May 2018

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Volume 56 | Issue 5 | May 2018

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Volume V olume o 56 | Is Issue ssue 5 | M May ay 2018

Industry rrallies Industry allies b behind ehind rretentions ettention ns reform reform bill bill

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Despite a delay Despite delay in in tthe he s second econd rreading eading o off a b bill ill a aimed imed a att a addressing ddressing u unfair nfair p payment ayment p practices ractices iin n tthe he cconstruction onstruction iindustry, ndustry, w widespread idespread industry industry s support upport has has increased increased confidence confidence that that reform reform is is on on the the cards. cards.

Concerns about ab bout parliamentary p parliamentar y scheduling scheduling t second rreading eading of a has meant that the bill aimed at abolishing abo olishing the construction industry’s industr y’s e y existing xistiing g retentions retentions system y has been pushed bac back k until the summer. summer.

However, backers are Ho wever, bac kers of the bill ar e confident that the delay y will wiill help to gather gather further support for rreform eforrm both within industry industry and parliament.

The Aldous Bill (named (named after Peter Peter Aldous, Conservative the Conserv ative MP who introduced introduced it) aims to change change rretentions etentions practice practice by by introducing intr oducing accredited accredited third-party third-party deposit deposit schemes sc hemes to hold cash rretentions. etentions. In cases where are wher e monies ar e not protected protected by by such such scheme, in a construction a sc heme, any an ny clause c contract would contr act w ould be e invalid. in nvalid.

Abuse of rretentions etenttions has been legislated legislated against many a gainst in man ny countries, including the USA, Germany, German ny, France, France, Australia Australia and Canada, but no suc ssuch h regulation regulation currently currently exists e xists in the UK. It is estimated that over over working capital is locked £10.5bn of SME w o orking locked in

annually, flow rretentions etentions ann ually, with cash cas sh flo w issues unable lleaving lea av ving companies unab ble to invest invest in skills, in ways ttraining tr aining and w ay ys to improve improve productivity. productivity y.

Payment abuse P ayment y ab buse has climbed clim mbed up the agenda giant p political a genda since construction consttruction g iant days C Carillion collapsed just six da d ay ys after the fi first rreading eading of the Aldouss Bill, leaving lea aving v many owed m man ny SMEs o wed huge huge sums sum ms of money. money. argued I is ar It gued this money money could cou uld have hav ve been rrecovered ecovered had retentions retentions owed owed e by

by Carillion trust. t suppliers been held in trus to st. payment Reform of unfair pa ay yme ent practices, practices, excessive withholding of i including excessive with hholding

already rretentions, etentions, is i alr eady supported by by over over 75 industry trade bodies, representing industr y tr a ade representing some som me companies self-employed 330,000 co ompanies and self-emplo yed professionals. given pr p ofessionalls. Support pp has been g iven from across supply fr om acr os ss the construction supp ply chain, including c hain, inclu uding house building, roofing, roofin ng, scaffolding, electrical, heating, plumbing, plumbin ng, interiors and d demolition.

Building Engineering The Bui ilding Eng ineering Services Servic ces Association and Electrical Contractors Contracto ors have Association ha ave been instrumental in helping to build b support for the bill, which whiich broad has br oad cross-party crross-party support David BESA CEO O Da avid v Frise Frise says: sa ay ys: “The urgent urgent e is clear. need for rreform e eform clear. At its best, the t industry can deliver industr y ca an deli ver a first-class built bu uilt environment, en nv vironmen nt, but cash rretentions etentions impact impa act every e very one of o the 330,000 SMEs and sole so ole traders tr aders rrepresented epresented in this petition. We We proposal need reform reform m now, now, and the pr oposal to hold ho old cash rretentions etentiions in trust will be a start to demonstrate have demonstr ate lessons hav ve been learned learn ned from Carillion.” fr om Carillio on.”

Turn to page 69

Clear C lear sighted sighted

Oil-using O il-using h households ouseholds iineligible neligiible for for ECO3 ECO3 Government Government p proposals roposals tto oe exclude xclude oi oill b boilers oilers from from tthe he n next ext rround ound of of the the Energy Energy Company Company Obligation Obligat ion ((ECO) ECO) scheme scheme w would ould u unfairly nfairly discriminate a gainst rrural ural h ouseholds – tthis his discriminate against households is is tthe he view view of of OFTEC, OFTEC, w which hich h has as expressed expressed its its c concerns oncer ns tthat hat ssuch uch a an ne exclusion xclusion c could ould lead lead tto oe even ven h higher igher llevels e v el s o off ffuel uel p poverty. over t y.

BEIS h as llaunched aunched a consultation consultat ion o n tthe he BEIS has on introduction int roduct ion o off E ECO3 CO3 which which is is due due to to run r un from tthis his October.

October. It It will will be be the the third third phase phase from of of the the ECO ECO initiative initiative which which aims aims to to provide provide affordable affordable warmth warmth to to low low income income and and other other vulnerable v ulnerable households. households.

Under Under the t he new new proposals, proposals, oil-heated oil-heated households households w will ill still still be be eligible elig ible to to fit fit energy energ y efficiency efficiency measures measures such such as as insulation insulation and and heating heat ing c controls, ontrols, b but ut u unable nable tto o rrepair ep a i r o orr

replace replace a an n old, old, faulty faulty or or broken broken boiler boiler with with a new new oil oil appliance. appliance. Comparable Comparab ble households households on on m mains ains g gas as o orr L LPG PG w would ould c continue ontinue tto oh have ave access access tto o tthis his ssupport. uppor t.

Oil-using Oil-using c consumers onsumers m may ay b be ea allowed llowed to to fit fit other other solutions solutions such such as as air air source source heat heat pumps pumps – although although these these would would not not be be eligible eligible for R HI p ayments – a nd L PG b oilers under under for RHI payments and LPG boilers the the rrevised evised ECO3 ECO3 scheme, scheme, b but ut OFTEC OFTEC ssays ays these these systems systems are are far far more more expensive expensive to to run, r un, leaving leaving some some of of the the most most vulnerable vulnerable rural financial disadvantage rural households households att a fi nancial d isadvantage compared compared to to those those on on mains mains gas. gas.

A further f ur t her potential potent ial consequence consequence is is that t hat to avoid higher bills, to a void tthe he h igher ffuel uel b ills, oil-using oil-using consumers consumers may may iignore g nore faulty fault y appliances, appliances, employ cowboy fix employ c owboy ttechnicians echnicians tto o fi x tthem, hem, or or

try t r y tto oc carry ar r y out out rrepairs epairs themselves. t hemselves.

CEO CEO of of OFTEC, OFTEC, Paul Paul Rose, Rose, says: says: “The “The fact fact that are already higher thatt ffuel ue u l poverty poverty llevels evels a re a lready h igher iin n rural rural locations locations makes makes Government Government proposals proposals to oil boilers to omit omit o il b oilers from from the t he next next round round of of ECO even more nonsensical.

The ECO e ven m ore n onsensical. T he ssituation ituat ion could could b be ea acceptable cceptable iiff a affordable ffordable a alternative lternativ i e heating oil existed.

But heat ing solutions solut ions tto o o il e x i st e d . B ut tthe he simple simple fact fact is is that, t hat, currently, cur rent ly l , they t hey don’t. don’t.

“The “The p plan lan tto oe exclude xclude o oil il b boilers oilers ffrom rom E ECO3 CO3 is attempt align poverty is a misguided misguided a ttempt tto oa lign ffuel uel p overty and policies. and carbon carbon reduction reduct ion p olicies. It It unfairly unfairly discriminates discr iminates a against gainst rrural ural h households ouseholds in fuel fu uel p poverty overt y o over ver ttheir heir urban urban counterparts counter parts connected mains gas.

Mains gas and LPG connected tto om ains g as. M ains g as a nd L PG have been excluded, yet both are have not not b een e xcluded, y et b ot h a re sstill t ill fossil with high carbon emissions.” fossil ffuels uels w it h h igh c arbon e missions.”

Ellesmere Ellesmere-based e-based h hot ot w water ater ccylinder ylinder manufacturer m anufacturer Fabdec Fabdec is is looking looking to to s ave energy energy a nd improve improve the the working working save and environment en vironment ffor or iits ts 1 100-plus 00-plus em employees ployees by b y iinvesting nvesting iin n n new ew L LED ED llighting. ighting. T The he llights ig ghts have have a consistency consisten e cy of of colour colo our without without flickering, which fatigue, fl ickering, w hich rreduces educes fa tigue, llowers owers susceptibility s usceptibilit y tto o m migraines igraines a and nd a allows llows staff s taff to to see see objects objects in in their their true true colour colour and a nd detail. detail. “We “We continually continually invest invest in in a dv anc e d manufacturing manu fac t u r i ng equipment e qu ipment advanced forr tthe fo he business, business, but but investing investing in in the the environment en vironment o our ur em employees ployees w work ork k iin n iis s equally e qually as iimportant,” mportant,” s says ays M MD D C Chris hris P owell.

Powell.

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May 2018

NEWS N EWS W R Review eview

5

Support upport fo for or cclarity laritty E IInside nside this this issue issue S Editor’s ditor’ss on o n CO C alarm alarm rregs egs Viewpoint V iewpoint Training T raining r Update

We round up somee of We the latest courses and training opportun opportunities nities for professional instal p installers llers

Starts page 34

Pipes, Fittings Fittings &V alves a Valves Developments in pipework p systems and acces ssories accessories designed to make life installers easier for installer rs

Starts page 39

Water W ater a Heatin Heating ng & Cylinders Cylinders The market for the thermal ermal stores and some off the latest advances in water heating technology y

Starts page 52

Pumps & Heating Spares Sp pares What supply compa companies anies are doing to meet demand d f fast for f t and d reliable li ble spares delivery

Starts page 61

The Technical The Technical M Magazine agazine for for the the Plumbing, Plumbing, H eating & A ir Movement Movemeent IIndustry ndustr y Heating Air

Incorporating: Incorporating: Plumbing & Heating Ne News wss Plumbing & Heating Equipment Equippment News News

The House The House of of Commons Commons Housing, H ousing, C Communities ommunities a and nd Local ComL ocal Government Gover nment C ommittee given m ittee has has g iven iits ts ssupport upport ffor or sstricter tricterr regulations regulattions on on the the provision pr ovision o off C CO Oa alarms larms in in the the private p rivatte e rented rentted sector, sector, agreeing agreeing with w ith rrecommendations ecommendations tthat hat tthey hey should should be be fitted fitted in in rooms rooms containing c ontaining any any fuel-burning fuel-burning appliance. a ppliance.

Currently, C urrently y, private prrivatte landlords landlords are iin n England England and and Wales Wales a re only o nly required required d to install install CO CO al arms in rrooms ooms c ontaining alarms containing ssolid olid ffuel-burning ue u l-burning ap ppliances appliances ((the the Smoke Smoke a and nd C Carbon arbon Monoxide Alarms M onoxide A larms ((England) England) Regulations 2015), but R eg ulations 2 015), b ut a change c hange to to the the regulations reg ulations w ould b r ing tthe he rregs egs iinto nto would bring lline ine with with Scotland Scotland where where tthey hey are are mandatory mandator y for for any any ttype ype of of fuel. fuel.

T he rrecommendations ecom mmendations The ffor or reform reform were were originally or ig inally p ublished in in a report report from from published tthe he All-Party All-Party Parliamentary Parliamentar y C arbon Monoxide Monoxide Group Group Carbon ((APPCOG) APPCOG) which which a rgued tthat hatt argued m ore n eeded to be be done done to more needed pr otect the the 2.7 2.7 million million pr ivatte protect private ttenants enants currently currently att risk risk from from d a ng er ou s ffuel-burning uel-bu r n i ng dangerous ap pliances. appliances.

IItt is is argued argued that that a change change to to tthe he regulations regulations w ould m ake would make tthe he rules rules clearer clearer for for landlords landlords a nd would would also also reinforce reinforce to to and llandlords andlords ttheir heir rresponsibility esponsibility

by C Chris hris JJones ones

Bill saving Bill saving o r ccarbon arbon ssaving? aving? or to get get gas gas appliances appliances checked checked to annually. R ecent research research annually.

Recent from tthe he G as S afe R eg ister from Gas Safe Register suggests that that more more than than 1 in in suggests landlords don’t don’t know know that that 3 landlords it iis s ttheir heir rresponsibility, esponsibility, a nd it and in 7 think think gas gas appliance appliance 1 in safet y is is the the responsibility responsibilit y safety of their their local local council. council. of Commenting on on the the news, news, Commenting APPCOG C o-chair B ar r y APPCOG Co-chair Barry Sheerman MP MP says: says: “I “I am am Sheerman delighted tthat hat at tthe he C ommittee delighted Committee has backed backed APPCOG’s APPCOG’s recomrecomhas mendation ffor or a c hange iin n mendation change the law law so so private p ivate landlords pr landlords the are required required d to provide provide CO CO are allarms in i rrooms ooms c ontain i in i g alarms containing any fuel-burning fue u l-burning a ppliances. any appliances.

With one one in in five five households households With now living living in in private private rented rented now accommodation, it it is is right r ight accommodation, and proper proper that that all all tenants tenants and should b e k ept safe safe and and should be kept secure in in their their homes. homes. This This secure recommended c hange iin n recommended change the law law will will not not only only make make the reg ulation ssimpler impler ffor or llandandregulation lords tto o ffollow, ollow, b ut h elp k eep lords but help keep people ssafe afe from from carbon carbon people monoxide.” monoxide.”

Getting G etting into into hot hot water water

The Energy The Energ y Company Company Obligation Obligation (ECO) (ECO) scheme scheme was was originally o r ig inally d devised e v i se d a as saw way ay o off g getting etting tthe he b big ig e energy nerg y ssupply upply c companies ompanies tto od do o ttheir heir b bit it in in helping helping tthe he c country ountr y tto o reduce reduce its its carbon carbon emissions emissions and and also also focus focus on on helping helping ssome ome lless-well-off ess-well-off h households ouseholds rreduce educe ttheir heir e energy nergy b bills. ills.

Two T wo q quite uite llaudable audable o objectives bjectives y you ou m might ight tthink, hink, b but ut tthe he pr oblem h as pr oven tto ob e tthat hat tthey hey d on’t n ecessar ily problem has proven be don’t necessarily work w ork h hand and iin nh hand. and.

L ast month month ssaw aw tthe he Government Government issue issue a consultation consultation Last what effectively off tthe programme, ffor or w hatt iis se ffectively tthe he third third version version o he pr ogramme, sset et to to run r un from from O October ctober tthis his year. year. In In recognition recog nition tthat hat original ambitions may have been high, o r ig inal a mbitions m ay h ave b een sset et ttoo oo h igh, iitt iiss proposed proposed tthat hat tthe he Carbon Carbon Emissions Emissions Reductions Reductions Obligation O bligation ((CERO) CERO) will will now now be be removed removed from from the the scheme scheme and will be placed on providing affordable a nd more more ffocus o c us w ill b ep laced o n pr oviding a ffordable warmth and vulnerable households. key w armth tto o llow ow iincome ncome a nd v ulnerable h ouseholds. A k ey part off the p ar t o the proposals proposals is is to to make make it it easier easier to to install install first first central heating and also previous ttime ime c entral h eating a nd a lso tto o iincrease ncrease tthe he pr evious cap upgrading heating 18,000 35,000 c ap on on u pgrading h eating ssystems ystems ffrom rom 1 8,000 tto o3 5,000 year. iinstallations nstallations a y ear.

Such S uch a move move has has been been broadly broadly welcomed welcomed by by heating heating manufacturers who will embrace opportunity m anufacturers w ho w ill e mbrace tthe he o ppor tunit y tto o boilers, ssell ell more more b oilers, but but with with oil oil boilers boilers excluded excluded from from the the has not sscheme, cheme, tthere here h as n ot ssurprisingly ur pr isingly been been widespread w idespread disappointment oil heating d isappointment from from tthe he o il h eating iindustry. ndustr y. OFTEC OFTEC argues a rgues tthat hatt this this would would unfairly unfairly discriminate discriminate against against rural rural households and h ouseholds a nd lead lead to to higher higher levels levels of of fuel fuel poverty poverty in in parts ssome ome p ar ts of of the the country. countr y. If If the the main main objective objjective of of the the about carbon emissions and sscheme cheme iis s lless ess ab out rreducing educing c arbon e missions a nd more about providing m ore ab bout pr oviding consumers consumers with with more more affordable affordable warmth, w armth, tthen hen it it would would be be hard hard to to claim claim that thatt they they haven’t haven’t got case. g ot a c ase.

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©C Copyright opyright 2018 2018 | Plumbing, Plumbing , Heating Heating & Air Air Movement Movement News N ew s All rrights ights rreserved. eserved. No par partt of this ppublication ublication ma mayy be rreproduced eproduced or stor stored ed in a rretrieval etrieval system without w wr written itten consent from fr om the publisher publisher.. A Attributed ttributed ar articles ticlees rrepresent epresent the vie views ws of the A Author(s) uthor(s) and ar aree not the necessa necessarily arily those of the EEditor. ditor.

The T he publisher publisherss accept no rresponsibility esponsibility ffor or claims made bbyy man manufacturers ufacturers or adv advertisers. ertisers. TThis his mag magazine a azine includes a nnumber umber of colour editor editorial ial photo photographs graphs paid ffor or bbyy supplier suppliers. s.

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Members M embers c can an a also lso b benefit enefit ffrom rom ea easy sy w warranty arranty rregistration, egistration, access a ccess tto o ttraining raining o opportunities, pportunities, a and nd o online nline rresources esources tto oa aid id tthem hem iin n their their job. job. For For more more information information o on nM Megaflo egaflo R Rewards, ewards, please p lease v visit isit w www.megaflorewards.co.uk ww.megaflorewards.co.uk

Email: info@mvfh.co.uk • www.mvfh.co.uk ENQUIRY EENQUIRY NQUIR RY

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May 2018

6

News Review

Study shows issue Guilty kitchen fitter used lead solder with health checks

Deadly bacteria lurking in drinking water storage tanks could be missed by standard health and safety tests, according to a new report.

Cold water storage tanks supplying public drinking water are regularly checked for harmful bacteria; however, researchers from Brunel University London found that samples taken as standard from the top of the tank are 40% less likely to raise a red flag than samples taken from the opposite end. One in five samples taken from the top didn’t trigger the urgent safety action that samples from the bottom of the same tank showed was needed.

“These results call into question the reliability of present measures used to protect the public from waterborne pathogenic diseases, including legionella,”

says Aji Peter, a PhD student from Brunel’s Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, who carried out the research.

Current safety regulations require a sample be taken from under the ball valve at the top of the tank for regular monitoring. Scientists are now calling for the standard safety tests to be changed to look at samples taken from the far end of the tank, where water is likely to be warmer and hold more bacteria-feeding sediment.

“Monitoring at the far end would provide a much more accurate indication of microbiological contamination.

This would allow appropriate precautions to be taken to protect the public from waterborne pathogenic diseases, including Legionaries’ disease,” adds Aji Peter.

The plumbing industry has reacted to the recent case of a Torquay kitchen fitter who was found guilty of using lead solder on potable water pipework. Kitchen fitter Geoff Chudley was fined £2250 after pleading guilty to seven counts of the illegal use of lead solder in the fitting of kitchens.

The use of lead solder on domestic drinking supplies was banned in 1987.

Chudley was prosecuted by water company South West Water during a hearing at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court in March under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. The water company’s routine monitoring showed drinking water in several homes exceeded the legal limit for lead.

WaterSafe, the national

register for approved plumbers, is urging homeowners and businesses to check if their plumber is registered with WaterSafe before letting them start work on any plumbing connected to the mains water supply.

Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, comments: “The use of lead pipes to supply drinking water and the use

of lead solder to join pipes has been banned in the UK for more than 30 years.

“Plumbers who are properly trained in the water fittings regulations know this and are fully qualified to make sure tap water in homes and businesses is kept at the same high standards as when it’s supplied by water companies.”

UFH on the rise

Win a Makita job site radio!

See page 67

The UK underfloor heating market is forecast to grow by 7% in 2018, according to a new report from AMA Research.

The ‘Underfloor heating market report – UK 2018-2022’ shows that the market grew by 6% in 2017, and UFH now accounts for 7% of the total UK heating systems sector.

The report also reveals that the domestic sector accounts for almost two-thirds of the overall UFH market value.

Water-based underfloor heating makes up the largest share by value, compared to electric systems.

“Although the market value has increased by almost 25% since 2013, there remains significant scope for growth in this sector,” says Keith Taylor, Director of AMA Research.

“Underfloor heating is becoming a more mainstream product.”

The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk

Addressing gender diversity Entry open for UK Plumber of the Year

With female technicians accounting for less than 1% of OFTEC’s 9000 plus registration base, the trade association says action must be taken to encourage more women into the profession as a vital step towards combatting a skills crisis.

Currently just 2% of tradespeople in the UK are women, while latest available statistics show that of the 1120 heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration apprenticeships started in 2014/15, just 20 were taken up by women.

OFTEC contrasts this with a recent survey by the Federation of Master Builders that found that almost a third of homeowners would prefer to hire a female tradesperson, and 42% said they would feel more at ease with a woman coming into their home.

Training manager at OFTEC,

6.indd 1

OFTEC registered technician Hollie Stallworthy

David Knipe, comments: “The heating profession could and should appeal to anyone who is looking for a fulfilling, hands-on career, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or any other characteristic. But we still aren’t seeing enough

young females encouraged towards this option.”

OFTEC registered technician, Hollie Stallworthy, who runs her own oil heating business, Hollie’s Heating Services, in Kent, agrees: “Schools and colleges should encourage all students, regardless of gender, to consider the trades if they show the necessary physical and logical skills. I went to an all-girls secondary school and although I had the right aptitude, no one ever suggested I could become a tradesperson.”

Tania Knightbridge, who qualified with OFTEC last year and works for her family business ATP Heating Services in Essex, adds: “Customers often say they feel comfortable with me visiting their home, and a number have said it’s inspiring for female children to see a lady doing an ‘out of the ordinary’ job.”

The APHC is calling upon the industry to boycott lead solder. CEO John Thompson explains: “I want to encourage plumbers and heating installers to stop using lead solder and for manufacturers and merchants to stop selling it, as lead-free alternatives can easily be used in joining copper pipes on all plumbing and heating works.

“If we as an industry stop using lead solder, or ideally if it can’t be purchased, then this would go a long way in protecting public health from DIY enthusiasts or unqualified plumbers who don’t know the regulations or understand the health risks.”

South West Water pledges it will take action against anyone who is found to be using lead solder on potable supplies.

News in brief • Adey has earned a third Queens Award for Enterprise to recognise the company’s growth in overseas markets.

• Heat rae Sadia has extended its free jacket promotion, aimed at purchasers of its Amptec or Electromax free flow boilers, which will now run until the end of June.

• The Ideal Standard International Group has been acquired by key shareholders, Anchorage Capital and CVC Credit Partners.

• German pipe manufacturer Aquatherm has established a distribution company in the UK, creating an independent subsidiary based in Burgess Hill, West Sussex.

Bathroom businesses JT, Wolseley Plumb Center, and Bristan have joined forces to launch the forth annual UK Plumber of the Year competition. The aim is to find the nation’s finest plumber for 2018 and to recognise the remarkable level of talent from plumbers across the UK, with prize fund of over £10,000 worth of prizes awarded to the winner.

To enter, plumbers simply need to detail one job which showed the full extent of their plumbing prowess and describe how it sets them apart from the rest. UK Plumber of the Year 2016, Shaun Scott from Aberdeen, has supported the search with a video called #EPICLIKESHAUN, which can be viewed on YouTube.

For information on how to enter, visit the official website (ukplumberoftheyear.com) and follow @UKPOTY on Twitter and on Facebook: Facebook.com/UKPlumberoftheYear

• Polypipe has rebranded its installer network as Registered Heating Engineers Network (RHEN) and removed the initial sign-up fee for new entrants, with existing members able to arrange a return of fees.

• Homeowners or installers can claim £100 cashback when they purchase an Aqualisa Q smart shower from a participating retailer before the end of June.

30/04/2018 15:56

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NEWS N EWS R Review eview

The m most ost trusted trusted trade, trade, but but too too few few Attracting A ttracting talent talent The are a re a asking sking for for proof proof o off q qualifications ualifications UK C UK Construction onstruction W Week eek iis s c alling for for pr ofessionals calling professionals tto o apply apply o orr b be en nominated ominated tto o take take part par t in in a new new rrole ole model m odel iinitiative nit iat ive ffor or 2 2018 0 18 iin n a an n e effort ffor t tto o a attract tt ract more people m ore p eople tto o tthe he c onst r uct ion iindustry. ndust r y. construction S uccessf ul a pplicants Successful applicants will w ill have have tthe he chance chance to to rraise aise ttheir heir own ow n profile profile by b y telling telling their t heir story stor y in in a nationwide nat ionw ide publicity publicit y c ampaig n through t hrough trade trade campaign and a nd consumer consumer m media. ed ia .

Nathan Garnett, Event N at han G ar nett, E vent Director D irector for for UKCW UKC W explains: e xplains: “There “There are a re ssome ome a amazing mazing p people eople working w ork ing iin n tthe he ssector ector and a nd ttheir heir stories stor ie es c can an be be others. iinspirational nspirat ional tto o o t hers.

So S o we we are are planning planning for for UK Construction Week U K C onstr uct ion W e ek act as platform do tto oa ct a sap latfor m tto od o new jjust ust that t hat – inspire i n s pi r e a n ew generation g enerattion of of construction construction professionals pr ofessionals tto o jjoin oin tthis h is rrewarding ewarding and and exciting excit ing iindustry.” ndustr y.”

Role R ole models models will w ill also a l so

be be asked asked to to take take part par t in in an outreach programme, an o utreach pr og ramme, going and going to to colleges colleges a nd schools coming schools iin n tthe he c oming months mont hs tto o ttalk alk tto o students and st udents a nd tteachers eachers at key off ttheir at k ey sstages tages o heir educat ion to to explain explain education what w hat inspired inspired them t hem to to choose c onstr uc u t ion as as choose construction a c career and bust any a r e er a nd b u st a ny m y t hs a round tthe he iimage mage myths around of construction. of c onst r uct ion.

This aimed T his iinitiative nitiative iis sa imed at at all all walks walks of of the the sector, sector, whether newly w het her iit’s t’s a n ewly qualified apprentice, qualified a ppr p ent ice, or who has or someone someone w ho h as transferred transfer red into into the t he sector sector from from tthe he military militar y or or automotive automotive iindustries. n ustries. nd To enter yourself T o e nter y ourself or or nominate you n ominate ssomeone omeone y ou know, UK Conknow, visit visit the the U K C onstruction Week struction W eek website website (www.ukconstructionweek. (w www.ukconstruction nweek. com/news/show-news/2189com/ne ews/show-news/2189role-models) role l -mode els) tto o ssubmit ubmit a 300 300 word word bio bio plus plus a sshort hort ssumummary why mary on on w hy the the nominee nominee should be should b e sselected. elected.

G Gas as e engineers ng ineers a are re rregarded egarded a as s tthe he m most ost ttrustworthy r ust wor t hy ttradespeople radespeople iin n tthe he c country ountr y a according ccording to to n new ew rresearch e s ea r c h ffrom rom G Gas as S Safe afe rregister. eg ister. IItt w as revealed revealed that t hat while while was m ost people people (5 9%) check check most (59%) q qualifications ualificat ions a and nd IID D ffor or ttradespeople, radespeople, among among tthose hose who gas engineers are w ho don’t, don’t, g as e ngineers a re tthe he m most ost ttrusted rusted ((18%,) 18%,) a ahead head o off e electricians lectricians ((16%), 16%), p plumbers lumbers ((16%) 16%) and and jjoiners oiners ((12%).

12%).

H However, owever, m more ore than than half half (5 2%) of of tthe he 2 004 people people (52%) 2004 ssurveyed urveyed by

by Gas Gas Safe Safe Register Register admit have a dmit tthat hat tthey hey h ave llet et a tradesperson tradesperson iinto nto their their home h ome without without checking checking if if are qualified.

To combat tthey hey a re q ualifie fi d. T oc ombat

tthis, his, G as S afe R egister h as Gas Safe Register has campaign llaunched aunched a c ampaign tto o highlight h ighlight the the dangers dangers of of hiring hiring iillegal llegal gas gas engineers engineers and and is is calling engineers help c alling on on e ngineers tto oh elp

message. tthem hem sspread pread tthe he m essage.

Samuel, Chief JJonathan onathan S amuel, C hief Executive E xecutive of of Gas Gas Safe Safe Register, Registerr, comments: c omments: ““Recent Recentt sstatistics tatistics are letting rreveal eveal that that people people a re le tting

homes ttradespeople radespeop ple iinto nto ttheir heir h omes without checking w ithout c hecking ttheir heir IID. D. When comes hiring W hen iitt c omes tto o h iring gas g as engineers, engineers, our our message message clear: don’t cut corners, iis s c lear: d on’t c ut c orners, and always a nd a lway ys use use a Gas Gas Safe Safe registered know re gistere ed engineer engineer to k now are working tthat hat tthey hey a re w orking llegally egally w ith tthe he c orrect q ualifications with correct qualifications place. iin n pl ace. ““We We are are calling calling on on engineers e ngineerrs to to rremind emind ffamilies amilies off h how off o ow tto o sspot pot tthe he ssigns ig ns o unsafe u nsafe gas gas appliances, appliances, the the off C CO ssymptoms ymptoms o O poisoning poisoning and always check a nd to to a lway ys c heck tthat hat ttheir heir gas gas engineer eng ineer is is on on the the Gas Safe Register by checking G as S afe eR egister b yc hecking ttheir heir Gas Gas Safe Safe ID ID card,” card,” adds adds Jonathan Samuel.

Jon athan S amuel.

Thanking Th anking those those who who make make it it possible possible The C The Chartered hartered r IInstitute nstitute o lumbing a nd He ating off P Plumbing and Heating Engineering E ng ineer ing (CIPHE) (CIPHE) is is jjoining oining or organisations ganisations a across cross tthe he country countr y to to celebrate celebrate Volunteers’ V olunteers’ Week Week 2018.

2018. Held Held

annually annually from from tthe he 1 1st st tto o7 7th th June, June, Volunteers Volunteers W Week eek g gives ives the CIPHE CIPHE a chance chance to to thank thank the those those who who g give ive their their time time to to support support its its g goals. oals.

Like Like m many any re registered g istered educational charities, educational c har ities, the the CIPHE CIPHE relies relie es heavily heavily on on volunteers volunteers from from a all ll w walks alks o off the the iindustry. ndustry. T They hey p h participate articipate in in working working groups, g roups, help help to to spread spread tthe he w word ord ab about out membership, w r ite articles articles membership, write for for iits ts publications, publications, o orr ttake ake on on o official fficial v voluntary oluntary rroles oles a as s Board Board members members or or at at head head office office level. level.

Membership Membership Director Director T Tim im Sainty Saint y says: says: “We “We a are re e exxtremely many tremely lucky lucky tto o have have m any passionate people volpassionate p eople who who v olunteer unteer to to support support tthe he C CIPHE IPHE

Future, ccurrent Future, urrent a and nd p past ast C CIPHE IPH E Presidents Presidents (l-r): (l-r): Tracey Tracey Richardson, R ichardson, G Geoff eoff W Westall, estall, a and nd P Paul aul W Williams i l l ia ms

members who members w ho care care about about the the future future of of our our Institute Institute and and the the industry industr y as as a whole.” whole.”

CEO CEO Kevin Kevin Wellman Wellman adds: adds: “My “My immense immense thanks thanks go go to to all all tthose hose w who ho pr provide ovide ssuch uch proactive proactive ssupport upport tto o tthe he

CIPHE. CIPHE. This This Volunteers’ Volunteers’ Week Week we we give g ive thanks thanks to to all all those those who who help help m make ake the the CIPHE CIPHE the the organisation organisation tthat hat iitt iis.” s.”

To To v volunteer olunteer ffor or tthe he C CIPHE IPHE please please email email info@ciphe.org. info@ciphe.org. uk o hone 0 1708 4 72791. uk orr p phone 01708 472791.

PHEX PH H EX dates d a es at

Av ery g ood y ear very good year

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Now in Now in its its fortieth fortieth y year ear o off b business, usiness, H Harvey arvey W Water ater S Softeners ofteners ssays ays iitt h has as rrecorded ecorded iits ts b best-ever est-ever sset et o off rresults, esults, w with ith ssales ales o off £26.5m £ 26.5m for for 2017 2017 – a 24% 24% rise rise on on the the year year before. before. After After posting posting double-digit d oub ble-digit g growth rowth ffor or e eight ight o out ut o off tthe he llast ast n nine ine y years, ears, H Harvey arvey iiss fforecasting orecasting ssales ales iin ne excess xcess o off £ £30m 30m b by y tthe he e end nd o off 2 2018, 018, with w ith a q quarter uarter o off tthat hatt c coming oming ffrom rom e exports. xports. IIts ts ssenior enior tteam eam attributes a ttributes tthis his ssuccess uccess tto oac combination ombination o off iincreasing ncreasing c consumer onsumer sspending pending p power, ower, tthe he w weaker eaker p pound ound ab abroad, road, a and nd a g growing rowing confidence c onfidence tthat hat a ‘‘hard hard B Brexit’ rexit’ w will ill b be e av avoided. voided.

Next month Next month s sees ees the the first firs st o his y ear’s tthree hree P HEX off tthis year’s PHEX shows, s hows, w with ith p plumbing lu umb bing a and nd heating engineers being h eating en gineers b eing Alexandra Palace iinvited nvited tto oA lexandra aP ala ace in nL London ond do on o on n tthe he 20th 20th ha and nd 2 1st June.

Ju une.

21st As A s w well ell as p prizes rizes a and nd g iv veaways, the th he exhibition exhib bittio on giveaways, off m o manufacturers anufacturers a and nd suppliers s u p p l i er s w will ill a also lso feature fe ature seminars seminars from frro om iindustry ndustr y lleaders eaders C harlie Charlie M ullins, b oss o Pimlico Mullins, boss off Pimlico P l u m b er s , and a nd Anne A nne Plumbers, T impany, D ire ector o n Timpany, Director off O On T ap P lumbers.

Tap Plumbers.

F orr more more details details on on For w hat’s happening happening and and to to what’s rregister egis ste err for for ffree ree entry, entrry y, visit: visit: w w w.phexshow.co.uk www.phexshow.co.uk

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May 2018

10 N NEWS EWS R Review eview IInstaller nstaller resources resources M Membership embership open open to to LPG LPG installers installers Two Two new new guides guides have hav ve been been issued issued by by the the Heating He eating and and Hotwater Council Hotwater IIndustry ndustry C ouncil (HHIC) (HHIC) to to help help installers installers educate educate their their customers. customers.

The The consumer consumer guide g uide to w water ater treatment treatment will w ill help help installers installers explain explain to c customers ustomers why why water water treatment treatment is is an an investment investment worth worth making making tto o maintain maintain the the central central heating heating system. system.

The balancing The guide g uide tto o b alancing a central central heating heating system, system,

which complements Boiler which c omplem ments B oiler Plus outlines Plus policy, policy, ou utlines tthe he importance importance of of this this practice practice so can so customers customers c an understand understand why why ttheir heir installer installer is is doing doing iit. t.

The HHIC The H HIC encourages encourages iinnstallers distribute stallers tto o d istribute tthese hese guides customers. guides tto o ttheir heir c ustomers.

They They can can be be freely freely downdownloaded loaded ffrom rom tthe he website website (www.hhic.org.uk) (www.h hhic.org.uk) by by clickclicking ing the the ‘Resources’ ‘Resources’ tab tab and and then then choosing choosing ‘Consumer ‘Consumer Resources’.

Resources’.

H Huge uge sum sum raised raised

Gas Safe Gas Safe rregistered egistered installers installers now access new n ow have have a ccess tto oan ew membership mem bership category categor y of of UKLPG, LPG associU KLPG, tthe he L PG ttrade rade a ssociation. provides promotional a tion. It It p rovides p romotional opportunities, advice and o pportunities, a dvice a nd guidance, access g uidance, a ccess to to high high quality q ualit y resources, reso ources, and and tthe he credibility credibilit y that that comes comes with w ith being being a member member of of a professional body. pr ofessional b ody.

Membership includes M embership includes promotion via LPG pr omot ion v ia tthe he L PG iinstaller nstaller llisting ist ing on on tthe he UKLPG access U KLPG website; website; a ccess to to LPG biannual L PG lliterature; iterat ure; a b iannual magazine LPG m agazine ffor or tthe he L PG

and UKLPG iindustry; ndust r y; a nd a U K L PG member m ember ssticker t icker to to display display on vehicles orr ttool o nv ehicles o ool ssets. ets.

Rob R ob Shuttleworth, Shuttleworth, UKLPG UKLPG

Chief Executive, Chief E xecutive, ssays: ays: ““CusCustomers tomers rrely ely on on LPG-trained LPG-trained installers provide installers to to pr ovide iinsight nsight and knowledge about and knowledge about

the off b benefits t he rrange ange o enefits tthis h is versatile, versatile e, cleaner cleaner fuel fuel option option can off-grid households. cano n offer fferrtto oo ff-gridh ouseholds.

“We’re “We’re llaunching aunching tthis h is new membership categonew mem m bership c ategoequip with rry y to to e quip iinstallers nstallers w it h knowledge, tthe he k nowledge, rresources esources and a nd confidence confidence to to service ser v ice off rrural cusa broader broader e rrange ange o ural c usand ttomers, omers, a nd tto o give g ive these t hese customers c ustomers rreassurance eassurance about ab out tthe he quality qualit y of of advice adv ice are tthey hey a re rreceiving.” eceiv ing.”

To membership, T o apply apply ffor or m embership, visit website: www.uklpg. v isit tthe he w ebsite: w ww.uklpg. org/installers/become-ano rg /installers/ become-aniinstaller-member-of-uklpg nstaller-member-of-uklpg

Ad decade ecade in in tthe hee U UK K W Well-earned ell-earned b break reak

Home as Home assistance sis stance p provider rovider H HomeServe omeServ ve h has as h handed anded over over more more tthan han £134,000 £134,000 to to a range range of of charities charitties following following a year year of of ffundraising. undraising. Representatives Repre esentativ ves from from 1 6 ccharities hariitie es jjoined oined W alsall 16 Walsall Mayor, M ayor, C Councillor ouncillo or Marco Marco Longhi, Longhi, CEO CEO of of Walsall Walsall FC FC S Stefan tefan Gamble, G amble, a and nd s staff taff ffrom rom H HomeServe’s omeServ ve’s o offices ffices a att a cceremony ere emony h eld a he ccompany’s ompany’s h eadquarters s iin nW alsall. held att th the headquarters Walsall.

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This T his year year marks marks the the tenth tenth anniversary anniversary for for Stiebel Stiebel Eltron Eltron UK, U K, w which hich ssays ays iitt ssaw ay aw rrecord ecord g growth rowth llast ast y year. ear. T The he h heating eating pr oducts manufacturer manufacturer launched launched in in the the UK UK in in 2008, 2008, products e stablishing iits ts h eadquarters iin n B romborough, W irral, establishing headquarters Bromborough, Wirral, a nd h as sseen een tten en c onsecutive y ears o rowth since since then. then. and has consecutive years off g growth The T he business business is is also also taking taking on on tthree hree n new ew R Regional egional Specification S pecification Managers Managers for for the the South, South, Midlands Midlands and and North North tto o enhance enhance tthe he organisation’s organisation’s c overage a cross tthe he U K. coverage across UK. MD M D Mark Mark McManus McManus comments: comments: ““At At this this significant significant m ilestone, w eb elieve tthe he ffuture uture iis se lectricity, a s ssustainable ustainab ble milestone, we believe electricity, as ssources ources o off energy energ y iincluding ncluding ssun, un, w wind ind a and nd w water ater p power ower continue c ontinue tto o iimprove mprove iits ts rrenewable enewable c credentials.” redentials.”

Bristan and Bristan and n Wolseley Wolseley h have ave tteamed eamed u p to to offer offer installers installe ers up a cchoice hoice of of prizes prizes in in a new new pr ize pro omotion. prize promotion.

T rade customers customers w ho b uy Trade who buy e liigible B rist s an p roducts ffrom ro om eligible Bristan products W olseley b effore the the end of of Wolseley before A ugust w ill b e en tered iinto nto August will be entered a prize prize draw draw o fffering th he offering the cchoice hoicce o hree-nig ght family family off a tthree-night a dventure e, a lluxury uxury ttwowoadventure, n ight couple’s couple’s getaway, getaway, or or a night

ccocktail ocktail master maste er class class in in their th heirr o wn ho me. own home.

For ffull ull tterms erms a nd ccononFor and d itions, v isit www.bristan. w w w.bristan. ditions, visit ccom/bignightin om/ big gnightin

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May 2018

MERCHANT & Distributor News 11 Relaunched site Ongoing branch expansion programme for CORGI Direct Providing a wide range of consumables for gas heating engineers, CORGI Direct has relaunched with a new website and updated product range. The company promises same-day despatch on CORGI branded forms and pads, as well as official training manuals, tools, Snickers workwear, plus essential accessories. There is also a full range of flue gas analysers.

Business Director Aidan Ogle comments: “CORGI remains one of the most well-known names in heating and plumbing and is seen as a mark of quality by many homeowners.

We’re looking to continue that legacy by becoming a one-stop-shop for the

technical forms, pads and training manuals that are essential for plumbing and heating engineers at a really affordable price.

“At CORGI Direct we’re committed to ensuring that we offer everything the professional heating engineer would need in their daily working environment.

This extends to crucial and innovative products, such as gas analysers, radiator bleed valves and Gas Safe labels that are highly valued by engineers.”

To mark the relaunch CORGI Direct is offering 10% off all printed materials. To redeem simply visit www. corgi-direct.com and quote the discount code CORGIPRO at the checkout.

Recent branch openings in Kilmarnock and Newton Abbott mean that Graham Plumbers’ Merchant has now opened 34 new branches in the last three years.

A key part of the growth strategy is co-locating with a sister brand, with all of the new branches now alongside Jewson or CTD branches. This collaboration also allows for longer opening hours and bank holiday trading,

as staff and resources can be shared between brands.

Graham is also working towards all branches offering

click and collect, and a focus on improving the purchasing experience in branch, with the use of tablets and an

email receipt system.

Marketing Director Ian Kenny comments: “We are expanding tactically, within areas where we see the biggest potential and to increase our geographic base in areas where we have had limited coverage to date.

20% of our branches are currently in the process of updates with plans in place to continue the expansion at the same rate over the next three years.”

New distribution partner for Flamco Specialist manufacturer of components for use in HVAC systems, the Flamco Group has announced a UKwide distributorship agreement with Mark Vitow, a family owned distributor of plumbing and heating products to the independent sector.

Mark Vitow’s Product Director James Cranham says: “We have shared values with Flamco – quality, innovation and integrity – so we feel we’re a good fit with the company. Quality, service and competitive prices are MV’s trademarks and we have already forged a great reputation within the independent merchant sector.”

The partnership will now enable the independent merchant sector to access the Flamco domestic product range at competitive prices

John Lynch from Flamco (left) with James Cranham, Mark Vitow’s Product Director

with a reliable next-day service.

“We are beginning to get the Flamco brand established as a credible domestic product supplier in the sector and look forward to a growing and on-going relationship with Mark Vitow in the years ahead,” says John Lynch, Flamco’s Sales Director – Domestic.

Heading north Expanding from the South East for the first time, Williams & Co has announced that it is to open a new warehouse and branch in Manchester. The trade-only supplier, founded in 1972, prides itself on an ‘open price’ policy – with the same discounts available to all customers online and in-store – and currently operates 33 branches in Berkshire, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London. The new 17,000ft 2 warehouse will be located at Satellite Park in Manchester.

ENQUIRY

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May 2018

12 YOUR Views

No attention paid to water regs Last year, I visited a new housing site with my daughter who was looking at buying a home there. I noticed in one of the ensuite bathrooms there was a separate shower attachment fitted to the bath – not a shower hose tap arrangement – this was just an independent hose fitted to the right of the taps near the edge of the bath, similar to the hot brush attachments that used to be fitted to kitchen sinks, but without the independent control they had. What concerned me was that when pulled out it easily went into the WC pan! Being conscientious, I passed the information back to the local water authority and what did they do? As far as I am aware – nothing! I say this because several months later my daughter bought a house on the site that had been built later than the one we looked at previously and the hose was exactly the same.

It was only rectified when my son-in-law kicked up a fuss (after a little prompting from me!). I doubt any of the other houses were done.

After my daughter moved in she asked me if it was normal for the cold water to run warm before it came through cold.

I explained it should ideally be no more than 20°C but in reality the water companies would allow up to 25°C because sometimes they supplied it at that temperature. I took a temperature probe last time I visited and it got as high as 28°C – so much for water conservation! To rectify the issue would involve tearing up floors or breaking into walls. I will leave you to decide whether that is likely to happen!

I then looked at the garden hose tap because there didn’t seem to be a double check valve (DCV) or control valve for it. I eventually found both upstairs in the airing cupboard!!

Ironically, there is nothing in the Water Regulation Guide specifying exactly where they should be, just that they must be inside the property. Having said that, the Government guidance on page 6.42 of the guide clearly shows both the DCV and the control valve immediately prior to the pipe exiting the building to the hose tap. This makes clear sense, as much is made of ‘point of use protection’, i.e. the protection should be as close to the point of discharge as is practicable.

This is to prevent the connection of other domestic fittings/ appliances upstream of the risk but downstream of the protection. Therefore, having the protection some four or five metres away is totally inadequate.

Whilst I can only speak about my daughter’s house, logic decrees all the other houses on the site are likely to be the same. Whilst the price of house has no real relevance, at £600,000+ it’s not as though the builder couldn’t afford to do things properly. But given that on the face of it the local water company does not appear to do any meaningful inspections, what can we expect?

Rob Chambers Via email

TRAINING

Sponsored by

Illegal boiler installations should be a bigger priority The plumbing, heating and gas industry appears to be wrapped up entirely with the new Boiler Plus scheme which came into force last month. I feel that this is detracting from the main and very serious industry problem of actually addressing the illegal installation of gas appliances throughout the UK. The fact that a new combination boiler installed as of today has to have additional controls to make it more efficient is, in my view, an almost pointless exercise within the current environment. This is due to the high number of illegal boiler installations taking place on a daily basis.

I would envisage that a lot of reputable, legal gas engineers will probably already be complying with Boiler Plus and, if not, will be thinking of ways to comply, but the illegal installers who already ignore current legislation will continue to do so. This blatant disregard of current legislation will obviously be at the expense of legitimate businesses and ultimately the homeowners.

Surely, as an industry, focus should be on policing the current practices to such a level that this problem will decrease and eventually disappear. Most gas engineers would conclude that they have lost work to illegal installers at some point, so with the advent of yet more legislation being ignored by the illegals, it will just compound the issues still further.

In my experience a customer will look to spend as little

Not the first to target tradesmen With reference to the recent news story about ‘trustworthy trader’ websites (March issue), I would just like to remind everyone that trustworthy trader sites who con tradesmen into joining their organisation have been in operation for many years.

I am now retired, but remember clearly a conversation I had with, I believe, ‘Master Craftsman’.

Load Compensation Flue Gas Heat Recovery

Boiler Plus?

To find out more call 0344 871 8760 www.alpha-innovation.co.uk/training

as possible on a ‘distress purchase’ which, let’s face it, is what a boiler normally is, and will often go for a cheaper quote.

The main issue I feel, as with a lot of legislation within our industry, comes down to who is policing it. Changing legislation is fine as long as there are real consequences to non-compliance. If you change law and then don’t police it or enforce it, it becomes pointless.

Energy efficiency within the gas industry has almost become secondary, because who checks compliance?

Gas Safe Register does not require a Part ‘L’ energy efficiency qualification to become Gas Safe registered.

This I find surprising to say the least, when you think that every time a gas engineer registers a boiler, Gas Safe issues a Building Regulation compliance certificate to the customer. The boiler install may well be gas safe but is it Part ‘L’ compliant and is the engineer qualified to Part ‘L’?

I hope that the new Boiler Plus scheme is eventually a success, as energy conservation is ultimately the end game, but more importantly the safety of gas consumers and the livelihood of gas engineers should be prioritised above energy efficiency, at least for the immediate future, in my humble opinion.

Julian Hearn Via email

The Tweet spot Dr Boilers @DrBoilers I am not sure what is worse... tripping the RCD or head fitted upside down.

Ryan Mills @Rdmills88 That scorch mark is really annoying me.

Clive King Via email

Baffled by

Don’t be. Just take one of our training courses and we’ll get you up to scratch.

They contacted me and told me that if I joined their ‘dodgy’ group I would have work coming out of my ears as people would see their logo on my letter heads.

I ran an oil-fired heating company for about 23 years before I joined OFTEC as the South West Inspector and would suggest that this all happened around the late 1980s, but I believe it is still in operation.

By the way, they did not require any proof of anything. Just join, pay them money and it would all happen!!

£10

Lett 0 er

Barrett Heating @HeatingBarrett Soooooo, you’ve had a new boiler fitted and the ‘engineer’ said powerflushes are a really bad idea and boiler works better with existing water and now it’s 8 months later and it doesn’t work.

Let us know what you think...

Weather Compensation

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

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

or email to: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk

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May 2018

PEOPLE on the Move

HORROR SHOW 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!

Guardian Water Treatment has announced the appointment of Steven Booth as MD. Steven has worked for Guardian for six years and is a water treatment chemist. He has played a crucial part in Guardian’s continuing aim to provide sustainable and highly effective water treatment solutions. In addition to Steven’s promotion, the company has appointed Toby Hunt as Key Account Director.

Fujitsu General Air Conditioning (UK) has appointed Ian Carroll as Chief Operating Officer. Reporting to the Fujitsu General Air Conditioning (UK) board of directors, he will take full control of all aspects of the UK business. Ian brings many years of industry experience to the role, having most recently served as the company’s Sales and Marketing Director.

Ventilation manufacturer Nuaire has announced the promotion of Andy Mudie to the new post of Marketing & Business Operations Director. Having worked at Nuaire since 2008, Andy has experience at both marketing and business development director levels at the company. His new post is a merging of both job roles to enable him to focus on all aspects of customer facing services.

With the aim of helping to promote the Intergas boiler brand in the UK, Manny Puletti has joined Intergas Heating as the company’s new Sales Director. Manny has a number of years experience in the sector, most recently as Specification Director – Central & National Accounts – for Vaillant. He will replace Jim Boyce, the current Sales Director, who will now manage the company’s Southern sales region.

Water treatment specialist, Sentinel, has appointed Damien Huxtable as the company’s new Area Sales Manager for Southwest England and South Wales. Damien, who has spent most of his career in the plumbing/hot water industry, will be tasked with generating new business and developing existing trade with contractors, merchants, regional developers, housing associations and councils.

Commercial heating manufacturer Remeha has announced the appointment of two new Area Sales Managers. Anthony Curry (pictured), previously with Hamworthy Heating, will look after the newly created region of Yorkshire and the North East of England, while Mark Briggs joins the company’s sales team as the new ASM for the North West of England and North Wales region.

Following the retirement of Sales Agent Mike Crouch, Hamworthy Heating has moved Dave Ward (pictured) from the service department to the sales team to fill Mike’s post.

Dave joined the company in 1998 as a service engineer and felt he was ready for a new challenge as Sales Manager. One of his first tasks will be to take the Hamworthy Stainless Family van on tour of East Anglia in May. Neil Hopkinson is LG Electronics’ new Sales Manager, Heating Solutions, for the North and Scotland. Neil has been in the domestic heating and renewables sectors for 20 years. He will primarily be responsible for introducing the LG Therma V air source heat pump range to contractors, installers, builders, developers, specifiers and distribution channels within his territory.

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

14.indd 1

Alpha Heating Innovation has appointed three new Technical Sales Managers to its team. Steve Farrow (pictured) has been appointed to cover East Anglia, while Dan Morris and Barry Maxted are to cover two areas in the South West.

Both Steve and Barry have over 20 years experience each in the industry, while Dan has six years as London Area Sales Manager for Ideal Boilers.

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May 2018

20 POINT of View

Are current regulations really fit for purpose?

Every professional heating and plumbing installer knows how important it is to comply with regulations, but guidance notes and different regulations sometimes appear to conflict or can be open to interpretation. Russell Armstrong, MD of RA Tech UK, calls for greater clarity.

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witter has a habit of throwing up However, what is not so obvious is that some interesting subjects and the guidance is NOT prescriptive. That a while ago a quality technical means that we can do whatever we wish discussion took place and went on for as professional engineers, provided that, a few days! Many contributors put into in the parlance of the regulations, they are question the subject of fit for purpose D2 ‘no less effective’. pipework and what materials it should be Encompassed in the introduction to made from and why some materials are the Approved document, it states (page currently not allowed.

3, paragraph 3 line 6): Having studied this ‘It is also important to area for some time now, note that there may be “Can we as an in quite minute detail, other ways of achieving industry move with I would like to just say compliance with the the times and allow a what the regulations requirements. There is, require and then ask therefore, no obligation change of material?” why have we come to to adopt any particular this juncture? solution contained in The first thing to say is that I am this Approved Document if you would talking exclusively about unvented prefer to meet the relevant requirement hot water heaters D2, and not that of in some other way’. boiler discharges. (Boiler discharge How effective?

D2 requirements will need specific So here we have the conundrum – if I do regulations when the time comes.) something that is not in the scope of the Rules and regs guidance, how do I prove that it is ‘no less The water regulations are written in effective’? such a way to tell us what can and There are two aspects to that. One is if cannot be done in order to ensure public the subject is clear, such as ‘the widget safety, avoid risk of contamination and pipe must be made out of copper to grade minimise waste. Likewise, the G3 Building xyz when used in this application’. This Regulations are set out to address many of leaves no scope for interpretation, it is the same issues, but when the two meet clear cut, it either is or is not made to that it throws up some interesting technical specification. requirements!

But what if someone invents a new In the G3 guidance pages, it tells us that product made of different material? Can ‘in the opinion of the secretary of state that be used? Well on the face of it, it this can be achieved by….’ These notes would appear to be a resounding NO. But then tell us one way in which the regs can what happens if it is good enough to do be interpreted and that if we carry out the job, i.e. it is fit for purpose? Can we our installation in that particular fashion as an industry move with the times and we will be ok and would meet the G3 allow a change of material rather than regulations. saying ‘No, the regs don’t allow it’?

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Well, the answer lies in the interpretation of what is required and that is where, in my opinion, the regulations are open to interpretation. But they forget to tell us (sometimes) what issues a particular regulation is intended to address.

Lets put this to the test on our subject Russell Armstrong, MD of RA Tech UK heading of D2 pipework. If the regulations marked to identify the product and the simply stated that the pipework must be performance standard, eg as specified in able to withstand so many litres of water the relevant part of BS 7921-1:2006 (NB passing at such a temperature within a this BS has now been superseded by a certain a period of time without distorting, 2010 revision). deforming or otherwise allowing water So the installer rushes off and finds to escape (for example), then the waste he has to spend £170 on the relevant pipe manufacturers would be able to BS with BSI. But when we examine the make a pipe to cope with that. It therefore performance standard we find that becomes a performance specification and BS 7921 is more to do with heating a regulation to boot. pipework under pressure rather than However, the guidance gets a bit fuzzy waste pipework! How can this be? at times. On our subject, (G3) one of the How can the regulations point to a early guidance notes standard that doesn’t makes it pretty clear g ive the answer “How can the and conclusive. Titled we need ? Without regulations point to a ‘discharge pipes from providing the raison Safety devices D1’ G3.3.50 d’etre, we are left to try standard that doesn’t states: ‘Safety devices and understand how we give the answer?” should be discharged can be ‘no less effective’. either directly or by way No less effective than of a manifold via a short length of metal what? And therein lies the arguments that pipe to a tundish’. rage across the industry time and time This statement appears to leave no again. scope for interpretation. It is clear-cut, it So I say to the regulators, define needs to be metal. your reasons and let those clever and At G3.3.57 we come on to the subject resourceful plumbers come up with ‘no of the D2 material. The installer seems to less effective solutions’ to them. If you have a few choices of what he may use, keep with what you have, then I say the such as: regulations themselves may not be fit for a. metal purpose to keep innovation flowing! b. some other material that has been Plumber and inventor Russell Armstrong is demonstrated to be capable of safely the inventor of the hotun dry trap tundish. withstanding temperatures of the water For more information, visit hotun.co.uk discharged and is clearly and permanently

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May 2018

22 CIPHE Viewpoint

T-Levels can make a difference The introduction of T-Levels could help to raise training standards and put technical subjects on an equal footing with academic courses. Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, explains more.

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f you are one of the plumbing and heating engineering businesses out there sometimes left feeling disappointed with the standard of training and development offered to young people, you are not alone. Perhaps you have seen first-hand how the skills and knowledge of newly qualified entrants is far from where you’d expect, or you have struggled to find suitable applicants for entry-level positions. The good news is that change is on the horizon, and this is in part thanks to the approval of the T-Level qualification.

Like the new Trailblazer Apprenticeships, T-Level qualifications have been developed as part of a new ‘world class technical education system.’ T-Levels have been designed to give technical subjects equal

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are also being developed with employers and their representative bodies to prepare young people for skilled employment, which requires the technical knowledge and practical skills so valued by industry.

Timetable

Kevin Wellman, CIPHE CEO

status in order to match academic equivalents. In fact, they will be worth exactly the same UCAS points as A-Levels. This will enable holders to use the T-Level route to go on to university, apprenticeship (at a Level 3 with a shortened duration time) or an apprenticeship at Level 4 and 5 via a Higher or Degree Apprenticeships.

To ensure quality, T-Levels

The ‘T-Level Action Plan’ published in October of last year set out the implementation timetables for the new qualifications.

With development underway, it was announced that the first three T-Levels would be ready (for a small number of institutions) in September 2020. Wave two is set to be delivered in September 2021, and all routes available by 2022. Of the first phase the three subjects available will include construction, but the plumbing and heating T-Level is currently in development

and will be added at a subsequent phase of the programme.

Many educational institutions have welcomed the introduction of T-Levels.

The plan is not to create new technical colleges, but to utilise existing educational establishments – the new reforms are a big enough shake-up as it is. Some 13,000 technical qualifications will be replaced with just 15 new T-Level qualifications, and training hours increased by 50%. As ever, there are fears over funding, with the Government currently pledging an extra £500m a year to be spent on T-Levels.

T-levels represent a viable alternative to A-Levels due to how flexible the qualification makes it for learners to try a vocational path. This is thanks to T-Levels providing the option to choose an

apprenticeship or even university afterwards if they feel this is right for them. This should incentivise young people to take a vocational pathway, as those leaving education at 18 to enter the world of work will still do so with a recognised and respected qualification under their belt.

Extra support While the introduction of T-Levels is great news for some, we will have to wait a few years before we can expect the reforms to make any noticeable difference – perhaps even decades. Also, it is essential that T Levels are not seen as a replacement to the Trailblazer Apprenticeship.

Employers can still support apprenticeships and, for those eligible, make use of funding from the Apprenticeship Levy to train apprentices.

The CIPHE continues to support the high quality of education being delivered through our network of Approved Training Centres (ATCs) and is also committed to supporting individual members and their businesses by helping them to make the most of training and employing an apprentice.

Whether you require general advice, technical training, or the use of facilities via our ATCs, then please get in touch.

We will also provide a year’s free membership to any apprentice who contacts us if they have been taken on by a CIPHE member’s business.

For more about CIPHE membership please contact Tim Sainty via email (tims@ciphe.org.uk) or call 01708 472 791.

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May 2018

24 GA GADGETS G DGETS & Tools Tools See cclearly learly o over ver a d distances istances S Screwdriver crewdriver range range expanded expanded See ffor or accurate accurate measurement m asuremen me m t Three off T hre ee new new 18V 18V versions versions o tthe he T ruTool s crewdriv ver TruTool screwdriver rrange ange have have been been launched launched b yT rumpf: the the TruTool TruTool DD DD by Trumpf: 1813 drill driver, 1 813 d rilll d river er, the the TruTool TruTool HD drill H D 1813 1813 hammer hammer d rill and and tthe he TruTool TruTool ID ID 1861 1861 iimpact mpact driver. d riv verr. They They all all benefit benefit from frro om brushless motor and use a br ushle ess m otor a nd u se an an 18V 1 8V llithium-ion itthium-io on drive. drive. Long Long battery are b attery y rrun un times tiim mes a re enabled enabled by 5Ah Li-ion batteries. b y 5 Ah L i-io ion b atteries.

Smaller S maller 2Ah 2Ah Li-ion Li-io on batteries batte eries are also als so available availlable for for working working iin n tight tight spaces. spaces. s All three are equipped with A lll th hree a re e quipped w ith an LED a nL ED llight ight tthat hat iilluminates lluminate es area. tthe he work work a rea. In In addition, addittion, tthe he screwdrivers scre ewdrivers have have a q uick stop, stop, which whicch triggers triggers quick automatically a uto tomatically l iin n case case of of overload orr jjammed o ver erload o ammed ttools. ools.

PHAM P H A M NEWS NEWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.

www.trumpf.com www .trumpf.com

104 10 4

Easy E asy pipe pipe cutting cutting Adding tto Adding o iits ts rrange ange o off c cordless ordless ssaws, aws, H Hilti ilti h has as llaunched aunched a band b and ssaw aw u using sing a powerful powerful 22V 22V battery batter y platform. platform. The The SB SB 4-A22 4 -A22 cordless cordless band band saw saw cuts cuts through through metal metal with with very ver y low low noise n oise emissions emissions w while hile ssimultaneously imultaneously k keeping eeping sparks sparks to to cold cutting blade.

Designed a minimum, minimum, tthanks hanks tto oac old c utting b lade. D esig ned ffor or plumbers p lumbers a and nd e electricians lectricians rrequiring equiring precise precise cuts, cuts, the the band band ssaw aw has has b been een c created reated tto o ttackle ackle m metal etal p pipes ipes a and nd c channels hannels a as s well w ell as as rebar, rebar, rods rods and and metal metal plates plates u up p tto oad depth epth o off 6 63.5mm.

3.5mm.

Weighing W eighing just just 3.8 3.8 kg, kg, the the SB 4-A22 4-A22 is is capable capable of of 167rpm 167rpm and and equipped LED iis se quipped with with an an L ED llight ight tto o iilluminate lluminate tthe he jjob. ob.

For work distance F or w ork iinvolving nvolving d istance measurement, me asurem ment, Bosch Bosch now now offers upgraded performance o ffers u pgraded p erformance new GLM 120 iin n iits ts n ew G LM 1 20 C Professional Rangefinder.

P rofessional R angefinder.

One off its O ne o its key key benefits benefits is is visibility ttarget arget v isibilit y iin n most most conditions, even c onditio i ns, e ven outdoors. outdo d ors.

The GLM benefits T he G LM 120 120 C also also b enefits Bosch ffrom rom B osch connectivity. connectiv it y.

Bluetooth B luetooth connection connection with w ith Bosch Measuring tthe he B osch M easuring Master Master app a pp g gives ives access access tto o a rrange ange of of u seful ffacilities acilities ffor or rrecording, ecording, useful pr ocessing a nd ssharing har ing processing and iinformation. nfor mation.

A ell as as lengths, leng ths, Ass w well w idths a nd h eights, the the widths and heights, R angefinder’s measurement measurement Rangefinder’s ffunctions unctions include include inclines, inclines, a reas, v olumes a nd m ore. areas, volumes and more.

IItt can can be be used used to to quickly quickly c reate fl oor p lans and and create floor plans p ictures, complete complete with w ith pictures, me asurem ments and and notes. notes. measurements D ate and and time time iinformation nfor mation Date c an be be saved saved for for rreference eference can a nd proof proof of of work. work. and

bosch-professional.co.uk b osch-professional.co.uk

T he device d v ice u de ses a 5MP 5MP The uses camera as camera as a v viewfinder iew finder tto o find find and and zoom zoom in in on on overcome visual ttargets, argets, ov ercome v i sua l iissues ssues rrelating elat ing tto o llighting, ight ing, distance, complex llong ong d istance, c omplex ssurroundings ur roundings and and other ot her ffactors. actors. Its Its laser laser measuring measur ing up rrange ange iis su p to to 120m 120m and and it it works an accuracy off + +/w orks tto oa na ccurac y o /1.5mm.

1 .5mm.

Up 50 measurements, U p tto o 5 0 me asurements, pictures, can be iincluding ncluding p ictures, c an b e sstored tored iin n the the internal internal memory memory and a nd transferred transferred to to a computer computer micro USB cable. tthrough hrough a m icro US Bc able.

Want to win one?

PHAM News and Bosch have teamed up to give one lucky winner the new GLM 120 C Professional Rangefinder along with a D-TECT 120 wall scanner.

For competition details, turn to page 69.

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Angle drill Angle d rill fits fits in in

www.hilti.co.uk/sb4 w ww.hilti.co.uk/sb4

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Digitalise D igitalise th the ev van an The Nextbase Adapt DAB T he N extbase A dapt D AB Adapter A dapter iis s a plug-andplug-andplay p lay DAB+ DAB+ radio radio solution solution ffor or your your van. van. IItt rreceives eceives and tthe he digital digital stations stations a nd wirelessly sends w irelessly s ends the the audio a udio straight straight to to the the existing van e xisting v an rradio adio via via the the FM F M ttransmitter. ransmitter.. It It comes comes ccomplete omplete with with an an active active film antenna fi lm a ntenna which which iis s fitted fit tted into into o the the windscreen. windscre een.

There T here are are two t wo models models available. a vaillable le. The The 250 250 provides provid des access a ccess to to digital digital radio radio while also w hile the the 350 350 version version a lso you use llets ets y ou u se Bluetooth Bluetooth to to ENQUIRY

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stream music s tream m usic from from your your mobile m obile wirelessly wirelessly to to your your existing e xisting van van radio. radio. It It has has Bluetooth hands-free, B l ue t o ot h h a n d s-f r e e , allowing a llowing you you to to link link your your phone van make p hone tto o tthe he v an tto om ake and a nd rreceive eceiv ve ccalls. alls.

Both B oth models models are are sold sold on on Amazon.

A mazon.

The 10.8V The 10.8V CXT CX T range range from from Makita has been enhanced M ak ita h as b een e nhanced with w it h tthe he a addition ddit ion o off a n new ew angle a ngle d drill r ill ((DA333D).

DA333D). T This h is drill d rill w will ill run run u up p tto o1 1100rpm, 100rpm, has h as a chuck chuc ck capacity capacity of of 0.8 0.8 – 10mm, 1 0mm, a and nd w will ill drill dr ill 10mm 10mm iinto nto steel steel and and 12mm 12mm into into ttimber. imber.

W it h minimum minimum head head With ssize ize and and ultra ultra slim slim body, body, tthe he compact compact a angle ngle d drill r ill weighs w eighs just just 1.4kg 1.4kg and and will w ill pr ove u sef ul in in contained contained prove useful sspaces. paces. It It has has a keyless keyless chuck, c huck, e electric lectr ic b brake r a ke a and nd LED L ED job job light, light, plus plus a llarge a rg e sswitch w itch lever lever for for variable var iable sspeed peed control control and and fforward/ or ward / rreverse everse rotation. rotat ion.

T he DA333D DA333D is is available available The ass a body-only a body y-only machine machine or or with w it h two t wo 2.0Ah 2.0A h batteries batter ies a nd 10.8V 10.8V charger, charger, w hich and which ffeatures eat ures a charging charg ing status stat us iindicator. ndicator. It It also also has has a soft soft grip g r ip h handle andle a and nd a b belt elt c clip. lip.

Tools T ools iin n Makita’s Makita’s 10.8V 10.8V range range are a re n now ow e equipped quipped with w it h

tthe he lithium-ion lit hium-ion sslide-type lide-t y pe battery, b attery, which which iis sa available vailable iin n 1 .5, 2 .0 a nd 4 .0Ah c apacities.

1.5, 2.0 and 4.0Ah capacities.

PHAM P H A M NEWS NEWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.

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May 2018

ENERGY E NERGY Matters Matters r 27 Pu Public ublic support support ffor or IIndustry ndustry ready ready tto om meet eet h heat eat cchallenge hallenge rrenewable enewable energy energy A new new g government over nment ssurvey u r ve y has public h a s found f ou n d tthat h at p u bl ic ssupport upport for fo orr renewable renewable e energy nergy att a an all-time high.

The iiss a na ll-t ime h igh. T he annual Public a nnual P ub blic c Attitude Attitude u e Tracker Trac cker by Department ssurvey u r ve y b y tthe he D epar tment Business, Energy and ffor or B usiness, E nerg y a nd **OEVTUSJBM 4USBUFHZ #&*4 IBT OEVTUSJBM 4USBUUFHZ #&*4 IBT widespread ffound ound w idespread ssupport uppor t ffor or ffurther ur t her mass mass adoption adopt ion off c clean o lean ttechnology. echnolog y.

Concern over climate C oncer n o v er c limate change c hange rose rose slightly slightly to to 74%, 74%, up percentage points u p tthree h ree p ercentage p oints ffrom rom last last year. year. Meanwhile Meanwhile llocal ocal ssupport uppor t for for llarge a rg e sscale cale renewable renewable e energy energ y developments de velop pments grew g rew to to 66%, 66%, up 58% 2017. u p from from 5 8% iin n2 017.

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at at a record record high, high, with w it h 85% 85% being off ttheir use. being iin n favour favour o heir u se.

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Energy UK e missions,� ssays ay ys E nerg y U K Chief Executive Lawrence C hief E xecut ive L aw rence Slade.

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change, as highlighted change, a s iis s h ighlighted throughout but throughout tthe he rreport, epor t, b ut Government has vital Government h as a v ital rrole ole to kick-starting to play play y iin nk ick-starting this this transformation, transfor mat ion, which which is is why why we’re we’re setting setting out out areas areas where get ball where iitt sshould hould g et tthe he b al l rolling.� rolling.�

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Phil Phil Mangnall, Mang nall, National Nat ional Sales Sales Manager Manager at at Jaga, Jaga, adds adds that wider considerations that w ider c onsiderat ions for decarbonising for d ecarbonising heat heat should be part off tthe should b e p ar t o he conversation. says: conversa at ion. He He sa ys: “According Energy “According tto o tthe he E nerg y Saving off tthe key Saving Trust, Trust, one one o he k ey aspects aspects of of the t he shift shift to to low low carbon heating carbon h eat ing iis s tto o ttreat reat energy efficiency as energ y e f ficienc y a s ‘‘first first fuel’. fu uel’. By By utilising utilising technology technology which heightens which he eightens efficiency, effi ficiency, demand demand can can be be rreduced educed quickly, and quickly y, cheaply cheaply ya nd cleanly. cleanly y. “For “For heating heating systems systems which which incorporate incorporate heat heat pumps pumps – both both ground ground and and air air source source – the are the radiators radiators which which tthey hey a re partnered make partnered with with can can m ake a significant ensignificant difference difference tto oe nergy erg y efficiency. efficiency. “Energy “Energ g y UK UK has has stated stated that apthat a ‘‘whole-system whole-system a pproach’ proach’ must must be be adopted adopted to decarbonise heat, and to d ecarbonise h eat, a nd that examining that iincludes ncl c udes ex amining the optithe products products which which o ptimise orr iimpair energy mise o mpair tthe he e nerg y efficiency off a alternative heat efficiency o lternattive h eatt technologies.� technolog ies.�

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May 2018

28 ENERGY Matters Manifesto outlines Local councils leading the way on solar six key measures Marking its 25th anniversary this year, energy measurement specialist Elmhurst Energy has launched a new ‘Manifesto for Change’. The manifesto sets out six measures that the company believes will significantly reduce energy consumption in the UK. “We have developed a manifesto which we believe underlines the highest priority actions for government and industry to reduce fuel poverty, energy consumption and the impact of climate change,” explains MD Martyn Reed. “By documenting our views it provides a focus for the year ahead on which we will lobby and exert influence at every opportunity.”

The six steps listed in the Manifesto are: 1. Use the opportunities of Brexit to improve energy certificates 2. Industry should work together to drive up the quality of energy certificates

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A new report published by the Solar Trade Association (STA) highlights the role that local councils are playing in encouraging the take up of solar technology. The report details 26 case studies which demonstrate how some councils are investing in modern solar homes, developing subsidy-free solar farms, planning ‘smart’ neighbourhoods and using solar to save money and provide revenue to fund services.

Analysis in the report shows that 10 local authorities have collectively invested over £80m in solar power and that Peterborough has the highest concentration of solar panels, with 11% of its households having solar power.

3. Government should implement policies to deliver on their strategic targets 4. Government needs policies that focus on helping families out of fuel poverty 5. Government to demand that energy certificates more accurately reflect the current state of the property 6. Industry extend the role of Energy Assessors to include best practice advice on how to reduce fuel bills and make homes warmer.

The report also makes 10 recommendations to local authorities to make solar work, including use of finance, high volume tenders and granting solar business rate relief to state schools and community energy groups.

STA Chief Executive Chris Hewett comments: “Leadership on solar in the UK today comes from local councils and increasingly from regional Government. Local people want a stake in clean energy, so they understand the tremendous value of solar and energy storage – both hugely accessible technologies. We’ve been impressed by the level of innovation and political leadership being demonstrated today by some councils. Our message to councils is don’t wait on national government; there is a lot you can do today and the UK solar industry wants to work with you to help meet your climate, air quality and economic goals.”

Trial shows benefits of fuel switching According to PassivSystems, a specialist in smart home energy management platforms, smart switching between gas and electricity is key to delivering domestic demand response services (DSR) in domestic heating. The company is currently involved in the Freedom Project, a £5.2m project designed to trial hybrid heating systems which involves the installation of 75 such systems in private and social housing properties in Bridgend, South Wales.

The Freedom Project’s hybrid heating system includes an external air source heat pump, a reliable, high-efficiency gas boiler inside the home and a hybrid control panel that enables switching between the two heat sources to automatically use the most cost-effective heating mode at any time of the day or night. The project’s principal funders are Western Power Distribution, the electricity distribution network operator, and Wales & West Utilities, the gas

distribution network operator.

“Homes equipped with hybrid heating can play a major part in decarbonising heat while providing the flexibility we need to balance the electricity grid,” commented Colin Calder, Chief Executive, PassivSystems. “Alongside reform of the capacity market, enabling householders to participate in demand side response will open the door for consumers to benefit financially from delivering a more flexible energy market.”

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May 2018

30 Business Matters How to make the most of free advertising on the road Installers with unbranded vans may be missing a trick that could be costing them potential customers, according to the motoring experts at LeaseVan.co.uk.

“Business owners should not only be looking to make a great first impression,” says Tim Alcock at LeaseVan, “but also a lasting impression.

You can reach a larger audience with a vehicle wrap than almost any other form of advertising, and in fact many businesses gain more customers from their vehicle wraps than their websites.

If you’re branding a leased van, you will need to make sure any decals are removed before you return the vehicle, but this is equally a very simple and cheap process.”

Alcock points out that branded vehicles travel into the view of potential customers instead of waiting for them to come across a website advertisement or stationary billboard, so depending on how many vehicles a company owns, how often they are on the road, and how far they travel, they could be seen by thousands of people all across the country.

Continuing his series of articles on how to grow a heating and plumbing business, Martin Jones, MD of TradeHelp, offers a guide to pensions – the legal requirements and the various options available to ensure that you can enjoy a happy retirement.

W Top five tips LeaseVan conducted research into the impact van branding makes and uncovered the top five reasons tradespeople should consider having livery applied to their vans: 1: Cost Effective Unlike billboards and advertisements that involve recurring costs, vehicle wraps simply require an initial investment for a fraction of the cost of other long-term advertising campaigns.

2: Attention Grabbing Passing drivers will probably not pay much attention to a plain white van on the road, but with a brightly coloured, welldesigned, attractive vehicle wrap, your company vehicles

will stand out from all the others on the road.

3: Protection One thing that many people don’t consider is how vinyl vehicle wraps can offer a layer of protection against any scratches or small dents from road debris. It’s easy to remove vinyl vehicle wraps without damage, so this is something to consider if you are leasing a vehicle, as the extra layer of protection will help ensure that the van is returned in good condition.

4: Non-Aggressive Unlike some radio or print ads, vehicle wraps attract attention without interrupting or disturbing anyone. Potential customers can easily spot your message without any significant distraction from what they’re doing, and it’s largely understood that people respond better to advertising that isn’t so ‘in your face’.

5: Mobile Advertising This form of advertising is targeted because, naturally, the people who are most likely to see your vehicle wrap are the ones that live or work in the areas you’re driving in. This produces results because many people like to deal with local businesses.

Keeping track of operatives ‘JobWatch’, an app-based management system from BigChange, is helping a growing number of businesses to manage their field service operation. Recent converts include SES Home Services, part of local water company, SES Water, who supply plumbing, heating, drainage and electrical services to around 20,000 properties in Surrey and surrounding counties.

The high-tech system replaces paper job sheets

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Pension planning – what are the options?

and reports by combining job scheduling and management reporting with live tracking and mobile apps on Samsung tablets.

“With JobWatch we have seen significant improvement in efficiency and productivity,” says Peter Holmwood, Head of Operations at SES Home Services. “It proved invaluable during the arctic conditions that recently hit the country.

We had six times the normal number of call outs and we could only cope because of JobWatch and its tracking system reducing the impact of travel time between sites.”

For more information visit: www.bigchangeapps.com

five weeks you defer. What’s ith many misconmore, your marital status and ceptions out there inheritance can have an effect about what a on the amount of money that pension is, let’s start off by you receive. defining it. A pension is a Aside from these two types pot of cash which you and of pension, there are many your employer pay into as a more – they come in all shapes way of saving for retirement. and sizes! Here’s a simplified After retirement you have breakdown: the option to draw money freely from the pension pot Other pensions or, alternatively, sell the cash to an insurance company in Martin Jones, TradeHelp Trust-based pensions – this is when a board of trustees return for a regular income manage investments on your behalf – you until death – this is called an annuity. So pay into the pot and it’s invested. The trust far, so simple. However, pension rules are fund is kept at an arm’s length principle, constantly changing and can be complex and separate from the company.

What’s more it many people still do not know their rights. allows benefits to be handed to your partner Workplace pensions or other dependant family members.

Self-invested personal pensions This year (2018), the law changed to state that everyone over the age of 22 earning (Sipps) – these are kind of DIY pensions, over £10,000 per year had to pay at least 3% allowing you to choose your investment. of their monthly income into a pension fund Investors prepared to do the legwork and their employer had to match this by a themselves can run a Sipp, if they use minimum of 2%. Of course, you can opt to the right provider. These are a little more pay a higher percentage into your pension complicated and it’s worth doing your and some employers will offer more than research first.

Group personal pensions – this type the legally required 2%. These percentages of pension is between you and a third party are set to rise again in April 2019. insurance provider. The provider isn’t There is technically no limit to how much required to act in your best interests. The money that you can put into your pension, potential problem with this is that your however there is a limit on tax relief. employer chooses the provider, but these Pension tax relief comes in two forms arrangements usually offer you a choice depending on whether you’re a basic-rate of investments. or higher-rate taxpayer. This is where tax Stakeholder pensions – these are similar brackets come in – if you pay the money into to workplace pensions, but have low and your pension yourself, or if your employer flexible minimum contributions, capped takes it from your pay packet, you a get charges and a default investment choice.

20% tax back from the Government as an additional deposit into your pension. If you Nest egg are a higher-rate taxpayer you can claim an So, who actually holds on to your pension additional 20%, while top-rate taxpayers can money? For working pensions, for the claim an additional 25%. Or, if you are part most part your employer will allocate a of a workplace pension, you may not need company to host the money. What’s more, to reclaim any tax if your employer simply the Government has set up its own scheme, deducts less tax from your pay packet. As called the National Employment Savings of 2018/2019 those who have total pensions Trust (Nest), which many employers, who or savings of £1,030,000 won’t receive tax have yet to start a workplace plan, are relief on further contributions. expected to join.

Pensions are complicated, of course, and State pensions A state pension is an additional bonus on- this article has simply scratched the surface. top of your hard-earned working pension. However, having a pension is essential – we Currently, those who are eligible for a basic are living longer and it is necessary to save state pension are: men born before 6 April for our hard-earned retirement.

1951, and women born before 6 April 1953.

The full State Pension (as of April 2018) is £164.35 per week.

There are ways you can increase your State Pension up to or above the full amount, such as 30 years of payment of national insurance contributions or deferring or delaying – the basic State Pension increases by 1% for every

About TradeHelp

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May 2018

PRODUCT Spotlight

How to tap into a growing market One of the easiest ways to reduce plastic waste is to provide readily available hot and cold drinking water. Ethan Thompson, Product Manager at Heatrae Sadia, highlights how plumbed-in solutions provide a good opportunity for installers to meet the rising demand.

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s a society, we are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of our everyday activities. The latest issue to enter the spotlight is single use plastic, with recent figures highlighting an enormous rise in our use, and waste, of the material.

When it comes to drinking water specifically, plastic bottles have become a serious threat to the planet. In the UK alone, over 38.5 million plastic bottles are used every day, and whilst half of these make it to a recycling plant, each day more than 16 million go to landfill, are burnt or make their way into the oceans.

Unfortunately, this trend shows no sign of slowing. It is estimated that a million plastic bottles are bought each minute across the globe, and that number is set to increase a further 20% by 2021, leading to a crisis which could be as critical as climate change.

Cracking down Luckily, these shocking figures are not falling on deaf ears, and there is a rising public interest in reducing single use plastic. Notably, even major companies such as Waitrose and Wetherspoons are cracking down on single use plastic and phasing out disposable items such as plastic or reinforced paper coffee cups.

In fact, new initiatives are emerging that are specifically aimed at tackling the problem of plastic drinking water vessels.

Refill, for example, is the name of an app that provides users with a list of locations in their area offering facilities to fill up a reusable bottle with water. From the perspective of the business owner, signing up to such schemes not only has the potential to drive footfall to their premises, but is also a great way to help protect the planet.

And this too has been noticed by large organisations – Pret A Manger, for example, recently announced that it has installed taps dispensing free filtered water in certain stores, which is offered alongside the sale of empty glass bottles.

Water at work With this in mind, installers are likely to see a steady build-up of light commercial customers looking for a drinking water solution which is both effective and environmentally conscious.

Once upon a time, the standard corporate drinking water resource was the water cooler.

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multiple reports alleging that these bottles can pose a health risk too.

So, what are the best drinking water solutions to recommend to light commercial clients?

First of all, work out exactly what the drinking water needs of the customer are. In some cases, a simple cold-water supply is all that is required, but in others, the customer may be interested in boiling and ambient water too.

Whatever the customer’s preference, often the most economical solution is to provide plumbed-in drinking water products. These units offer many advantages, such as the ability to be thermostatically controlled and quickly and simply maintained. They also offer a high level of hygiene and are safe and easy to use.

Drawing their water directly from the mains, plumbed-in units are hassle free and financially efficient – and they’re easy to install, which helps to prevent initial disruption in the workplace. Look for options which are supplied with a filter and which can be installed in addition to existing taps. Given that these options are plumbed into the mains water supply, they offer an endless source of hydration and refreshment.

Catch-all solution For facilities where both hot and chilled water are required from the same unit, our Aquatap system (pictured) can be the ideal solution. It can deliver both ambient and chilled water, with options including boiling only, boiling/ chilled and boiling/ambient. Aquatap is also cool to the touch and features a built-in safety button which prevents boiling water being released by accident.

This makes it an ideal catch-all solution for everything from offices to commercial kitchens – especially when you consider the fact that it is incredibly reliable, offering the capacity for up to 180 cups (or 30 litres) of chilled water per hour.

In the last 60 years, the world’s annual consumption of plastic materials has almost doubled, but there is now greater awareness of how unrecycled plastic is damaging the environment. With this in mind, many people are looking for ways to cut single use plastic out of their lives and businesses, creating a new opportunity for installers. By providing considered drinking water recommendations, installers can help protect the earth, whilst keeping customers happy and healthy. www.heatraesadia.com

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May 2018

TRAINING RAINING Update Update 34 TR Groun Ground nd s source ource e iin n M More ore applications applications ccovered overed b by yE Ecademy cademy th eS outh W est the South West

Free ttraining Free raining d days ay ys d dedicated edicated tto o ground ground source source heat heat pumps pumps are a re on on o offer ffer ffrom rom K Kensa ensa Heat He at Pumps, Pumps, run r un monthly monthly and a nd delivered delivered in in a specially specially created c reated learning lear ning facility facilit y at at Exeter E xeter College.

College.

The T he training training covers covers all all aspects a spects of of ground g round source, source, iincluding ncluding tthe he sspecification, pecification, application, a pplication, de design sig n a and nd iinstallation nstallation of of a Kensa Kensa ground g round source source heat he eat pump pump features mixture ssystem. ystem. IItt fe atures a m ixture off classroom-based o classroom-based ttheory heor y and off pr practical a nd plenty plent y o actical hands-on h ands-on llearning. ear ning.

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The T he ffacility acilit y sshowcases howcases Kensa’s ground g round source source heat heat Kensa’s pump pump rrange, ange, iincluding ncluding tthe he Evo which Evo Series Ser ies w hich rrecently ecently won won ‘‘Heat Heat P Pump ump P Product roduct of of the the Year’ Year’ at at tthe he National National A ACR CR and Heat Pump Awards. and He at P ump A wards.

The T he c course ourse w will ill b be eh held eld a att E xeter College’s College’s new new ffacility acilit y Exeter b ased iin n tthe he D evon & E xeter based Devon Exeter C onstruction T ra r ining C entre, Construction Training Centre, a nd forthcoming fo or t hcoming available available and course are 14th May, c ourse dates dates a re 1 4t h M ay, 4t h June, June, a nd 2 nd JJuly. uly.

4th and 2nd F or more more information, info ormation, v isit: For visit: w ww.kensaheatpumps.com/ www.kensaheatpumps.com/ g round-sou rce -heat-pu mp ground-source-heat-pumpttraining-2018 raining-2018

The Grundfos The Gr undfos Ecademy Ecademy online platform o nline training t rainin i g p latfor m has h as been been enhanced enhanced to to o offer ffer content wider c ontent rrelevant elevant tto oaw ider off a applications. rrange ange o pplicat ions.

Until Ecademy U ntil rrecently, ecently, tthe he E cademy had h ad been been mainly mainly aimed aimed a people w ork ing with w it h att people working do mest ic p ump ssolutions, olut ions, domestic pump and a nd now now it it addresses addresses tthe he needs needs of of commercial commercial building/industry b uilding /industry e engineers. ngineers.

F ollow ing a n u m b er o Following number off rrequests, equests, G Grundfos r undfos h has as developed de veloped ne new ew ttopics opics a and nd ssupporting uppor t ing modules modules ab out about

an iincreasingly ncreasingly d iv er s e an diverse range range o off p pumping umping g ssolutions, olutions,

covering p ump pr oducts a nd covering pump products and their their applications, applications, the the theory theory

behind behind them, them, as as well well as as life life cycle c ycle costs. c o s t s.

The The Grundfos Gr undfos Ecademy Ecademy covers c o v er s b both ot h llarge a rg e a and nd small small pr p projects, ojects, as as well well as as specification specificat ion of of pumps pumps within w it hin a domestic domest ic set-up set-up or or iin n a llarger a r g er c commercial ommercial building area. also building sservices ervices a rea. IItt a lso has has training training for for iindustrial ndust r ial applications. applicat ions. In In addition, addit ion, Grundfos offers Gr undfos o ffers a ttraining raining module module ffor or w water ater u utilities. t ilit ies.

Visit Visit tthe he w website ebsite to to ttake a ke par t: www.grundfos.co.uk/ w w w.g r undfos.co.uk / part: ecademy ecademy m

CIPHE accredited accred e ited Hydrogen H ydr d ogen insight insight CIPHE Aimed A imed a att ttechnical echnical and and management management sstaff taff iin n tthe he gas g as ssupply upply and and appliance appliance iindustries, ndustr ies, K iwa G astec h as Kiwa Gastec has llaunched aunched a new new course course on on hydrogen hydrogen fuel. fuel. This This one-day one-day y ttraining raining c ourse, a pproved b y IIGEM GEM ffor or tthe he p ur poses o course, approved by purposes off C PD, c overs tthe he m a in a spects o ydrogen a sau tilit y CPD, covers main aspects off h hydrogen as utility a nd w hy tthis his iis s sseen een a sap otential rroute oute tto om eeting tthe he and why as potential meeting U K’s llegal egal requirement requirement o n8 0% rreduction eduction iin nc arbon UK’s off a an 80% carbon e missions b y 2 050. The The course course w ill pr ovide a ssound ound emissions by 2050. will provide u nderstanding o he iissues ssues surrounding surrounding its its deployment. deployment. understanding off tthe T he course course is is scheduled scheduled for: for: 2 2nd M ay, 15 th JJune, une, 3 rd The 22nd May, 15th 3rd S ept, 1st 1st Oct, Oct, and and 5th 5th Nov. Nov. To To book book a place, place, please please e mail Sept, email ttraining@kiwa.co.uk raining@kiwa.co.uk o all 0 1242 6 62121. orr c call 01242 662121.

A series series of of fault-finding fault-finding courses courses from from Baxi Baxi designed designed to to help maintain and all brands off b boilers h elp iinstallers nstallers m aintain a nd rrepair epair a ll br ands o oilers has Chartered h as received re eceived accreditation accredittation ffrom ro rom tthe he C hartere ed IInstitute nstitute off P Plumbing and Engineering The o lumbing a nd Heating Heating E ngineering ((CIPHE).

CIPHE). T he tthree hree and ccourses ourses – ‘how ‘how a combi combi works’, work ks’, ‘multimeter ‘multimeter ttraining’ raining’ a nd diagnostics’ are usually ‘‘boiler boiler d iagnostics’ – a re u sually run run on on consecutive consecutive days, days, with engineers often attending all w itth heating heating en gineers o fte ten a ttending a ll tthree. hre ee.

Steve Owen, National Training S teve O wen, N ational T raining Manager, Managerr, says: says: “We “We are are extremely proud e xtremely yp roud tto o achieve achieve this this prestigious prestigious accreditation. accre edittation.

IItt gives gives those those who who attend attend the the confidence confidence of of knowing knowing the the ccourses ourses have have been been reviewed reviewed by by independent in nde epend den ent industry in ndustry y experts experts s and make a nd so so will will provide provide them them with with skills skills tto om ake their their work work k easier and therefore e asie er a nd d th here effore e set set them them apart apart from fro rom their their competitors.” competitto ors.”

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May 2018

TRAINING Update 35 Commercial Academy opens its doors A new Commercial Training Academy has been opened

by Baxi Heating to provide installers with free hands-on tuition on the company’s two commercial brands: Andrews Water Heaters and Potterton Commercial.

Launched in response to research into attitudes and expectations regarding training, the Academy features a wide range of working products to ensure that heating engineers can refine their skills and gain practical experience in a real-world environment.

Course content can be

tailored to meet specific needs. For example, sessions geared towards contractors will be more hands-on and cover practical tips about installation, commissioning and maintenance of key product ranges. There is also bespoke training for distributors which will focus identifying the correct appliance for their customers’ requirements.

In addition to an updated course curriculum, there is also an all-new online booking system whereby customers can browse the available courses, view more

information, make a new booking and manage their existing bookings. They will also receive email reminders for upcoming bookings, making it easier than ever to fit learning around a busy schedule.

Commercial Training Manager Mark Lovegrove comments: “Attending a

course will build confidence in working with our products, which will not only benefit them but also result in a better service for the end user. They also get the opportunity to network with their peers, share knowledge and experiences, and potentially form new business relationships.”

In a special promotion, every person who books and attends a training course between now and 1 June 2018 will receive a complimentary branded softshell jacket.

For more information, or to book a training course, visit www.andrewswaterheaters.co.uk/training, or www. pottertoncommercial.co.uk/training

Make a date for deaeration course

Following the success of its deaeration training workshops, Spirotech has announced new dates for 2018, where installers will get the opportunity to learn more about the importance of deaeration and Spirotech’s range of air removal and system protection products.

Forthcoming sessions will be held on 23rd May, 20th June and 12th September at the company’s UK headquarters in Shirley, West Midlands, which is home to a fully fitted out test and demo facility that allows installers to see firsthand how Spirotech products can protect, maintain and extend heating system efficiency. One further event will take place on 6th June at the Vaillant Centre of Excellence in Glasgow, Scotland, to cater to those based north of the border.

To sign up for a session, installers can express their interest by sending an email to Spirotech: office_uk@spirotech.com

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May 2018

PIPES Fittings & Valves 39

Why plastic plumbing is the safer option Many installers use plastic pipes and fittings for their speed and ease of use, but they could also offer health and safety benefits too. Nigel Sanger, Divisional Director Technical Support at JG Speedfit, makes the case for playing it safe with push-fit plumbing systems.

S

o very often, we become accustomed and all too readily accepting of the way things are, especially when it comes to our line of work in plumbing and heating installation.

We tell ourselves things like – ‘it’s just the way it is’, or ‘that’s how it’s always been’, or ‘we’ve always done it this way, why change now?’

This nature can blindside installers to the long-term hazards they could be posing Nigel Sanger for themselves, particularly those working with copper. In a similar way to how repetitive strain injuries can creep up on you, the constant inhalation of fumes, risks of burns, and stresses on the body and mind can all add up over time.

To prevent such circumstances, plastic push-fit plumbing is the saviour for installers, and here’s why.

Plastic pipework is ideal for use when working in concealed areas or where a naked flame would cause unnecessary fire risk

second-degree burns, while solders can also ‘spit’, which is particularly dangerous if it goes anywhere near the eyes. There is also the well-recognised risk of fire when using naked flame during soldering. Indeed, organisations such as the National Trust will not permit soldering in its listed properties because of this.

Products such as our own JG Speedfit range go through rigorous product testing and are approved by BSI & WRAS to ensure a secure leak-proof connection every time. We always advise installers to conduct a hydraulic wet test at 2 bar for 10 minutes, followed by 10 bar for 10 minutes to ensure peak system performance.

No nasty fumes

Awkward spaces

Safer choice

When working with copper, joining pipework requires soldering, and with this comes the inherent danger of inhaling fumes. There are two particularly dangerous fumes that can be inhaled: lead and rosin.

Lead will be present in lead solders and rosin is a resin contained in solder flux, commonly used to clean the pipes during soldering. As explained by University of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering Health & Safety, some lead fumes generated while soldering can give rise to serious chronic health issues. Meanwhile, exposure to rosin can cause eye, throat and lung irritation, nosebleeds and headaches. Repeated exposure can cause respiratory and skin sensitisation, causing and aggravating asthma. It’s no wonder that rosin is classed as a serious occupational health hazard.

Given these risks of working with solder, plastic pipes and fittings are much safer to use.

Plastic push-fit pipes involve no soldering to make joints and connections, and therefore there is no exposure to fumes at all.

Installers are inevitably faced with tight and awkward spaces. From underneath the sinks to under floorboards and in cavity walls, installers have to bend and contort pipes in awkward positions to get the job done.

Unfortunately, this is the nature of the beast. House sizes are decreasing with demand and first-fix plumbing is concealed behind walls to achieve a clean and aesthetic look.

For copper plumbers, this is one of the biggest challenges.

Rigid, inflexible copper pipes do not lend themselves to making quick connections in awkward spaces, and ultimately it increases the risk of RSI (repetitive strain injury). As the NHS says, one of the things thought to create RSI is poor posture or activities that require you to work in an awkward position.

Undoubtedly, plumbing in awkward positions on hundreds of jobs can increase the risk of RSI for installers. By adopting pushfit fittings and pipe, installers can make joints in tight spaces 40% quicker than copper, hence reducing the risk of RSI. As well as this, plastic pipes are very flexible, and can run in continuous lengths to keep joints to a minimum. Push-fit pipes and fittings are available in all domestic pipe sizes and various lengths to ensure you have the solution for every job.

Quite often, resistance to change is down to habits and trusting what you know and have worked with for a long time. After all, the saying is if it isn’t broke, why fix it?

However, while for those who are feeling aches and pains from copper plumbing, we urge you to consider plastic as a healthier, safer and faster alternative. You’ll reduce the risk of injury and lay-off from work.

Risk of burning Another issue with copper plumbing is that you are exposed to blowtorches and solders that can be heated up to 400°C. In most domestic plumbing cases, these are used in tight spaces like cupboards underneath the sink where there is little to no room for manoeuvre.

This quite obviously increases the risk of burns. Accidentally touching the solders or blow torches with bare hands will instantly cause first or

www.johnguest.com

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Under pressure

Plumbers will often have to grapple with pipework in tight and awkward spaces

With copper plumbing, it is quite often ambiguous as to how safe the compression fitting connections in the pipework are. Each plumber will have his or her own perception of how tight the connection is.

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Avoiding pipe expansion issues Changing temperatures can cause pipework to slightly expand. This might not be a problem in domestic applications, but could lead to big problems with the long pipe runs frequently seen in commercial environments, as Barny Parks, MD at Sanha, explains.

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ater doesn’t behave like other liquids. It is the only liquid to expand when it changes phase, taking up more space when it freezes. But people aren’t always aware that it expands again in its liquid phase at temperatures above 4°C. This can obviously present problems when the pipe systems that transport it are exposed to freezing conditions.

However, in many commercial heating systems, it is the expansion of both the water and the pipe material in their normal phase that can cause serious problems. In particular, this happens where the difference between the ambient temperature and the hot water operating temperature is significant. In such circumstances, the differential tends to be substantial, normally in the order of 50-60°C.

Expansion forces Different metals expand to differing degrees, but all of an order that can be significant when pipe runs are very lengthy. To be more specific, by this we mean pipe runs generally in excess of 10m, where the expansion can be of the order of 10mm.

So if we imagine a continuous pipe running in a straight line for about 50m, maybe in a corridor or a services shaft, this could expand by 50mm. This sounds like a minuscule amount, but changes of even this magnitude can have significant effects if the pipe is fixed at both ends. The expansion forces of the pipe are far greater than most fixings can accommodate, so the pipe will either break the fixing or bow and bend where it can.

This in itself may not cause a problem, but pipe runs of this length may have branches and valves in the line.

This can lead to two potential issues: r *G UIFSF JT B WBMWF UIBU IBT B DPOOFDUJPO UP UIF QJQF and it is then subject to a bending moment, these forces may well exceed the material’s ability to withstand them.

Consequently, a stress fracture in the material may manifest itself in the connecting piece, leading to a leak. r *G UIF QJQF FYQBOET BOE UIFSF JT B CSBODI TBZ JOUP B ĂĄBU the branch pipe will experience a bending movement. This

can happen when either the branch pipe is restrained, or when there are valves into which the bending forces are then transferred. If the leg length of the branch is insufficient in length to accommodate the bending action, then the force is transferred directly into the valve, which again may develop a stress fracture at the point of connection.

Good design This expansion of pipes can and should be accommodated by sensible design. There are three design principles that can be adopted.

The first is to use axial compensators or bellows, which are like a spring within the pipe. These can compress and expand UP SFĂĄFDU UIF NPWFNFOU PG UIF QJQFXPSL 'PS UIFTF UP XPSL in the manner in which they are intended, they must be installed correctly. This, in practice, means the compensators must be fixed at either end by a suitable anchor, and the pipe about 300mm from the compensator must also be fixed. This is to ensure the expansion is driven in a linear manner and does not cause the compensator to buckle. In addition to this, a decision will need to be made as to whether or not the compensator needs to be fixed to one side of the fitting. This ensures the movement is driven into the compensator and not further down the pipework.

It is not uncommon for many compensators to be used in a long run of pipework in order to accommodate the amount of expansion. It is also important to note that compensators are a serviceable item; access to these fittings should be allowed in the ceiling voids.

The second way is to allow the free expansion of the pipes in a controlled manner that does not impact on any other components of the system. This is typically done by creating a loop in the pipework. The lengths of the loop are calculated to accept the potential bending moment, and the fixings are not clamped tight on the

tube, allowing movement to occur. Alternatively, if the pipe bends around the corner, then the pipe supports can be spaced such that they allow the pipe to expand in one direction and bend in the other.

'JOBMMZ JG QJQFT BSF CVSJFE JO TPJM PS DPODSFUF PS QBTT through solid walls, there must be sufficient allowance for movement. This is normally provided by the use of pipe lagging.

Weight issue When considering the consequence of expansion, it is also important to consider the other components of the TZTUFN BOE IPX UIFZ BSF TVQQPSUFE 'PS FYBNQMF TPNF components, particularly when the pipe diameter is large, become very heavy. These will require support in their own right, and it should not be presumed that the pipe supports are sufficient to fix the component.

In addition, heavy valves can sometimes require large forces to operate them. If the valve is not sufficiently anchored, these forces can be transferred to the fittings which connect them to the pipework. As mentioned above, fittings are designed to connect items together, not to provide or withstand structural or significant bending forces.

Find out more CIBSE and the CIPHE, as well as manufacturers of components and pipework systems, all provide extensive guidance and documentation on this issue. At Sanha, we also have a comprehensive design service which can recommend the frequency and type of compensators, along with a project take-off and specifications. It is always good practice to double-check the design of expansion, and the use of such services can provide valuable access to expert advice. www.sanha.com/en

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Meeting demand for multi-layer pipe

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Simple & Rapid Installations - in Minutes Joins plain-end Pipe - No Prep Required Reusable in Pipework Dis/Assembly Stress-Free Joining with Misalignment Problem Solver in Restricted Spaces WRc/WRAS Approved for Potable Water

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

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Since opening its new UK head office in January, Roth UK says it has gone from strength to strength by investing in technical and commercial personnel, supported by increased next-day stock holding at the company’s integrated office and warehouse/logistics facility in Worcester.

General Manager Graham Moore says: “It is one thing to manufacture some of the best quality heating and plumbing products in Europe, it is another to deliver the best in class service and be viewed by your clients as an added value partner where it’s not all about price.�

So, what is driving the investment? “Over the last seven years the UK plumbing and heating market for pipe and fittings has grown by approx 15% and accounts for close to ÂŁ500m in sales,â€? says Graham. “UK pipe sales are currently 2:1 in favour of copper verses multi-layer, but in the rest of Europe multi-layer sales are now out

selling copper for the first time. Is this trend coming our way? Absolutely!

The question is not when, but how fast.�

The factors driving the demand for multi-layer pipe and press fittings for heating and drinking water systems include: technological and environmental developments in aluminium oxygen barrier pipe, changing work practices with increased pressure on time savings

and cost, increase health and safety concerns for hot works permits, and the growing trend to off-site modular construction.

So why choose Roth? “Because we aspire to be the best within multilayer plumbing,� says Graham. “In today’s growing market there are many suppliers including an increasing online trade, offering plumbing components that come from a variety of suppliers with variable quality standards. “Roth is a total systems manufacturer, from the Alu-laser pipe 16-63mm to our comprehensive range of high performance PPSU and copper Roth PressCheck fittings, offering total security. Our European reputation and success is based on being a supplier of high quality, innovative industryapproved products and services supported by years of technical know-how.�

ENQUIRY No. 112 www.roth-uk.com

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Impressive results from press-fit When the old air conditioning system at Gloucester Library came to the end of its working life, Gloucestershire based P&R Heating was asked to install a new system. Engineer Ben Smailes explains how flame-free press-fittings were used to achieve a sound result.

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&R Heating was recently contracted to replace an old air conditioning system in Gloucester Library in order to effectively control the humidity in an area storing important documents. For the first time, the company decided to trial press-fit technology, as opposed to brazing that is more common in the ACR market – a decision that P&R Heating is glad to have made.

Going flame-free Ben Smailes, an engineer at P&R Heating who has over 26 years experience in the sector, comments: “We’ve been using flamefree press jointing on plumbing and heating projects for a number of years based on its speed and ease of installation. However, this was the first time we’ve decided to switch from braze to press on an air conditioning job.

“The reason for this was simple. As a business, we are constantly looking at ways we can raise the bar and utilise innovative solutions that will not only enable us to get the job done more efficiently, but can also save us time and money.

“Press-fit technology has been around in the ACR sector for a while now, but it’s never really taken off. However, there’s been a lot of talk recently about the investment that manufacturers are making to bring more advanced press-fit solutions to the market, like Conex Bänninger’s new >B< MaxiPro solution.

“I’d heard about >B< MaxiPro via Twitter and my colleague had read about it in the trade press, so we decided now was the time to give it a try! We contacted Conex Bänninger and were directed to our nearest merchant stockist to order.”

Fitting choice The >B< MaxiPro press system is quick and simple to install, providing a secure and permanent leak-free joint. Utilising 3-point press technology (one press each side of the bead and one compressing the O-ring), >B< MaxiPro is designed for use in systems with operating pressures of up to

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Completed pipework at Gloucester Library

48 bar and is available in a host of fittings types including: straight coupler, reducing coupler, fitting reducer, 90° bend, 90° street bend, 45° obtuse elbow, equal tee and stop end variants.

“We used approximately 100 fittings on the Gloucester Library project, so there were roughly 200 joints to be made,” continues Ben. “Following the initial preparation of the joint, it only takes up to five seconds to complete using a press tool. This is approximately three times faster than traditional brazing.

“It’s not just the speed of jointing that saves you time though. Because it’s flame-free, you don’t need a hot works permit on-site, which also saves valuable time and money and means it makes minimal disruptions to the commercial environment you are working in. We also saved valuable time by not having to carry out complicated risk assessments that you have to do with brazing, which can sometimes take up to two hours a day.”

P&R Heating decided to use press-fit on an AC system rather than traditional brazing

Savings mount up Ben says that because they used pressfit technology across the whole project, it saved over a week in time compared to brazing. “This is a massive amount of time saved for any business,” he says, “enabling us to complete the project much quicker.

In addition, the time we saved more than covered the investment we made in the press tool on this one job alone!”

Training edge Engineers from P&R Heating completed Conex Bänninger’s >B< MaxiPro certified training course before the start of the Gloucester Library project to ensure they were confident and competent using this

solution. The course includes a complete overview of the product and its benefits, along with giving engineers and contractors the opportunity to use Rothenberger’s press tool and jaws for >B< MaxiPro installations, the recommended press tool for this solution.

By completing the course, the guarantee on >B< MaxiPro installations is increased to five years against manufacturing defects.

“I’d definitely use >B< MaxiPro again,” concludes Ben. “In fact, I’d never use anything else again unless I absolutely had to. There are a whole host of benefits why. Most importantly, it just makes a job so much easier and quicker.”

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Pressing future Growing numbers of installers are turning to press-fit methods to achieve simple, secure and safe joints in pipework. Antony Corbett, Product Manager for Geberit, examines the reasons for this trend.

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fficiency and profitability are important issues for any installer.

The more forward thinking installer, however, is always looking to go one step further in order to stand out in a crowded marketplace – keeping an open mind about smarter ways of working, new technologies, and industry developments.

Take press fit technology, for example, which has seen particular growth in the last two years. Just why are installers adopting press fit systems and how can switching from tried and tested ways of working benefit business?

Methodology Let’s first look at what these tried and tested methods mean for the installer. Traditional jointing methods,

All these features not only offer the installer that extra reassurance but, just as importantly, can also avoid the need for costly call backs.

Right support Comprehensive training and getting the right technical support is crucial for any installer thinking about switching to a new system.

Speak to your chosen manufacturer about training options – a good press fit training course will give installers the opportunity to see for themselves the benefit of press fitting over soldering. Geberit’s free product training looks at this, as well as covering both the supply side and drainage side.

Manufacturers should also offer a dedicated technical support team.

Geberit enhances the support of its team with ProApp, which installers can use to view product specifications, installation instructions and videos.

Bottom line

such as soldering, can be difficult to implement – site conditions or safety Press-fit is gaining regulations can popularity for its ability to render hot works speed up installation time simply impractical for the job in hand. Press fit can, therefore, offer a much safer alternative to conventional pipework connection methods.

Safety and efficiency Ever-increasing health and safety legislation, too, is a driver for many installers thinking about making the move to flame free jointing. No requirement for hot works means no need for propane and, therefore, no need for a hot work permit.

Safety isn’t the only important issue to consider. With no hot works and cooling down period, pressing solutions can offer real efficiency, an important factor to consider for any business. A BSRIA report showed that press fit systems take 30% less time to install than their traditional counterparts which, for the average installer, can help reduce the cost of jobs by approximately 27% compared to screwed or threaded systems. That’s a considerable time saving.

Compared to push-fit systems, which use a rubber seal and grab ring, press fitting offers more inherent strength compared to the plastic push fit alternative. A push-fit system with a mechanical joint can also make the pipe susceptible to a certain amount of movement.

Pressing solutions such as Geberit Mapress can also offer peace of mind both during and post installation. Any connections not pressed during installation can be visibly detected during testing. Protection end caps prevent debris and dirt from getting into the system.

So what does all this mean for your business?

It’s simple. Always looking out for more effective working practices can really help installers improve efficiency. Time is, after all, a precious commodity and it is only natural that working smarter can increase profit.

With growing numbers of installers turning to press fit systems, it’s clear that there is a real shift across the industry. It’s reassuring to see UK installers keeping an open mind and keen eye out for new ways of working. www.geberit.co.uk

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Alternative to PVC pipe Geberit has launched Silent-PP, a range of push-fit drainage pipes and fittings for commercial installations, boasting enhanced performance, installation and acoustic benefits compared to PVC. SilentPP is available in a range of lengths, and also lengths with double ended sockets, offering two pipes in one to help reduce off-cut waste.

Combining strong acoustic performance with fuss-free installation, the product is made of a robust material, which means it does not become brittle at low temperatures, and reduces the need to fit twice in the event of damage by other trades. There is no need for solvent welding, and it can be stored outside for up to two years, with no concerns over UV degradation.

www.geberit.co.uk

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Questions answered on semi-rigid gas piping While copper and steel are well-established materials for piping gas, OmegaFlex offers a pliable corrugated stainless steel tube (PCSST) alternative. Here, Jamie Cooper, Technical Manager at OmegaFlex, answers some of the most frequently asked questions asked of his team.

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and therefore increasing the liable semi-rigid tube, PCSST is supplied in speed of installation compared a range of sizes and to rigid steel and copper. reels of various lengths. As Can PCSST be used in fire well as making installation protected areas? much faster –up to 75% One of the major concompared to copper and siderations when routing steel – using long continuous gas installation pipework lengths which can be bent through a fire protected by hand means that there area such as shafts, escape are fewer joints with less lobbies, and corridors is what potential for leakage. pipe material is allowed in However, installers who this area. haven’t used semi-rigid gas To avoid the need to weld piping before will often have Jamie Cooper, OmegaFlex or thread rigid steel, and a few concerns that they would like addressed. So what are some seeing as you can’t use jointed copper, the sensible option is to use continuous lengths of the most commonly asked questions? of PCSST. How can PCSST be connected to rigid Continuous lengths (without joints) of pipework such as steel and copper?

PCSST that meet Fire Test A of Annex A of Although the connection to the PCSST is BS EN 1775 is allowed to be routed within specific to each individual manufacturer, fire protected areas. TracPipe meets this there are several options, such as PCSST to requirement and is also approved to BS 7838, male or female BSP, and PCSST to copper which has an equivalent high temperature compression. For TracPipe, the connection test. to the PCSST itself is achieved with an AutoFlare fitting, which requires no specialist Can PCSST be directly buried externally without additional protection? tools to form the joint.

All you need is a wheeled tube cutter PCSST can be directly buried externally (as with a stainless steel wheel, a utility knife well as internally) providing it meets the and correctly sized spanners. The AutoFlare following requirements: 1) it is manufactured to meet the fitting forms a metal-to-metal seal when requirements of BS 7838 and/or BS EN 15266; correctly tightened, with no need for jointing 2) the manufacturer’s instructions compounds, cords or tapes. PCSST is available specifically allow direct burial; in longer lengths so one continuous piece of 3) it is installed in accordance with the pipe can be used, reducing the need for joints

manufacturer’s instructions; 4) it has a factory-applied cover with a minimum thickness of 0.5mm, manufactured from a non-chlorinated material of a synthetic polymer or elastomer with a total chloride content not exceeding 50 ppm.

TracPipe is manufactured to BS 7838 and therefore meets the requirements for direct burial, including the minimum thickness of outer cover and the maximum allowable chloride content. Products manufactured to BS EN 15266 may not meet the above requirements for minimum thickness of cover and maximum chloride content, as they do not form part of the BS EN 15266 manufacturing requirements.

If a product to be buried only meets the requirements of BS EN 15266, the manufacturer should be contacted to ascertain that they have independent quality assurance certification to show that the outer cover meets the requirements outlined above, which would be in addition to any approvals they may have for the BS EN 15266 standard. Where this cannot be confirmed, the pipe should be laid inside a buried outer pipe or a covered channel which terminates either above ground or in a suitable inspection pit, such as to prevent the accumulation of water in the outer pipe or duct, while still enabling periodic inspection.

After PCSST is installed and prior to burial, the outer cover should be thoroughly examined for any damage. If any is found, the manufacturer’s instructions should be consulted for an approved repair method.

Only continuous lengths (no joints) of PCSST can be buried, as fittings must remain accessible at all times.

Can PCSST be buried directly in screed?

Providing the same requirements for external burial are met, PCSST can be directly buried internally if the covering is a non-structural screed or topping. No gas installation pipework should be buried within a structural element of a floor.

In domestic situations there needs to be a minimum of 25mm of cover above the pipe and 40mm for commercial installations.

Gas installation pipework should also not be installed in floors with electrical underfloor heating unless the underfloor heating has been physically and permanently disconnected.

Does PCSST have to be sleeved where it passes through a wall?

Where PCSST passes through a wall, floor or standing, it needs to be contained within a sleeve which itself is ventilated to a safe position, preferably to open air. The sleeve should be resistant to corrosion, be impermeable to gas, e.g. copper, steel, PE or polyvinylchloride (PVC), and be capable of protecting the pipework against failure caused by movement of the structure. The

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TracPipe is available in a range of sizes, in lengths up to 90 metres.

sleeve must be in one continuous length (no joints). Any gap between the PCSST and the sleeve should be sealed with a flexible sealant at one end only to ensure that any gas escape cannot accumulate within the sleeve.

The sleeve itself should also be sealed to the structure using an appropriate building material such as cement mortar.

What support is required for PCSST? As with any other type of the gas installation pipework, PCSST must be correctly supported along its length. The size of support used will be specified by the manufacturer but typically you will use the next size up when installing PCSST compared to rigid pipework. For example, if you were installing DN22 TracPipe you would need to use a 28mm supporting clip.

The reason for this is that PCSST nominal sizing is based on the internal diameter of the pipe whereas copper and steel is based on the outside diameter.

The type and material used for the support also needs to be considered. All pipework supports need to be suitable for the environment in which they are installed and should be designed to remain stable for the lifetime of the installation, e.g. for external use corrosion resistant or UV-stabilized plastic supports should be used. Where pipework is installed in fire protected areas such as shafts and escape lobbies/corridors, all supports will need to be fire-resistant and should be equivalent to or exceed the rating for the area they are being used (for example one hour fire resistance).

About the author As a 28-year veteran of the industry, Jamie Cooper has experience gained from working as an engineer with British Gas as well as spending over 13 years in the technical departments of both CORGI and Gas Safe Register. Since 2012, Jamie has been Technical Manager at OmegaFlex Ltd, where he is responsible for the technical aspects of the product, including installation requirements and quality control. Jamie is also Chair of the BSI committee responsible for several gas product standards. www.tracpipe.co.uk

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Simple way to prevent back flow Plumbers familiar with preventing back flow in domestic situations will find that the safety requirements in small commercial applications are more stringent. Dave Raynor, Product Manager at Watts Water Industries, looks at the differences that help ensure compliance.

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s

on e

at W

commercial dish washing machines; and Pressure and siphonage fficient and effective plumbing other applications found in a smaller systems should also deliver water scale commercial installation. Whilst the A BABM back flow preventer valve with reduced pressure protection – bringing water into installations may still be small, the relevant zones protects potable water systems against pollution a property without back flow and cross caused by back pressure or back siphonage. This may be as legislative requirements will apply. contamination. This is generally achieved This contrasts with fluid category 3, a result of an increased demand for water, frozen pipes, pipe through the use of check valves, which which generally pertains to domestic water damage, or a sudden drop in water pressure. Installation allow flow in one direction and prevent contamination due to flow in the other usage, although there are small commercial of such a valve will ensure the pressure in the system is direction (back flow). exceptions in this area. It is critical that the maintained through the valve and gives protection for Preventing back flow in domestic correct fluid category is identified to ensure fluid category 4 requirements. It should be installed for situations is important, but in commercial the correct type of back flow preventer is easy access to permit the necessary testing to take place. applications this imperative takes on even specified to meet the legal requirements.

Proper specification greater significance due to the different Installer obligations Watts Industries has adopted a ‘belt and braces’ approach requirements, testing and relevant legislation. A change in fluid category risk Dave Raynor, Project Manager Instead of the typical check valve that to back flow prevention through a comprehensive range can bring a whole new range of product and many installers are familiar with, it may of products and literature. Recognising the need to ensure installers have easy access to the products required to legislation obligations to support the outlined requirements. be necessary to install a BA type verifiable device which, fulfil all elements of legislative requirements, This shift from domestic to commercial is something whilst performing the same essential role, full consideration has been given to that some installers may tackle regularly – but whilst not is a very different solution. To fulfil ensure the products were easy to requiring a significant change in skill set, a significant the criteria of fluid risk 4, it is install too. change in legislation and installer requirements applies. necessary to notify, register Our BABM valve is a and perform annual checks Fluid categories controllable back flow and tests for this valve type.

The change in product and part specification comes about Local water authorities preventer with reduced when installers working on small projects that fall outside can advise on whether the pressure zone and is certified a domestic environment are obliged to ascertain the fluid premises or connection to EN1717 and EN 12729 9157 category risk. Should this change from 3 (domestic) to falls into the enhanced standards.

4, an alternative product and approach to check valves safety category and offer Its maximum operating is required. temperature is 65°C, and guidance on installation and The determination of fluid category 4 is outlined as: ‘fluid the registration of the product. maximum operating pressure ts z ’s e which represents a significant health hazard due to the is 10 bar. r Specifying a BA type valve BA su BM es concentration of toxic substances and covers fluids which will deliver enhanced back flow Such products which support r p ba c ced k flo contain chemical, carcinogenic substances, or pesticides prevention and ensure that back legislation with ease, simplicity, and w preventer with redu (including insecticides and herbicides) or environmental flow, back siphonage and back pressure are reliability are synonymous with the Watts organisms of potential health significance’. managed safely and in accordance with guidelines and brand, giving installers complete peace of mind. Working Examples of where fluid category 4 would be applicable legal requirements. closely with industry bodies and water authorities, Watts to an installation – and therefore demand a different valve Another point to emphasise is that once installed, it is continues to support installers with quality products and in comparison to domestic check valves – include: central also a requirement to annually test the product to ensure by sharing information to unlock the muddy waters of heating systems other than those in a house; fire sprinkler it is functioning correctly. Failure to adhere to this may check valves and back flow prevention requirements. systems using anti-freeze solution; food preparation; result in a temporary loss of supply.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.wattsindustries.com 116

Pipework system is perfect for pre-fabrication project When Dundee-based developer Discovery Homes was searching for flexible and easyto-install pipework that would increase the quality and speed of its off-site constructed properties, Rehau’s Rautitan was the solution it had been waiting for.

Discovery Homes, established by Grant White, delivers quality, affordable housing in Dundee. In recent years Discovery Homes has focused its efforts on off-site construction, engineering and building its properties in a controlled factory environment using the finest materials, before transporting them to site and assembling them in less than a day.

This pre-fabricated approach includes the plumbing and heating pipework for each property, all pre-plumbed in the factory and simply connected up on site. Initially, the developer used copper for the pipework, but this was very labour intensive, so when the Rautitan universal pipework solution was launched in the UK, Discovery Homes was keen to give it a try.

Grant White says: “Rautitan has revolutionised the way we do our pipework. I would

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Rautitan is now the pipework of choice for Discovery Homes, which constructs off-site properties

never use copper again. The Rautitan Stabil comes in a coil, so our installers simply pull off the amount they need, bend it and fit it.

There’s no hot work, and sections can be easily joined together using Rehau’s Everloc joints.”

Rautitan can be used for both drinking water and heating systems, and because it’s made from flexible and light PE-Xa polymer, it is easy to install and corrosion resistant.

It is also available in pre-insulated options.

The pipe uses a compression sleeve jointing system to produce a permanently sealed joint without O-rings, even at temperatures as low as -10°C. Using the specialist Rautool device, installers simply expand the pipe end, insert the fitting and apply the compression sleeve.

“We invested in the Rautool hand gun for the compression joints,” adds Grant, “which makes the process quick and hassle-free for our onsite installers. And we know they are

guaranteed not to leak, so it’s peace of mind for us that the quality of the plumbing in our properties is exceptionally high.”

Grant also likes the idea of one pipe doing everything, saying it is cost effective and quick to assemble. “Rautitan is the ideal choice to match the pace of our builds,” he explains.

“It is also superior quality and comes with a long warranty for extra assurance that our customers have pipework that will last and not cause them any unexpected headaches.”

So far, Discovery Homes has used Rautitan for six 3-bed detached homes on the north side of the Dundee Law, and for seven 3-bed detached properties in the Maryfield district of the city. As well as supplying the Rautitan pipework, Rehau was also on hand to assist with the design drawings for the Discovery heating systems, as part of its service.

While Rautitan is ideal for use in off-site pre-fabrication applications, it can also be applied for any installation where reducing the time and hassle of fitting pipework is required.

ENQUIRY No. www.rehau.uk/rautitan 117

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Adding up all the costs Cost remains the core determining factor when it comes to specifying piping systems, but this shouldn’t just mean the cost of the material itself. Rory Carron at Brymec highlights the other key factors to consider.

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hole life costing (WLC) is increasingly shaping how money is being saved onsite. WLC takes into account the total cost of a product or service over its lifetime, helping installers determine both the direct and indirect costs of a product or system. For example, WLC will include capital cost, but also embraces criteria such as speed of installation, service, warranty, support and reliability.

By some estimates, the ‘visible’ cost of a product can be as little as 15% of the WLC. That’s why the cheapest option often becomes the costliest in the long-run, and engaging in short-term thinking is bad for business.

Traditionally, WLC has only applied to larger industrial projects, but it is increasingly seen as a useful approach for smaller light commercial jobs as hard-pressed installers are forced to tighten their control over the work they do in order to maintain margins.

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Other considerations when planning a pipework project include cost stability and installation costs. Cost stability is a serious issue when it comes to specifying pipework because price fluctuations of copper and steel can change the cost dramatically between the time of specification and purchasing.

Material gains Copper has traditionally been the material of choice for both hot and cold water systems, but this is starting to change. The cost of metal remains unpredictable, so it is worth considering a switch to, say, plastic (if, of course, this is appropriate for the application) in order to bring cost stability to the specification process.

Plastic pipes are less expensive, lighter in weight and won’t rust or corrode. They can also make installation easier because they are easy to cut, have push-fit joints and offer excellent flexibility and handling qualities. On top of this, no

welding or soldering are required.

There are, however, upsides to copper too. For example, it is a naturally corrosion-resistant metal that can withstand high pressures.

Copper is also light, making it easy to work with, saving on labour costs, and easier to extend over long stretches without supports.

Copper is also more environmentally friendly than plastic pipes because it consists of naturally occurring metal, whereas synthetic plastic is responsible for significant ecological damage during its manufacture and disposal.

Your best course of action, if you have any doubts about which material to select, is to talk to your supplier. At Brymec we have experts on hand to advise on the right course of action to suit your particular circumstances.

The financial implications of installation can also be considerable and pipework can have a disproportionate impact on

a project. Piping can, for example, cost as little as 5% of total installed costs on a project, but can eat up as much as 30% of the man hours.

Man hours A large part of installation involves how the pipes are joined together.

Conventional copper pipework connection typically requires soldering on site, but flame-free installation, such as press-fitting, avoids the need for a hot work permit and the risk of fire on site.

It also means there is no need to waste time as the installation cools down. However, one of the biggest advantages of press fittings – particularly on the three point press variants – is that they offer the installer an added layer of security, knowing that the joint is sealed correctly.

But the pipework is, of course, not the only component in a plumbing or heating system. It needs to be compatible with all the other

Installers attending a press-fitting training session at Brymec

elements – perhaps heat emitters and generators, valves, fittings and pumps.

That’s why smart installers adopt a system engineering approach to specifying. The best way to achieve this is to call upon one company to supply all the components of a system including pipes, fittings, ductwork, valves and grilles. An integrated system also helps to mitigate potential design problems which could account for 10% of overall spend, but take 90% of time.

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Safety first soldering Soldering is a straightforward task for the skilled installer, but a naked flame and hazardous chemicals mean that it should always be performed with care. John Dabb, Sales and Marketing Director at Hyde, advises on how to minimise the dangers.

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ealth and safety goes with the territory nowadays, but often it is the dangers that we cannot see that pose the most threat to our wellbeing, and this is certainly true when soldering.

With the majority of housing stock in the UK featuring copper pipework, soldering remains the number one connection method and it certainly has its advantages in creating a secure fit in a tried and trusted way. While much emphasis is given to the importance of carrying a hot works licence due to the presence of a naked flame from the soldering iron and the requirement for soldering work to be carried out by tradesmen who are properly trained to do so, less emphasis is given to other products used during the soldering process.

Certainly, a naked flame presents a fire risk and the necessary measures should be taken to guard against it; however, the chemicals that can often be found in products such as soldering flux and markers present their own risks to the health and safety of the installer and should not be underestimated or ignored.

for faster flushing from pipelines, while its super detergent action cleans as it solders to maximise efficiency.

If you solder pipework regularly, chances are you will always have a pot of flux or two in your tool bag. For the good of your health it is important to look at the labelling on these products when restocking to check that the soldering solutions you are working with daily won’t compromise your health, long after the hot flame has gone out.

www.brianhyde.co.uk

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Chemical reaction Installers regularly using fluxes which contain lead or other toxic materials are exposing themselves to noxious fumes, which are heated and breathed in countless times throughout an average working day. The effects of breathing in such fumes may not be felt, initially, and perhaps not at all if they are used infrequently, but over time they may well make themselves felt, and can have a serious impact on an installer’s health in the longer term.

Water soluble flux has become a popular alternative to rosin fluxes due to its strength and ease of cleaning. However, as the residues of a water wash flux are to be removed, typically much more aggressive activators, including acid, are present. The result is a flux that contains chemicals that are not only harmful to breathe in, but can also cause skin damage.

Safe alternatives So what’s the alternative for those installers who regularly work with such products? Avoiding painful and potentially career-limiting burns is about more than just wearing protective gloves and clothing. When you are working at pace and want to ensure accuracy, the most effective form of protection is to opt for a flux that is non-toxic and acid-free.

In particular, installers should look for a product that meets the industry standard ASTM B813. These should be easy to spot, because manufacturers of quality flux and markers will be proud of its non-toxic, non-harmful nature and will therefore clearly display these qualities on the label.

One such solution is LA-CO Flux, a non-acid (pH-neutral), non-toxic and lead-free flux that takes the stress out of applying paste to pipes when soldering. It is not harmful to breathe in, and there is no risk of acid burns to the skin.

As well as putting safety first, LA-CO Flux is water soluble

LA-CO Flux is easy to apply and also non-toxic and lead-free

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50 PIPES Fittings & Valves

There’s no reason to lag behind!

With the introduction of a new multifunctional cutting system for pipe lagging from PlumbPal Innovations, installers have the opportunity to improve insulation standards, minimise material wastage and deliver a professional finish to every job.

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ipe lagging is almost always carried out through the installer cutting over their knee with a hacksaw. This is likely to damage their workwear, is time-consuming and ultimately unprofessional. This second-guessing approach leads to a poor finish which could lead to heat loss, potential condensation build-up and wasted energy.

Although many applications are often hidden from the customer for aesthetic and practical reasons (for example roof spaces, garages and within floor voids), these unheated environments are where seamless joints are most needed to combat low ambient temperatures and minimise the heating source from cycling unnecessarily.

Sadly, the next generation of plumbers at college are not taught how to insulate around typical pipe fittings, and are also unlikely to learn how to do so on the job.

This means that they are unable to execute a professional finish for their customers.

Why insulate?

Insulating mechanical services is important for several reasons. Inadequate insulation is a leading cause of energy waste, while good insulation will help to protect pipework and systems, increasing their lifespan.

In many situations, a substantial amount of the cost of insulation can be repaid within three months, with a small outlay required by the beneficiary of the insulation.

A typical three-bedroom household saving is estimated at £60 per year on pipe insulation alone – based on 100m of 15mm pipework insulated with a 19mm wall thickness, hot water temperature of 60°C and average ambient temperature of 15°C. The insulation of central heating pipework can reduce heat loss by as much as 87% and make a significant contribution to improving boiler efficiencies.

Heat loss If left uninsulated, heating system pipework can lose a vast amount of heat and energy over its lifespan.

Where pipes operate at below-ambient temperatures,

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water vapour can condense on the surface. This moisture is known to contribute towards many different types of corrosion; therefore, preventing the formation of condensation on pipework is a key consideration.

To prevent condensation, the insulation thicknesses used on cold pipes must be sufficient to ensure that the temperature on the surface of the insulation material never falls below the dew point.

When selecting and determining the thickness for low-temperature insulation, it is necessary to bear in mind that over the service life energy losses can increase dramatically because of moisture penetration.

With every percent volume increase of moisture content, the thermal conductivity increases and the insulation effect deteriorates. The results are not only higher energy losses but also a drop in the surface temperature. If this falls below the dew point, condensation occurs. It is only possible to guarantee that the surface temperature remains above the dew point if the thermal conductivity of the insulation material does not increase significantly because of moisture penetration.

British Standards BS 5970:2012 explains the basic principles for selecting insulation systems for specific requirements. It is not practical to deal with every possible combination of insulating material and finish, so only general principles are indicated.

BS 5422:2009 is a British Standard often referred to in specification work for insulation used on building services.

The standard gives the physical characteristics and recommended thicknesses that the insulation should be specified to.

Water regulations and the Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide is based on minimum wall thicknesses to prevent freezing, prevent heat gains, and for energy saving.

The Water Supply Regulations (as referenced in section 11 of BS 5422:2009) state that insulation must provide a minimum eight hours protection for small diameter pipes (up to 15mm) or 12 hours for pipes above 15mm diameter.

The solution Enhancements in pipe lagging will simplify what is a laborious and unappealing task and equip plumbers with confidence to enhance homes, drive industry improvements and provide inspiration for others to continue to learn lessons to further improve standards and raise the bar.

Pipelagger Pro has been designed to address the needs of installers, whether it’s a student or frontline industry professional wanting to achieve seamless pipe lagging joints.

It is an easy-to-use multifunctional cutting system that helps avoid costly material wastage and delivers a perfect finish on every job. It comes with a purposely designed toothless saw that prevents tearing.

Pipelagger Pro helps to take the guess work out of pipe lagging. It accommodates a wide range of sizes: compatible to use on 13, 19 and 25mm wall thickness polyethylene foam for 15, 22 and 28mm pipe diameters. It features two integrated self centralising curves, designed to perfectly hug the contours of the pipe lagging. Clamps have been ribbed for superior grabbing capabilities, while stainless steel fastenings prevent threads from suffering corrosion.

Find out more Pipelagger Pro, available from PlumbPal Innovations, recently received recognition by industry experts by being ‘Highly Commended’ at this year’s H&V Awards. To see a demonstration about how the system works, visit the Installer Show at the Ricoh Arena (8th-10th May) or, for further information, see the website below. www.pipelaggerpro.com

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51 1 PIPES PI PES F Fittings ittings s & Valves Va allves 5 Trapeze T rapeze brackets brackets will will use use space space wisely w sely Connect wi Connect ccomposite om mposite pipe p ipe the the smart smart way way

The The Fast Fast Trak Trak from from Gripple, Gr ipple, a manufacturer manufact urer of of building building services ser v ices ssuspension uspension syss y stems, tems, is is a pre-fabricated pre-fabr icated trapeze bracket t rapeze b racket solution solut ion offering flexibility of fer ing sspeed, peed, fl ex ibi l it y and use and efficient ef fic ient u se of of space s p ac e for off p pipefor tthe he iinstallation nstallat ion o ipework, electrical elect r ical containconta inwork, ment, ment, ductwork duct work and and other ot h e r mechanical mechan ical sservices er v ices iin n rreestricted places. st r icted p laces.

Comprising Comprising metal metal tracks tracks and mounting brackets, and m ounting b rac a kets, tthe he system system provides provides tool-free tool-free

adjustment, a djustment, zero waste and rresults esults in in z ero w aste a nd iis s ease off d delivery llightweight ightweight ffor or e ase o elivery

and handling a nd dh and dling onsite. on site. Each E ac h ssystem ystem has has a 3:1 3:1 safety safety factor factor and can maximum a nd c an ssuspend uspend a m aximum weight w eight up up to to 180kg.

180kg.

The was T he rrange ange w as recently recently extended extended to to include include new new track lengths, and track le ng ths, a nd further further additions additions a are r sscheduled re cheduled to launch launch later later this this year. year.

Product P roduct Manager Manager Mark Mark Kimberley Trak Kimberley ssays: ays: ““Fast Fast T rak is our biggest construction is o ur b iggest c onstr uction product product llaunch aunch ssince ince the the wire kits wire rrope ope k its in in 1997.

1997. We We are confident will become are c onfident nt iitt w ill b ecome a trusted trusted solution solution for for plumbing plumbing and heating engineers.” and h eating e ng ineers.”

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Grooved G rooved s system ystem cuts cuts install install time time With the With the launch launch of of the the VSH VSH Shurjoint, Shurjoint, Pegler Pegler Yorkshire Yorkshire now n ow o offers ffers a m mechanical echanicall g grooved rooved p piping iping ssystem. ystem.

Si tting alongside alongside o ther b rands like like VSH VSH Xpress Xp press Sitting other brands and a nd VSH VSH Tectite, Tectite, tthe he c company ompany says say ys it it offers offers a ffully ully iintegrated ntegrated p piping iping solution. solution.

Eleanor Eleanor Johnson, Johnson, F Fittings ittings M Market arket Manager, Manager, ssays: ay ys: “The “The introduction introduc u tion of of VSH VSH Shurjoint Shurjoint b rings grooved grooved fittings, fittings, couplings couplings and and valves valves brings tto o the the UK UK under under the the e Pegler Pegler Yorkshire Yo orrkshire portfolio, portfolio, pr oviding o ur c ustomers w ith tthe he rreassurance eassurance our our providing our customers with brand plus piping b rand offers offers p lus a ffully ully iintegrated ntegratted p iping ssystem ystem one manufacturer, avoiding compatibility ffrom rom o ne m anufacturer, a voiding c ompatibility iissues ssues and with our other products.” a nd offering offering a seamless seamless transition transition w ith o ur o ther pr oducts.”

Pegler P egler e Yorkshire Yorkshire says says when when comparing comparing this this system system other methods, tto oo ther jjointing ointing m ethods, ssuch uch as as welding, welding, VSH VSH Shurjoint can S hur joint c an reduce reduce installation installat ion time t ime by by up 70%, offering u p tto o7 0%, o ffering a more more efficient efficient install install along a long with w it h improved improved ssafety afet y thanks t hanks to to off h heat. addition, tthe he elimination eliminat ion o eat. IIn na ddit ion, tthe he by ssystem ystem is is backed backed b y ttechnical echnical ssupport upport ffrom rom onset, with 3D tthe he o nset, w ith 3 D design design modelling modelling and and BIM-ready drawings, cost B IM-ready d raw ings, c ost comparisons compar isons and a nd thermal t her mal movement movement analysis, analysis, all all of of which provides can w hich pr ov ides iinformation nfor mat ion tthat hat c an iimprove mprove productivity and budgets. jjobsite obsite sschedules, chedules, pr oduct iv it y a nd b udgets. www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk/en/home w ww.pegleryorkshire.co.uk/en/ home ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No. 123 12 3

The new The new Smartpress Smar t press pr press ess connection c onnection system system by

by Viega Viega iis s c laimed tto o pr ov ide a claimed provide quicker q uicker and and more more reliable reliable m et hod ffor or c onnect ing method connecting m ult i-layer e c omposite p ipe multi-layer composite pipe ((MLCP).

MLCP).

The T he German Ger man engineered eng ineered sstainless tainless steel steel and and gunmetal gunmetal connectors c onnectors are are suitable suitable for for a wide w ide range range of of domestic domestic a and nd commercial c om mer c i a l applications appl icat ion s including in cluding drinking d inking water dr water and and heating The he at ing iinstallations. nstallat ions. T he

corrosion-resistant co r rosion-resistant fittings fitt ings are a re a available vailable in in dimensions dimensions ffrom rom 1 16 6 tto o6 63mm, 3mm, and and the t he rrange ange iincludes ncludes m manifold anifold a and nd rradiator adiator c connection onnection blo blocks. cks.

The T he Smartpress Smar t press ssystem ystem rreplaces eplaces tthe he ttraditional radit ional O-ring O -r ing with w ith a PPSU PPSU support suppor t sstructure tr uct ure that t hat simplifies simplifies iinstallation. nstallat ion. The The design desig n also helps a lso h elps to to maintain maintain water watter pressure pr essure iin n the t he system. system.

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www.viega.co.uk www .viega.co.uk

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52 WATER HEATING & Cylinders

Considering all available options To many consumers, one hot water cylinder may appear the same as another, but installers can play a role in helping to make them aware of the wide range of options available. Isaac Occhipinti, Head of External Affairs at the Hot Water Association, explains more.

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he domestic hot water cylinder industry offers choice to both the homeowner and installers, and while the overwhelming majority of cylinders look the same, and in most cases they are fitted in the same way, there are many differences that the installer and end user should be aware of when selecting a product. The traditional vented cylinder is gradually being replaced where possible with unvented units, and the Isaac Occhipinti, HWA following article discusses the merits and choices of this growing section of the market.

Clearly a cylinder has to be the correct specification for its use and fuel type. Manufacturers will typically offer of full range of direct electric, indirect for boilers, and renewable heat source cylinders for heat pump and solar thermal.

Most of these will be offered in capacities typically between 100 and 300 litres.

Water expansion It is a challenge for cylinder manufacturers to show the USPs of their product, but the most immediately obvious difference between cylinder types is the method of accommodating the expansion water. The industry standard has generally been a cylinder with a separate, wall mounted expansion vessel. The system works. It is reliable, but it takes up space in a cylinder cupboard that could otherwise be used for storage.

By contrast the ‘bubble top’, or air gap system, dispenses with the need of a separate expansion vessel. The system works by having a bubble of air trapped in the top of the cylinder and the hot water drawn from the unit from a side or top mounted internal pipe that reaches into the water. The air gap is often kept separate from the water by a plastic floating baffle that sits on the water and moves vertically with the expansion of the water according to heat.

The air gap should be regenerated annually when the unit is serviced by an approved installer, thus preventing a loss of gap that would otherwise result in over pressurisation of the cylinder and an operational discharge from the expansion relief valve.

Cylinders are also available with an ‘all on top’ design,

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with heating coil, hot and cold water services, safety valves and expansion vessels all concealed and contained under a removable lid. The purpose of this design is to minimise the impact of external pipework and connections and optimise usable space.

The more advanced a product is in terms of design and efficiency, the more expensive it is likely to be. Some cylinder ranges are the basic yet compliant cylinder made to be as economic as possible to buy, others will be more sophisticated in design to improve the efficiency and ease of fitting.

Size matters It’s not just efficiency and heat retention that is important to a householder – space saving is also important. A small increase in diameter can significantly reduce the height of a cylinder, allowing more storage or even a washing machine to be accommodated.

At the opposite end, slimline and even horizontal products are available to fit into specific areas. Again, more expensive, but they are problem solvers.

Heat-up time from cold, and heat retention, are generally the benchmark of performance; however, if large volumes of hot water are required, perhaps in commercial applications, customers should look for cylinders with even higher specification coils to provide a faster recovery rate. The horses for courses argument also is relevant for coil type.

In hard water areas heat exchangers that could harbour and encourage limescale deposits should be avoided.

Manufacturers have invested in heat exchange coil design, along with tank in tank technology, to optimise economic heat recovery, and reduce scale build-up.

Consumer choice Unvented cylinders are not all the same. Quality, efficiency, design ingenuity and price all vary. The end customer will not always be interested in the same features as an installer, and giving an end user alternatives at differing prices can lead to both a happier customer and a more profitable project for the installer.

The introduction of ErP has had a significant effect on the cylinder industry and the products available. The updated regulations from September 2017 have effectively outlawed products below a ‘C’ rating. This has had a dramatic effect on the performance and efficiency of products that are available. This leads to cost savings for the consumer on a gas fired central heating system, with greater savings on electrically heated cylinders. Most modern cylinders are insulated with polyurethane foam, however efficiency levels shown by the ERP label and supporting fiche do vary

Storage space will also be an issue to many customers

according to thickness, quality and type of insulation, with higher rated products also available with vacuum panel insulation.

The Hot Water Association Charter identifies manufacturers whose products have passed a high level of audit and scrutiny to demonstrate that the products are correctly labelled and performance is independently verified. Charter members can be found at www.hotwater.org.uk/hwa-charter

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Maximise the benefits of multiple fuel sources Thermal stores can provide an effective solution for combining the benefits of different heat sources to maximise energy efficiency and deliver a reliable supply of water and space heating. Gledhill’s Product Manager, Wayne Hyde, explains more about how this is achieved.

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t’s been 25 years since thermal stores were first introduced and this approach to hot water storage has become the preferred solution for applications which feature a solid fuel appliance, multiple fuel sources or where there is a requirement for mains pressure hot water with virtually zero maintenance.

More in store A thermal store is a vessel for storing and managing heat until it is needed. It differs from a conventional hot water cylinder as the stored water is not fed to the taps directly from the thermal store. Instead, it is heated up by passing through a plate heat exchanger that transfers heat from the thermal store water to the mains tap water. Heat exchangers, especially flat-plate heat exchangers, have the ability to transfer a lot of heat in a short time – allowing householders to take a mains pressure shower or fill a bath very quickly.

A thermal store may contain one or more heat exchangers in the form of internal coiled pipes or external flat-plate heat exchangers. It may also include an electrical heating element, such as an immersion heater.

Thermal stores can provide space heating and mains pressure hot water or hot water

The schematic diagram shows how Glehill’s Torrent ECO OV cylinder can use numerous heat sources (including optional extras) at the same time

only. Purpose-built thermal stores are designed and sized to take inputs from a number of different heat sources, such as heat from a wood-fuelled boiler, solar thermal system or a conventional gas or oil boiler.

The full potential of a thermal store is achieved when it utilises a number of

The 10 main benefits of a thermal store (1)

different heat inputs. For example, you can use excess solar heat for space heating or the heat from a wood burner to supply hot water.

During the day the thermal store can utilise the heat from a high-efficiency solar thermal input to heat up the water in the store.

If the property has a wood burner, which is typically lit in the evening, this can also be connected to the system which will boost the temperature of the water in the thermal store generated by the solar energy during the day. All of this can be backed up by a conventional boiler or an immersion heater.

Further savings For even greater energy efficiency, if a low carbon or renewable electricity source is available then this could be connected to the immersion element to provide heat input to the thermal store, decreasing the use of the fossil fuel boiler and hence reducing running costs.

This stored water can then be used to produce mains pressure hot water at the tap via the flat-plate heat exchanger, utilising the energy efficient pump, PCB software and flow sensor technology. When connected and configured correctly, the thermal store can also provide heat to the central heating circuit.

Looking ahead

(10)

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When it comes to the future, one thing is for certain, a flexible heating system will provide householders with the ability to add new heat sources as required. A thermal store gives this flexibility by enabling multiple heat sources to be added, as long as they are specified at the time of ordering. So, for

example, if your customer wants to connect their existing boiler and a wood burner now but is considering adding solar thermal in the future, then the cylinder you order must be specified to work with solar – otherwise this cannot be added in the future.

Whether the property is a new build, or the heating system is being upgraded in an existing property, having the ability to add additional heat sources in the future is a real bonus. This is especially important given the uncertainty around the cost of fossil fuels and the environmental impact they have. They are also a perfect solution in off-grid properties, especially in homes with wood burning appliances or range cookers such as Agas, reducing reliance on oil or LPG. And because a thermal store is open vented it means it is inherently safe and can be situated virtually anywhere within the home as long as the header tank is higher than the radiators. There is no need for discharge pipework and virtually zero maintenance, which makes it the ideal choice for flats with a requirement for hot water at mains pressure too. Plus, no G3 qualification is required to install the cylinder

Find out more The latest thermal stores from Gledhill are engineered to combine energy efficiency with style. Manufactured from duplex stainless steel using precision engineering and with 50mm of insulation for improved heat loss ratings, they are lightweight and easy to install. To find our more, visit the website below. www.gledhill.net

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54 WATER HEATING & Cylinders

Maintaining a safe and efficient system Having an understanding of water quality and the potential problems caused by scale is the key to maintaining a safe and efficient hot water system, says Kevin Potter, Business Development Manager – Hot Water Solutions for Hamworthy Heating.

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ny hot water system must be designed and maintained to ensure that it delivers safe and efficient hot water. In order to comply with regulations and gain maximum operating efficiency from the hot water system, you need to be aware of the water quality, understand the effects of scale and adopt a tailored water treatment regime that is relevant to the type Kevin Potter, Hamworthy of system, location, application, and hardness of the water.

Scale build-up In traditional atmospheric water heaters, the gas burners are located below the cylinder, making them susceptible to scale dropping and settling to the base of the unit. This creates an insulation barrier to the heat source and affects the efficiency of the unit. Just a 1mm build-up of scale can reduce the efficiency by 7.5%. This can also cause excessive expansion of the heat transfer plate which can result in cracking, ending the water heater’s life.

An accumulation of scale in a hot water system can reduce the inside diameter of water pipes or block them completely. This will affect the water pressure and flow within the distribution circuit, increasing the work and energy required for pumps. The presence of scale in the system also provides the right conditions for the proliferation of legionella bacteria.

Providing safe hot water is the most important reason for maintaining a clean system, but cost and efficiency are also important – particularly as running costs are everincreasing and Government targets and regulations are

getting stricter. The more scale present in a system, the more energy used, and thus more CO2 created.

Prevention is much better than cure and normally cheaper.

Ensuring hot water systems are clean and serviced regularly helps maintain efficiency and longevity of appliances and keeps running costs to a minimum.

An unplanned maintenance cost as a result of untreated water can lead to system downtime. If it is a critical hot water supply, such as healthcare premises, schools and hotels, then it can lead to closure of the premises. An unbudgeted distress purchase usually means replacing equipment like for like, but new water heating efficiency requirements under the ErP Directive in September this year will make this difficult, because atmospheric models previously used for these kinds of situations will not meet the set minimum efficiencies. This means a full system review is necessary to identify where changes and improvements are needed to accommodate new water heaters to optimise the efficiency of the system.

Effective solutions What can you do to reduce scale? Physical water conditioners alter the physical structure of hard water crystals, making them easier to dispose of, without the use of chemicals.

In water treated by a physical water conditioner, previously separate positive and negative ions are brought together into clusters of at least one positive and one negative ion.

The clusters of ions attract and hold the hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium), meaning that most are discharged with the water. Those that remain form the softer, far less problematic type of scale that can be easily wiped away.

Water softeners also work on ions contained within the water. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium ions and water softeners use resin beads, which hold sodium ions. When hard water passes through the resin beads inside the softener, the beads attract and hold the calcium and magnesium ions and give off the sodium ions. After this

Scale build-up at the bottom of an atmospheric water heater

ion exchange process, the water leaving the softener is soft.

Once the resin bead is loaded with calcium and magnesium ions, salt water is used to wash the resin beads. The salt water solution (brine) loosens the hardness ions which have built up on the resin beads and the system then backwashes and flushes the hardness minerals away. The resin beads once again hold the sodium ions and the system is ready to soften more water.

An ongoing regime is vital for combatting scale and lowering the chance of legionella bacteria forming and spreading in the system.

Efficiency boost With the enforcement of new minimum water heater efficiency standards under the ErP Directive, condensing water heaters will become the norm. These are often fitted with a down-firing pre-mix modulating burner, which eliminates the risk of scale build-up impacting on the heat transfer – an issue evident in atmospheric water heaters.

The benefits of using condensing units are therefore not only limited to efficiency in terms of scale build-up and better use of fuel, but also regarding maintenance.

With heating loads getting smaller, it is often now the case that a higher percentage of energy in a commercial building will be used for hot water.

The regulations update this year will lead to a phase-out of atmospheric water heaters and a switch to condensing water heaters. This will have many benefits – including the ease of integration with condensing boiler systems, as well as increased efficiencies, better control, lower emissions and lower running costs – which will all help to provide customers with the safest and most efficient hot water systems. www.hamworthy-heating.com

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Continuous flow system can cope with peaks in demand Combining the benefits of a continuous flow unit with a storage facility, the Rinnai Solo range provides a heavy-duty gasfired recirculatory water heater with a completely insulated stainless steel storage cylinder.

Linking a continuous flow unit with a storage cylinder for pre-heated hot water allows for periods of peak hour use.

This, says Rinnai, is likely to be important for those sites where limited gas services may dictate the use and application of water heating systems.

The Infinity Solo low NOx water heaters can be used for a ‘direct to outlet’ system and secondary return systems. The unit will deliver a constant output temperature of 60°C or higher, ensuring stored water

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is at levels that significantly reduce any risk of legionella proliferation.

With a small footprint and 35, 37 and 54kW sized heat engines, the Solo ensures that sites with a smaller gas meter can readily use this technology.

The larger model will also act as a high-efficiency alternative to gas fired storage appliances and can be easily installed on a like for like basis where plant room services are concerned.

The cylinder is stainless steel which reduces the weight compared to glass lined models and it makes transportation and installation easier. As well as the difference in weight, the cylinders also benefit from low heat loss figures (as low as 1.41kW/h day), so the user

pays less to maintain the heat within the tank.

Life expectancy of the stainless steel cylinder is also claimed to be far greater than that of a glass-lined equivalent, as glass can suffer from thermal shock, causing it to crack after a period of time.

Linking up Originally envisaged as a single installation product for light commercial operations such as B&Bs, small hotels and schools, Infinity Solo can also be used for larger projects such as schools because there is no restriction on the number of units that can be linked together. It is simply a question of working out the volume of hot water demand to determine

the number of units required.

Rinnai says that the Solo is also being used in new build and refurbishment housing projects where it is being installed in larger three and four-bed houses where specifiers have identified it as a cost effective hot water provider for a family bathroom, en suite and a downstairs cloak room/shower.

Certain Infinity Solo models (Solo20 and Solo32) are renewables compatible and supplied prefitted with a coil, meaning that the primary energy source will always be from renewable gains, and the Rinnai water heater will only apply the precise amount of gas to boost the difference in temperature.

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WATER HEATING & Cylinders 55

Hotels can keep up with demand With forecasts predicting a rise in demand for UK hotels, it’s important that hotel managers assess their heating systems to ensure that they can cope with the extra heat needed by additional guests. Dan Martindale, Sales Director at Andrews Water Heaters, explains more.

A

lthough some recent reports in the media have highlighted an increase in tourism in the UK and the potential for the hotel industry to increase revenues, the prospect of more guests will of course result in more operational challenges for hotel managers. This includes greater energy demands on a hotel, especially when it comes to heating and hot water.

Considering that heating can account for up to 60% of a hotel’s energy bills, a more efficient system can go a long way to help control operational costs, especially in this economic climate where energy prices are increasing.

Installing a higher output boiler would help to accommodate higher heat

Dan Martindale, Andrews

Andrews offers a range of solutions for hotels large and small

demand, but it still needs to provide hot water in the summer, even when space heating is not needed. What’s more, better insulation in modern buildings means that less heat is lost, so central heating can run at lower temperatures for a shorter time. Both factors mean that a higher output

boiler may be oversized for the overall system, resulting in energy wastage.

Split system One solution is to install a separate, dedicated water heater to cater to the hot water demand without wasting energy on heating.

Separate space heating and

hot water systems generally provide lower running costs, energy consumption and carbon emissions. This is because the hot water energy load can be more suitably matched to the water heater output.

On top of this, since water is heated from a low mains temperature

(at a supply temperature of around 10 to 60°C), high levels of condensing can be achieved, contributing to further savings. The heating system can also be switched off during summer to reduce the electrical consumption from boilers, primary pumps and secondary pumps.

The provision of heating and hot water is critical in hotels, and higher occupancy rates will inevitably lead to more demand for both.

With a correctly sized and specified hot water system, hotels can ensure that their facilities meet customer expectations, and that kitchen and housekeeping operations can keep up with the pace. At the same time, their businesses can benefit from the energy and cost savings delivered by an efficient system.

Made to measure Size-it is Andrews Water Heaters’ original sizing tool for water heater specification. The new and improved version is quicker, personalised and accessible online on any device, helping specifiers select the most appropriate water heater for a project. It is available for free download via the Andrews Water Heaters website and www.sizeit. co.uk PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

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56 WATER HEATING & Cylinders

Not all cylinders are created equal Are all hot water cylinders built equal? Stuart Elsy, MD of OSO Hotwater, argues that they shouldn’t be viewed as a commodity item and considers some of the things that installers should be looking for to ensure they are recommending the most effective hot water solution.

M

ost people would agree that you get what you pay for in this world. In the boiler industry, the boilers with the strongest sales are generally those with strong emphasis on quality and efficiency, often coupled with a strong brand name that is recognised by the public who are willing to pay good money for a good boiler. This is not always the case in other areas of Stuart Elsy, MD of OSO the heating industry. Many Hotwater installers will perceive a hot water cylinder as a commodity box that does the same job as another commodity box. This is a long way from the truth, and there are many variations in quality, efficiency and innovation.

Efficiency matters Efficiency is all-important in the design of water heaters – both fuel efficiency and space efficiency.

Put simply, the best way of establishing the energy efficiency of a water heater is to look at the ErP energy label.

The figures don’t lie, particularly if they are independently approved by the Hot Water Association Charter audit.

When selecting a cylinder on efficiency, don’t just look at insulation thickness. It tells only half the story. Better quality insulation is far more important, and this is shown in the ErP rating.

Indirect cylinders are measured on standing heat loss.

This test heats the water to 65°C with a surrounding temperature of 20°C, and then measures the energy required over 24 hours to keep it there. ErP has radically improved the general standard of insulation. Poor performing cylinders below a ‘C’ rating are now illegal, but there are still significant differences in performance.

The very best performing cylinders use vacuum panel insulation (see panels pictured, right). Heat cannot travel through a vacuum and a 10mm vacuum panel has the same insulation properties as 60mm of PU foam. Our OSO Delta cylinder has a 10mm vacuum panel, backed up with 40mm of foam and is comfortably the best insulated product available – the only full range of ‘A’ rated cylinders on the market. A 300 litre Delta loses only 3.5°C in 24 hours – an equivalent older cylinder from circa 2000 lost 13°C. This efficiency gain alone can save customers up to £78 per year on their heating bills.

Extra flexibility Highly insulated cylinders, in reality, don’t need to go in an airing cupboard, increasing installation flexibility.

In fact, the best cylinders can easily be fitted in a loft or garage. The small amount of additional heat loss that will occur because the ambient temperature is lower in those environments will be a small cost, when compared to the additional space created by removal of the cylinder from the first floor.

With this in mind, installers should think very carefully before suggesting the removal of an old cylinder and replacing with a combi boiler. Cylinders have a fundamental advantage in houses with more than one shower/bathroom in that they are able to supply two or more showers simultaneously.

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The Super SX IQ hot water cylinder from OSO Hotwater features easily accessible expansion vessels at the top

Recent research conducted by the Hot Water Association revealed that almost a quarter of families argue regularly about who is going in the shower first. This doesn’t have to happen with a cylinder.

To maintain central heating efficiency, it is very important to ensure that the interface of pipework between boiler and cylinder is correctly lagged and that modern heating controls are used.

Hard facts Heating costs in indirect cylinders can also be affected by hard water. Opting for a coil which is smooth will attract and harbour far less limescale than a ribbed or finned coil, cutting the effect of limescale Space saving solution – the SX IQ is small enough to fit above a washing machine in a standard airing cupboard acting as insulation between primary and secondary water. Building system. Many other manufacturers ‘borrowed’ it during the regulations Part L recommends 1990s, some more successfully than others. OSO dropped that hard water is treated to the bubble top unit some time ago to replace it with an reduce calcium and preserve improved design on the Super Series that has all the space saving advantages of the bubble unit, but which dispenses the efficiency of the system.

In the worst cases, cylinders can with the annual bubble replenishment procedure normally just fill up with limescale, and because recommended as part of a service. The Super Series design the South East and East of England in is now a patented design.

Cylinders with separate expansion vessels do the job particular are known hard water areas, the but take up a lot of space. Bubble top design of a heat exchanger units are more space efficient, but the in a cylinder should always be “Installers should all-on-top design of the Super Series with a factor to consider for installers think very carefully twin mini-expansion vessels concealed in those areas. At OSO we only use under a lid are guaranteed not to lose smooth skin coils to limit this effect. before suggesting their charge for at least five years and the removal of an old Direct line gives a space saving and maintenance cylinder and replacing friendly alternative.

Direct cylinders are tested on energy input compared to heat output. It’s quite a with a combi” The space saving features of Super complicated test, and shares roots with the Series are accentuated with the SX IQ hot water test for combi boilers. Standing because it heats and stores water at 70°C; heat loss plays a part in the test efficiency, but many of 10°C higher than most other units. The cylinder contains the best cylinders are now those with smart control via a a blending valve in its multifunction valve and blends the self-learning thermostat. water to 60°C at the outlet, thus eliminating any risk of Smart control matches heat input to predicted hot water scalding. This extra energy storage means that a smaller demand and can save 30% in terms of energy input over cylinder can be specified, saving further space, and in standard on-off thermostats. Our newly launched OSO practical terms means that a washing machine can be Super SX iQ range of cylinders has been shortlisted for stored underneath a cylinder up to 210 litres in a standard multiple industry awards and utilises smart control to airing cupboard. No other product has that flexibility. save customers significant electricity costs over a year.

The simple answer is no, not all hot water cylinders are the same. Efficiency, quality and technological advances Space efficiency differ and it is certainly worth taking a look to make sure Efficiency is not always just about energy efficiency. Space the heating system will deliver but also exceed expectations. efficiency can be equally important to a householder. Back PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No. www.osohotwater.co.uk 135 in the mists of time (1989), we invented the bubble top

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WATER HEATING & Cylinders 57 More than just good looks The Andris Lux Eco from Ariston is a stylish unvented electric water heater that is said to offer energy efficiency, durability, usability and safety. The latest model also boasts new features, including anti-legionella and antioverheating functions.

Aimed at specification-led locations, such as commercial properties, building sites, kitchens, bathrooms or offices, the unvented water heater is available in 10, 15 and 30-litre models, each with a 2.5kW element.

Energy efficiency is assured by an ErP ‘A’ rating across the range, but for extra energy savings the compact units also feature Ariston’s ‘ECO EVO’ function – a new electronic control

with automatic learning software, which enables users to achieve savings of up to 15%.

Andris Lux Eco has also been designed with ease of use in mind, featuring an advanced electronic temperature management system.

This includes an electronic thermostat for precise temperature control and regulation, as well as a user-friendly, intuitive display with simple button layout.

Safety features

Once a month, the unit will automatically raise the temperature of the water stored inside it to 65°C, in order to eliminate the risk of legionella bacteria developing. Other safety features include an anti-overheating option which, in the event of an error, will shut off the heating cycle before it reaches too high a temperature.

Similarly, an anti-freezing feature will keep the water at a minimum temperature of 5°C even when the unit is turned off (as long as it is plugged in).

Plus, should there be a lack of water in the tank, ‘dry heating auto-diagnosis’ will prevent the heating cycle from starting and damaging the unit.

In terms of durability, the Andris Lux Eco has a special titanium enamelling,

Small plant rooms, medium demand

providing the tank with greater strength and longevity when compared to standard enamelling. Furthermore, a copper heating element offers greater protection against corrosion, and durability is further bolstered by a robust four-bolt flange that allows for easy operation, maintenance and/ or repair.

Commenting on the small electric water heaters, Antonio Piana, Product Manager at Ariston, says: “Andris Lux Eco is ideal for properties not on the mains gas grid, yet require small amounts of hot water. Its compact design allows it be installed in a variety of locations, while the plethora of on-board features ensure high levels of energy efficiency.”

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Designed for locations such as pubs, restaurants and sports pavilions, the Econoplate BV Series from Stokvis gives specifiers a wide choice of sizes and outputs to suit premises with modest plant room space and medium levels of hot water demand.

The Econoplate plate heat exchangers combine with different sizes of storage vessel. The hybrid unit takes up less space than installing a separate Econoplate PHE, and could typically cut capital cost by £2000 or more, according to Stokvis.

The BV (Brazed heat exchanger with Vessel) are capable of supplying domestic hot water direct on demand, or rapidly reheating the stored volume which can be 300, 500, 800 or 1000 litres.

There are five heat outputs, rising from 56 to 231kW, with flow rates from 606 litres in 10 minutes, up to 1551 litres in 10 minutes. The peak output over a one hour period can be a highly impressive 4851 litres.

Based on a primary flow temperature of 80ºC, recovery time for the smaller stores can be as little as six minutes. www.stokvisboilers.com

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58 WATER HEATING & Cylinders

Meeting demand at 5 star hotel When the five star Merchant Hotel in Belfast set out to upgrade its heating and hot water system, ACV and merchant and distributor C&F Quadrant were invited to advise on the best solution â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a new cascade system featuring ACVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prestige ticked all the right boxes.

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he main priority was to ensure guests at the hotel, situated in Belfastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral Quarter, enjoyed a warm welcome and comfortable stay â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so the heating system also had to be of a five star quality. The merchant and distributor C&F Quadrant, along with ACV, designed and supplied eight ACV Prestige wall mounted boilers in two cascade formations in a brand new purpose build rooftop plantroom.

Stephen Wilson, MD of ACV UK & Ireland, explains why the Prestige boilers were able to meet the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demand for reliable heating and hot water: â&#x20AC;&#x153;They deliver exceptionally high efficiency and unrivalled performance in a compact and lightweight unit. At the core of the Prestige is a stainless steel heat exchanger. ACV has continually developed and improved this range over its 90 years experience of using stainless steel in heating and hot water production.â&#x20AC;?

ACV has demonstrated its confidence in the stainless steel heat exchanger by offering a 10 year warranty. The company argues that a stainless steel construction is not only ideally suited to high temperatures, but also provides high resistance to corrosion. A modulating burner with a turndown ratio of up to 9:1 further helps to improve operating efficiency.

The Prestige â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Soloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; condensing boilers are available in seven models, 24 to 120kW, with selfcleaning flue ways and a convenient

internal design that allows easy access to components and controls.

Cascade options are also available with the Prestige Solo range.

ACVMax controls can be used for cascades of up to four boilers, without the need for an additional controller, by programming them in a master/slave operation. This allows the boilers to operate equally, rather than one or two working harder than the others, which can result in premature failure.

With additional controls, up to eight boilers can be programmed

in cascade working in the same operation. The turndown ratio with the Prestige cascade is up to 76:1, which is said to make it one of the most efficient cascade systems on the market.

Prestige Solo boilers can be combined with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Smartline tank-in-tank hot water cylinders, or HeatMaster combination boilers, offering the flexibility of an effective heating and hot water system to suit all sizes and applications.

When space is a consideration, the Prestige 24 Excellence and Prestige

32 Excellence are said to offer all the advantages of the Solo, with the added benefit of an integrated domestic hot water storage cylinder, expansion vessel and pump, making it a high performance combination boiler.

Designed primarily for use in apartments and family homes, the Excellence uses ACVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tank-intank technology for its domestic hot water generation, alongside its heating function, all in a single compact housing.

All Prestige boilers come with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s control system â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACV Max â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which presents an intuitive control panel via an easy-to-use LCD display. As well as monitoring the boiler to ensure optimal efficiency, the ACVMax features an integrated manometer and EZY setup that can be used in over 90% of installations, taking just minutes to set up.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.acv.com

Efficiency across the range | Since 1924, STIEBEL ELTRON has specialised in decentralised DHW heating, offering products geared towards maximum energy savings. No more high operating costs, thanks to innovative technology, reliable premium products and a first-class service from STIEBEL ELTRON. â&#x20AC;ş Quality with a high level of innovation â&#x20AC;ş Instantaneous water heaters for any application area â&#x20AC;ş Convenience for kitchens, bathrooms and hand basins â&#x20AC;ş Peace of mind with a 2 year on site parts and labour warranty DHE SLi | Instantaneous water heater DEL SLi | Instantaneous water heater

Hot water and space heating solutions the STIEBEL ELTRON way.

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

Contact us directly for our free of charge design service.

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

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

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WATER HEATING & Cylinders 59 New cylinders to extend the options With the aim of providing customers with a complete range of heating solutions, Grant UK has announced that it will extend its Wave cylinder range this summer with six new cylinders, along with a 50 litre buffer tank and a 30 litre volumiser.

The buffer tank, which allows for different configurations of the flow and return to and from the heat source and system, maintains a constant flow rate from the boiler or heat pump, helping to maximise its efficiency.

The volumiser is designed for use when the volume on any zone within a system is below the minimum required for the correct operation of the heat source. The unit ensures that an inverter type heat pump, for example, can accurately balance the modulation functions of the fan, compressors and circulating pump, reducing

the risk of start/stop cycles.

In addition, the cylinder range will be enhanced by new models which incorporate a buffer tank.

Three of these new units, available in 200, 250 and 300 litre variants, combine the cylinder with a 50 litre buffer tank at their base, reducing the need for separate tanks and the footprint required.

A further three preplumbed cylinders will be available in 200, 250 and 300 litre cylinders with the combined 50 litre buffer tank, and will include a DHW zone valve, two space heat zone valves, a wiring centre, dual thermostat, mains water inlet group and tundish. All the cylinders come with a 3kW immersion, with an additional back-up immersion element fitted to the buffer.

The existing range includes single and twin coil indirect variants, available in sizes from 125 up to 400 litres,

Meeting the need for storage

including an ErP ‘A’ rated single coil indirect 200 litre cylinder which features higher levels of insulation to maintain the stored temperature for longer.

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With some 400,000 regular and system boilers installed in the UK each year, there are many properties that require cylinder storage to meet their hot water needs.

For those households that require a cylinder-based hot water system, Worcester Bosch offers its range of high efficiency Greenstore cylinders, available in a wide range of capacities from 90 to 300 litres.

Backed by a 25-year guarantee, the Greenstore unvented cylinders have been designed to combine rapid re-heat times with excellent heat retention, in compliance with the Energy related Products (ErP) directive. All the unvented cylinders are highly insulated to reduce heat loss and come in seven different sizes to meet most domestic requirements.

Delivering all the same benefits as the traditional unvented range, Worcester’s Greenstore unvented solar cylinder is available in five

sizes from 150-300 litres (in heights of 835 to 2144mm) and can be paired with the company’s Greenskies solar water panels.

For added convenience, the solar water heating can be added to the system at any time, all without having

to replace the cylinder.

To further protect the environment, Worcester says that all of its Greenstore cylinders are manufactured from 100% recyclable components.

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60 W WATER ATER HEATING A HEATING & C Cylinders ylinders Electric thermal Electric thermal Protective P rotective ccovers overs are are fully fully recycled recycled sstore tore hits hits tthe he m mark ark The T he ETS ETS 160 160 electric electric tthermal hermal sstore tore by

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A new new range range o off E Eco co L Lids ids m made ade ffrom rom 100% 100% recycled recycled ABS ABS to to fitt ttraditional fi raditional d domestic omestic hot hot and a nd cold cold water water cylinders cylinders has has been b een launched launched by by thermothermofforming orming specialist specialist B Belgrade elg rade Polymer P olymer P Products. roduc u ts.

C apable o ithstanding Capable off w withstanding extreme e xtreme temperatures, temperatures, the the Eco Lids E co L ids are are designed desig ned to to act act a permanent protective protective ass a permanent cover c over for for u underneath nd derneath and and on o n ttop op o off c copper opper o orr sstainless tainless ssteel teel cylinders cylinders u up p tto o6 60cm.

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the the E Eco co L Lids ids can can be be specified specified in in any any colour, colour, ssubject ubject to to a minimum minimum order order quantity. quantit y.

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product’s pr oduct’s eco-credentials, eco-credentials, Belgrade’s B elgrade’s General General Manager Manager Patrick P atrick Burke Burke says: say ys: “The “The lids lids are made 100% a re m ade ffrom rom 1 00% rrecycled ecycled

ABS, which ABS, which is is a great grea at example example off o our closed-loop o ur c losed-loop ssupply upply chain c hain w where here m materials, aterials, ssuch uch as a s ttrimmings, r immings, go go back back into into our manufacturing process o ur m anufactur ing pr ocess wherever possible. w herever p ossible. taking a fully ““By By taking fully iintegrated nteg rated t a pproach to o ur approach our w hole process p ocess in pr in line line with with whole circular cir cular economy economy principles, principles, w ec an m aximise rrecycling ecycling we can maximise ourr ssupply tthroughout hroughout ou upply chain c hain while while maintaining maintaining the the highest quality standards.” h ighest q ualit y st andards.”

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Self-sustaining S elf-sustaining s solution olution

ease ease of of installation, installat ion, the t he kit k it is pre-plumbed pre-plumbed a nd pr eis and prewired wired to to the the basic basic model model a and nd operates operates w with it h a sstandard tandard 5 amp ssupply. upply. amp PHAM P HAM N NEWS EWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.

www.advanceappliances.co.uk w ww.advanceap ppliances.co.uk

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Available A va i lable from f rom The The Plumbing Plumbing Group G r o up iiss tthe he V Venturi ent ur i rrange ange o off u unvented nvented c yl i nd e r s . W it h n oe x p a n s i on v e s s el cylinders.

With no expansion vessel orr iinternal o nternal b baffle, affle, the the cylinders cylinders ffeature eature new n ew 3 3S S technology technolog y w which hich o overcomes vercomes expansion tthe he inherent inherent problem problem of of e x pansion iin n unvented unvented ssystems y s t em s b by ya achieving ch iev ing a sself-sustaining elf-sust aining system. system. This This means me a n s tthat hat there t here is is no no need need for for recharging recharg ing and a nd a also lso avoids avoids any any risk r isk of of legionella leg ionella pipework. ffrom rom dead-leg dead-leg gp ipework.

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to to create create negative negat ive p pressure ressure and and draw draw enough enough a air ir tto oa automatically utomat ically rrecharge e c ha r g e the the air air cap cap without without the the need need for for further further m intenance. ma maintenance.

Pre-installed P re-instal led with w it h no no additional add it ional parts par t s required, requ i red, the t he WRAS-approved W R A S-approved cylinders c yl i nd e r s a are re m manufactured anufact ured w with it h 60mm e nv i ronmental ly ffriendly r iendly 60mm environmentally foam and and are are available ava i lable from f rom 80 8 0 to to foam 500 50 0 litres l it res iin nb both ot h d direct i rect and and indirect i nd i r e c t models. A ll c ylinders c ome w it h a 2 5 models.

All cylinders come with 25 year year cylinder cylinder warranty warranty and and three three year year pa r t s w ar rant y. parts warranty.

PHAM P H A M NEWS NEWS ENQUIRY ENQUIRY No. No.

www.theplumbinggroup.co.uk w ww.theplumbinggroup.co.uk

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May 2018

Pumps & Heating Spares 61

A closer look at the supply chain Tracking down spare parts has become less of a chore in recent years. Carol Hitchcock spoke with Andy Nolan, Group Spares Programme Manager for Travis Perkins, to get a picture of how the market functions to deliver a service that helps installers operate more efficiently.

T

he UK is one of the biggest boiler markets in the world – third, just behind China and South Korea – with over 26 million units installed. It’s also a significant market for sales, as the UK sees roughly 1.6 million new boilers sold each year. But the number undergoing repair dwarfs the ones replaced, which helps to explain why the Andy Nolan, Group Spares heating spares market has Programme Manager been growing steadily since 2010. AMA Research, a market report publisher, describes the heating spares market as ‘highly complex’ and found that as of 2016 (the latest year for figures) its estimated value was £380 million, with parts for central heating boilers representing £200 million of that.

City Heating Spares (CHS), part of the Travis Perkins Group, is among the four major suppliers to heating engineers across Great Britain, with over 400 counters located in branches of City Plumbing Supplies, plus in a select number of Plumbing Trade Supplies (PTS) and Travis Perkins outlets. Andy Nolan is in charge of the development side of this arm of the business as Group Spares Programme Manager at Travis Perkins, placing him in a good position to shed some light on this ‘highly complex’ sector.

How healthy is the market for heating spares?

“There has been a consistent rise in the value of the market, despite the emphasis government and other organisations are putting on new boilers. We still see the heating spares market as being strong.

“Cold winters help. They push up sales because of the increased wear and tear on boilers, so there’s a rise in repairs as a result. The weather is anything but predictable, so we have to be ready for a cold snap to provide products to our customers. This year has been especially strong on sales, with the amount of cold weather and snow we have experienced.”

If things are going as well as that, then there must be a lot of competition.

“We have seen in recent years a lot of internet businesses selling spares. There are also a number of independents in addition to the major national players, so competition remains

To complement CHS’s increased in-branch stock holding, the Chorley distribution centre has been expanded to fulfil orders

61.indd 1

strong. This is good for the customer, because a competitive market means many businesses trying to win the same buyers, and this encourages innovation to improve service. It’s important for us to offer a proposition that sees the website, call centre and branch networks work together to offer the best service.”

What has City Heating Spares done to become more competitive?

“One of the ideas we’ve had was to introduce the Drop Box scheme. It lets customers place spares orders up to 8pm the night before for nextday collection at 8am. Specialist couriers deliver overnight to secure boxes located outside the branches.

Drop Box has been a big part of our City Heating Spares’ growth.

“We’ve also increased our stock holding nationwide by 35%, customising additions according to local demand.

This is an increase that really speeds up turnaround times for customers.

“Another initiative is the Spares Finder tool currently being designed for the CHS website. It is still in development, however as well as a traditional parts identification system with exploded diagrams and boiler manuals, it is backed up with up-to-date stock levels at our CPS, PTS and Travis Perkins branches, as well as warehouse stock to support same day fixes for our customers.”

What kind of products are most in demand?

“Our most popular spares are for Ideal, Vaillant, and Worcester, but we also sell a high quantity of PCBs and consumables such as leak detector spray, smoke matches, and blue tissue roll, which is one of the engineers’ favourites. We’ve got 20,000 products available for nextday delivery, and 120,000 we can order on an extended lead time.”

Customer service is clearly a vital part of this sector of the market. How is CHS making sure it keeps installers happy?

“We put the customer at the centre of how we model the business. One of our great strengths is that we are in touch with what the customer wants, in terms of a dedicated parts channel. If you’re not sure what they want, you’re not going to be able to consistently deliver the goods to them in a timely manner. Customer focus

The Drop Box scheme allows for overnight deliveries to the branches so installers can collect their orders next-day at 8am

stock is supported by staff with strong product knowledge

is essential to this business because it’s such a complex and varied market.”

You said earlier that internet businesses are becoming more prevalent. Are installers reacting to that?

“I think there’s a bit of a shift change there. The traditional merchant model has been about an installer going to the client’s house, showing the part that’s needed for the repair and how much that part costs. Then the installer would go and negotiate a better deal from their merchant, making money not just on fitting the part, but also on the part itself.

“With the internet, parts prices are pretty much available to anyone who can google. This means merchants have to adjust their pricing strategy and get a good web presence that works in harmony with the branches.”

Recent years have seen a number of government-backed initiatives encouraging the replacement of old boilers.

What effect has this had on heating spares?

“Repair versus replace plays a huge role, but despite the influence of government, a householder’s decision is usually down to cost. The price of some spares can be quite high, and the cost of boilers is going down because of a variety of rebate schemes, so this may drive a customer towards replacement. But if you can put a part in there for £100 rather than spend thousands on a new installation, they will go the other way and repair.

“The emergence of extended boiler warranties are also a factor. Some boilers are covered for up to 10 years, which means people have more of an incentive to repair.

If the warranty will cover it, there’s no reason to replace the boiler.”

Do you see advances in boiler technology changing the way you will have to operate?

“In future, we see technology playing a larger role in simplifying fault finding, which will affect the way we serve the customer. Boiler diagnostics has already advanced to the point that it’s now possible to detect faults in real-time.

“For example, you can get a smart boiler meter that tells the engineer in advance of a visit what has gone wrong.

They show up at the customer’s home with the parts they need in hand and can carry out the repair in a single visit.

As this technology becomes more of a norm, our installer customers will be expecting us to deliver an even quicker service that provides even easier access. That’s what we will be responding to. Engineers have the potential to offer an all-encompassing service, and there must be a good supply chain behind that.” www.cityheatingspares.co.uk

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62 Pumps & Heating Spares

When you need to up the pressure Low water pressure is not an uncommon problem in the UK and can be a frequent cause of complaints from customers, but how can you be sure that you’re able to offer the most effective solution? Nigel Harris, Director at Pump World, offers advice on how to boost water pressure.

W

hen looking for a solution to increase water pressure, it is important to consider a range of factors: What is causing the low water pressure? What pressure rating do you and your client want to achieve?

How much space is available to store water pressureboosting equipment? How many water outlets are in the property? The list goes on and on.

Then, there are legal Nigel Harris, Pump World restrictions to think about.

For example, to boost mains pressure at more than 12 litres per minute, a break tank must be used to comply with most water regulations.

As you can see, there is a lot to think about, but the nuts and bolts of selecting the right booster pump comes down to the following key determinants: calculated normal demand flow rate; calculated peak demand flow rate; static height difference between supply tank water level and highest outlet on the system; required pressure at the highest outlet; friction losses at peak flow rates, and percentage of pump redundancy required for emergency cover at peak demand.

Minimum pressure When working out calculated normal demand flow rate, think about how many taps, showers, etc are to be fitted – what is the minimum pressure required for these taps and showers to work? The majority of today’s bathroom and kitchen ‘must-haves’ require 3.0 bar minimum pressure to operate, so this is an important consideration to think about.

Spares expansion Following the opening of a new warehouse facility, Devizes-based heating specialist Grant UK has expanded its spares operation.

Thousands of spare parts are kept in stock, comprising a full range of Riello spares, general oil product spares, and Grant specific product spares, including renewables.

The company’s expansion means that it can now hold three times its boiler stockholding and, with Business Development Manager Mike Toms overseeing spares sales on the road, the new facility will make these items more accessible to merchants and engineers up and down the country.

“The market for spares is proving highly successful for us,” explains Anna Wakefield, Marketing and Communications Manager for Grant UK. “Our ability to hold significant amounts of spares in stock means installers can be assured that their needs are met very quickly.” www.grantuk.com

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Calculated peak demand flow rate is all about determining maximum usage. For example, in a hotel or house-share, shower usage is likely to be staggered whereas, at a sports club, showers are more likely to be used simultaneously.

Measuring the static height difference between the water level in the break tank feeding the booster pump, and the shower or tap on the top floor of the building is paramount for ensuring that the top floor outlet receives just as much pressure as every other outlet. You will also need to determine how much pressure that particular outlet requires to work. For example, a large four-storey property may need at least 3.0 or 4.0 bar pressure to adequately operate a rainhead shower with body jets in an attic-converted en-suite.

Pipework size Next, we need to consider the size of the interconnecting pipework. If the pipework is too small, as may be the case in older, period houses, there will be significant friction losses, leading to a drop in pressure through the system.

By adding your friction loss figure to the static height of the building and the top-floor outlet’s required pressure, you can calculate the duty head pressure required – that is the number of litres a booster pump can deliver per minute at a particular pressure. For example, a Smartpro Single 12e-SM booster pump delivers a typical duty of 115 litres per minute at 4.0 bar.

The final figure to calculate is the percentage of pump redundancy for emergency cover at peak demand. For example, if you are boosting a property that cannot operate without water for any period of time (like a hospital or nursing home), a pump set with Duty, Assist and Standby options could be the best and most reliable option. Think of ‘Duty’, ‘Assist’, and ‘Standby’ as names for each pump you require. ‘Duty’ is the main pump. ‘Assist’ is the pump that assists the ‘Duty’ pump, and ‘Standby’ is the pump that takes over if either or both the ‘Duty’ and ‘Assist’ pumps fail.

There are a range of options you can choose between with Duty, Assist and Standby.

1. Duty and Assist – the two pumps share half the load each, ensuring no one pump is overworked – twin pump option 2. Duty and Standby – the Standby pump will kick in if the Duty pump fails – both pumps can operate at full load – twin pump option 3. Duty, Assist and Standby – spread the load between the two pumps (Duty and Assist) AND have that extra peace of mind that if one or two pumps fail, the Standby pump is ready to take over and maintain full duty – trio pump option.

Booster sets Now that all of the above data has been collected, you can start narrowing down your options. There are three types of booster set that will deliver your required duty head pressure. The first option is a variable speed pump – higher initial cost but, in the long term, energy-saving and quiet-running. The second option is a fixed speed pump – more budget-friendly but potentially less energy efficient and noisier. Both of these options require a separate break tank.

The third option is a mains boosting package solution, which includes booster pump and break tank as an all-inone set. Again, you will need to choose between variable speed and fixed speed but this is a great option if your client is lacking in storage space.

Deciding on the right option requires finding the balance between your client’s budget, their storage/plant-room space and access-point dimensions, as well as their

Smartpro pressurisation sets, available from PumpWorld, deliver low pressure boosting for large project installations

property usage. For example, if a booster set is required for a family home with limited space, they may prefer to go for the comfort provided by a low-noise, variable speed mains boosting set. On the other hand, if you are specifying for a busy workplace with a tight budget and plenty of plant-room space, a fixed speed booster pump might be the better option.

Common myth Many believe an accumulator does the same job as a booster pump. This is not true. Accumulators do not increase water pressure. They simply allow the water system to work at its optimum pressure capacity by supplementing the flow of water when the system has open outlets (i.e. the tap is running). When the outlets are closed, the accumulator shuts off this additional flow until it is required again. To sum up, an accumulator cannot increase the pressure from the mains, but it will increase the flow.

You may also be asked to specify a break tank and cylinder for your customer’s project. Break tanks are used in boosting systems to fail-proof the system if the mains supply has failed or cannot deliver enough water during peak demand.

At your service At Pump World we offer an independent booster system specification service to help installers put together the right products for these types of projects.

Once the system is specified, take care to quote a onepackage price. In today’s climate of internet shopping and ‘showrooming’, itemised quotations with a price against each product is effectively handing over a shopping list to your customer.

It is also worth remembering that you can maximise business by offering the end user an annual service.

Manufacturers’ warranties can be invalidated if the householder has failed to have their pump, tank or system serviced regularly. Providing this extra assistance will help give the householder peace of mind, and lead to more business for you. www.pumpworld.co.uk

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64 6 4 P PUMPS UMPS & Heating Heating Spares Spares

Powerful pumps Powerful pumps p E Easy asy to to fi find nd genuine genuine boiler boiler spares spares ffor or g rey w ater grey water Designed to Designed to provide provide installers installlers with quick and easy access w ith q uick a nd e asy a ccess tto o tthe he boiler boiler sspares pares tthey hey n need, eed, Worcester W orcester Bosch’s Bo osch’s spares spares website helps ensure w ebsite h elps to e nsure tthat hat tthe he rright ight sspare pare p part art iis s iidentified dentified ffor or tthe he jjob. ob.

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Available Saniflo off g grey water pumping Available ffrom rom S aniflo iis s a rrange ange o rey w ater p umping solutions solutions for for kitchen, kitchen, utility utilit y and and laundry laundr y environments, environments, providing providing a solution solution when when mains mains drainage drainage connection connection isn’t isn’t an Products Sanivite+, powerful pump an option. option. P roducts iinclude nclude S anivite+, a p owerful p ump for for domestic kitchens orr u utility and Sanicom and domestic k itchens o tilit y rrooms, ooms, a nd S anicom 1 a nd 2 automatic busy commercial automatic lifting lifting stations stations ffor or b us y c ommercial locations. locations.

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down dow n to to find find individual i n d i v i du a l parts parts and and add ad dd tthem hem tto o ttheir heir initial init ial enquiry. enquir y. In In addition, addit ion, an also an ‘‘assemblies’ assembl ies’ ttab ab a l so opens opens up up llive ive d drawings rawings tthat hat show boiler show tthe he inside inside of of the the b oiler in in detail. deta i l.

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worcester-bosch.co.uk w orcester-bosch.co.uk

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the advantages off tthe the a dvantages o he llatest atest high-efficiency high-efficienc n y technology, technolog y, even even iin n domestic domestic hot hot water water circulation. circulation. makes off ““This This m akes a lot lot o sense, ass domestic sense, a domestic hot hot water up water circulators circulators rrun un u p tto o 24 hours 24 hours a day day y – for for example example in hospitals and hotels in h ospitals a nd h otels – and high-efficiency and tthis h is h igh-efficiency technology can high technology c an ffacilitate acilitate h igh energy energ y savings savings compared compared

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Wheatley.

Also new pump’s A lso n ew iis s tthe he p ump’s clear c lear display display of of error er ror codes. codes. ““This This means means that that any any malfunctions can be m alfunctions can b e recognised re cog nised e immediately, immediately, which will help minimise w hich w ill h elp to to m inimise off sservice work tthe he amount amount o er vice w ork required req uired in in the the event event of of a explains Wheatley. ffault,” ault,” e xplains W heatley.

www.wilo.co.uk w ww.wilo. o co.uk

May 2018

Products in Action 65 Efficient heating provides the care Boilers keep the peace in court

Five Thision L Eco 120kW boilers have been supplied

by Elco Heating Solutions to Westhaven House in Weymouth. The installation was part of the complete refurbishment of the heating and hot water system at the Dorset-based care home, with the aim to reduce energy use, emissions and running costs.

This involved removing two atmospheric boilers and two direct gas-fired water heaters, which had all reached the end of their

operating life and were considered inefficient to run.

They were replaced by a floor

mounted cascade system consisting of five Thision L EVO boilers and two 500L

Gemini calorifiers from Elco.

In addition, Elco also supplied a weather compensation kit, while the boilers’ built-in control is managing the system pumps and diverter valves for two heating zones and the DHW. Part of the success of the project was put down to the design of the cascade rig and the combined flue system, which allowed for rapid installation and minimal downtime.

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Luxury gas fires Good cause boiler in country manor The Baxi Heating Charitable Trust has donated a Potterton Assure Combi 24kW boiler to the MECC Trust, which serves members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority community in Balsall Heath. The new Potterton Assure combi replaced the centre’s old boiler that was beyond repair to provide heating and hot water. Pictured together are Mohammed Khalid, MECC Trust Project Manager, with Leah Felgate, Business Development Manager for Baxi.

Four DRU luxury gas fires and one Spartherm inset wood fire have been installed in Hartford Manor, a stunning country house and estate in Holyport, near Windsor. The fires were specified by designand-build specialists, Ethos Construction Solutions, and DRU London dealer, The Original Grate Expectations.

The DRU Metro single sided and 3-sided gas fires and a Spartherm inset wood

burning fire were chosen for their high specifications and ‘A’ energy ratings.

In the case of the gas fires, this included the use of the DRU PowerVent extended flue system, which meant that there was no restriction on where the fires could be located in the building.

The gas fires can be conveniently operated using the Eco Wave app.

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A new heating system incorporating 16 Viessmann Vitodens 200-W 150kW condensing boilers has been installed at Manchester Crown Court by Viessmann partner Aston Cord Energy Ser vices to replace an outdated system. The new system will provide better heating throughout the building, improve energy efficiency, increase system control and reduce consumption and emissions.

The installation is the largest in the UK of the Vitodens 200-W boiler, providing 2.4MW of power. The new boilers are operated in rota-

tion, with four banks of four cascaded boilers managed by a Viessmann Vitotronic 300 control unit that is integrated into the existing building management system. This ensures better modulation, avoids any downtime and provides the right amount of heat to all parts of the building.

An important aspect of the installation was that the heating should operate with minimal noise during court operating hours and make no interruptions to court proceedings.

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www.viessmann.co.uk

Flue system for Newcastle Civic Centre Schiedel Chimney Systems has installed a new flue system at Newcastle Civic Centre, the main administrative and ceremonial centre for Newcastle City Council.

The company’s ICS Twin Wall stainless steel flue replaces an ageing brick flue. ICS Twin Wall is a highly insulated solution including a thick ‘superwool’ blanket, suitable for use alongside gas, oil, wood and multifuel heating.

Designed for small commercial applications, the system

uses a push-fit jointing system, secured by a locking band. The jointing system helps to ensure rigidity and easy condensate draindown.

The Schiedel team delivered and erected the flue system, which is linked to three Babcock Wanson boilers.

All systems were supported horizontally by means of ceiling hangers and vertically by means of adjustable wall brackets.

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Heat pump made for house builders Welsh house builder, Harvey Homes of Distinction, has chosen Stiebel Eltron’s new WPL Classic air source heat pump to provide heating and cooling to its Penrhyn Beach development of houses in Colwyn Bay. The installation was carried out by Gwyn Roberts of Ecosystems Wales.

A major provider of bespoke, high-quality homes, Harvey Homes of Distinction placed an emphasis on renewables and energy efficiency in this project – which prompted the decision to install the WPL Classic air source heat pump across the

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range of properties in the development.

The WPL Classic is designed as a cost-effective and space-saving solution that is tailored for housebuilders and developers.

Stiebel Eltron UK MD Mark McManus says: “It’s fantastic to see the WPL Classic implemented in Harvey Homes of Distinction’s high-quality residential developments. The WPL Classic is uniquely suited to housebuilders as an energyefficient and space-saving option, so to see it in action is incredibly satisfying.”

Gwyn Roberts of Ecosystems Wales adds: “Residential developments present a unique set of challenges when working on the installation of a heat pump system. The limited space on offer can be a roadblock to quickly and easily installing the system.

“That’s why it’s so refreshing to have the opportunity to fit a unit like the WPL Classic, which is a simple plug-and-play unit, saving valuable time and making the unit incredibly attractive to house builders developing projects in which space is at a premium.”

www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk

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66 What’s New Contemporary style Compact boiler is a first for electric shower Said to combine superior functionality and affordability with style, Mira Showers has unveiled its latest electric shower – the Mira Meta. Featuring a sleek finish, the shower has been designed to be easy to use and understand, with push buttons, LED lighting and simple intuitive controls.

Mira Meta also offers the benefits of other Mira electric showers, including the company’s Clearscale technology which is said to reduce limescale by up to 50%. There are also separate temperature and flow controls, a choice of three settings, flexible fittings for easy installation and adjustment, and a 110mm 3-spray handset with rub-clean nozzles.

Available in three output variants – 8.5, 9.5 and 10.8kW – the shower also has an eco setting to help users save water and energy.

For installers, Mira also promises a trouble-free fit, as the Meta uses the same installation process as other showers in the company’s range, with easy-fit fixtures and fittings with flexible screw centres for the slide bar.

Roland Boal, Mira’s Head of Industrial Design, comments: “The Mira Meta is a fantastic new product that received great feedback during our market research phase, with consumers widely agreeing that it is simple and easy to use, and has a contemporary, stylish design. It is also easy to install and maintain, thanks to our limescale reducing technology.” www.mirashowers.co.uk

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Entering the domestic gas boiler market for the first time, Daikin UK has launched the D2CND gas condensing boiler. Said to have been designed with the installer in mind, the boiler offers a small footprint, low lift weight and easy connections for simple installation.

It is available as a combi or with cylinder connection and comes in three outputs: 24, 28 or 35kW. The 24kW model measures just 400 x 255 x 580mm, while the 28 and 35kW boilers come in at 450 x 288 x 666mm.

For added flexibility, the

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explains that they decided to design a new model following talks with customers.

“Engineers were telling us that they were receiving good feedback on the CombiSave but wanted to install the device where water pressure is particularly high.

“By making some relatively minor design changes we’ve created a robust valve that now works more efficiently in areas of high water pressure over prolonged periods.

“It means that even more households can now take advantage of the savings that CombiSave can generate.”

CombiSave Independent tests by consultants EA Technology have shown that CombiSave can save a two-person household up to 28,000 litres of water and up to 600 kWh of gas every year

boiler and thermostat at all times for precision control, while Daikin’s smart comfort controller also provides the end user with a convenient way to control the boiler via their smart device.

Iain Bevan, Commercial Director for Heating and Renewables at Daikin UK, says: “We’ve worked hard to develop a highly efficient boiler that’s one of the most compact in the market, which offers smart control and has contemporary styling to suit modern homes.

“End users will enjoy low operating costs due to its high efficiency whilst our

installers are assured of a plug-and-play replacement with easy connections for simple installation – we believe it’s a win-win for everyone.”

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Extract fan for social housing sector ‘Faith’ is the name of a new continuously-running extract fan from Nuaire, designed specifically for social housing applications.

The fan has a sensor to ensure constantflow operation and will automatically adjust its airflow to maintain the designed duty, enabling it to comply with ADF 2010 (system 3) once installed.

Nuaire Sales Director Andrew Sellman explains: “We have designed the new Faith fan to give social

housing providers the peace of mind that their extract fan will meet Part F and L of the Building Regulations and protect both the property

and the tenant from damage caused by damp and poor air quality.”

For tenants, the extract fan is small and sleek and,

just as importantly, is quiet in operation. A night-time delay and intelligent runon timer ensures a quiet operation when tenants are asleep, whilst also helping to save energy.

Faith is available in 230V and SELV versions and is suitable for IPX4, for use in all zones within a domestic property. For extra installation flexibility, the fan can be wall, ceiling or window mounted.

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Big push for low profile trays

Fuel saving valve now works in high pressure areas An enhanced version of the energy-saving CombiSave has been launched by Teddington, for use in properties with high water pressure.

The thermostatically controlled valve can be fitted to most combi boilers and works by automatically controlling the flow of water every time a hot tap is turned on – allowing the boiler to heat the water faster and only returning the flow to normal once a useable temperature is reached.

Small changes to the internal workings of the device – which include redirecting the flow of water – mean that it now works more efficiently in areas of high water pressure.

Kenny Maxwell, Sales Manager at Teddington,

adaptive gas valve works with either natural gas or LPG, and flue runs of up to 11m can be achieved.

For ease of maintenance all the components are accessible from the front, while the side panels can be removed for additional space, if required.

With a modulation of 1:8 (modulating down to 2.9kW) the D2CND controls combustion, adjusting the burner power to ensure continuous operation for enhanced comfort, as well as saving energy.

OpenTherm control enables communication between the

– reducing CO2 emissions by up to 130kg.

The flow of water is reduced to between 0.5 – 4 litres/min during the initial heating process – only returning to normal once the designated temperature has been reached (factory set at 45°C but which can be reduced or increased by 5°C as necessary).

CombiSave is WRAS approved and can be fitted in less than 20 minutes as part of a normal boiler service or repair.

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Essex-based shower tray manufacturer Traymate has announced that it is looking to promote its TMUK brand following a new deal with distributors that will ensure its products are available nationwide. The company is also launching a consumer marketing campaign to raise its profile with homeowners.

“This is an incredibly important piece of the jigsaw for us as a company,” explains Steve Rance, Traymate’s Chairman. “We’re already well-known and recognised ‘behind the scenes’ in the industry for our innovative products, but with this announcement we’re looking to take that recognition to the next level.”

The company’s product range includes low profile, anti-slip shower trays, with models designed for wetrooms, and a wide choice of drainage options.

Traymate’s 25mm trays are designed to fit at tile

level, providing customers with step-free access to the shower and offering a wetroom look without the hassle of actually installing a wetroom.

For ease of installation, the company’s Elementary shower tray range comes with adjustable legs which can raise the tray height and provide full access to the waste trap below.

The company also offers a selection of enclosures to complement the shower

tray range, featuring 10mm toughened safety glass and easy access.

National Sales Director Clive Bonefaas adds: “The key thing for us is to explain the superiority of the product range, set out the differences between us and our competitors, and establish our credentials as the marketleading manufacturer of 25mm ultra-low profile shower trays.”

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What’s New 67 R32 units are easy to control Smaller boilers but better performance With the launch of its Single Splits and Multi Split Smart Inverter products, LG has become one of the first manufacturers in the UK to launch an air conditioning range operating on R32 refrigerant.

The new LG range lineup offers external units from 4.1kW up to 18.7kW and internal units that include the company’s established Artcool Mirror, Deluxe, Standard and Standard Plus wall units, as well as the 4-way Ceiling Cassette and Ceiling Suspended and Concealed Duct units.

LG’s Smart Load Control technology allows the new units to save operational energy and automatically control the refrigerant temperature according to outside temperature. The

Mode Lock function enables the setting for the system to be set to either heating-only or cooling-only by adjusting a dip switch that prevents mixed use of cooling and heating in the building.

Further energy savings can be achieved in the standby mode, which will reduce power consumption by up to 90%.

An auto cleaning feature in the indoor unit cleans the filter with regular airflow

and removes any harmful particles, preventing bacteria, mould and odours that can otherwise accumulate.

A fast cooling feature delivers high-speed airflow which can quickly cool rooms while still delivering air evenly in every direction, while ‘jet mode’ reduces temperatures of outflowing air to 18°C for 30 minutes with just one click.

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Bridging the large domestic and small commercial markets, Vaillant has launched two new boilers – both manufactured at its UK production facility in Belper.

Smaller and lighter than previous models, the ecoTEC plus 48kW and 64kW will replace the ecoTEC plus 46kW and 65kW wall-hung boiler range, introduced 10 years ago. Measuring 720 x 440mm, the new boilers are 30% smaller than their predecessors and the 48kW model weighs just 38kg.

As well as being more compact, the boilers offer improved efficiency levels, with combustion efficiencies of 94% and reduced NOx emissions.

Vaillant says that the

new products have been developed in response to rising demand for wallhung boiler solutions in the commercial market.

Industry figures indicate that the commercial wallhung market has developed from 42% of the market in 2006, when the company first entered the commercial boiler market, to 77% in 2017.

When required, the boilers can easily be adapted for LPG, and for larger applications they can be cascaded on a wall or rig system.

For ease of ongoing servicing and maintenance, the front and side panels of the boiler can be completely removed for better access in tight and restrictive spaces.

John Bailey, Commercial &

Renewables Systems Sales Director, comments: “We pride ourselves on developing solutions that drive benefits and efficiencies to both end users and our loyal installers.

We fully expect the new ecoTEC plus range to outstrip the performance of their famed predecessors and look forward to installers’ feedback on the new products.”

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

157

www.vaillant.co.uk

Oil boilers meet Less energy to improve comfort levels emission targets Envirogreen is the name of a new range of low NOx oil-fired boilers from Firebird.

The boilers feature a new burner, designed in conjunction with Elco, which is said to solve a number of operational challenges.

The trouble-free plug and play burner, which requires only two settings for pump and air pressure, can easily be installed, commissioned and serviced using a single Allen key.

To ensure the highest level of efficiency is achieved by the burner, the CO2 level is factory-set at optimum 12.5%. Should this need to be adjusted, the CO2 level settings are printed on the burner casing, which acts as a handy reference guide.

Eco directive The Ecodesign Directive is a European initiative which governs the design and performance of energy using products to reduce the amount of energy consumed and the subsequent impact on the environment. New requirements on flue gas emissions state that from September 2018, harmful nitrogen oxide emissions from domestic oil boilers must not exceed 120mg/kWh.

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The Envirogreen range includes models for internal and external applications in a variety of outputs. Featuring multi-directional flue options for ease of installation, Firebird says that all of its boilers provide a low-maintenance option due to the long life of serviceable components.

David Hall, UK Director, says: “The launch of this new low NOx range with its cutting-edge burner technology underlines our ongoing commitment to provide the industry with innovative, environmentallyfriendly, yet practical heating solutions. The Envirogreen range not only offers outstanding reliability, but solves a problem that the heating industry has struggled to address – to find a reliable and cost-effective low NOx alternative to the yellow flame burner.”

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.firebird.uk.com

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Claiming to deliver more efficient, effective and environmentally-friendly temperature control, Bosch Commercial and Industrial has launched a new range of residential air conditioning (RAC) solutions.

The Bosch Climate RAC air conditioning units, suitable for new installations in domestic and small commercial properties, are backed with a comprehensive after-sales service, with five years parts and labour warranty, a contact centre open 364 days a year, and Bosch trained engineers providing national coverage and quick onsite response time.

The new range can also W

be used in conjunction with larger commercial air conditioning systems, such as the Bosch Climate 5000 VRF, to support temperaturecritical areas.

Included in the series are the Bosch Climate 5000 RAC standard Split and the 8000 RAC premium Split air

conditioning unit, which are both available in outputs of 2.6, 3.5, 5.3 and 7kW. The systems feature five operating modes, which can be adjusted to meet comfort requirements.

Running on R410A refrigerant, the units are said to offer 40% lower energy usage compared to

conventional systems, while the brushless 3D DC inverter interior and exterior fan motors are both quieter and more energy efficient.

An in-built purifying filter also eliminates up to 95% of dust particles, smoke, and pollen in order to provide cleaner air flow and maintain air quality.

Shaun Mansbridge, Business Development Director, says: “Improving efficiency and reducing energy costs while ensuring a comfortable environment for occupants is a key challenge for any building, and these new units offer an effortless solution.”

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.bosch-industrial.co.uk

158

Win a Makita job site radio!

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

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

30/04/2018 14:57

May 2018

68 What’s New Black beauty

Harkening back to the A radiator that ‘floats’ 40s for a vintage look The Carmen collection from Roca is characterised by a nostalgic design based on a 1940s style and has been launched to celebrate the company’s centenary.

While the collection may look vintage, it features the latest in technology and materials. For example, the WC is rimless for greater hygiene and easier cleaning as well as being fitted with a water distributor that provides an improved flushing performance. The seat cover has been manufactured with Supralt, a resin registered by Roca. This makes the product more durable (offering greater resistance to chemical agents and to discolouration), more hygienic (four times less porous material) and easier to clean (surface with soft and rounded angles). The collection includes a close coupled WC, basin and pedestal, with a complementary furniture range and mirror also available.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.ukroca.com

The limited edition Black collection from Methven now includes the Aio handset featuring Aurajet technology.

It can be paired with the the company’s Krome 120mm Rail Shower with adjustable mounting brackets, for easy retrofit installation.

Aurajet technology uses hidden nozzles to generate single jets of water that hit precisely-engineered surfaces to produce a wide, even shower spray with no gaps and enhanced droplet density.

Simon Cornelius, Head of Marketing, says: “The response to our Black Collection has been very positive and we were keen to incorporate another of our shower technologies. Matt black is very much on-trend right now and we hope these products will continue to capture interest.”

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.methven.com/uk/home

163

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www.vasco.eu

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ENQUIRY No.

Timesaving fireplace install Primer made for cement adhesives

Insulation machining specialist, IMS, has partnered with technical insulation systems manufacturer, Skamol, to launch a fireplace enclosure solution that delivers time saving advantages over traditional methods of enclosure construction.

Utilising the SkamoEnclosure A1 noncombustible board, IMS stocks the complete solution to create fireplace enclosures which are suitable for stoves, inset and cassette fires. As a lightweight yet robust board, the product enables the enclosure supports and framework to be constructed without

Swift and efficient valve replacements The latest innovation from Wirquin is a mechanical flush mechanism claimed to make replacements quicker than ever before.

The Wirquin One will suit most 2in cisterns and offers a flush valve push button that’s self-adjustable.

The product includes a telescopic overflow and adapts automatically to the height of the cistern, ensuring an intuitive, fast and efficient fit.

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Described as ultra compact and stylish, the Niva radiator from Vasco has a contemporary, versatile design. Made from steel, it is flat fronted and comes in both horizontal and vertical options. The vertical radiator is available in two styles, a traditional straight edge or the Niva Soft with smooth rounded edges.

The Niva benefits from optimal air flow and high heat emissions that quickly reach the target temperature. It is designed to give the illusion of f loating, achieved via the radiator support and underlying suspension, which is hidden from view.

The visual effect is further enhanced by the positioning of the integrated towel bar.

The device also offers a more efficient and consistent water saving 6/4 litre dual flush, with an operating force at just 16 Newtons. Wirquin says this requires the lowest pressure on the market and therefore makes it easy to use for children, older people and those with limited dexterity.

The product comes with a 10year guarantee and is WRAS approved.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.wirquin.co.uk

166

steel studwork or blockwork. Moreover, the system does not require special fixings or tools which means the enclosure can be constructed using regular screws and SkamoEnclosure Glue. This simplified build method achieves overall cost savings on a project and reduces construction times.

Once the enclosure is created, the completed construction is primed using SkamoEnclosure Primer and finished with SkamoEnclosure Smooth Plaster to provide a paint-ready surface.

ENQUIRY No. www.ims-insulation.com 164

New from Dunlop is a ready-to-use acrylic primer suitable for use on wall and floor surfaces prior to the application of ceramic, porcelain, mosaic or natural stone tiles.

It is suitable for backgrounds that require priming before tiling with a cementbased tile adhesive. This helps to reduce absorbency, preventing air bubbles, reducing risk of chemical reaction with the adhesive, and also adding surface strength to weak backgrounds.

Priming also helps prepare surfaces for waterproofing, or for preparing surfaces prior to the use of using a levelling compound.

Dunlop says its primer is a

specially formulated acrylic primer that is absorbed into the background, creating a strong and stable surface for tiling, which significantly reduces the risk of failure.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.dunloptrade.com/tiling

165

Keep rooms cool and windless Climate solutions specialist, Samsung, has launched an extended range of WindFree products and a new 3-pipe Mini VRF in the UK and Ireland.

The Wind-Free technology is now featured on 4-way and 1-way cassettes. Once the desired temperature is reached in normal cooling mode, the Wind-Free cassettes then maintain the ideal temperature without any direct air flow by gently dispersing cool and still air through micro air holes for a natural cooling effect.

Perry Jackson, Head of Air Conditioning, comments: “Samsung is firmly positioning itself as

the industry leader in heating and cooling innovation. We’re expecting 2018 to be an exciting year for the company and expect to make our mark on the industry with our WindFree technology.”

Also available is a new small-capacity 3-pipe Mini VRF system.

The DVM S Eco HR can simultaneously operate cooling and heating in homes or small commercial offices. It’s also 54% smaller than an equivalent 8HP model, and at 98kg weighs less than half. www.samsung.com

ENQUIRY No.

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27/04/2018 15:03

May 2018

WHat’s New

COMPETITION

Tough steel, stronger sink The Linear LN9502 1.5 bowl from Leisure Sinks is now available in a new uprated version, offering increased performance and enhanced durability thanks to the use of a thicker 0.9 gauge steel.

The optional upgrade from a standard 0.7 gauge model has been developed for projects with a higher specification, offering builders, merchants and installers a model that is more resistant to dents, while also minimising noise and vibration.

James Cunningham, Sales Director at Leisure Sinks, says: “Enhancing the Linear collection with a heavier

gauge model means our customers can now choose from an even wider range, allowing them to select products that reflect a project’s standard of finish, while also being assured they are safe, engineered to exacting standards, and built to last.”

The new addition to the Linear range is also supplied with Leisure Sinks’ easy peel Nitto coating, which protects the product during transport. It comes with a 10 year warranty.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.leisuresinks.co.uk

168

Quietly efficient ventilation The range of whisper-quiet extract fans from Envirovent has been enhanced with the addition of a new Ecowatt version of the Silent 100 fan as well as new Silent Design 125 and 150 versions.

With energy consumption of only 5W, the energy efficient fan delivers an extract performance of 26 litres/sec. The Ecowatt is fitted with motors mounted on elastic blocks, which is the main reason for its quiet running. It also comes with a pilot light, backdraught shutter and airflow guide vanes.

This versatile extractor fan is suitable for wall and ceiling installations and is also available with optional

timer, humidity sensor and PIR options, in addition to SELV versions.

Also new are the Silent Design 125 and 150 extract fans, which are 125mm and 150mm in size respectively.

These fans feature an adjustable timer and humidity sensor, which means the level of humidity can be selected and the extractor will continue to

work to reach the desired level. The Silent Design 150 is also available in a ‘Plus’ version for applications that require increased airflow up to 83 litres/sec (300m3/hr).

Rebecca McLean, Marketing and Product Director, says: “These latest additions mean we now have an even wider range of Silent fans to meet all requirements. Our new Ecowatt version offers even greater energy saving, whilst our 125 and 150 Design models are suitable to meet the ventilation requirements of slightly larger rooms.”

All of the extract fans in the Silent range come with a five year guarantee.

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.envirovent.com

Win two measuring instruments from Bosch!

We’re joining forces with Bosch Professional Measuring Tools to offer ONE reader the chance to win TWO fantastic prizes – the newly launched Bosch GLM 120 C Professional Rangefinder and the D-TECT 120 Professional Wall Scanner.

11

GLM GLM120 120CCProfessional Professional Rangefinder Rangefinder

See clearly over long distances with the upgraded Rangefinder, perfect for anyone whose work involves distance measurement. It’s the first Bosch laser rangefinder with a camera as a viewfinder to determine lengths, widths, and heights, as well as incline, area, volume, and more. The 5MP camera zooms in and clearly shows targets, even outdoors over long distances. The new Rangefinder works with Bosch’s Measuring Master app, which lets you record, process and share your data.

D-TECT 120 Professional Wall Scanner

See through walls with Bosch’s D-TECT 120 Professional Wall Scanner. It reliably detects all materials up to a depth of 120mm, including water-filled plastic pipes, and gives an exact location of the object’s centre thanks to a ‘Centre Finder’ function. Results are easy to understand with a traffic light principle using LEDs. Spot measurement enables precise detection in tight spaces.

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Click for seamless joints A new bathroom panelling range from Showerwall features new Proclick installation. Proclick is a mechanical locking system that is said to yield

seamless, almost invisible, joints and eliminate the need for jointing trims between panels, assuring high performance and fast fitting.

The new range offers 66 décors, 33 of them brand new. Inspired by nature, the range is grouped into five collections of Marble, Quarry, Mineral, Acrylic and Customs, or bespoke digital printed options. It caters for all trends and tastes, from luxuriously veined marbles and earthy stones to custom printed designs.

There are five surface finishes in gloss, matt, texture, synchro and acrylics. Synchro offers a textured finish that follows the form of real marble to achieve a realism like never before on its Lightning Marble décor (pictured).

PHAM NEWS ENQUIRY No.

www.showerwall.co.uk

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2

How to Enter Simply read the question below and then write your answer on the freepost reader enquiry and registration card inside this month’s issue. So, for example, if you think the answer is ‘Big Ben’, you should write 101 on the card. Only one entry allowed per person and the winner will be drawn from all correct entries received before the closing date of 4th June 2018.

If you stood with the Rangefinder in Leicester Square, which of the following would be furthest away?

Big Ben....101

The Shard....102

Wembley....103

www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en

27/04/2018 15:27

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May 2018

70 DIRECTORY Temperature Sensors

Radiators

Business App

ATC SEMITEC

07

ENQUIRY

Water Heating & Chilling

Elegance E legance & S Style t yle 2017 2017 www.apolloradiators.co.uk

made m ade in the UK and urope urrope o

APOLLO RADIATORS

ENQUIRY

04

Tundish (Dry Trap)

HYCO

ENQUIRY

08

Training & Assessments POWERED NOW

ENQUIRY

01

Bromley Gas Training & Assessment Centre (BTAAC)

Controls

Is your ACS about to expire?

HOTUN

ENQUIRY

05

We Provide Quality Commercial & Domestic Gas Training and Re-Assessment

Safety Products

BANICO CONTROLS

ENQUIRY

02

Call 0208 315 5678 or to view the range of courses we offer, competitive rates and special offers visit our website

Heating Controls

www.bromleygastraining.co.uk

E: sarah.bygraves@bromleytraining.co.uk Unit 4, Ashgrove Industrial Estate, Ashgrove Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 4JW HEATING CONTROLS ONLINE

ENQUIRY

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GOTEC

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BROMLEY GAS TRAINING

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Plumbing Products

PLUMBPAL

ENQUIRY

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70-71 Pham MAY18:Layout 1 30/04/2018 12:47 Page 71

May 2018

INFORMATION Centre 71 Training & Assessments

Central Heating Wiring & Controls Book For years electricians and heating engineers have commented that wiring heating controls is a difficult subject to learn, existing diagrams are not always easy to follow.

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

AQUALISA

ENQUIRY

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

11 CIBSE DBSP

ENQUIRY

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

Priced at £26 this Industry leading book is available from all High Street and Online Book Stores ENQUIRY

12

Gas training at Kier

ACS reassessment (Core & 4) is only £330.40 inc vat and certs.

Gas training with you in mind

Book now!

Limited time only Valid until end June 2018

0% finance available

T: 0191 643 2233 or 0800 999 5427 E: gastraining.info@kier.co.uk Visit www.gastrainingatkier.co.uk KIER

ENQUIRY

13

COPPER JOB

ENQUIRY

374

FREE TradeHelp App and Buying Group Available on Android and iOS, the free TradeHelp app offers a quick quotation tool, handy toolbox including electronic gas industry forms and fault codes, plus customer finance options all at the touch of a button. What’s more, you’ll be able to increase your profit thanks to the TradeHelp Buying Group, which provides you with significant discounts and cash back on boilers, filters and fittings.

For more information please visit www.tradehelp.co.uk or enter the PHAM No. TRADEHELP

ENQUIRY

376

The New Product Guide from OMNIE covers the full range of Underfloor Heating Systems, Heat Pumps and related Controls, it also details products applicable to many of the systems.

The Guide also explains why OMNIE's LWD air source and SWCV ground source heat pumps are the ideal accompaniment for UFH, optimising efficiency and energy saving.

The heat pump range is suitable for many different types of project from small domestic to HMOs with clear and intuitive control options such as the TouchLite and OMNIE's smartphone App. OMNIE offers a full support service: from help with specification and CPD seminars for consultants, through to delivery and on-site advice.

For more information visit www.omnie.co.uk or enter the PHAM No.

SOUTH WEST PENINSULAR TRAINING LTD

ENQUIRY

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OMNIE

373

Versatile and adjustable, the ergonomic design features a wide range of hard-wearing pockets for a variety of tools fixings and accessories.

It’s lightweight, hard-wearing, comfortable and easy to keep clean. It looks after your back by providing for comfortable heavy tool carrying through the specially designed wide shoulders, elasticated back and an integral waist belt to take pressure off your shoulders. What’s more, the integrated internal expander means the tool vest can be easily expanded and worn over a jacket in colder weather.

Check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk and download a digital catalogue or enter the PHAM No. SNICKERS

ENQUIRY

375

The Bare Essentials from Abacus Bathrooms The launch of the Abacus Essential range by Abacus Bathrooms is encapsulated in a new brochure. The Essentials range offers everyday innovative products at highly competitive prices, all of which are in stock and can be delivered on a next day basis.

Manufactured to the highest quality, the Essentials range includes products used in every bathroom installation including taps, showers, sanitaryware, furniture, fixing frames, heating, tiles, as well as assisted living innovations.

For more information, call 0345 850 5040 visit www.abacus-bathrooms.co.uk Or Enter the PHAM No. ABACUS

ENQUIRY

377

Grundfos are on side with Installers

New Guide explains OMNIE Heat pumps and UFH

STEVE WILLIS TRAINING

ENQUIRY

Snickers’ new ALLROUND Tool Vest is the ultimate in tool-carrying technology

‘Central Heating fault finding & repair’

MR COMBI

MR COMBI

ENQUIRY

378

Grundfos have created a centralised information hub specifically aimed at plumbing professionals.

Called Grundfos for Installers, it delivers a range of tools that are useful, relevant and rewarding, combining the GO install app, the Ecademy education platform and the WIN & EARN loyalty scheme.

Available 24/7, it will help to fulfil a wide range of tasks as well as providing assistance and some great hints and tips, all of which can be accessed from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

So next time you’re unsure about something pump related, come and pay us a visit on www.grundfos.co.uk/gfi because we’re on your side.

Or enter the PHAM No. GRUNDFOS

ENQUIRY

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ENQUIRY

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