000 visits to our website every month. In fact, the number of people who sought advice and guidance from HETAS last year increased by 2 % on 201 . As a result, we’re able to help more people make informed choices and drive the use of ualiﬁed ET pproved professionals for installations, servicing and maintenance. We’re responsible for registering the vast majority of solid fuel, wood, and biomass installers, as well as chimney sweeps, service engineers and retailers. We also work with manufacturers and testing facilities to provide a robust

and respected product and appliance approvals scheme. The HETAS Approved Retailer scheme provides kudos for stove shops and showrooms. It aims to increase safety whilst promoting the reputation of good quality retailers who are recognised for offering advice and support to help consumers ﬁnd the most suitable appliance for their home.

Best advice Through the provision of training and information, we help our registrants keep their knowledge up to date so they can properly advise their customers on appliance and fuel choice, correct operation and maintenance. HETAS is a UKAS Accredited ertiﬁcation Body and its registered installers are trained and assessed to agreed standards,

There are HETAS helplines for installers and trade professionals as well as consumers, and we receive constant questions about the choice of stoves, boilers, chimney systems and other equipment. There are currently a number of legal requirements for placing stoves on the market in the UK, including CE marking, future Ecodesign regulations, compliance with Building Regulations, General Product Safety Regulations and the appliance manufacturing standards. Choosing an appliance that is backed by an independent and impartial verification scheme certainly makes life easier for those wanting to choose one of the many that are available. There will be a number of assurance schemes across the sector and all will take their place in providing reassurance for customers. HETAS Product Approval is one of the schemes available in the UK. If a HETAS Approved Appliance has been chosen, we will be able to confirm that it is compliant with all current legal requirements and regulations like CE marking, Energy Labelling and other declarations of conformity that give confidence that the product meets specific re uirements. If an appliance is not on the HETAS list, it may have assurances under other schemes which may cover a distinct range - e.g. for biomass boilers suitable for RHI incentives, for batch fed wood-burning stoves, or some other more distinct category of appliance. Some of these may also be found on the HETAS website.

More information As we move towards full Ecodesign compliance for stoves in 2022, we recognise that consumers, installers, manufacturers, retailers, speciﬁers, architects and local authorities will need to rely heavily on advice from HETAS. As such, our website and search facility, as well as our printed guide, are readily available to provide advice and information: www.hetas.co.uk/ﬁnd-appliance ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/

29/01/2020 11:31

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Fires, Chimneys & Flues

All-m al fl i i ris

s or s ildi s

ith ﬁre safety in high-rise buildings a top priority for government, changes in regulations now mean that boiler ﬂues must be made from non combustible materials. ere, News looks at the latest options.

s official in uiries into the renfell Tower fire disaster continue, boiler manufacturers have been responding to the new regulations arising out of ame udith ackitt’s ndependent Review of Building Regulations and Fire afety. ncluded in the final report was a ban on the use of combustible materials on the external walls of new buildings over m high, as covered in pproved ocument B Fire afety of the Building Regulations, which affects the choice of boiler flue. ommenting on the new regulations, ohn Lawton, technical product manager at ntergas Boilers, says This effectively renders all boiler installations in high-rise buildings non-compliant, as most gas boiler flues are made of polypropylene plastic E , which is classed as a combustible material. hat this means for boiler manufacturers is that plastic flues are no longer eligible for installation in these circumstances, so they have devised all-metal flues to comply with the new criteria. artyn Bridges, director of technical communication and product management at orcester, comments ut simply, any materials penetrating an external wall from an internal part of the building in a high-rise must pass a new B EN classification test.

im s s ai l ss s

l fl

or i

-ris

onventional condensing boiler flues with polypropylene inner ducts, used by every domestic boiler manufacturer, do not meet these criteria. This is despite these flue ducts being totally encased with an enamelled steel air duct, therefore not providing any risk of being exposed to fire inside a dwelling.

Unintended consequences r Elaine Lancaster, chief technical officer at deal Boilers, observes that the unintended impact of the regulations has been to restrict the installation or replacement of gas boilers in all buildings over six storeys or 1 m although exceptions can be made by local authorities on a case by case basis. n several instances senior ﬁre officers have determined that it is acceptable to use pre-existing ﬂues with polypropylene inner ducts for high-rise buildings, under the clause opt-out for public buildings, says Elaine. n light of these facts, the

ildi

inistry of ousing, ommunities and Local overnment L department has ordered a review into changes affecting flue materials, with a view to relaxing regulations. owever, this could take a considerable amount of time to come into effect, so manufacturers are ensuring that they can provide flues that meet the current criteria now. e welcome the recent news that the L department has ordered a review of these changes, says artyn Bridges. This could potentially take several months, so we have designed a new all-metallic flue which will meet the criteria for high-rise dwellings and allow us to continue to replace existing boiler installations. e’ll be releasing more details on the product in arch.

Material gains deal Boilers, too, is working to ensure its installer customers have access to fully complaint ﬂues under current regulations. Elaine Lancaster says Obtaining

o al o

o s o io s o s i a s l vailable from alor is a wide range of solid fuel and gas stoves in both traditional and contemporary styles. ictured is the Brunswick stove featuring a traditional styled black cast iron design. The stove boasts a heat efficiency of 1 and a heat output of 4.0k in the gas version, and 1 heat efficiency and k heat output in the solid fuel version. The gas model comes with side manual variable control to ad ust the flames and heat output and, thanks to an easy to fit conversion kit, it is also available for use with L . Other traditionally styled stove options include the Ridlington eries, delivering a more powerful heat output of 4. k gas or k solid fuel . The gas version has a % efficiency figure and comes with manual or

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exemptions or seeking changes to regulations can be a lengthy process, so to allow boiler installations to continue, deal Boilers has developed a new, compliant solution. deal Boiler’s version uses an inner aluminium flue duct rather than the previous E version. This allows it to be classified as an 1 material and is therefore compliant with the revised legislation. ntergas Boilers is highlighting its Rapid boiler range, which includes a flue consisting of material compounds of galvanised

remote control and also the option of coal or log fuel effect. The solid fuel version comes with alor’s controlled irwash system, aiding combustion and helping to keep the glass clean. For customers who prefer a more modern aesthetic, alor offers the nspire tove L, featuring a cast iron stove casing and built-in log store. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/

The R asso Eco ave is a sleek, cylindrical gas stove with a large, wraparound viewing window framing a log ﬁre bed. t is operated by the R Eco ave app, has an ‘ ’ energy rating, and is over 90 energy efficient. The asso is a balanced ﬂue stove, a technology that was originally developed by R , which means it does not need to be connected to a chimney, meaning it can be installed in a variety of locations around the home.

rol o

powder coated steel and high grade aluminium. These materials have been tested to prEN 1 1 and are therefore classified as 1 in accordance with EN 1 01 1. ime claims that it has gone one step further with its stainless steel flues. These flues are fully compliant with the high-rise combustibles ban and are made from high uality stainless steel. ime national sales manager ohn oran says e have produced a flue for condensing boilers that is more hard wearing and will not corrode. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/ 8

Passo ir is drawn from outside the building for combustion, with waste gases expelled through the same concentric flue. This enables high flames, high efficiency and no depletion of air from within the home, resulting in safe and comfortable heating. n addition to the original Nero black version, R has now produced the asso in five other colour finishes, offering a choice of Titan, earl, hite, Tur uoise and Light rey. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/ 0

30/01/2020 15:34

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Product News 51 Plumbing station can save time on installation With the aim of reducing installation time, Rehau has launched a range of plumbing stations. They are pre-fabricated and pressure-tested single components for making sanitary connections that are accurate to a millimeter. By providing such a connection in one single component, the plumbing station speeds up and simplifies installations. For example, by using the plumbing station, three sinks could be installed in the time it would usually take for one, with no compromise on thermal insulation, sound insulation or condensation protection. Installers are often faced with many differing installation scenarios, carefully and accurately fitting pipework into surface or flush mounted, T-piece or loop-

ONLINE For further information about any of the products featured on this page, simply enter phamnews. co.uk/220/ plus the relevant enquiry number.

though installations. Suitable for any of these installation types, the plumbing station offers time savings on top of reliability for contractors and speciﬁers. The plumbing station is available for a number of different applications, from wash basins to baths to branded concealed shower units, such as ansgrohe. “Contractors need solutions that make installing plumbing

FGA kits come wi a r o r

systems as quick as possible,” says product manager for heating and plumbing, Drew Clough. “With Rehau’s new plumbing station, installers can have a one-component solution that speeds the installation process along dramatically. This one-sizeﬁts-all component is a universal ﬁtting that can be used for every type of installation imaginable.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/

Testo has released six new analyser kits and, as a special offer, is giving away a free Testo 0-1 Voltage Tester with each kit. The 2 , 20B and 20 Bluetooth analysers will all be provided in new Standard Kits and new Advanced kits. The Standard Kits include a soft case complete with shoulder strap. Advanced Kits for all three analysers include a new range of pipe clamp probes which are much quicker and easier to attach to pipework compared with earlier probes. They have NTC thermocouples which are more accurate and stable. With jaws that ﬁt pipework ranging from mm to mm, and with a 1.2m cable on each probe, these sets can be used on virtually any domestic heating job and most commercial applications too. Until the end of April 2020 these new FGA kits, and all Testo 00 N 00LL Smart Flue Gas Analyser kits will be delivered with a free Testo 0-1 Voltage Tester. The Testo 0-1 has a number of safety features, including a 0º display which lights up when voltage is detected. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/

Mains booster pumps are a simple solution The new mains booster range from Salamander Pumps is aimed at creating a simple solution to boosting mains water pressure and flow. The new range, comprising 11 different products, features inline pumps and accumulator tanks, and is designed to provide a quiet, lightweight, easy-to-install solution for all domestic and light commercial mains water boosting . The mains boosting range includes: CombiBoost – an entry-level inline pump boosting mains water flow up to 10 litres per minute; HomeBoost – an intelligent inline mains pump that recognises when water pressure and flow are low and automatically boosts the incoming mains water up to 12 litres/ min; AccuBoost – a

51.indd 1

range of accumulators which store mains cold water at pressure before releasing the water into the system when an outlet is opened. Salamander’s AccuBoost range comprises ﬁve different sizes 0, 120, 1 0, 00, 4 0 litres, with all sizes except the 0 litre available in pumped and unpumped models. The tanks are manufactured from lightweight composite vessels, rather than traditional steel, reducing the weight signiﬁcantly compared with some other accumulators on the market. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/

Height adjustable al s o s a flow The Airgap 000 Series from Fluidmaster is a BS1212 compliant, height ad ustable fill valve which prevents backflow and has been introduced to deal with the issue of ‘blue water’ – a problem created by cistern cleaning tablets contaminating water supplies. The bottom inlet toilet valve has been carefully engineered to fit virtually all cisterns on the market, with simple adjustment options making it an adaptable solution. Other key features include: easy ‘no tool’ service; quiet refill unhindered performance at low and high pressures; delayed/non-delayed side and bottom entry; plastic and brass fixings available. Technical director Andrew Craig says: “Our new Airgap 000 is an important tool in solving the issues resulting from blue water backflow. The uni ue ad ustable nature of the Airgap 000 means that one size fits all, reducing the amount of stock which needs to be carried and ensuring that the right part can be sourced and installed quickly and easily.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/

Diagnostic tool for social landlords Ideal Boilers has launched a cellular remotemonitoring system for its boilers, giving social landlords more information about their estates without requiring residents’ homes to be connected to the internet. The solution, Ideal Diagnostics Cellular, can be installed on a wide range of the company’s boilers and gives landlords access to usage data and fault alerts via a secure and user-friendly online portal. This insight may increase operational efficiency and improve the level of service to residents. Detailed remote diagnostics data means engineers will have much more information at their ﬁngertips before even arriving at a property, potentially helping them carry out work more quickly and allowing them to bring the right parts for the job. Usage data, meanwhile, can be a useful metric in helping to identify vulnerable people that are not heating their homes sufficiently and those living in fuel poverty. Similarly, landlords will be able to identify those properties with the highest energy consumption. Lizzie Wilkinson, head of domestic product management at Ideal Boilers, says: “In ID-Cellular, we’ve come up with an easy-to-ﬁt solution that can be installed in virtually any home, regardless of whether it has an internet connection or even a phone line, making it ideal for use on social housing properties. As the latest in a series of innovations designed for our social landlord customers, it will help them deliver even better service to thousands of residents.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/ 8

29/01/2020 16:24

COMPETITION

PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

WIN a Glow-worm Easicom boiler!

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

We have six to win, with one boiler given away each month over the course of six issues. THE PRIZE he super light super e ient super alue asi om boiler has been spe iﬁ all designed with the needs of the installer and their ustomers in mind he range features a low maintenan e automoti e grade aluminium sili ate heat e hanger and a patented four-sided ooling s stem to redu e the stress on the heat e hanger to deli er long-term reliabilit for homeowners ompatible with the e isting ue range for eas repla ement of older boilers the boiler also omes with a hoi e of bespoke a essories in luding a large aestheti pipe o er panel and uni ersal upward piping kit a h boiler also offers a pipe

la out to make boiler swaps ui k and eas and larger waterwa s making it perfe t for retroﬁt obs asi oms sleek design features a bright and eas -to-read displa and its uiet operation means minimal noise for homeowners. The range an also be used alongside a hoi e of ontrols in luding low-worms limastat smart thermostat, which not only empowers homeowners to e ientl manage their heating and hot water but will also meet oiler lus regulations. he range is onne ted to low-worms lub Energy installer scheme which, when the Easicom installation is registered will initiate a ﬁ e- ear guarantee.

HOW TO ENTER Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, will be the destination of the low-worm ster rip uests on the ﬁ e-da all-e penses paid trip will be treated to a sta at ﬁ e-star hotel ara elle aigon sited right in the heart of the it ust minutes awa from bustling street markets and i oni landmarks For a chance to win an Easicom boiler, all you have to do is answer the following question about the next Mystery Trip destination:

What is the capital city of Vietnam? A. Hanoi B. Bangkok C. Jakarta mail our answer to editor phamnewsedit o uk with ‘Win an Easicom’ in the subject line. Please make sure ou in lude the following

our name and our ompan s name onta t telephone number our as afe eg o * Please type ‘YES’ in the bod of our email if ou are happ to re ei e email offers from low-worm ll orre t answers re ei ed before the losing date of draw Only one entry per person will be allowed.

th ebruar

will be entered into the pri e

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

www.glow-worm.co.uk

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Product News m ra

ro id s a s

To facilitate the installation of electric underfloor heating, Amber has launched a decoupling membrane designed to work with the company’s heating cable. The product also guards against movement in the subfloor, helping to prevent tiles from cracking. The polypropylene membrane has rounded square-shaped studs that form channels specially designed to embed and fasten electric heating cables. Coupled with the Amber's heating cable, the system is suitable for small or large installations. Depending on the cable spacing the cable can provide a power output for either primary or secondary heat. Available in m and 1 m rolls, the Amber decoupling membrane does not require expansion joints in the screed before laying ceramic and natural stone tiles. It is also a waterproof membrane when the mber waterproofing tape and sealant is used. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/

Turn up the dial on water heaters Heating product specialist Stiebel Eltron has launched two new compact instantaneous electric water heaters in its DCE range. The DCE-X Premium pictured offers users temperatures which can be set between 20 and 60ºC in 0. º intervals. The system also has two memory keys to remember frequently used temperature settings, and to activate an ‘eco’ mode. Thanks

to its compact design, the DCE-X Premium is suitable for the kitchen sink, washbasin, and even the shower. In commercial settings, it can be used in utility rooms or for supplying multiple hand washbasins in sanitary facilities. The range also includes

Handy pack cleans and protects Fernox has launched its new TF1 Sigma Filter Installer’s Pack comprising the TF1 Sigma Filter with slip socket connection and the enhanced reformulated Cleaner F and Protector F1 00ml product. This -in-1 handy pack ensures installers have everything they need to clean and protect a domestic heating system. The TF1 Sigma Filter is made from a composite polymer for improved strength and reliability compared to conventional lidded ﬁlters. t combines hydronic particle separation technology with a powerful magnet to ensure both magnetic

the DCE-S Plus which offers economical hot water and high energy efficiency for both residential and commercial use. Speaking about the new range, MD Mark McManus says: “Customers, whether they be speciﬁers or residents themselves, are increasingly looking for efficient space-saving alternatives for their water heating systems. This new range has been created with this in mind. Whether the customer is looking for a standard unit for constant water temperature, or a higherend system with more control features, we have a solution available as a part of this range.” ◼ phamnews. co.uk/220/ 0

and non-magnetic debris is captured and prevented from depositing within the boiler. Also included in the pack is the Fernox Cleaner F . This is non-foaming chemical cleaner that has been reformulated to clean larger volume systems. Once clean, the system is ready for dosing with Protector F1. This reformulated chemical inhibitor offers p buffering and combines three different types of active inhibitors to form a protective barrier between the system metals and water – preventing electrolytic corrosion from taking place and stopping the build-up of sludge and limescale. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/220/ 1

29/01/2020 17:25

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Training & Assessments 53

GAS ENGINEERS & PLUMBERS NEED ACS ASSESSMENTS? Last year saw major changes within the Gas Industry which made it more difficult for Plumbers to get their Gas qualifications. Changes are again due later this year, and we anticipate even stricter entry levels being introduced, If you want your gas qualifications you need to act now. ECS can help you, call us now 01226 741800 o rt e be urs at um Co v Pl as 0 + G 200 £

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

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

ECS Gas Training 10 Market Street, Hoyland Barnsley S74 9QR

Tel: 01226 741800

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Tuition from Industry Experts for 20 years Focussing on Student Success Courses on o er include; Domestic Gas Foundation Training Gas Engineering Apprenticeship Level 3 ACS Refresher HTR1 Package, Refresher and Assessment OFTEC - OFT101, OFT600a, OFT105e

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Domestic Solar Hot Water Heating WRAS Energy E ciency Photovoltaic Systems Bristol • Redruth • Plymouth • Newton Abbott • Exeter

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To ﬁnd out more about highlighting your Training Courses and availability to over 29,000* PHAM News readers, please contact Sharon classiﬁed@phamnews.co.uk 01889 577 222

*ABC Audited Circulation 29,040 Jan-Dec 2018

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Directory Calibration Services

Radiators

GAS CALIBRATION ..EASY AS

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

test 4 less www.test4less.co.uk

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Controls

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

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

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Safety Products

Heaters (Water)

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Heating Controls

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Next day delivery available on 100s of controls

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Plumbing Products

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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020

Information Centre 55

Directory Sale - Bathroom Specialist

Central Heating combination boilers fault finding & repair John Reginald has released his easy to read, easy to understand book that takes the reader through the background and operation of each major component within combi boilers past and present. The comprehensive fault finding logic guides provide professional solutions helping you to achieve professional standards. Priced at £26 this Industry leading book is available from all High Street and Online Book Stores.

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Snickers FlexiWork Insulated Jackets and Trousers Street-smart, stylish looks and marketleading GORE-TEX and 37.5® fabric technology make these jackets and trousers a must for winter on site or for outdoor leisure activities with superb insulation and full weather protection. With a range of winter accessories to choose from as well, Snickers Workwear’s FlexiWork and ALLroundWork garments feature contemporary designs packed with must-have features. Checkout the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or enter the code shown below.

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VitrA dedicates New Brochure to Brassware, Accessories and Showers

The new brochure includes all taps, accessories and showers and is the ideal reference point for every need from a complete re-design to a fast facelift. As well as looking good, VitrA brassware is tested above and beyond industry standards to ensure superior, trouble-free performance with a 10-year warranty on all brassware and 5 years on showers and accessories. Download the new brochure www.VitrA.co.uk/brochures or enter the code shown below.

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Temperature Sensors

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Features appearing in March issue

Domestic Boilers Inclusive Bathrooms Tools & Workwear

The Copper King

Heat Pumps

Advertiser’s Index AIC Heating UK Ltd

Intatec Ltd

Alpha Heating Innovation Front Cover Wrap

Kamco Ltd

Anton Industrial Services Ltd

MV Fluids Handling Ltd

Maincor Ltd

Arrow Valves Ltd BES Ltd

6 32 8

Navien UK

CMR Controls Ltd

Nero Pipeline Connections Ltd

Cistermiser Ltd

Nest Google

Domus Ventilation

11, 13 30 16, 17

Nu-Heat UK Ltd

The Electric Heating Company

Omegaflex Ltd

Ford Motor Company Ltd

Pegler Yorkshire Group Ltd

Pipesnug

Pitacs Ltd

Polypipe plc

Gas App Uk Ltd Geberit Sales Ltd

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Glow-worm

5, 6

The Radiator Company REMS (UK) Ltd

43 Inserts

Stelrad

Supplies 4 Heat

Testo

Viessmann Ltd

Vogue UK

Vokera Ltd

Wavin Ltd (Hep2o)

Worcester, Bosch Group

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