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FEBRUARY 2022 | VOLUME 60 | ISSUE 1
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Consumers express reluctance to abandon their gas boilers Two recent surveys have suggested that there is widespread resistance amongst UK homeowners to switching their existing heating systems to low carbon alternatives At a time when many consumers are expressing concern about rising energy costs, two recent opinion polls have highlighted that public opinion could be a major obstacle to the government’s plans to encourage investment in low carbon heating technologies, such as heat pumps. In a survey of Daily Express readers, carried out in January this year, ˢ˞% of respondents said that they would not ditch their gas boilers to switch to a new heating technology. Nearly ˜˞˙˙ readers took part in the survey, with one commenting that they would rather change their MP than their gas central heating
Heat pump standards to be split in two MCS – The Microgeneration Certification Scheme – has announced plans to make fundamental changes to its Heat Pump Standard. The existing Heat Pump Standard (MIS ˜˙˙˞) will be split into two standards: one for Heat Pump Design (MIS ˜˙˙˞-D) and
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system, and another quoted as saying: “It is all very well installing heat pumps in new, highly insulated homes. However, the cost is prohibitive to do the same in older properties which form the majority of housing stock. It is a non-starter for the majority of house owners.” A separate YouGov poll conducted on behalf of the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA)
suggests that less than ˜% of ˚˟˙˙ residents in ˚ˡ North of England ‘Red Wall’ constituencies would be willing to invest in the installation of a heat pump. When asked, how much, if at all, they would be willing to pay to have low carbon heating systems installed in their homes, excluding ‘don’t knows’, ˞ˠ% said they were not prepared to pay anything, with ˡ˝% saying up to £˚˙˙˙. Less than ˜% were willing to pay the amounts currently expected to fit a heat pump. “Voters are angry about high energy bills, but they are also clearly dismissive of future government plans around low carbon heating in their homes,” says Mike Foster, chief executive of the EUA. “It is crystal clear that voters currently on the gas grid want to stay connected to gas. They don’t want to be disconnected from mains gas and forced into an electric-only option. This should make Ministers sit up and listen.” Commenting on the challenge
facing the government in getting homeowners to embrace alternative forms of heating, Mike Thornton, CEO of the Energy Saving Trust, says: “In the UK, we face a unique challenge in decarbonising our household heating. While many countries have been installing heat pumps for decades, here in the UK we seem to love our gas boilers. They have long been the default option for most homes – ˡ˞% of UK households are gas-heated – and people are understandably reluctant to move away from what they know. “Heat pumps are a proven technology for heating homes with incredible efficiency. Unfortunately, consumers and installers are currently caught in a catch-˛˛ situation – interested homeowners struggle to find trained heat pump installers, while installers struggle to find enough customers. Installers can’t scale up without a strong customer base, but the demand won’t be there if there aren’t readily available installers to turn to.”
the other to cover Heat Pump Installation (MIS ˜˙˙˞-I). The national standards body for renewables says that it intends the new standards to make the market more accessible, giving installers the opportunity to either focus on heat pump design or heat pump installation as per their skillsets. The split will also facilitate the predicted increase in contractors who can install heat pumps and work alongside independent heat pump designers. The new standards are set to come into force on ˚st April and
follow the closure of the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive on ˜˚st March. Compliance certificates were required as part of the DRHI but they will no longer be required. The new standards will not affect existing heat pump contractors, as by default, they L]P NP]_TʭPO QZ] MZ_S SPL_ [`X[ design and installation. The certifications will carry over until their next certification surveillance assessment, when installers can choose to be NP]_TʭPO QZ] OP^TRY TY^_LWWL_TZY or both.
Ian Rippin, chief executive of 8.> ^Ld^% ɭ?SP OTaP]^TʭNL_TZY of the new Heat Pump Standards will enable the industry to deliver the best service for customers and accommodate contractors who wish to streamline their skillset. “Our change reflects the market. It is a move in the right direction as we look to encourage more installers into low-carbon heating and, in turn, increase the adoption of heat pumps in UK homes and non-domestic buildings.”
Inside this issue Talent Show Installations to be proud of See page 12
Gadgets & Tools Easy way to make your mark See page 15
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Win a Triton Shower! See page ˝˚
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Inside this issue 5 FEBRUARY 2022 VOLUME 60 ISSUE 1
Editor’s Viewpoint by Chris Jones
Changing public opinion A rapid growth in the UK’s domestic heat pump market is a key part of government plans to drive the country towards its net zero carbon reduction target, with a stated ambition of achieving ˟˙˙̇˙˙˙ installs a year by ˛˙˛ˡ. Before reaching that goal, SZbPaP] _SP SPL_TYR TYO`^_]d ʭ ]^_ YPPO^ _Z ZaP]NZXP L Y`XMP] ZQ obstacles, and not least amongst them is persuading homeowners and landlords that heat pumps represent a better alternative to gas and oil powered systems. This month’s cover story highlights two recent surveys that clearly indicate a public reluctance to consider changing the way they heat their homes. Despite widespread concerns about the rising cost of energy, it seems that most people remain unconvinced that heat pumps will either save on bills or deliver the comfort levels they’ve become accustomed to. Legislation, of course, represents one way to shift a market – and the banning of gas boilers from new homes by ˛˙˛˞ is a clear demonstration of what might be achieved. Most politicians, however, are only too mindful of the need to win over voters and, despite noises to the contrary, may prove reluctant to instigate an outright ban in the future should they feel that the tide of opinion is against them. Familiarity, of course, is one of the reasons why many consumers want to hold on to their tried and tested gas boilers, so it is hoped that increased familiarity with heat pumps will ultimately prove to be the best way to start shifting opinions. With YPRL_TaP [`MWTNT_d YZ_ SL]O _Z ʭ YO _SP SPL_ [`X[ ^PN_Z] T^ TY critical need of more convincing case studies and positive experiences – from consumers and installers, alike. With installation numbers starting to climb, it is hoped that these will be easier to come by, but there are clearly many people who are going to take some persuading.
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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
6
News Review
!ŋłƩùāłóā ĞĢėĞ Ģł ŶĞā ŭāóŶŋũ̇ ŭÖƘŭ łāƒ ŭŽũƑāƘ Over ˠ˙% of installers think a career in gas is a good choice, according to a new survey by Logic˝_]LTYTYR ?SP ʭYOTYR^ also show a shifting industry, with over half of the ˜˙˙ respondents (˞˝%) saying that they are starting to think about upskilling into renewables and low carbon heating. 6Pd ʭYOTYR^ ZQ _SP ^`]aPd L]P% • ˡ˜% would recommend a career in building services to someone leaving school • ˠ˚% of building services installers feel a career in gas is a good choice • ˞˝% plan to or have already trained in heat pumps or renewables • ˞ˢ% said their customers
ķŽĿðāũ ťÖƘ ũĢŭā The cost of hiring a self-employed plumber has risen by ˟̍ˠ% in a month, according to the construction payroll provider Hudson Contract. Average weekly e a r n i n g s reached £˚˙ˢ˞ in December, the highest level since the start of the pandemic, and ˢ̍˝% higher than the same month in ˛˙˛˙. The previous high was £˚˚ˠˢ in February ˛˙˛˙ TY _SP bPPV^ MPQZ]P _SP ʭ]^_ WZNVOZbY 4LY ,YʭPWO 8/ L_ 3`O^ZY .ZY_]LN_ NZXXPY_^% ɭBP NL[[PO Zʬ ˛˙˛˚ with the highest earnings for plumbing contractors since the start of the pandemic. As we have seen year after year, we usually see earnings fall back in January because people will be working fewer hours. We then expect a steady rise in earnings to reach December levels by April.”
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were asking more questions about low carbon heating • ˜ˡ% think that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a positive move • ˝˝% plan to develop their business due to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Of the ˞˝% who said they had started (or planned) to upskill into renewables, heat pump training was by far the most popular technology (ˢ˚%) but installers also expressed an interest in solar thermal (˝ˠ%) and solar PV (˛˟%). The installers who did not intend to upskill (˞˞%) stated a lack ZQ NZYʭOPYNP TY RZaP]YXPY_ schemes as the main reason. Mark Krull, director for Logic˝_]LTYTYR ^Ld^% ɭ?SP industry is on the cusp of great changes that will see a transition from gas and oil to greener alternatives, such as hydrogen and electric heat pumps. It’s great to see that the majority building services installers are feeling positive and predicting strong demand.”
PoťŽķÖũĢŶƘ óŋłŶāŭŶ Ģł ðÖŶĞũŋŋĿ ùāŭĢėł New research from Plumbnation has revealed some of the biggest trends in bathroom design using data from Google Keyword Planner and Instagram to rank them, revealing the most popular searches for showers, bathtubs and colours. The most searched bathroom trend of ˛˙˛˚ was bidets. Its popularity is thought to be related to the toilet paper shortage of the early pandemic. Meanwhile, bathroom wallpaper is the second most searched trend of the year. ?P]]LeeZ _TWP^ L]P ZYP ZQ _SP XZ^_ []ZWTʭN OP^TRY styles, being popular in bathrooms all over the world. These tiles add texture, softening the look of any room. Terrazzo tiles are also one of the most durable materials, being resistant to stains and water damage. The most popular bathroom colour on Instagram is white, with ˠ˜̇ˡ˟˙ posts, while freestanding bathtubs are the most popular type of bath by search volume, with ˚̍˛m searches. Walk-in showers are the most popular shower type by search volume, with ˚̍˝ million searches, and the most popular type of shower on Instagram was outdoor showers, with ˚˙ˠ̇˜˞ˠ posts.
RłƑāŭŶĢłė Ģł b ũāłāƒÖðķāŭ
Phil Pallister, CEO of PHS
Viessmann Group has taken a majority stake in Pacifica Home Services Ltd (PHS). The deal includes the acquisition of Oakes Energy Services Ltd, which will be integral to the development of the new business. Based in Durham, PHS is a specialist in the installation and maintenance of integrated HVAC solutions, and is known to UK customers under the brand ˙ˡ˙˙ Repair. The company employs around ˛˝˙ people and is predicted to generate sales of approximately £˝̍˞ million this year. PHS has a successful business in the decarbonisation of existing domestic buildings and is thought to MP bPWW [WLNPO _Z MPYPʭ_ Q]ZX _SP anticipated increase in demand for heat pumps.
“With the acquisition of PHS, we are strengthening our services and sales activities within the UK for the long term,” says Timo Tauber, MD Viessmann Investment GmbH. “We are positioning ourselves sustainably in the strongly-growing British heat pump market.” ;STW ;LWWT^_P] .0: L_ ;3> LOO^% ɭBT_S ATP^^XLYYɪ^ STRS PʯNTPYNd heat pumps and integrated technology solutions in our portfolio, we can further accelerate our leading position in the UK market and thus make an even more sustainable contribution to achieving climate targets.” In April, Viessmann will introduce its next generation of heat pumps for use in both the well-insulated new build sector and existing renovated buildings.
'ĢƑāũŭĢŶƘ ėũŋƒŭ Ģł ŶĞā ũÖłĴŭ The Scotland and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) is reporting increased diversity among its most recent cohort of apprentice plumbers. Alongside a record number of new apprenticeships for ˛˙˛˚̓˛˛ – ˝˙˙ compared to ˚˞˙ in ˛˙˛˙̓˛˚ – the proportion of female apprentices rose to ˛̍˛˝% of the total, compared to ˚̍˜˝% in the previous year. Similarly, the proportion of apprentices of Black and Ethnic
Minority (BAME) heritage has moved up from ˙̍˟ˠ% of the total, to ˙̍ˠ˞%. Dale Thomson, apprentice training manager at SNIPEF, N Z X X P Y _ ^ % ɭ 9 T Y P Q P X L W P apprentices, compared to just two in the previous year and three BAME apprentices compared to only one in ˛˙˛˙̓˛˚ is a clear indicator that we are slowly but surely moving in the right direction to improve the diversity of our sector.”
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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
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01/02/2022 12:11
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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
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News Review
Service puts installers in the picture
Big donation to charity air ambulance
Installers of Worcester Bosch heating products can now take advantage of the company’s new Virtual Tech service, which enables installers to virtually speak to the company’s technical support team in real time. The video calling platform is simple to use, with installers just needing to provide their specialist installer number to receive a text from the company and create a link. A video stream can then be generated with Worcester’s tech support team, where the installer will be able to move their smartphone screen around the boiler or product in question to show the issue. Technical support manager Thomas Robinson says: “Virtual Tech will offer installers the backup they need when out in the field, while also helping to answer and resolve any product or servicing queries within moments. We hope this will help installers save time when with customers, with our advisors identifying what the issue may be in real time.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˙ˠ
Following a series of virtual and physical fundraising events, Grant UK has donated £˚˞̇˙˙˙ to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance to support its life-saving work. Last year, despite the pandemic continuing to restrict some fundraising activities, the team at Grant UK once again succeeded in raising money for the local charity that it has supported for more than three years. Over the course ZQ _SP dPL] L Y`XMP] ZQ OTʬP]PY_ initiatives were organised, some of which were online or remote events, while others were able to take place more traditionally in person. One of the events included Marching March, a step count challenge that encouraged the team to walk as many steps as they could, entering into competition with each other to see who could walk the furthest. Meanwhile, in June, a virtual race night with takeaway was organised and enjoyed from the comfort of everyone’s living rooms. Later in the year, collections were made
Free app trial extended The free trial period for the myVAILLANT Pro app has been extended until April ˛˙˛˛̍ Vaillant says Advance installers can use the app to take advantage of a single aTPb ZQ _SPT] TY^_LWWL_TZY^ ZʬP] customers extra levels of service and support, and unlock potential new revenue streams. The app also provides real time data insights on faults. This insight can help installers improve _SPT] ^P]aTNP PʯNTPYNd LYO PaPY identify the parts required for a repair ahead of a visit, helping to TYN]PL^P ʭ]^_-_TXP ʭc ]L_P^ The app allows users to select Q]ZX ^PaP]LW OTʬP]PY_ [LNVLRP^ to suit their needs and, what’s more, its increased functionality
means that installers can even back-date installs to get a more comprehensive picture of their customer base. Spencer Clark, commercial director for UK & Ireland, says: “For many in our industry the challenges of the pandemic have SLO L XL^^TaP PʬPN_ .ZXMTYTYR real time data, together with remote diagnostics, the new myVAILLANT Pro app is a great addition to any installer’s business arsenal, meaning they can work smarter, not harder.” For more details on myVAILLANT Pro, or to register for Advance and the free trial period, use the link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˙ˡ
from bake sales, sweepstakes LYO _SP NZX[LYdɪ^ LYY`LW ^_Lʬ .S]T^_XL^ ]LʰP bSTNS ]LT^PO L record amount of money. “We are so pleased to be presenting the Wiltshire Air Ambulance with this donation of £˚˞̇˙˙˙,” comments Anna Wakefield, head of marketing at Grant UK. “Once again, the pandemic has been another challenging year for charities like the WAA so we hope our latest donation will help support their ongoing work, which is so essential in the community. The team have done a wonderful job fundraising for this worthy cause and we are looking forward to supporting the WAA throughout ˛˙˛˛.”
Introducing WES Products The New Danfoss Partner
WES Products is proud to partner with Danfoss, in offering Solutions for BREEAM water leak detection and Prevention applications. Exceeding BREEAM with both standard or wireless options. For commercial buildings trying to achieve BREEAM Wat 03 accreditation, WES products offers the Danfoss WRAS approved solenoid valve together with a selection of wired presence or absence PIR sensors. WES Products also offers a wireless option of achieving BREEAM accreditation, using wireless water detecting sensors, wireless PIR sensors, wireless switches and a Patented Radin wireless controller to control the solenoid isolation valve. The sensors and switches communicate using EnOcean wireless Protocol and use EnOcean Energy Harvesting
WES Products Unit 2 Aspen Way, Yalberton Industrial Estate, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7QR Tel: 01803 521415 | Email: sales@wesproducts.co.uk | www.wesproducts.co.uk Wes Products is a trading name of Washroom Efficiency Services Ltd.
technology to power them, which means no central controller and no wires. WES have also developed a Casambi enabled Radin controller that can be included within a lighting Bluetooth mesh system to work with a Casambi PIR and Danfoss Solenoid valve.
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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
News Review 11 Opportunity to earn triple points on smart controls In a new promotion aimed at installers, Ideal Heating has announced it will be introducing triple points on its Halo smart controls. Installers who are registered with the company’s Connect loyalty scheme can take advantage of the promotion which started on ˛˝th January and will run until ˛ˡth February ˛˙˛˛, with each of the following products earning Connect loyalty triple points: Halo Combi RF, Halo Combi Wi-Fi, Halo Heat & System RF, and Halo Heat & System Wi-Fi. This means that for every Halo installation during the promotional period (with the exception of the Halo Lite thermostat range) installers will earn £˚˞ cashback – the equivalent of ˝˞ Connect points. Members can redeem their points against a wide range of rewards, including tools,
11 (News).indd 1
branded workwear, and Ideal Heating boilers. Points can also be transferred onto a pre-paid Mastercard. Luke Pykett, head of brand marketing at Ideal Heating, ^Ld^% ɭBPɪ]P VPPY _Z ʭ YO bLd^ _Z brighten our loyal installers’ days during the winter months and we know how popular our Connect rewards and promotions are. The Halo range has proved incredibly popular amongst installers and their customers, so we wanted to introduce this new promotion to celebrate that success and support the remainder of heating season.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˙ˢ
Darts champ the face of Monarch Mark Webster, former World Champion darts player and qualified plumber, has been named as the new Global Brand Ambassador for water treatment manufacturer, Monarch Water. During his career, Mark has garnered a plethora of accolades in the sport, including winning the World Championship in ˛˙˙ˡ̇ plus a whole host of other world and
(l-r) Ian Flack with Mark Webster
European titles. At present he is a darts commentator for Sky Sports, which has the second highest viewing figures after Premier League football.
Mark says: “I’m delighted to be joining the Monarch team and am really looking forward to working with them. My background in plumbing means I know the company and its reputation within the industry, having installed Monarch softeners and ʭ W_]L_TZY ^d^_PX^ ZaP] _SP NZ`]^P of my plumbing career.” Ian Flack, Monarch’s head of sales, adds: “I am very happy that Mark has joined the Monarch team. He will be the perfect ambassador for our brand. Being a qualified plumber, he knows the industry inside out. We will be working together on some very exciting initiatives going into ˛˙˛˛.”
pāƒ łÖĿā Ģł ˛˙˛˛ Unveiling a portfolio of new products this year, Intergas is changing its name from Intergas Boilers to Intergas Heating Solutions. The new name is meant to reflect the company’s goal to reduce its impact on the environment. MD Stephen Zouch says: “The world’s at a tipping point environmentally and, while we want to continue to make products that our customers want, sustainability has to be part of that process. Energy transition is easy to understand and highly complex to achieve, but we are actively involved in decarbonising every aspect of our working day. The name change may be small, but it represents a vast company undertaking.”
Room to grow Heating and plumbing products supplier Arctic Hayes has more than doubled its capacity with a move to larger premises on Millshaw Industrial Estate in Elland Road in Leeds. The company now has a ˚˙-year lease on the unit which, at approximately ˛˜̇˙˙˙ft˛, is more than twice as large as its previous ˚˙̇˙˙˙ft˛ facility in South Leeds. MD Karl Dallimore says: “We are looking to expand our operations significantly, to double our capacity by the end of ˛˙˛˛ in fact, and this new facility will enable us to do that.”
31/01/2022 15:50
NEW APPOINTMENTS
PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
People on the Move UK finance and service director for Roca UK, Rashpal Sidhu, has been named as its new managing director. Rashpal will take over from current MD Alan Dodds in April. Rashpal has over 15 years experience on Roca’s senior management team, driving the strategic direction of the business, and overseeing the company’s finance.
Water treatment manufacturer Fernox has welcomed Anthony Martindale (pictured) as global product manager for commercial applications, and new product manager, Charlie Murphy to the team. Anthony and Charlie will be responsible for driving product development, including the launch of the company’s new commercial range of water treatment solutions.
A duo of new appointments have been made by Elco Heating Solutions, with Silviu Catana (pictured) as specification manager for heat pumps and Peter Collins as areas sales manager for Scotland. Both come to Elco with a wealth of industry experience and will work to promote the company and support their clients.
Two new regional sales managers (RSM) have joined Blanco. Oliver Playfair (pictured) is now RSM for the North East region while Ricki Creser has been appointed RSM for the West London region. Oliver and Ricki both have a wealth of experience in the sector, having worked for major brand names in the KBB sector.
Tyde, a Thomas Dudley business, has expanded its sales team with four new appointments. Ash Meah and David Scarlett (pictured) will be specification managers for the North and South, while Leigh Randell and Jamie Abethell will work with key accounts providing account management, product and sales support.
The sales team at Grant UK has been enhanced with the addition of Steve Farrow, the new area sales manager for East Anglia. Steve will be providing support to installers, engineers and merchants on all of Grant’s heating products and services. He has been working in the heating sector for over 25 years, undertaking roles in merchants and a manufacturer throughout his career.
Gledhill has appointed Neil Thompson as sales director. Neil brings over 20 years of experience in plumbing and heating manufacturing, most recently as sales director at OSO Hotwater and Heatrae Sadia. He takes over the new role from Neil Overton, who will remain in the business to support the transition period.
Joe Cook is the latest recruit to Stelrad Radiators’ growing team of Brand Specialists. He will look after the south of England from his base between Southampton and Portsmouth. Joe is a graduate from De Montfort University in Leicester where he achieved a degree in marketing management followed by a masters in business management in sport.
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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
Energy Matters 13 Hydrogen guide for commercial projects With the aim of debunking the myths surrounding the potential use of hydrogen for heat, Baxi Commercial Solutions has released a new educational guide for the non-domestic sector. The report sets out the potential for hydrogen to become one of the central pillars of decarbonisation in the UK and presents a timeline of how the transition from natural gas to hydrogen is likely to unfold. 4_ LW^Z []ZaTOP^ L OPʭYT_TZY LYO
distinction between hydrogen boilers, hydrogen-ready boilers and ˛˙% hydrogen boilers. Andy Green, technical director at Baxi Commercial Solutions, comments: “Speaking to our customers, we know there is a widespread desire to make PʯNTPYNd TX[]ZaPXPY_^ bSP]PaP] possible to drive down emissions and operational costs in buildings. But following the recent hype about hydrogen, many want greater
Project to add a gas-like smell to hydrogen A new research project is set to gather evidence about the suitability of the gas network to transport hydrogen and will see the clean burning fuel odourised to smell like natural gas. Located on a disused network of gas mains in the South Bank area of Middlesbrough, the study will test operational procedures under ˚˙˙% hydrogen conditions on an existing network. Like hydrogen, natural gas is odourless so a distinct and
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widely recognised odour is added to warn of any leak. If hydrogen is used in the gas network, it will be odourised in the same way. A bespoke unit (pictured above) has been built to odourise the hydrogen at the South Bank site, with odorant added to hydrogen as it is distributed into the gas mains.
clarity on the achievable, futureproof options that are available now to help bring their buildings up to code. This is particularly the case in the UK’s more challenging, harderto-heat buildings where heat pumps might currently not be an option – but boiler replacement is. “Our aim is to help equip installers with the necessary information so that they can make the right choices at the right time.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˛̓˚˙
The South Bank project is part of the next phase of H˛˚, a collaborative programme led by Northern Gas Networks (NGN) to assess the suitability of the UK’s gas network to carry hydrogen. Neil Travers, H˛˚ project manager for NGN, says: “There is widespread awareness of the distinct smell of ‘gas’ amongst the general public. It’s vitally important hydrogen can be smelt to identify a gas escape in the same way and I’m delighted that our project will see hydrogen odourised, as well as gathering vital information about converting an existing gas distribution network from natural gas to ˚˙˙ SdO]ZRPY QZ] _SP ʭ]^_ time.”
Educate your customers on dirt and air A new survey by Spirotech has found that while ˡ˟% of homeowners are concerned about a rise in their PYP]Rd MTWW^ ZYWd L ʭQ_S L]P LbL]P ZQ _SP PʯNTPYNd-TX[]ZaTYR MPYPʭ_^ of removing air and dirt from their heating system. Over half of respondents said _SPd _`]Y Zʬ Z] _`]Y OZbY _SP SPL_ to save energy, but only ˛% said _SPd SLO TY^_LWWPO L OT]_ ʭW_P] LYO or air separator to save energy. With ˛˙% aware of technology, only ˡ% said they would opt for air
and dirt removal units. To help installers raise homeowner awareness of air and dirt removal, Spirotech has created the Better Heating hub. Installers can direct their customers to this educational resource, which includes animated videos that show the impact of trapped air and dirt, and how they can easily be removed by installing units such as the SpiroVent RV˛ and SpiroTrap MB˜. The website also includes a symptom checker that helps them identify some of the most common signs of system contamination, such as noisy pipework and the need for frequent radiator bleeding. Find out more about the Better Heating hub using the link below. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˛̓˚˚
01/02/2022 15:48
PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
14
Your Views
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Planning for the Future The Tweet Spot
Recent tweets that caught our attention Follow us on @PHAMnews
A disaster waiting to happen
Continuing his regular column, Neil Hope from NIBE Energy Systems advises on how heating engineers can best adapt to a changing landscape and ensure that they have the skills to install low carbon systems.
Flexible pipes – are they a disaster waiting to happen? When flexible pipes first entered the market, I, like many others, saw them as a godsend – no more struggling to fit pre-set pipes into difficult positions where one needed three hands! That was until last week when I was asked to do some work by an existing customer. I went to turn off the water under the sink and it was with some horror that I saw the flexible pipe in the attached picture (note, what looks like scorch marks is in fact rust). On reflection, I should have taken a picture before I replaced it as the bulge at the bottom was like a huge blood blister and it would only have been a matter of time before it had failed completely. The most disturbing aspect is that it was a hose I had fitted three, possibly four, years ago. It was not twisted or under any tension so I can see no reason why it should have failed after only a few years. My concern now is that many of the hundreds of other pipes I have fitted may be in a similar state! I have often thought that by their very nature of being flexible they must pose a long term risk, as anything that is constantly flexing and moving will eventually fail. Shower hoses are a classic example, albeit they do get a lot more use. I recognise there is a place for flexible pipes, but from now on I will stick with my trusty bender and only use flexible pipe as a last resort.
A
Rob Chambers Via email
Time for action I write with reference to the PHAM editorial ‘Homes of Christmas past’ which bemoans the state of our current housing stock – and rightly so. In the ‘good old days’, relaxing in my low budget, Dunkurque Campanile hotel room, I marvelled at the efficacy of such a simple structure. The insulation was evidently so effective that in a matter of half an hour from entering, the low output wallmounted electric heater rendered the room entirely comfortable. If the powers that be can see fit to sign blank cheques for vanity projects such as HS2, might now be the time to bite the bullet and address the problem head on with government incentives. In Birmingham I can travel 10 miles in any direction before encountering a property suitable for a heat pump. But the terraced houses with nil insulation abound. They need to be demolished en masse, and replaced with 100% efficient dwellings – and not just ‘by 2030’, but now!
Rob Cole Via email
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Adapting to a greener future
Letters to the editor... Address your letters to: The Editor, PHAM News 1b Station Square Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1DP or email to: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk
s renewable technologies become more common and are actively promoted by governments across the globe, it is clear that the reign of fossil fuel heating has come to an end. Heat pumps are widely recognised as the most viable alternative to fossil fuel boilers, as made evident by the Electrification of Heat demonstration project’s findings that ‘there is no property type or architectural era that is unsuitable for a heat pump’. As a consequence, their nationwide deployment has been a focus of the government’s recent strategies and consultations. It is inevitable, therefore, that installers will have to adapt to this changing and highly regulated landscape, and shift their attention towards low carbon systems. This can feel like an overwhelming prospect for those who have been installing fossil fuel systems for 30 or 40 years. Even those of us with less experience can find the transition tricky, as few other markets have seen such a transformation within the last couple of decades. Yet the route to becoming a certified renewable heating installer is no longer the complicated maze that it once was. I have seen this transformation towards an accessible renewable heat market throughout my career. The beginning of my working life focused on the fossil fuel market, where I served my apprenticeship with a local gas boiler installation company, as this was the clearest route to follow at the time, and certainly the most financially viable one. It wasn’t until just over a decade ago that I encountered heat pumps properly as part of the NIBE team and worked on their specification. Heat pumps, in comparison to fossil fuel boilers, are more sensitive to their design, which upon first impression makes it slightly more difficult to master their installation. Yet I have witnessed the products undergo physical changes to make them easier to install. Leading manufacturers, NIBE included, have come to prioritise the installer experience, as they recognise that having a large pool of skilled and passionate installers is the only way to achieve the government’s deployment targets. Indeed, the provision of training
Neil Hope
Head of technical services at NIBE
has also become a key focus for manufacturers compared to a decade ago. Standardised training is emerging with organisations like the Heat Pump Association and the CIPHE helping to drive consistency throughout the industry.
Start your journey If a fossil fuel heating installer came to me and asked for advice on how to shift towards the low carbon market, I would say the following: • Do research on reputable manufacturers. • Find out about the training courses they offer and get expert advice from their technical teams and trainers. • Get signed up on the right course. Pick a course without a burdensome price tag that leads to a recognised qualification or certification, like the newly created Heat Pump Association training course. • Talk to your customers about the various green options available to them – you’ll be amazed by changing attitudes and high levels of interest!
Partnership scheme You can receive quality training and support through our partnership scheme, NIBE Pro. It is a streamlined, personalised route to become an MCS Certified heat pump installer, giving you an industry recognised mark of quality. You also don’t have to worry about training costs, as these are fully redeemable through our NIBE Pro cashback voucher scheme. Find out more by visiting: www.nibe.eu/en-gb/nibe-pro-installers
01/02/2022 15:54
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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
Gadgets & Tools 15 Light up the work site on the darkest of winter days
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28/01/2022 12:24
PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
16
Merchant & Distributor News
Strength in numbers The IPG is a membership organisation for local independent plumbing and heating merchants, providing members with the resources, marketing support and purchasing power to enable them to compete with larger national enterprises. PHAM News recently visited the The IPG’s offices in Littlehampton, West Sussex, to find out more about the operation and why it believes it can also offer benefits to plumbing and heating engineers.
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ince its foundation in the summer of 2013, The IPG has worked to enhance the relationships between small, independent plumbing and heating merchants and industry manufacturers and suppliers, to the mutual benefit of all parties. Now the group aims to focus on the customers of its merchant members – professional plumbers and heating engineers – with a view to providing extra value to all parts of the supply chain. The brainchild of Robin Beal, who took up the role of chairman in January 2020, The IPG’s main mission has been to help its independent merchant members to compete with the buying power of their national, multi-branch competitors. However, much more than a buying group, the organisation also provides several other services for its expanding membership, which now stands at over 200 stores and bathroom showrooms. “We do a lot more than a typical buying group,” explains Robin. “We offer business advice, we build websites and provide members with digital screens and marketing support. We also collect a lot of data on behalf of our members and suppliers.”
Branding identity
Observant tradespeople may have seen The IPG branding appear in their local merchants as, over the last couple of years, the group has undertaken a dual-branding exercise with a number of its member outlets.
Robin Beal, The IPG chairman
The first three flagship stores were unveiled in 2019, in partnership with Newline Plumbing & Heating Supplies in Kingswinford, Gas & Plumb Bits in New Milton, and Plumb Inn based in Enfield, and now there are over 30 dual-branded merchants around the country. “That’s really important to us, because if we’re going to be talking to the trade and driving footfall into our stores, there needs to be a joinedup approach,” says head of marketing Nike Lovell. “When customers visit their local merchant we want them to be able to identify that they’re part of The IPG.”
Different needs
We are committed to encouraging installers to support their local independent plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists
Many of The IPG members are family-owned, often with a history that spans more than one generation. Being independently minded, it is accepted that some members might be resistant to the idea of introducing dualbranding, but it is hoped that they will soon be convinced by the benefits that closer ties can bring to their business. “The nature of our members is that they’re all independent and they have different needs and criteria,”says MD Glenn Fisher. “Some would be particularly good at social media, for example, and don’t need any help with that. But one of the most important qualities of many of our members is their positive attitude, and it’s up to us to open their eyes to opportunities.” There are clearly benefits to being part of a larger group when it comes to negotiating
t Hickman Supplies, an independent familyrun plumbing and heating merchant and bathroom showroom based in Beccles, Suffolk, is proud to be a member of The IPG
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p Based in the West Midlands, Plumbing World is one of a number of independent merchants around the UK to adopt dualbranding with The IPG
deals with suppliers, but there are also other advantages in gaining access to networking events and taking part in exclusive product promotions and joint marketing campaigns. A growing number of members are also recognising the benefits of promoting The IPG brand. “Many of our members are really close to their customers,” says Robin. “They have very good working relationships and therefore it’s a bit easier for them to sell The IPG story than for someone who might be a bit more distant from their customers. “But we also want to back the right businesses,” he adds. “We only want to associate the trusted IPG brand with good, dependable and solid companies. People who visit an ‘IPG Store’ must have the right experience as you find with other groups such as Best Western hotels, or even franchises such as McDonalds.”
Information gateway
Access to accurate information and data is vital to any modern business, and all of The IPG members are able to take advantage of an online portal. The portal, which continues to evolve since it was first launched in 2017, enables members and suppliers to track spending and view invoices, rebates and turnover information. Members are also able to use the portal to manage websites and upload content, both online and on the in-store digital screens. The IPG also manages a central database of supplier product data which is regularly updated to ensure the accuracy of information and prices.
Sales drive
Since first setting up The IPG nearly nine years ago, a key part of Robin’s strategy for success has been to re-invest profits back in the business, providing the funds which has allowed the operation to regularly come up with initiatives to drive more sales for members and suppliers. “We are committed to encouraging communities to support their local independent plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists, where alongside unrivalled service and unbiased, honest advice, a customer is likely to find that their shopping basket is cheaper,” he explains.
Spreading the word
As well as the attraction of quality products at good prices, there are plans to drive footfall with more marketing initiatives, such as The IPG loyalty cards and social events. As head of marketing, it’s not surprising that Nike Lovell is a strong believer in the importance of good communication. “There are lots of ways we can talk to the installer, but we obviously have very low brand recognition right now and our aim is to change that,” she says. “We then want to make sure that when a tradesperson goes into an IPG location, that they’re going to walk out with one of our supplier’s products and not someone else’s – so that’s why it’s important that we provide key messages on the digital screens located in our stores. Ultimately, though, it all comes down to making sure we have the right quality of product offering at the right price.” 2022 looks set to being a busy year for The IPG and, if all goes to plan, many more plumbers and installers will be aware of what it has to offer come the end of it. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/16
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Merchant & Distributor News 17 Generating more work for installers Wolseley UK has announced a partnership with MZZVLM`TWOP]`V NZX L [WL_QZ]X _Z NZYYPN_ SZXPZbYP]^ bT_S WZNLW aP__PO _]LOP^[PZ[WP The move is designed to help trade customers ʭYO LYO bTY XZ]P M`^TYP^^ bSTWP LW^Z R]ZbTYR the profile of its Wolseley Plumb Bathroom >SZb]ZZX^ LYO ^[PNTLWT^_ TY^_LWWP] ^NSPXP Chris Taylor-Hone, national director at Wolseley Plumb & Parts, explains: “There are clear synergies between the two businesses and this investment will build on our existing ^_]PYR_S^ -ZZV,-`TWOP] T^ LY PcNT_TYR M`^TYP^^
bT_S ]PLW aT^TZY QZ] R]Zb_S ɧ []ZaTOTYR L significant opportunity to support more installers, particularly in the bathroom and SPL_TYR ^PN_Z]^ ɮ The website, which recently added bathroom LYO SPL_TYR TY^_LWWL_TZY UZM^ _Z T_^ [WL_QZ]X SL^ over ˝˙̇˙˙˙ _]LOP^ ]PRT^_P]PO LN]Z^^ _SP @6 BT_S _SP TY_]ZO`N_TZY ZQ T_^ >LQP;Ld []ZO`N_ T_ ZʬP]^ consumers a secure way of paying for home improvements and ensures that tradespeople are R`L]LY_PPO _Z RP_ [LTO QZ] bZ]V NZX[WP_PO ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˚ˠ
Online advice on āłāũėƘ āƧóĢāłóƘ
Branching out in Bolton
Responding to increasing interest in renewable heating solutions, City Plumbing Supplies has announced that it intends to invest heavily in its ]PYPbLMWP SPL_TYR ZʬP]TYR ɧ ^_L]_TYR bT_S _SP WL`YNS ZQ L YPb bPM^T_P OPOTNL_PO _Z PYP]Rd PʯNTPYNd The website is designed to help installers, homeowners, housing developers and housing associations to access the expert knowledge and products required QZ] MZ_S YPb M`TWO LYO ]P_]Zʭ_ []ZUPN_^ L^ bPWW L^ providing easy-to-digest information on legislation, _]LTYTYR LYO _PNSYTNLW R`TOLYNP City Plumbing currently supplies solutions for a wide range of renewable systems, with products available next day from over ˜˞˙ branches YL_TZYbTOP 4_^ ZʬP] TYNW`OP^ LT] ^Z`]NP LYO R]Z`YO
4YOP[PYOPY_ XP]NSLY_ 868 -`TWOTYR >`[[WTP^ SL^ Z[PYPO L YPb M]LYNS WZNL_PO ZY _SP 8P]TOTLY -`^TYP^^ ;L]V TY -ZW_ZY LWZYR^TOP LY Pc_PY^TaP VT_NSPY LYO ML_S]ZZX ^SZb]ZZX BT_S LY PX[SL^T^ on local knowledge and technical expertise, the new facility has generated more than ˛˙ YPb UZM^ QZ] _SP WZNLW L]PL Co-M]LYNS OT]PN_Z] ?ZYd 8L^_P]^ NZXXPY_^% ɭBP ZʬP] LWW _SP plumbing, heating, landscaping and timber supplies you’ll need, alongside a wide civils portfolio and a high-spec kitchen and ML_S]ZZX ZʬP]TYR bT_S LY TY-branch showroom that enables N`^_ZXP]^ _Z ^PP Z`] WL_P^_ OP^TRY^ ɮ “Being independent is a huge positive both for us, and the trade LYO [`MWTN TY _SP L]PL ɮ LOO^ BLdYP .]T_NSWPd NZ-M]LYNS OT]PN_Z] ɭ4_ XPLY^ dZ` RP_ RZZO WZNLW VYZbWPORP Q]ZX L _PLX _SL_ T^ WZNLWWd P^_LMWT^SPO LWZYR^TOP L QLT] LYO bPWNZXTYR N`^_ZXP] ^P]aTNP ZʬP]TYR LYO NZX[P_T_TaP []TNTYR ɮ
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source heat pumps, solar panels, biomass boilers, bL^_PbL_P] SPL_ ]PNZaP]d ^d^_PX^ `YOP]ʮZZ] SPL_TYR LYO XZ]P ?SP XP]NSLY_ SL^ LW^Z MPPY running webinars to help installers to better `YOP]^_LYO _SP ^STQ_ _Z WZb NL]MZY _PNSYZWZRTP^ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˚ˡ
28/01/2022 12:41
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Training Update APHC launches voucher scheme
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,;3. ?]LTYTYR 7_O T^ ZʬP]TYR ˚˙˙ training ]PbL]O^ bZ]_S n˚˞˙ PLNS _Z [W`XMTYR LYO SPL_TYR NZX[LYTP^ O`]TYR ˛˙˛˛. 1T]X^ NLY NWLTX _SP n˚˞˙ ]PbL]O LYO `^P T_ _ZbL]O^ _SP NZ^_ ZQ L NP]_TʭNL_PO NZ`]^P bT_S L ]PNZRYT^PO _]LTYTYR []ZaTOP] ^`NS L^ ,;3.
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Installation of radiators to enhance workshops >P]aTYR _SP 8TOWLYO^ L]PL 0WPXPY_^ ?]LTYTYR ,^^P^^XPY_ .PY_]P T^ Q`WWd P\`T[[PO _Z []ZaTOP _]LTYTYR LYO L^^P^^XPY_ ZY [W`XMTYR SPL_TYR LYO RL^ L_ L [`][Z^P-M`TW_ _]LTYTYR QLNTWT_d TY >_Z`]M]TORP ?SP NPY_]P ]PNPY_Wd TY^_LWWPO ˚˛ >_PW]LO ]LOTL_Z]^ L XTc ZQ AT_L .ZX[LN_ >TWSZ`P__P /PNZ ;WLY LYO .ZW`XY ]LOTL_Z]^ ɧ _Z LWWZb _]LTYPP^ LYO PYRTYPP]^ ]PNP]_TQdTYR _Z ʭ_ \`LWT_d ]LOTL_Z] []ZO`N_^ bSTWP _SPd _]LTY TY _SP YPb Pc_PYOPO _]LTYTYR NPY_]P
-;0. .T_d 2`TWO^ LYO LWW @6,>-L[[]ZaPO ,.> []ZaTOP]^ 4Y ˛˙˛˚ _SP ,;3. ^Ld^ T_ ^Lb _SP XZ^_ ^`NNP^^Q`W dPL] QZ] _SP ^NSPXP LYO SLYOPO Z`_ L ]PNZ]O Y`XMP] ZQ _]LTYTYR ]PbL]O^ _Z NZX[LYTP^ LN]Z^^ 0YRWLYO LYO BLWP^ ?ST^ dPL]ɪ^ []ZR]LXXP ZQ NZ`]^P^ L]P OPWTaP]PO `^TYR 8TN]Z^ZQ_ ?PLX^ ^Z OPWPRL_P^ NLY `^P L ;. Z] WL[_Z[ OPaTNP _Z WZR ZY LYO NZX[WP_P _SPT] _]LTYTYR ZaP] _bZ SZ`]^ [P] OLd QZ] `[ _Z QZ`] OLd^ :YNP _SP TYT_TLW _]LTYTYR NZ`]^P T^ NZX[WP_P OPWPRL_P^ bTWW _SPY _LVP LY ZYWTYP L^^P^^XPY_ TY Z]OP] _Z ZM_LTY L NZ`]^P NZX[WP_TZY NP]_TʭNL_P .Z`]^P^ _ST^ dPL] TYNW`OP% 7PRTZYPWWL NZWO bL_P] ]T^V L^^P^^XPY_ LYO OT^TYQPN_TZY OZXP^_TN SZ_ bL_P] ^_Z]LRP ^d^_PX^ `YaPY_PO LYO ^LYT_L]d LYO LMZaP R]Z`YO O]LTYLRP ?SP n˚˞˙ _]LTYTYR ]PbL]O T^ LaLTWLMWP _Z LWW [W`XMTYR LYO SPL_TYR NZX[LYTP^ TY 0YRWLYO LYO BLWP^ ]PRL]OWP^^ ZQ bSP_SP] _SPd L]P XPXMP]^ ZQ _SP ,;3. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˛˙
Best from boilers ,?,2 .ZXXP]NTLW SL^ TY_]ZO`NPO L YPb .4->0LNN]POT_PO NZY_TY`TYR []ZQP^^TZYLW OPaPWZ[XPY_ XZO`WP QZN`^TYR ZY _SP MP^_ `^P ZQ XZOP]Y NZYOPY^TYR MZTWP]^ ,TXPO []TXL]TWd L_ NZY^`W_LY_^ LYO M`TWOTYR ^P]aTNP^ PYRTYPP]^ _SP .;/ bTWW Z`_WTYP SZb VPd L^[PN_^ ZQ XZOP]Y MZTWP]^ ɧ ^`NS L^ SPL_ PcNSLYRP]^ M`]YP]^ LYO NZY_]ZW^ ɧ SLaP OPaPWZ[PO TY ]PNPY_ dPL]^ L^ bPWW L^ NZY^TOP] _SPT] TYQW`PYNP ZY ^d^_PX OP^TRY ?SP]P bTWW LW^Z MP OP_LTWPO Pc[WLYL_TZY^ ZQ PYP]Rd ^LaTYR L[[WTNL_TZY^ L^ bPWW L^ _PNSYTNLW ^NSPXL_TN^ 4Y LOOT_TZY _SP XZO`WP bTWW STRSWTRS_ SZb XZOP]Y NZYOPY^TYR MZTWP]^ ]PO`NP NL]MZY LYO 9:c PXT^^TZY^ MZZ^_TYR L []ZUPN_ɪ^ ZaP]LWW WPaPW^ ZQ PQQTNTPYNd bSTWP SPW[TYR TX[]ZaP LT] \`LWT_d TY M`TW_-`[ L]PL^ ,W^Z NZaP]PO bTWW MP P^^PY_TLW QLN_^ LMZ`_ SPL_ PcNSLYRP] XL_P]TLW^ LYO Q`YN_TZYLWT_d L^ bPWW L^ M`]YP]^ [`X[^ LYO WZb WZ^^ SPLOP]^ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˛˛
GAS ENGINEERS & PLUMBERS NEED ACS ASSESSMENTS? AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP TRAINING & ASSESSMENT we will be ready to deliver ASHP Training & Assessments to you by February 2022. As always, our prices will be unbeatable! Last year we helped over 100 Plumbers get their Gas Qualifications. It`s not as difficult as you may think, give us a call and let us help you. You don`t necessarily need Plumbing Qualifications to do our PLUMBER TO GAS COURSE. ECS can help you, call us now 01226 741800 or visit www.ecsgastrainingltd.com
o rt e be urs at um Co v Pl as 0 + G 200 £
If you want free friendly advice just call me, Graham Hawkes 07775 506124 anytime for an informal chat
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ECS Gas Training 10 Market Street, Hoyland Barnsley S74 9QR
Tel: 01226 741800
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Video instruction :TW-MZTWP] XLY`QLN_`]P] 3Z`Y^ʭPWO -ZTWP]^ SL^ WL`YNSPO L ^`T_P ZQ ZYWTYP _]LTYTYR aTOPZ^ []ZaTOTYR ^_P[-Md-^_P[ TY^_]`N_TZY ZY TY^_LWWTYR T_^ ZTW MZTWP]^ L^ bPWW L^ XLTY_PYLYNP LYO ^P]aTNTYR ?SP aTOPZ^ ]LYRP Q]ZX ^SZ]_ NWT[^ Z`_WTYTYR ^ZXP ZQ _SP MZTWP]^ɪ ^[PNTLW QPL_`]P^ ɧ ^`NS L^ [W`R-and[WLd PWPN_]TN^ ʮ`P PY_]d [ZTY_^ LYO aT^TMWP YPZY TYOTNL_Z]^ ɧ _Z WZYRP] ʭWX^ OP_LTWTYR _SP M`]YP] SPL_ PcNSLYRP] LYO SZb _Z TY^_LWW LYO ^P]aTNP _SP MZTWP]^ 8/ ,YO]Pb 3Z`Y^ʭPWO ^Ld^% ɭ4Q LY PYRTYPP] SL^ YPaP] TY^_LWWPO Z] ^P]aTNPO ZYP ZQ Z`] MZTWP]^ MPQZ]P Z] ]P\`T]P^ L ]PQ]P^S _SP aTOPZ^ bTWW \`TNVWd _PWW _SPX PaP]d_STYR _SPd YPPO _Z VYZb TY [WLTY 0YRWT^S bT_STY L ^_P[-Md-^_P[ R`TOP ?SPdɪ]P LW^Z R]PL_ ]PQP]PYNP R`TOP^ QZ] bSPY LY TY^_LWWP] T^ ZY^T_P _ZZ ɮ ?SP aTOPZ^ L]P LW^Z L XL]VP_TYR _ZZW QZ] SPL_TYR PYRTYPP]^ bT_S ^SZ]_ ʭWX^ _SL_ OPXZY^_]L_P _SP XLTY N`^_ZXP]-Q]TPYOWd QPL_`]P^ ZQ _SP MZTWP]^ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˛˜
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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
Product Spotlight 19
¦Ğā ðāłāƩ Ŷŭ of reliable ķāÖĴ ùāŶāóŶĢŋł -]TLY >VPWWd ^[PNTʭ NL_TZY XLYLRP] L_ /LYQZ^^ WZZV^ L_ _SP MPYPʭ _^ ZQ ^[PNTQdTYR LYO TY^_LWWTYR water leak prevention systems to protect the fabric of buildings and their contents.
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ater is essential for our daily lives, and through a lattice of pipework it is distributed throughout our homes and buildings unnoticed. Yet when water escapes through a WPLVTYR [T[P Z] ZaP]ʮ ZbTYR ML^TY it becomes a very destructive force that can destroy electrical items, bring down ceilings, damage furniture and, if left unchecked, damage the building structure itself. As well as the risk to commercial and public buildings, a leak in a residential block can cause damage not only to the apartment in which the leak has occurred but also to the homes that are adjacent and below. Generally speaking, leaks give no visible signs or warnings and many happen when a building is empty, giving time for the water to build up and do serious damage. However, how often are steps taken when leaving a building unoccupied for any length of time to stop anything untoward happening, such as closing the main water inlet valve to the property? During the pandemic, many commercial premises have MPPY `YZNN`[TPO bSTWP ^_Lʬ bZ]V from home, leaving buildings vulnerable to water damage.
Smart solution Leak prevention and protection systems have been around for some time but what is new is the option for wireless point-to-point control. This provides the ability to have all the isolation valves and sensors linked together wirelessly in order to form the best NZYʭ R`]L_TZY _Z ^`T_ _SP M`TWOTYR and its occupants. Wireless communication is part of the Internet of Things (IoT) which means that, if required, alarms and data can be made accessible on a mobile phone or the phone of the building’s maintenance manager. Action can then be taken as soon as the wireless leak sensor is activated, closing the water valve and ^S`__TYR Zʬ _SP bL_P] ^`[[Wd
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Working in conjunction with our partner WES Products Ltd, a ^[PNTLWT^_ TY bL^S]ZZX Pʯ NTPYNd ^P]aTNP^ /LYQZ^^ NLY YZb Zʬ P] a simple solution that meets BREEAM requirements for the NZY_]ZW ZQ _SP ʮ Zb ZQ bL_P] _Z washrooms, including optional water leak detection capabilities. Available from WES Products, this latest development helps to manage water consumption and ]PO`NP^ _SP ]T^V ZQ ʮ ZZOTYR NL`^PO by running taps or leaking pipes in washrooms. Featuring fully approved Danfoss solenoid valves, the system can be either hardwired or wireless, using various communications from standard wired or wireless PIR sensors to energy harvesting technology for both switches and sensors.
zł̓ŋƦ óŋłŶũŋķ The PIR sensors detect when a person enters the room and communicates with the installed Danfoss solenoid valves to open and turn the water supply on for a pre-set length of time. Once the room is vacated the power is cut Zʬ NWZ^TYR _SP aLWaP LYO LaZTOTYR potential water wastage and OLXLRP O`P _Z ZaP]ʮ Zb^ The use of wireless technology also allows light switches to be installed without any wires, including water detection sensors without mains power. Removing XLTY^ aZW_LRP PWPN_]TNLW ʭ __TYR^ from high potential leak areas, such as washrooms, also avoids the risk of electrocution. Low voltage leak detection sensors pose no threat to life as they only require enough energy to send a ^`ʯ NTPY_ ^TRYLW QZ] ^PY^TYR LYO switching purposes only.
Easy installation Wireless systems for water leakage control are easily installed since wiring is kept to an absolute minimum, making _SPX LY PL^d ]P_]Zʭ _ ^ZW`_TZY 4_ also means there is no need for cutting channels and running cables, thereby reducing cost and disruption and providing an ideal option when specifying protection
for heritage buildings, for example. The only mains supply power required is to the isolation valves. The system is also easy to set up, because all that’s required is the simple pairing of the installed devices to provide a complete leak prevention and protection system. ?ST^ _d[P ZQ ^d^_PX NLY MPYPʭ _ ^TRYTʭ NLY_Wd Q]ZX L WZNLWWd ʭ __PO PIR sensor that allows the isolation valve to remain closed when the area is unoccupied, only opening when a person enters the space. The PIR sensor can also be linked through a wireless system to the lighting system and be operated in absence or presence mode. , VPd MPYPʭ _ ZQ L bT]PWP^^ point-to-point system is that, once installed, it can be checked by either the landlord or tenant to PY^`]P T_ T^ []ZaTOTYR _SP ^[PNTʭ PO leak protection. This can be done by running the water supply (tap) and testing the sensor to trigger the leak detector. The valve will close and the running water from the tap will stop.
Quick response Although this type of system won’t stop a leak from occurring due to acts of vandalism or accidental damage, it will reduce any damage caused by the leak. The detection system has the advantage of knowing where the isolation valve is located and acts fast without the need of any complicated controller or thought. The isolation valve will remain closed until it is deemed safe to re-open. Investing in a water leak prevention and protection ^d^_PX MPYPʭ _^ _SP []Z[P]_d owner/tenant, helping to avoid ʮ ZZO OLXLRP XLYLRP bL_P] consumption, and even reduce insurance premiums. Now, on _Z[ _SP^P MPYPʭ _^ _ST^ YPb wireless solution developed by /LYQZ^^ LYO B0> ;]ZO`N_^ Zʬ P]^ ^[PNTʭ P]^ LYO TY^_LWWP]^ L ^d^_PX that is simple and cost-Pʬ PN_TaP _Z TY^_LWW TY PT_SP] YPb Z] ]P_]Zʭ _ situations, and which is also easy to commission and maintain. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˛̓˛˞
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Business Matters
How to make Ö ėŋŋù ƩũŭŶ impression Worcester Bosch has partnered with etiquette expert, William Hanson, to help educate young installers on how to make a good ʭ]^_ TX[]P^^TZY bSPY PY_P]TYR customers’ homes. It is presented as part of the company’s ongoing Future Talent Initiative (FTI), which aims to help those new to the sector with advice spanning many OTʬP]PY_ _Z[TN^ The most recent entry to FTI is William Hanson’s video on how _Z XLVP L ^_]ZYR ʭ]^_ TX[]P^^TZY As CEO of the English Manner,
William Hanson, English Manner CEO
an etiquette and protocol consultancy, William has the skills and expertise to help young professionals develop _SPT] NZYʭOPYNP LYO M`TWO ^_]ZYR
relationships with their customers. 3P ^Ld^% ɭ4_ SL^ MPPY L []TaTWPRP _Z work with Worcester Bosch on this TYT_TL_TaP 4_ T^ _]`P _Z ^Ld _SL_ ʭ]^_ impressions do count, so I’m hoping dZ`YR TY^_LWWP]^ ʭYO Xd LOaTNP `^PQ`W LYO L]P LMWP _Z L[[Wd T_ _Z _SPT] working life.” Conor Evans, head of future talent at Worcester Bosch, adds: “It has MPPY R]PL_ _Z SLaP BTWWTLX ZY MZL]O for our Future Talent Initiative. 2PYP]LW P_T\`P__P L]P TYaLW`LMWP skills that are not necessarily taught at school, so we hope this can help young installers feel prepared when entering a customers’ home for the ʭ]^_ _TXP ɮ >PP _SP YPb aTOPZ Md `^TYR _SP ]PLOP]WTYV MPWZb ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˛˟
Keeping on top of drivers’ use of the fuel card ?SP WL_P^_ `[OL_P^ _Z _SP Q`PW2PYTP XZMTWP L[[ YZb PYLMWP M`^TYP^^P^ _Z XLYLRP _SPT] O]TaP]^ɪ NL]O OP_LTW^ OT]PN_Wd Q]ZX _SP L[[ ?ST^ TYNW`OP^ _SP LMTWT_d to view the full card details, including name on the card, vehicle registration and any card limits set, and LW^Z PYLMWP^ OP_LTW^ _Z MP POT_PO \`TNVWd LYO PL^TWd 1`]_SP]XZ]P `^P]^ NLY ]P\`P^_ L YPb Q`PW NL]O _Z MP T^^`PO ]P^`W_TYR TY L YPb Q`PW NL]O MPTYR L`_ZXL_TNLWWd RPYP]L_PO LYO ^PY_ Z`_ _Z _SP WT^_PO M`^TYP^^ LOO]P^^
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Businesses will also have the option to view cancelled cards. For invoicing, the app updates have made it easier to review and manage fuel invoices, including aTPbTYR N`]]PY_ LYO [L^_ TYaZTNP^ WT^_PO Md OL_P LYO OZbYWZLOTYR TYaZTNP^ _Z L XZMTWP OPaTNP TY L ;/1 format – saving time when needing to quickly check SZb X`NS SL^ MPPY ^[PY_ ZY Q`PW ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˛ˠ
Video library of good advice Training provider JTL has launched a new online channel called Tune Up to help those in the sector improve their personal and professional development. Tune Up is a channel of videos _SL_ SLaP MPPY NL]PQ`WWd ^PWPN_PO Md 5?7 ^PN_Z] Pc[P]_^ LNNZ]OTYR _Z quality, authority of the source, and relevance, with supporting information from JTL to help get the most from the videos. While designed mainly for newly \`LWTʭPO WPL]YP]^ ?`YP @[ WZZV^ to support trade professionals at any stage in their career, with videos covering digital skills, CV writing and interview _PNSYT\`P^ LYO SZb _Z M`TWO L [ZbP]Q`W 7TYVPO4Y []ZʭWP L^ well as teaching life skills around XLYLRTYR [Sd^TNLW ʭYLYNTLW LYO mental health. Liam Sammon, director of learning and innovation at JTL, says: “As a training provider with NSL]T_LMWP ^_L_`^ bP NL]P LMZ`_ more than just the technical development of our apprentices, past and present. We are invested in their personal and professional development, and that is why
we created the Tune Up series, LaLTWLMWP L^ L Q]PP ]P^Z`]NP _LTWZ]PO _Z ^`T_ Z`] ^PN_Z] LYO T_^ ^[PNTʭN needs. “Working with some of the industry’s most trustworthy sources, the Tune Up channel allows workers in the sector to learn new skills in their own time, giving them access to information that will support them in dealing bT_S OPXLYO^ MPdZYO U`^_ OLd-today technical tasks.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˛ˡ
31/01/2022 09:56
PHAM FEB22:Layout 1 31/01/2022 10:37 Page 21
PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
Pipes, Fittings & Valves 21
Pressing forward with óŋťťāũ ŶŽðā Öłù ƩŶŶĢłėŭ BT_S LY Pc_PY^TaP ]LYRP ZQ []P^^-ʭ__TYR^ YZb LaLTWLMWP _Z ^`T_ L R]ZbTYR ]LYRP ZQ L[[WTNL_TZY^ NZ[[P] ZʬP]^ TY^_LWWP]^ LY PL^d bLd _Z XPP_ _SPT] N`^_ZXP]^ɪ environmental and health and safety concerns. Here, Dave Dickson, group ^[PNTʭNL_TZY XLYLRP] L_ .ZYPc -¬YYTYRP] STRSWTRS_^ ^ZXP ZQ _SP VPd MPYPʭ_^
A
s health and safety continues to be high on the national news and political agenda, we need to adapt ways to move forward in the building and construction sector. One solution that has been around for centuries is copper pipework and its antimicrobial properties, which has made it the plumbing material of choice for many years, especially for healthcare and medical environments. Greater emphasis has also increased from industry bodies to use more ecofriendly solutions, and there is also a strong argument for installers and contracting companies to choose a material such as copper for its ‘green’ credentials.
Preferred choice Press-ʭ_ _PNSYZWZRd SL^ R]ZbY Pc[ZYPY_TLWWd TY popularity in recent years and is now the preferred copper jointing system in markets around the globe. ,_ .ZYPc -¬YYTYRP] bP SLaP LY P^_LMWT^SPO ST^_Z]d TY []P^^ ʭ__TYR^ TY_]ZO`NTYR _SP []PN`]^Z] _Z _ZOLdɪ^ )-' ;]P^^ ʭ__TYR ZaP] ˜˙ years ago. >TYNP _SPY _SP []P^^ ]LYRP SL^ Pc[LYOPO ZʬP]TYR a comprehensive choice with the most recent LOOT_TZY MPTYR )-' 8LcT;]Z _SP ]PaZW`_TZYL]d []P^^ ʭ__TYR QZ] LT] NZYOT_TZYTYR LYO ]PQ]TRP]L_TZY applications. ,^ []P^^ _PNSYZWZRd T^ L ʮLXP-free system it is faster, safer and easier to use and it provides a secure and lasting leak-Q]PP UZTY_ ;]P^^ LW^Z ZʬP]^ L Y`XMP] ZQ Z_SP] XLUZ] MPYPʭ_^ ^`NS L^ TX[]ZaPO on-site safety, enhanced joint performance, speed and ease-of-use. These all make press the more popular choice for professionals. :`] NZ[[P] []P^^ ]LYRP YZb TYNW`OP^ )-' ;]P^^ )-' ;]P^^ C7 )-' ;]P^^ 2L^ )-' ;]P^^ >ZWL] LYO )-' 8LcT;]Z ɧ LWW OP^TRYPO bT_S L [P]XLYPY_ ˜-[ZTY_ []P^^ QZ] L ʮLXP-free connection.
Bacteria protection Copper and its alloys, such as brass, bronze and copper-nickel, are naturally antimicrobial. Frequently touched surfaces manufactured from uncoated copper alloy materials will continuously kill bacteria that cause infections. Unlike coatings or other materials treatments, the LY_TMLN_P]TLW PʬPN_TaPYP^^ ZQ NZ[[P] XP_LW^ bZYɪ_ wear away, which makes copper a popular choice for touch surface applications. .ZXMTYPO bT_S PcNPWWPY_ ^_]PYR_S O`]LMTWT_d LYO NZ]]Z^TZY ]P^T^_LYNP NZ[[P] ZʬP]^ WZYR-term protection from bacteria. It also helps to prevent
21.indd 1
the build-up and growth of bacteria within two hours of Pc[Z^`]P bSTNS XLYd ^_`OTP^ have long discussed. As copper attacks a wide range of dangerous bacteria, TYNW`OTYR 7PRTZYPWWL ;ZWTZ Virus and E-coli O˚˞ˠ, the )-' ;]P^^ ]LYRP T^ ^`T_LMWP for drinking water, heating and chilled water systems. Direct interaction between the surface of the copper and the bacterial outer membrane is ruptured and the bacterium loses vital nutrients, water and dies. This means that copper provides continuous protection against bacteria without wearing out. Testing supported by the Copper Development Association (CDA) has demonstrated copper alloy products can continuously kill viruses that come into contact with them, eliminating ˢˢ̍ˢ% of SARS-CoV-˛, the virus that causes COVID-˚ˢ, within two hours. It has also been demonstrated that copper [W`XMTYR ʭ__TYR^ TYSTMT_^ _SP R]Zb_S ZQ ;^P`OZXZYL^ 1W`Z]P^NPY^ -LNTWW`^ >`M_TWT^ LYO -LN_P]TZ[SLRP 8>˛, which can cause gastrointestinal disturbance.
Clean water Water hygiene also continues to be essential for NZY_]LN_TYR NZX[LYTP^ bT_S ->˟ˠ˙˙ taking over ENˡ˙˟ as the industry standard almost a decade ago for building installations conveying water for human consumption. This makes copper a fundamental material to specify at the design stage of a new drinking water system or a refurbishment. Additionally, as a noble metal, copper resists corrosion and compares favourably to steel and iron. 4_ T^ STRSWd ]P^T^_LY_ _Z Pc_]PXP^ ZQ _PX[P]L_`]P whether those be highs or lows, and in the case of L ʭ]P bSP]P T_^ YZY-ʮLXXLMWP NL[LMTWT_TP^ XPLY NZ[[P] _`MP LYO ʭ__TYR^ bTWW YZ_ M`]Y Z] RTaP Zʬ _ZcTN Q`XP^
Made to last In addition to the antimicrobial properties of NZ[[P] T_ T^ Pc_]PXPWd O`]LMWP LYO T_ɪ^ []LN_TNLW L^ T_ T^ PL^d _Z bZ]V bT_S 4_ LW^Z SL^ PcNPWWPY_ _SP]XLW conductivity and is ˚˙˙% recyclable. In fact, some ˡ˙% of copper ever mined is still in use today. The advantages of using copper pipework have been continually proven and continues to increase all the time. To help minimise any potential risks posed by bacteria, installers and contracting companies need to put serious thought to all the MPYPʭ_^ _SL_ NZ[[P] []ZaTOP^ O`]TYR _SP OP^TRY stage of buildings, ensuring it is the material of choice. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˛̓˛ˢ
31/01/2022 09:57
PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
22
Pipes, Fittings & Valves
Six reasons to use MLCP on your next project Every installation will ideally be on time and under budget, while also achieving an outstanding result. When it comes to installing pipework, multi-layer composite pipe can go a long way in reaching this triumvirate. David Playfoot from Multipipe Ltd explains why more plumbers are moving to MLCP.
N
o-one can have failed to notice the massive increase in constructionrelated goods cost over the last 18 months. And that’s if you can get hold of them. But, unfortunately, there are only so many price increases people can absorb before it has to be passed on to the end-user, and that can be painful when it’s one of your regular customers who may be struggling during the pandemic. So I’ve seen a big rise in plumbers swapping to MLCP because the availability is more guaranteed, and the pricing doesn’t fluctuate from one day to the next. Here are my top six reasons to consider moving to MLCP:
1–Cost stability
Although consumption of the red metal is soaring, supplies are restricted as copper inventories are near 15-year lows and, of course, new mines take years to come to fruition. As a result, copper has been one of the best-performing metals of the past year, with the price almost doubling. Last March, copper was trading at its highest level for ten years and is still floating around $4.44 per pound, not far off its all-time high of $4.65 per pound achieved in February 2011. As a result, we are frequently contacted by installers looking
to retain profitability on a job but needing to move from copper to reduce the pricing uncertainty. No matter how well installers budget and plan their purchases for copper, they can price a job one day and the next find the price has risen. As a result, they have to either absorb the cost or pass it on and risk losing the work. While MLCP has also increased in price, the rises have been less frequent, offering far greater cost stability.
David Playfoot
Business development manager for Multipipe
BENEFITS OF MLCP MLCP prices are more stable than copper, so contractors can better budget and plan their purchases It generally requires fewer tools than other methods As a hybrid pipe, it has a number of uses, including for secondary recirculation systems Available in coils, MLCP can be used for long pipe runs without the use of joints A low expansion rate means there is often no requirement to treat expansion in the system
2–Thwarting theft
Site theft is on the rise, and with scrap copper values of around £5.70 per kilo in the UK, it’s not surprising copper is one of the biggest targets. But, again, the installer bears the brunt of the issue, both in terms of cost and wasted downtime. When you consider the volume of tool theft, it’s not surprising many installers are turning away from the industry altogether. MLCP generally uses far fewer tools compared to other methods, so it makes sense to reduce your risk of being a victim of crime with fewer tool requirements and no scrap value for the pipe.
3–Recirculation
Many of the MLCP sceptics I speak to are put off from moving to plastics from copper because they perceive plastic pipe has more limited use. As a hybrid pipe, MLCP is not the same as a true plastic pipe, although it cannot be used for gas related works.
With MLCP fittings, the seal is inside the pipe where it is less at risk of getting damaged
However, one big advantage over plastic pipes is that MLCP can be used for secondary recirculation systems. Because of the aluminium structure and different standards, it is more than compliant with secondary recirculation systems, meaning you can confidently eliminate dead legs in the system. MLCP can also be safely buried in walls as, due to the metal components, it can be found using a standard pipe detector. It is perfect for creating the sleek look modern homeowners require.
4–Comes in coils
Like plastic pipes, MLCP is also available in coils. Longer length pipe coils mean you can carry out long pipe runs without the use of joints. Working in this way increases work productivity, reduces cost, and almost removes the chance of leaks created during the fitting process, as there are far fewer fittings used. Coils also offer the possibility of manifold plumbing, something quite hard to do in copper systems. Manifold plumbing is gaining popularity in the UK. It allows every appliance in a building to be connected from manifold to device with no fittings in between, under a floor or over a ceiling, completely removing the possibility of joint leaks.
5–Thermal expansion MLCP has an aluminium core and polyethylene exterior
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Unlike other plastics, MLCP is much more like copper when it comes to thermal expansion.
It expands to only an eighth of what other plastic pipes do. PEX-a pipe has a high expansion rate, often looking unsightly and causing noises, but also, the barrier is never 100% proof and can ingress air into the system. As a result, the low expansion rate means that there is often no requirement to treat expansion in the system, usually found when you have longer pipe runs. By not having to deal with expansion issues, you can reduce costs and improve the project turnaround times and reduce the chance of expansionrelated system damage.
6–Form stable
MLCP performs like copper, but unlike copper, it can be re-formed. As a result, it enjoys all the benefits that a metal pipe system offers, plus all the benefits that modern materials like polyethylene can offer. Featuring an aluminium core and polyethene exterior, MLCP is extremely strong and 100% oxygen diffusion tight. What’s more, the form stable design coupled with the solution’s flexibility ensures that a minimal number of joints are required. Multipipe MLCP is a professional product with sizes from 12mm up to 110mm. Finally, don’t forget that, unlike push-fit external sealing joints, MLCP fittings seal inside the pipe where they can’t get damaged and compromise the joint. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/30
01/02/2022 17:27
Pegler ResiFlow valve Pegler Valve new!
Pegler ResiFlow valve increase waterway for improved flow
Pegler ResiFlow insulation
streamlined EPP recyclable moulded insulation
The Pegler ResiFlow valve is a unique prefabricated utility array with a direct function of providing potable water supply into multi-occupancy high-rise dwellings. • WRAS approved unit • direct class D water meter connection, no additional adapters required • integrated stop valve with drain outlet
customer service +44 (0) 800 156 0010 www.pegler.co.uk
PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
24
Pipes, Fittings & Valves
Valves to help protect and optimise heat pump systems With government incentives and the opportunity to reduce energy bills, the UK heat pump market looks set to grow significantly. But what more can installers do to help optimise the performance of heat pump installations and protect the investment of their customers? Ed Morris from Altecnic highlights the benefits of two key components.
H
eat pump installations are growing in popularity, but they can be a costly investment and, as such, careful consideration should be used when selecting components to optimise and protect each part of the system. So, what can be done to protect and maintain the efficiency of these systems? Here we explore two components which, if installed correctly, can help protect and optimise heat pumps.
Altecnic’s Caleffi 108 Anti-freeze Valve
Ed Morris
Technical manager at Altecnic
Anti-freeze valves Anti-freeze valves are a costeffective solution to protect heat pump installations from freezing, which is a common problem during the winter. These valves are designed to be installed in the flow and return pipework from the heat pump and installed on the external pipework. By opening at temperatures below 3°C, an anti-freeze valve allows system content to be dripped and discharged safely, preventing the system from freezing and protecting the installation. At temperatures above 4°C, the valve then shuts again to stop unnecessary draining. Overall, it does exactly as it implies, it prevents the freezing of heat pumps and pipework. With the valve designed specifically for heat pump installation, it is compact and easy to install. Even for installations in areas that are especially exposed – those that are usually hit hardest by freezing - an antifreeze valve can continue to
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CUT TO THE CHASE An anti-freeze valve will open at temperatures below 3°C to allow system content to be dripped and discharged safely Automatic dynamic balancing and pressureindependent adjustment of the heating system is vital for optimisation of a heat pump installation The installation of an antifreeze valve and the installation of an automatic balancing TRV protects the end user’s investment and the installer’s hard work
function efficiently. The valve becomes especially useful in the coldest months as it helps to save thousands of pounds in having to replace frozen installations by maintaining the heat pump and pipework. When the heat pump installation is protected, it can then be optimised to work as efficiently as possible. The efficiency within the system relies on the ‘start-up’ period of the heating cycle being correctly balanced, thus preventing it pulling an excessive amount of energy. If a heat pump installation were to draw a large amount of energy, then the end user should expect there to be a negative impact on the operation of the entire system.
Dynamic balancing Any system that has a heat pump as its energy source would benefit from installing an automatic dynamic balancing valve. By accurately managing the flow rates throughout the heating circuit using a flow settable,
pressure independent, thermostatic radiator valve (TRV), an installer can optimise their design and ensure each part of the system receives the correct amount of energy independently, thus increasing the working life of the compressor within the heat pump. In addition, any hydronic circuit serving a secondary system must be balanced, meaning that they must be constructed in such a way as to guarantee the design flow rates of the thermal medium. Due to this, specific balancing devices are required depending on the varying system types and appliances used. Automatic dynamic balancing and pressureindependent adjustment of the heating system is vital for optimisation of a heat pump installation. A thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) with this ability, in conjunction with a thermostatic, electronic, or
The Dynamical TRV from Altecnic
thermoelectric control, combines different functions in a single component. An automatic dynamic balancing TRV can balance the heating system automatically, ensuring each terminal receives the set flow rate. Even in the case of partial circuit closure, by means of the regulating valves, the flow rates in the open circuits remain constant at the set value – a vital feature when being installed on systems powered by heat pumps. By using this type of TRV, in combination with thermostatic control heads, the surrounding temperature can remain automatically constant, thus guaranteeing effective energy saving.
Better protected Both the installation of an anti-freeze valve and the installation of an automatic balancing TRV protects the end user’s investment and the installer’s hard work. Given the installation costs of renewable technologies compared to standard gas or oil installations, the benefits of a relatively small outlay to protect this investment are clear. To make the optimisation and protection of a heat pump installation as easy as possible, Altecnic offers the highest quality Caleffi 108 Anti-Freeze Valve, as well as the Dynamical TRV. Both installers and end users can get the most out of their heat pump installations by utilising these products. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/31
28/01/2022 15:03
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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
Pipes, Fittings & Valves Compact valve assembly to monitor, measure and control water supply 0c[LYOTYR T_^ ]LYRP ZQ SdO]ZYTN ^ZW`_TZY^ ,W_PNYTN SL^ WL`YNSPO L YPb ɩ,[L]_XPY_ .ZY_]ZW ,^^PXMWdɪ ɧ L NZX[LN_ aLWaP L^^PXMWd _SL_ T^ OP^TRYPO _Z ZʬP] ʮPcTMTWT_d TY NZYʭR`]L_TZY TY^_LWWL_TZY LYO NZYYPN_TaT_d ,aLTWLMWP TY ʭaP OTʬP]PY_ NZYʭR`]L_TZY^ _SP aLWaP T^ NZX[L_TMWP bT_S _S]PP OTʬP]PY_ bL_P] XP_P] Z[_TZY^ XLVTYR T_ ^`T_LMWP QZ] L OTaP]^P ]LYRP ZQ TY^_LWWL_TZY^ ,^ ^`NS T_ NLY MP Z]OP]PO L^ L ^_LYOLWZYP XZYZMWZN bT_S _SP Z[_TZY _Z LOO L XZ`WOPO TY^`WL_TZY NZaP] LYO RL`RP bT_S L YZY-[`W^PO SZ_ NZWO bL_P] XP_P] L bL_P] XP_P] bT_S 8-@> NZYYPN_TaT_d Z] L NWL^^ / bL_P] XP_P] ?SP ,[L]_XPY_ .ZY_]ZW ,^^PXMWd T^ XLOP Q]ZX STRS \`LWT_d WZb-WPLO M]L^^ LYO ZʬP]^ L Y`XMP] ZQ Q`YN_TZY^ NZXMTYTYR _SP XZYT_Z]TYR LYO NZY_]ZWWTYR ZQ bL_P] ^`[[Wd _Z L ]LYRP ZQ ]P^TOPY_TLW LYO NZXXP]NTLW OPaPWZ[XPY_^ TY ZYP aLWaP L^^PXMWd ,^ bPWW L^ QPL_`]TYR L .LWPʯ []P^^`]P ]PO`NTYR aLWaP bT_S L _LX[P]-[]ZZQ NZaP] _SP L^^PXMWd NZXMTYP^ L ^TYRWP NSPNV aLWaP ^_]LTYP] RL`RP [Z]_ LYO bL_P] XP_P] NZYYPN_TZY LWW PL^TWd ^P]aTNPLMWP Q]ZX ZYP ^TOP ZQ _SP aLWaP 8/ 2L]d ;P]]d NZXXPY_^% ɭ4_ SL^ MPPY OPaPWZ[PO bT_S OP^TRYP]^ NZY_]LN_Z]^ LYO TY^_LWWP]^ TY XTYO []ZaTOTYR _SP LMTWT_d _Z XZYT_Z] XPL^`]P LYO NZY_]ZW bL_P] TY ]P^TOPY_TLW LYO NZXXP]NTLW OPaPWZ[XPY_^ bT_S _SP LOOPO Z[_TZY ZQ `^TYR L bL_P] XP_P] bT_S 8-@> NZYYPN_TaT_d ɮ ?SP YPb ,W_PNYTN ,[L]_XPY_ .ZY_]ZW ,^^PXMWd NZXP^ bT_S L ʭaP-dPL] bL]]LY_d L^ bPWW L^ B=,> LYO 64B, =PR ˝ L[[]ZaLW ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˜˛
Fittings will help speed the installation of district heating networks BT_S _SP LTX ZQ ZʬP]TYR R]PL_P] ʮPcTMTWT_d _Z NZY_]LN_Z]^ TY _SP ^`[[Wd LYO TY^_LWWL_TZY ZQ OT^_]TN_ SPL_TYR YP_bZ]V^ [ZWdXP] [T[PbZ]V ^[PNTLWT^_ =PSL` SL^ WL`YNSPO L YPb ]LYRP ZQ XZO`WL] _PP ʭ__TYR^ ?SP NZX[LYd SL^ OPaPWZ[PO L YPb ]LYRP ZQ ^ZQ_-^ZWOP]PO M]L^^ ʭ__TYR^ _Z SPW[ ^TX[WTQd _SP Z]OP]TYR []ZNP^^ QZ] NZY_]LN_Z]^ `YOP]_LVTYR YPb OT^_]TN_ SPL_TYR []ZUPN_^ ,aLTWLMWP TY LYd NZYʭR`]L_TZY ZQ []P-QLM]TNL_PO ˛˞-˚˚˙XX Z`_WP_^ ZaP] ˟˙˙ XZO`WL] _PP NZXMTYL_TZY^ SLaP MPPY ^P_ `[ TY LOaLYNP bT_S WL]RP] ^TeP^ `[ _Z ˚˟˙mm LW^Z LaLTWLMWP TY _SP Q`_`]P 0LNS XZO`WL] ʭ__TYR T^ []P-L^^PXMWPO TY _SP QLN_Z]d _SPY TYOTaTO`LWWd []P^^`]P _P^_PO XPLYTYR _SP]P T^ YZ YPPO QZ] LYd XZO`WL] _PP L^^PXMWd ZY ^T_P >_PaP =TNSXZYO SPLO ZQ XL]VP_TYR LYO _PNSYTNLW ^Ld^% ɭ?SP RZaP]YXPY_ɪ^ ]PNPY_ 3PL_ LYO -`TWOTYR^ >_]L_PRd SL^ OP_LTWPO L Y`XMP] ZQ `[NZXTYR OPNL]MZYT^L_TZY XPL^`]P^ ^`NS L^ _SP 3PL_ 9P_bZ]V ?]LY^QZ]XL_TZY >_]L_PRd ?ST^ TYT_TL_TaP bTWW []ZaTOP LX[WP ^NZ[P QZ] _SP `[_LVP ZQ OT^_]TN_ SPL_TYR YP_bZ]V^ bSTNS bP SLaP WZYR aTPbPO L^ L VPd _PNSYZWZRd TY LNSTPaTYR L WZb-NL]MZY @6 ɭ1Z] _ST^ ]PL^ZY bPɪWW MP WL`YNSTYR Z`] YPb ]LYRP ZQ XZO`WL] _PP^ TY LY PʬZ]_ _Z ZʬP] R]PL_P] ʮPcTMTWT_d _Z _SP NZY_]LN_Z] bSPY ^Z`]NTYR NZX[ZYPY_^ QZ] OT^_]TN_
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SPL_TYR YP_bZ]V^ -d TY_PR]L_TYR XPL^`]P^ ^`NS L^ _SP^P bP NLY SPW[ ^_]PLXWTYP _SP ]ZWWZ`_ ZQ WZb-NL]MZY SPL_TYR LYO PʬPN_TaPWd XPP_ _SP YP_ eP]Z _L]RP_^ ^P_ Z`_ TY WPRT^WL_TZY ɮ ?Z QLNTWT_L_P QL^_P] TY^_LWWL_TZY ZQ YPb YP_bZ]V^ =PSL`ɪ^ XZO`WL] ʭ__TYR^ XLVP `^P ZQ _SP NZX[LYdɪ^ P^_LMWT^SPO 0aP]WZN NZX[]P^^TZY ^WPPaP _PNSYZWZRd UZTY_TYR ^d^_PX @YWTVP Z_SP] LW_P]YL_TaP [T[P ʭ__TYR^ _ST^ _PNSYZWZRd SL^ MPPY OPaPWZ[PO bT_SZ`_ _SP YPPO QZ] LY :-]TYR LYO LWWZb^ QZ] ^TX[WP aT^`LW TY^[PN_TZY ZY ^T_P XPLYTYR NZY_]LN_Z]^ NLY MP L^^`]PO ZQ _SP ]PWTLMTWT_d ZQ _SP UZTY_ MPQZ]P T_ T^ TY^`WL_PO LYO MLNVʭWWPO ?SP XZO`WL] ʭ__TYR^ L]P NZX[L_TMWP bT_S _SP NZX[LYdɪ^ =L`aT_SP]X LYO =L`_SP]XPc ;0-CL []P-TY^`WL_PO [T[P^ bSTNS L]P LaLTWLMWP N`_-to-WPYR_S Q]ZX _SP WL]RP^_ @6 ^_ZNV ZQ OT^_]TN_ SPL_TYR [T[P >_PaP =TNSXZYO LOO^% ɭ0Y^`]TYR ^_]LTRS_QZ]bL]O ]ZWWZ`_ ZQ OT^_]TN_ SPL_TYR YP_bZ]V^ bTWW MP VPd _Z ]PO`NTYR _SP @6ɪ^ NL]MZY PXT^^TZY^ Md ˠˡ Md ˛˙˜˞ BT_S _SP ^`[[Z]_ ZQ _SP^P XZO`WL] ʭ__TYR^ bP NLY PY^`]P _SL_ YPb TY^_LWWL_TZY^ ]PXLTY ^_]PLXWTYPO TY Z]OP] _Z L^^T^_ Z`] UZ`]YPd _Z YP_ eP]Z ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˜˜
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Pipes, Fittings & Valves When looks are important
Time saving gas piping ?SP YPb 1WPcTRL^ /> /Z`MWP >WPPaP T^ L OZ`MWP WLdP]PO ʮPcTMWP gas piping system. Said to be ideal for ventilating an unvented void, a riser, or situations requiring a sleeve to pass through solid walls, ʮZZ]^ Z] L NLaT_d bLWW _SP []P-sleeved CSST solution is suitable for MZ_S OZXP^_TN LYO NZXXP]NTLW TY^_LWWL_TZY^ Traditionally, gas engineers running pipes through unvented areas bZ`WO SLaP _Z ^WPPaP .>>? _S]Z`RS L ^PNZYO O`N_ ^WPPaP QZ] aPY_TWL_TZY purposes. Flexigas DS saves time by providing a pre-sleeved version LW]PLOd L^^PXMWPO ZY _SP ]ZWW ʭYT^SPO TY L ;0 NZL_TYR _Z LWWZb QZ] meter marking. 1WPcTRL^ /> T^ ʮPcTMWP PYZ`RS _Z MP MPY_ _Z ˢ˙ degree angles by SLYO M`_ bT_S L SL]O O`]LMWP NZL_TYR _SL_ []Z_PN_^ _SP TYYP] [T[P ?SP [T[P NZX[WTP^ bT_S -> ˟ˡˢ˚ LYO 4208 ]PR`WL_TZY^ LYO NZXP^ TY lengths of ˛˞, ˞˙ or ˠ˞X L^ ^_LYOL]O M`_ NLY LW^Z MP N`_ _Z N`^_ZX WPYR_S^ ZY ]P\`P^_ 1WPcTRL^ /> T^ NZX[L_TMWP bT_S _SP Q`WW ]LYRP ZQ 1WPcTRL^ ʭ__TYR^ Q]ZX ^TeP^ /9˚˞ _Z /9˞˙. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˜˝
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The push-ʭ_ [W`XMTYR ^[PNTLWT^_ Wavin Hep2O has released a new NS]ZXP ]LOTL_Z] `[^_LYO bSTNS LWWZb^ TY^_LWWP]^ _Z \`TNVWd LYO PL^TWd N]PL_P L XZOP]Y WZZV QZ] heating systems. The push-ʭ_ []ZO`N_ LWWZb^ QZ] ^_]LTRS_P] YPL_P] NZYYPN_TZY^ _Z ]LOTL_Z]^ ZQ LWW ^SL[P^ LYO ^TeP L^ bPWW L^ Q]PP standing baths. It is designed to ʭ_ LYd ˚˞XX 3P[ : SZ_ LYO NZWO [W`XMTYR ^d^_PX LYO bT_S L \`TNV LOU`^_XPY_ `^TYR L [T[P N`__P] NLY LW^Z MP `^PO _Z NZYYPN_ _Z ^_LYOL]O radiator valves. The upstand features grooves at both ends, meaning there’s
no need for any additional preparation. It has been designed _Z PL^TWd NWTNV TY_Z [WLNP bT_S 3P[ : ʭ__TYR^ and, at ˟˙˙mm TY WPYR_S NLY MP []P-N`_ _Z XPP_ requirements. 5ZLYL 5LY`P^aTNT`_P _P]]T_Z]d []ZO`N_ XLYLRP] SZ_ NZWO plumbing at Wavin says: “This `[^_LYO SL^ MPPY N]PL_PO MPNL`^P bPɪaP WT^_PYPO _Z bSL_ Z`] N`^_ZXP]^ YPPO 4_ɪ^ L hard-wearing, innovative, and \`LWT_d []ZO`N_ bSTNS PY^`]P^ a great looking end result for homeowners.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˜˞
Water control for high-rise projects /P^TRYPO _Z ZʬP] L ^[LNP-saving ^ZW`_TZY QZ] bL_P] NZY_]ZW TY STRSrise buildings, the Tenant Valve ;W`^ Q]ZX =B. NZXMTYP^ ^PaP]LW Q`YN_TZY^ TY_Z L ^TYRWP NZX[LN_ `YT_ ?SP^P Q`YN_TZY^ TYNW`OP LY isolating ball valve, a pressure ]PO`NTYR aLWaP bT_S ^_]LTYP] L OZ`MWP NSPNV aLWaP L [L_PY_PO O`LW ]PLOTYR []P^^`]P gauge that shows upstream and downstream []P^^`]P^ LYO Z[_TZYLW NZYYPN_TZY [ZTY_^ QZ] bL_P]
XP_P]^ 4_ LW^Z NZXP^ bT_S L XZ`WOPO TY^`WL_TZY NL^P The latest version of the aLWaP TYNW`OP^ PYSLYNPXPY_^ to the pressure gauge, enabling readings to be taken at any orientation. An adaptor is also YZb LaLTWLMWP QZ] NZYYPN_TYR Class D water meters, joining the existing optional NZYYPN_TZY [ZTY_ QZ] .WL^^ , XP_P]^ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˜˟
28/01/2022 15:13
PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
Radiators & Towel Warmers
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The Concord Side Concept in an anthracite finish
Don’t forget the towels No longer considered a luxury item, towel warming radiators are standard fixtures in the home. Chris Harvey from Stelrad looks at how the growing popularity of this market is expanding the choices available to homeowners.
I
t’s 2022, and something on pretty much every house buyer or social housing tenant’s wish list is a home with an attractive towel warming radiator in the bathroom and kitchen that also heats the rooms to make them toasty and inviting first thing in the morning. And if they add a certain panache to the room as well, so much the better. The market for these decorative and designer radiators has burgeoned in the past decade, and the market for them is now well over a million units per year, reflected in the wider number of companies manufacturing them.
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But what about the options available these days? Have they changed in the last few years? Indeed they have. The earliest special radiators for bathrooms were the traditional chrome towel rails, many available from the DIY sheds, many of which were the source of huge disappointment as they certainly warmed the towels but didn’t have the oomph to heat the room. As with all radiators, the secret is that the radiator needs to be sized correctly to heat the room. The breadth of choice available in this exciting niche market has grown hugely, and whilst there are still chrome ladder rails available – we at Stelrad offer a selection – and far better quality and better at sharing warmth around the room than their elderly predecessors, the selection of designs, finishes and even colours these days is something to behold.
Serious business
Chris Harvey
Head of marketing at Stelrad
De rigueur Far from being just a source of heat, bathroom towel warmers are now quite simply an expected fixture. And as well as heating the bathroom, people expect the radiator to dry their towels and warm them so they can wrap them around themselves when they step out of the bath or shower. With sales of bathroom radiators booming, this is a sizeable and important market for radiator manufacturers.
Stainless steel Como towel rail
There are now more designs, more choice of materials, and a wider range of finishes to choose from
There are a larger number of manufacturers around supplying towel rails, and the major radiator manufacturers that have tended to target their selling to traditional steel panel radiators have not taken the towel rail marketplace as seriously as they might. Certainly, as far as Stelrad here in the UK is concerned, it’s a niche market that we are taking very seriously and the range of radiators for the bathroom, kitchen and wider living spaces now available has seen the advent of a wider range of specialist radiators and towel warmers than the company has ever offered before.
The Concord Rail towel warmer is suitable for kitchens and bathrooms
Endless options There are now more designs, more choice of materials with the arrival of a range of stainless steel, and a wider range of finishes with polished and brushed stainless steel and a selection of coloured radiators. We have many coloured radiators in stock and available within 72 hours of order, adding to the choice available to householders, interior designers and installers. It’s a far more sophisticated market than even a couple of years ago, with well-priced, multiple sized offerings to match almost any décor and any size of room with ease. Most of our radiators can be ordered in up to 36 colours – if you can wait a while for delivery – but there’s a wide range of options now stocked in anthracite grey from stock, which blend well with other décor and add additional style to many bathrooms and kitchens.
Interestingly, the monochrome bathroom and kitchen are very much back in style and can look elegant and contemporary. The addition of an attractive metallic radiator to traditional black and white can really add that luxurious look.
Three of the best The selection of options is vast, but just to pick out three – take a closer look at the Como, a flat brushed stainless steel rectangular tube design for both modern and contemporary homes. The Column Vertical Concept, stunning in anthracite grey, is a combination of traditional design and modern colouring, while the new Traditional Column – a classic look especially in a bathroom, available in traffic white with a chrome frame, provides a little more style and lot more pizazz for the home. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/37
28/01/2022 15:21
PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
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Radiators & Towel Warmers
Meeting the needs of every customer Every heating project has different requirements and deserves careful consideration, but what radiator is going to be best for your customer? Here Alex Burgess from The Radiator Company explains how installers can optimise the radiator solution to meet the needs of every property type.
T
alking to customers early in the specification process is always beneficial. It achieves the very best design outcome for the homeowner as well as presenting the opportunity to upsell and add value to the project. Apart from increasing profits, it results in happy customers and positive word of mouth. Knowing about the latest radiator innovations and which radiators suit different home types, styles and sizes, allows you to guide your customer through what can be a minefield of information.
flexibility of steel, suitable for any room or heating system even electric.
Small spaces
Alex Burgess
National sales manager at The Radiator Company
Period properties Renovating old Victorian properties, barns and even churches has never been more popular, with homeowners usually looking to work with a building’s original period features. For these kinds of projects, rooms are often big and airy with high ceilings and this is where cast iron radiators are ideal. Whilst they take a little longer to warm up, due to the density of the material, they heat efficiently and consistently for long periods and retain their heat, cooling down slowly once the heating is switched off. For customers who are looking to recreate a traditional, period look, steel column radiators combine the timeless aesthetic of cast iron with the
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For customers who are looking to recreate a traditional, period look, steel column radiators combine the timeless aesthetic of cast iron with the flexibility of steel
The steel Ancona curved 4 column radiator in textured ivory
A vertical radiator frees up valuable wall space, without the homeowner having to compromise on performance. Or, if there are bay windows to contend with, ranges like our Ancona radiator feature curved options. Likewise, logistical factors such as getting radiators upstairs for flats and high rise dwellings might need to be considered. In these situations, look to present options made from lighter materials such as steel or aluminium. For bathrooms, it’s also worth thinking about functionality and how the room needs to be heated. Dual fuel radiator and towel rail options, for example, mean they can be run as part of the central heating system during winter and then, in warmer months, they can be heated by the electric element.
Renewable energy With renewable energy options firmly on the homeowner heating agenda, it’s helpful to know what’s on the market. Aluminium radiators are a futureproof option to recommend. Quick to heat up and cool down, aluminium is a superconductor and is perfect for systems using renewable energy sources, as these can operate with lower water temperatures without compromising on heating performance. Lightweight and quick to respond to heat changes, they are ideal for rooms that need quick bursts of heat. Also featuring low water content, less energy is required from the boiler, saving on both your customer’s carbon footprint and energy bills. For a sustainable choice, our new Ceramica range has been specifically designed to complement systems with renewable energy sources. Unlike traditional radiators, these
The Ceramica radiator, manufactured from recycled marble The right valve, such as the nickel vintage XL TRV, can provide the finishing touch to any radiator
produce radiant heat for an even and direct transfer of heat, and are manufactured using waste material from the production of marble worktops and tiles - a process that incurs less energy and lower CO2 emissions.
Finishing touch While it’s tempting to turn to an in-stock white radiator option, colour is a great way to achieve a design statement for your customers. Anthracite is a particularly popular colour, as is matt black for that monochrome look, but with some forward planning to allow for delivery times, why not offer your customers more than the standard? Some clients want the radiator to match their wall exactly so it disappears into the background. Others look to create a similar tone, and some may be looking to create a complete colour contrast, making a real statement, with the radiator becoming a design feature of the room. There are also multiple special finishes you can discuss with your client, such as sparkling and metallic effects. Alternatively, there are textured finishes that create a sensory surface, or mottled finishes that use a combination of two contrasting colours resulting in an aged or brushed effect. Matt finishes are also popular and lend a rich, tactile finish that
emphasises depth of colour, as well as bare metal lacquer and galvanised finishes for more industrial settings.
Attention to detail Lastly, but importantly, take advantage of the support available for installers to help select the right valve. Specifying and installing a quality radiator with a cheap valve compromises its quality and performance. What’s more, valves don’t have to be purely functional, and helping customers to select the right one can really add a different design dimension to the radiator – this kind of attention to detail is what will set you apart. Ultimately, before making any recommendation, check the manufacturer is compliant with CE approval and EN 442 certification, offers warranty and after sales service and can stand by their BTU ratings, to ensure the heating installation meets your customer’s design vision and performance requirement. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/38
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Radiators & Towel Warmers
ÖĕāŶƘ ƒĢŶĞ āƧóĢāłóƘ Low Surface Temperature (LST) radiators provide heating in places where ^LQP_d T^ [L]LXZ`Y_ ɧ LYO YZb _SP WL_P^_ XZOPW^ NLY OPWTaP] PʯNTPY_ NZZWTYR too, as Cat Goldsmith, marketing manager at Jaga UK, explains.
A
n LST radiator works by convecting heat from the emitter, with a small air gap between the emitter and the surface of the radiator casing to prevent the casing ever getting hotter than ˝˜°C. To put this into context, traditional steel panel radiators can reach a surface temperature of up to ˠ˞°C, which could cause serious burns within seconds. The lower surface temperature of an LST means they remain cool to touch even at high temperatures. They are designed with numerous other safety features such as antibacterial coatings, rounded corners and grilles, chamfered front and side panels, casing locks, anti-ligature grilles, pencil-proof grilles and arthritic TRV adaptors.
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But how are LST radiators keeping up with the times and the demand for high heat output L_ WZb ʮZb _PX[P]L_`]P^*
Low carbon heat As evidenced in the UK government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy, how we heat our buildings is changing. The future is low carbon heat, bT_S WZb ʮZb _PX[P]L_`]P heat pumps replacing high temperature gas boilers. Jaga’s newest innovation for LST radiators is a key enabler for low carbon heat. To meet the rapidly increasing demand for STRSP] SPL_ Z`_[`_ L_ WZbP] ʮZb temperatures, we have recently launched Dynamic Boost Hybrid (DBH). DBH is an electric booster set that is designed to sit inside the LST radiator. It uses small,
quiet thermal activators to TYN]PL^P LT]ʮZb LYO MZZ^_ SPL_ output by two to three times without increasing radiator size. This means that there would be no need to install large LST radiators when switching to a heat pump system – in fact, they can be even smaller. This game-changing innovation makes our existing range of LST radiators completely future proof. If a building is still being heated by a gas boiler, standard LST radiators can be installed, but when the time comes to switch to a heat pump, DBH can easily MP ]P_]Zʭ__PO PYLMWTYR _SP switchover to an emission-free installation at any time without having to make any costly and time-consuming changes to the radiators, heat distribution or pipes.
S Jaga’s new Tempo LST Hybrid Radiator for heating and cooling
Climate control ,YZ_SP] MPYPʭ_ T^ _SL_ 7>? Hybrids provide cooling too. DBH can automatically switch between heating and light cooling modes, providing the heating system can supply cooling water. The demand for cooling is rising rapidly as the climate warms and requirements for improved insulation in buildings increase, but this method of
non-condensing cooling is much more environmentally friendly than air conditioning, using less energy and no F-gas – so it’s a perfect solution for a comfortable indoor climate all year round. If the weather is mild and neither heating nor cooling L]P YPPOPO /-3 NLY ZʬP] LY alternative via ‘breeze’ mode. This mode provides light air movement, helping circulate the air around the space by running the fans regardless of water temperature. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˛̓˜ˢ
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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
Radiators & Towel Warmers Take control of towel rail temperatures A new remote control element has been introduced by Vogue (UK) for use across its range of electric and dual-fuel towel warmers to make each XZOPW 0NZ /P^TRY NZX[WTLY_ The new EE˙˙˞ control element features NTC (Negative ?PX[P]L_`]P .ZPʯ NTPY_ _PNSYZWZRd LYO L M`TW_-in window/ OZZ] ]PNZRYT_TZY _SL_ XZYT_Z]^ ʮ `N_`L_TZY^ TY LT] _PX[P]L_`]P LYO LOU`^_^ SPL_ Z`_[`_ LNNZ]OTYRWd Supplied with a dedicated push-button remote control device, the EE˙˙˞ is IPX˝-rated so that it is resistant to water splashes LYO LW^Z Zʬ P]^ L`_ZXL_TN Q]Z^_ []Z_PN_TZY ,^ bPWW L^ PNZ ˛ and ˝ boost functions, it []ZaTOP^ `^P]^ bT_S ^LQP_d WZNV QPL_`]P^ LYO L XLY`LW ZaP]]TOP QLNTWT_d “A towel warmer is an essential component in the modern bathroom,” says sales OT]PN_Z] >_PaP -T]NS ɭ^Z bP L]P aP]d [WPL^PO _Z Zʬ P] _SP YPb 00˙˙˞ remote control element as an option for all of our electric and dual-fuel towel warmers with elements of ˜˙˙, ˟˙˙ and ˢ˙˙B ?ST^ PWPXPY_ NLY LW^Z MP ]P_]Z-ʭ __PO _Z PcT^_TYR _ZbPW bL]XP]^ XPLYTYR PaP]dZYP NLY MPYPʭ _ Q]ZX Z`] ˠ day programmable element with remote _PX[P]L_`]P NZY_]ZW bSPYPaP] _SPd bT^S ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˝˙
Rails with the Ʃ łĢŭĞĢłė ŶŋŽóĞ Available from Ultraheat is a range of electric towel rails in a wide choice of colours, including rose gold, antique bronze, black, bronze, copper and gold, all available in both brushed matt and polished ʭ YT^SP^ Designed to deliver a durable and long-lasting heating solution, all models QPL_`]P L _STY ʭ WX ZQ XP_LW NZL_TYR _SL_ T^ OTʬ `^PO TY_Z _SP _Pc_`]P ZQ _SP _ZbPW ]LTW With a heat transfer liquid pre-ʭ WWPO LYO L compatible heating element pre-ʭ __PO LWW that’s required for installation is a standard PWPN_]TNLW Z`_WP_ All the electric towel rails come with a ˜ bar valve provided, and Ultraheat LW^Z Zʬ P]^ L ]LYRP ZQ NZX[L_TMWP ^XL]_ accessories for ˛˝/ˠ []PNT^TZY NZY_]ZW ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˝˚
'āŭĢėłāù ƒĢŶĞ Ö óŽŶŶĢłė āùėā Now available from Apollo, the Gloucester based distributor of designer radiators LYO _ZbPW ]LTW^ T^ _SP YPb 8LRPY_L >SL]V
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:ʬ P]PO TY ˚˞˙˙ and ˚ˡ˙˙mm height options, the lightweight aluminium radiator features a striking ‘shark tail’ design and comes in a XL__ MWLNV ʭ YT^S bT_S Z_SP] bespoke colours available on ]P\`P^_ The Magenta range also []ZaTOP^ _SP Z[_TZY ZQ ʮ L_ and curved designs, with all models available from both independent and national merchants, typically within _bZ bZ]VTYR OLd^ For ease of installation, safety brackets are provided as standard, and other optional accessories are available, including towel hangers, pipe NZaP]^ LYO LY Pc_PY^TaP NSZTNP of chrome and brass radiator aLWaP^ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˝˛
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Products in Action
Special order ensures a perfect match
Heating the vaccination centre
Kinedo has helped a renovator in the Midlands meet some aP]d ^[PNTʭN ]P\`T]PXPY_^ Md _LTWZ]TYR T_^ 6ZNZZY N`MTNWP _Z ʭ_ in his smartly tiled bathroom. The cubicles are available in multiple sizes and are typically used as bath replacement products. This particular customer was looking for such a product that would blend into the original décor of his bathroom, and the beige patterned shower wall of the Kocoon looked like a perfect match. However, the standard ^[PNTʭNL_TZY ZQ L ]PNP^^PO Kocoon - with two patterned end panels and a single plain back panel - didn’t meet these unique requirements. The customer not only wanted all three panels with the pattern, but also an alternative installation point for the shower valve and showerhead. Unable to support the request, the local plumbers’ merchant recommended direct contact with the Kinedo technical team, which provided personalised support for a personalised shower cubicle. After colour samples were sent to the customer for approval, the team ordered a set of bespoke panels from the company’s manufacturing base in France, and no holes were pre-drilled to enable a bespoke shower valve installation on site. The unit was delivered and installed within nine weeks of the initial enquiry, and the customer is delighted with the result. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˝˜
The Community Stadium, home of Colchester United FC, has been a vaccination centre during the pandemic, and when a new heating system was required for the vaccination area, a Grant Aerona3 air source heat pump was installed to keep this essential resource up to temperature. The concourse area of the stadium had been selected as the best site for the vaccination centre, an area which had previously been used on match day for food outlets, and
consequently it didn’t have its own heating system. A solution was therefore needed to provide heating to the area. Local G˚ 4Y^_LWWP]^ -W`PʮLXP Colchester, were approached to identify and install a suitable and sustainable heating system and decided that an Aerona3 ˚ˠkW air source heat pump was ideal for the project. The heat pump was set up to provide heating only, partnering with new radiators to ensure that the concourse area was kept warm to the desired temperature. “We also had a custom header and decoupler made for setting _SP NZ]]PN_ ʮZb ]L_P^ LYO bL_P] volume within the system,” says James Mealing, director at -W`PʮLXP .ZWNSP^_P] ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˝˝
Ventilation solutions donated to homeless charity Vent-Axia has donated ventilation units to local charity, Giving Back Crawley, as part of the refurbishment of its new base. The charity serves the homeless community, including preparing and cooking hot meals. ?Z []ZaTOP PʬPN_TaP aPY_TWL_TZY APY_-Axia donated two T-Series roof ventilation models that were installed in the kitchen and servery area. These units will allow for extract ventilation from the kitchen, and supply or extract from the servery area. Meanwhile, for the laundry area, Vent-Axia supplied a HR˛˙˙WK heat recovery ventilation, which was installed with an Ecotronic humidity sensor to help deal with any humidity issues that may lead to condensation and mould. Finally, Solo Pro extractor fans with timers were installed in the toilets. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˝˞
28/01/2022 15:40
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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
Light Commercial Heating
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More sustainable heating solutions With the pressure on for non-domestic buildings to move to low-carbon heat sources, high temperature heat pumps NLY SPW[ M`^TYP^^P^ _Z TYN]PL^P _SP Pʯ NTPYNd ZQ SZ_ bL_P] []ZO`N_TZY bSTWP N`__TYR _SPT] NL]MZY QZZ_[]TY_ ɧ ^Ld^ 5LXP^ Chaplen from Mitsubishi Electric.
O
wners and managers of commercial buildings are now tasked with meeting a ^TRYTʭ NLY_ Y`XMP] ZQ standards, regulations and WPRT^WL_TZY TY Z]OP] _Z PY^`]P _SPd L]P prioritising carbon reduction. The net-zero goal provides some challenges but is a R]PL_ Z[[Z]_`YT_d _Z TYaP^_ TY WZbP] NL]MZY building services technologies and embrace new approaches to the design and operation of commercial buildings. 3PL_TYR N]PL_P^ YPL]Wd L _ST]O ˜˛%) of the total carbon emissions in the UK, so how we heat our buildings and generate SZ_ bL_P] X`^_ MP L_ _SP SPL]_ ZQ LYd [WLY to move towards net-zero. >Z bSL_ MPYPʭ _^ NLY SPL_ [`X[^ Zʬ P] and how can building managers be sure _SL_ _SPd L]P _SP ]TRS_ ^ZW`_TZY QZ] L commercial space? ?SP]P L]P LW]PLOd ]PR`WL_TZY^ TY [WLNP _Z help reach net-zero - from the Climate Change Act back in ˛˙˙ˡ, to the more ]PNPY_ 2]PPY 2]Zb_S >_]L_PRd TY ˛˙˚ˠ. ?SP]P T^ LW^Z WPRT^WL_TZY ɧ ^[PNTʭ N _Z commercial buildings –that focuses on how heat is provided to these spaces. This YPPO^ _Z MP L VPd NZY^TOP]L_TZY bSPY TYaP^_TYR TY SPL_TYR _PNSYZWZRd Part L of the Building Regulations, for example, states that non-domestic buildings should be moving to low-carbon SPL_ ^Z`]NP^ ?SP 8TYTX`X 0YP]Rd 0ʯ NTPYNd >_LYOL]O^ 800> XPLY^ T_ɪ^ YZb TWWPRLW _Z WP_ LYd []Z[P]_d bT_S 0;. ]L_TYR ZQ WP^^ _SLY MLYO ɩ0ɪ LYO _SP non-domestic RHI has been extended in order to help overcome barriers to investing in renewable heating. There is also growing interest in embodied carbon in commercial buildings, as well as the amount of carbon produced Md L M`TWOTYR LN]Z^^ T_^ bSZWP WTQPNdNWP When looking at carbon impact, building managers must consider the full environmental cost of the extraction, []ZNP^^TYR XLY`QLN_`]P OPWTaP]d LYO L^^PXMWd ZQ PaP]d ^TYRWP []ZO`N_ Z] material used. ,NNZ`Y_TYR QZ] LWW ZQ _SP^P QLN_Z]^ XLd ^PPX WTVP L WZ_ M`_ T_ɪ^ LW^Z PaTOPYNP _SL_ focusing on renewable heating now is the MP^_ bLd _Z Q`_`]P-proof commercial M`TWOTYR^ QZ] dPL]^ _Z NZXP
Carbon savings Heat pumps are at the heart of how we decarbonise. The Carbon Trust found that heat pumps have the potential to deliver CO2 savings of up to ˠ˙% compared to conventional electric heating, and up to ˟˞% compared to an A-rated gas boiler. The Committee on Climate Change estimates that ˚ˢ million heat pumps will YPPO _Z MP TY^_LWWPO Md ˛˙˞˙ for the UK to
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S Mitsubishi QAHV heat pumps providing heating Öłù ĞŋŶ ƒÖŶāũ ĕŋũ ˚˙˞ ÖťÖũŶĿāłŶŭ Ģł mÖłóĞāŭŶāũ
James Chaplen Senior product manager at Mitsubishi Electric
such as the ˝˙kW Ecodan QAHV – can deliver hot water up to ˢ˙°C, and support helping M`^TYP^^P^ _Z TYN]PL^P _SP Pʯ NTPYNd ZQ SZ_ water production while cutting their carbon footprint. :_SP] SPL_ [`X[^ Zʬ P] Z[_TZY^ QZ] L XZO`WL] approach, so that multiple devices can operate TY ZYP ^d^_PX ?ST^ XPLY^ _SL_ _SP X`W_T[WP `YT_ ^d^_PX NLY NL^NLOP LaLTWLMWP `YT_^ ZY LYO Zʬ _Z XPP_ _SP ]P\`T]PO WZLO ZQ L M`TWOTYR These installations are also scalable and can bZ]V QZ] L ^XLWW OZN_Z]ɪ^ ^`]RP]d _S]Z`RS _Z entire district heating projects. Modern heat pumps can also be applied in buildings alongside other technologies and boost the renewable element of a project – ]PO`NTYR _SP ]P\`T]PXPY_ QZ] SPL_ PYP]Rd
At the crossroads BPɪaP ]PLNSPO L N]Z^^]ZLO^ ZY _SP NWTXL_P where it is now imperative that all industries []TZ]T_T^P TYaP^_TYR TY ]PYPbLMWP _PNSYZWZRd and push for net-zero. For those in the M`TWOTYR ^P]aTNP^ TYO`^_]d _SP]P T^ L aP]d ]PLW Z[[Z]_`YT_d _Z WPLO _SP bLd LYO encourage their clients to take a new and XZ]P PYaT]ZYXPY_LWWd Q]TPYOWd L[[]ZLNS _Z heating in commercial buildings. ?SP SPL_TYR P\`T[XPY_ bP TY^_LWW _ZOLd will be in a building for at least a decade, so TY^_LWWTYR L SPL_TYR ^d^_PX ML^PO ZY QZ^^TW fuels might risk leaving the building as a ɩ^_]LYOPO L^^P_ɪ TY _SP Q`_`]P 0XM]LNTYR renewable heating will help ensure buildings L]P XPP_TYR Pʯ NTPYNd LYO PYaT]ZYXPY_LW ^_LYOL]O^ MZ_S YZb LYO QZ] dPL]^ _Z NZXP ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˝˟
achieve its net-zero goal, so maintaining the momentum of heat pump uptake is critical. ,^ bPWW L^ Zʬ P]TYR ]PYPbLMWP heating, heat pumps can reduce ]`YYTYR NZ^_^ LYO TYN]PL^P Pʯ NTPYNTP^ ?SPd L]P LW^Z MPNZXTYR _SP ʭ ]^_ NSZTNP for building managers planning ]PYZaL_TZY^ MPNL`^P _SPd L]P OP^TRYPO for both retro-ʭ _ LYO YPb M`TWO L]P PL^d _Z OP^TRY LYO TY^_LWW LYO L]P ^NLWLMWP _Z bZ]V bT_S Z_SP] ^d^_PX^ ?ST^ XPLY^ _SPdɪ]P L ^`T_LMWP ^ZW`_TZY QZ] LWXZ^_ LYd ^[LNP LYO L]P PaPY LMWP to work alongside existing heating ^d^_PX^ TY L SdM]TO ^T_`L_TZY TQ required. A heat pump is the ideal solution for NZXXP]NTLW M`TWOTYR^ M`_ T_ɪ^ TX[Z]_LY_ _Z ʭ YO _SP ]TRS_ ZYP QZ] _SP UZM >TYNP SPL_ [`X[^ ʭ ]^_ NLXP ZY_Z the market, the choice and range has expanded, and building owners are now LMWP _Z ^PWPN_ PcLN_Wd _SP ]TRS_ P\`T[XPY_ QZ] L M`TWOTYRɪ^ requirements. For example, heat pumps can now work at higher temperatures, so are a great option for buildings like hotels, hospitals, and leisure centres where there is a high demand for hot water at peak times, removing the need to use a gas boiler. Mixed use buildings are also becoming more and more popular in _SP @6 LYO _SPd NLY MPYPʭ _ Q]ZX SPL_ pumps. Buildings which combine residential homes and commercial M`^TYP^^P^ bTWW SLaP L bTOP aL]TP_d ZQ heating and cooling requirements, and up to this point gas boilers, combined SPL_ LYO [ZbP] ^d^_PX^ Z] PWPN_]TN water heating have met that need. Now, high temperature heat pumps –
31/01/2022 08:54
PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
34
Light Commercial Heating
Advancements give more flexibility Developments in boiler technology have led to installers being presented with a wealth of products suitable for a variety of light commercial environments. Emiliano Gabrielli at ATAG Commercial looks at the options available and their suitability for different applications.
W
hat should installers and contractors be looking for when considering the latest light commercial heating systems? Modern condensing boiler technology has already developed to a stage where it can deliver incredibly high efficiencies and impressively low NOx emissions, particularly in terms of light commercial wall hung and floor-standing units. When the UK government released its Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy last year, it revealed its intention to cut emissions from industry, schools and hospitals. Fortunately, the savvier commercial heating manufacturers have already made significant advances in the design and engineering of gas boilers, leading to greater levels of performance, especially in key components, such as the heat exchanger, pump and controls. Each of these play a pivotal role in maximising reliability and reducing emissions, whatever the environment. Of course, the definition of ‘light commercial’ is rather broad, encompassing boilers with outputs from 50kW up to 120kW. The factors determining which boiler is best suited for a particular project will be unique to each application. For instance, the boiler will need to be sized correctly to ensure there is the right balance between energy efficiency and heating demand – as well as being able to fit in the actual physical space available, especially in smaller plant rooms.
Emiliano Gabrielli
Country manager at ATAG Commercial
CUT TO THE CHASE Improved boiler efficiency is linked to advancements to key components like the heat exchanger, pump and controls
Cascade boiler arrangements offer high durability and deeper turndown rates Dual heat exchangers in a single boiler allow for a more compact installation Using the latest controls will ensure systems perform to their optimum potential
Race for space As demand increases for smaller commercial plant rooms with less floor area, boilers need to be more compact in size, as well as lighter, in order to be fitted in tighter spaces. However, this has the added benefit of allowing multiple, fully condensing units to become part of the same system, maximising energy efficiency with greater turndown ratios and modulation capacity. This is certainly achievable, especially since modern units are now smaller in size, yet still have all the components associated with high efficiency and performance, such as stainless steel heat exchangers, built-in pumps and integrated
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ATAG Commercial’s XL210F and XL180F floor-standing boilers provide reliable service at Littlecote House Hotel in Hungerford
zone management systems. For example, boilers such as the QR Series from ATAG Commercial provide a range of impressive outputs from a compact, yet high performance unit boasting exceptionally low NOx emissions. Plus, for more demanding light commercial applications, they can be fitted in cascade, with up to eight units on a rig combining to offer outputs up to 500kW. Although this wouldn’t still be deemed ‘light commercial’, it demonstrates the huge amount of flexibility available to installers. Utilising multiple units has led to wall mounted cascade arrangements becoming more commonplace. Fitting cascade modules comprising two or three boilers offers a combination of high durability and deeper turndown rates. Once successfully in place, a boiler cascade can also provide consistent and efficient operation throughout its lifecycle. In addition, the latest light commercial boilers have built-in cascade controls with master/ slave functionality, which helps to optimise overall efficiencies, as well as limit any other related issues. Furthermore, in the event of one boiler in the cascade failing or developing a fault, the other units will still operate, so a building will not be without heating or hot water. As a result, cascades present installers with potential opportunities in
The 180kW XL-F boiler at Monmouth School for Girls in Wales
applications such as hotels, pubs and restaurants, as well as large houses and apartment blocks.
Call for back-up The principle of having back-up in the event of an issue has now been taken one step further, thanks to the introduction of dual heat exchanger technology. As the name suggests, this sees two heat exchangers fitted inside a single boiler, which saves having to fit multiple units in cascade, while it also aids installation time when all the wiring is housed in one cabinet. A double heat exchanger model – such as our own XL-F and XL-W products – provides light commercial applications with the advantage of built-in back-up within one boiler, as each heat exchanger is able to operate independently of the other. Built-in redundancy is beneficial for environments that cannot afford to be without heating or hot water. If fitted in a care home, for example, this ensures vulnerable residents will not be cold during the winter months, while similarly, healthcare environments will be able to remain open and continue treating patients, without having to close down until a boiler has been repaired or replaced. Such models successfully cope with the necessary heating and hot water demands, yet still maintain a balance in terms of boosting efficiency, while minimising any downtime.
Taking control Finally, installers need to bear in mind that light commercial heating systems cannot achieve their full potential unless they are controlled effectively. Using the latest controls will ensure the system performs to its optimum potential, while maintaining low emissions and minimising energy bills. Larger properties present different variables in terms of controllability, as it takes them longer to reach their desired temperature(s). Plus, heat loads and gains, as well as DHW demand, are influenced by factors such as staff numbers, the amount of equipment and differing usage patterns – which usually equates to light commercial applications utilising Building Management Systems (BMS).
Better with BUS As a result, it pays to use boilers with an advanced cascade manager and improved connectivity via new BUS modules – the latter of which allows easy integration into any BMS. These modules are supported by data protocols, including additional gateways to BACnet, KNX, LONbus and MODbus. So, although light commercial projects vary from one application to the next, there are different types of boilers available to suit. From schools to hotels, through to health and leisure environments, it remains imperative to use boilers that combine reliable engineering and exceptional controllability, as well as flexible cascade arrangements. Doing so will result in excellent whole life benefits without compromising on efficiency or performance. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/47
31/01/2022 10:01
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PHAM FEB22:Layout 1 31/01/2022 09:38 Page 36
PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
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Light Commercial Heating Cost saving installation for Scottish stadium
Controls for new landmark development 3PL_TYR NZY_]ZW^ Q]ZX 0>T SLaP MPPY ^[PNTʭ PO QZ] L WLYOXL]V OPaPWZ[XPY_ TY _SP NPY_]P ZQ -T]XTYRSLX , ˚˜˛X ^Vd^N]L[P] T^ ^P_ _Z MPNZXP _SP _LWWP^_ ]P^TOPY_TLW M`TWOTYR TY _SP NT_d L^ [L]_ ZQ _SP NT_dɪ^ [WLY^ _Z []ZaTOP WTaTYR ^[LNP^ NWZ^P _Z _SP NT_d NPY_]P ?SP ˝˛ ^_Z]Pd M`TWOTYR ZY -]ZLO >_]PP_ bTWW Zʬ P] L[L]_XPY_^ QZ] ]PY_LW ZYWd LYO TYNW`OP^ L ˛˙˙X Z`_OZZ] ]`YYTYR _]LNV ZY _SP [ZOT`X ]ZZQ ɧ _SP ʭ ]^_ ZQ T_^ VTYO QZ] L ]P^TOPY_TLW M`TWOTYR TY _SP @6 8LTY NZY_]LN_Z] QZ] _SP ^NSPXP T^ 5ZSY >T^V >ZY ZQ -T]XTYRSLX LYO 8 0 .ZY^`W_LY_ ]P^[ZY^TMWP QZ] TY^_LWWL_TZY ZQ _SP SPL_TYR NZY_]ZW^ T^ 4X_PNS 0YRTYPP]TYR >P]aTNP^ 4Y _Z_LW ˝ˡ˚ ZQ 0>Tɪ^ 0>=?;˝ bT]PO []ZR]LXXLMWP ]ZZX _SP]XZ^_L_^ LOZ]Y _SP bLWW^ ZQ _SP YPb L[L]_XPY_^ ?SP ^PaPY OLd ˞̓˛ or ˛˝S] _SP]XZ^_L_ Zʬ P]^ L Y`XMP] ZQ PYP]Rd ^LaTYR QPL_`]P^ ^`NS L^ ?;4 /PWLdPO >_L]_ LYO :[_TX`X >_Z[ LYO LW^Z []ZaTOP^ _SP Z[_TZY ZQ L 7LYOWZ]O >P]aTNP 4Y_P]aLW
36.indd 1
Battery powered and Open?SP]X NZX[L_TMWP _SP 0>=?;˝ SL^ L WL]RP PL^d-to-read MW`P MLNVWT_ 7./ OT^[WLd LYO TYNZ][Z]L_P^ L ]PLW _TXP NWZNV LYO NLWPYOL] Q`YN_TZY bSTNS L`_ZXL_TNLWWd NSLYRP^ MP_bPPY ->? 28? _TXP NSLYRP^ /LYTPW 5PYVTY^ 0>Tɪ^ YL_TZYLW ^[PNTʭ NL_TZY XLYLRP] ^Ld^% ɭBPɪ]P OPWTRS_PO _SL_ Z`] NZY_]ZW^ SLaP MPPY ^[PNTʭ PO QZ] _ST^ []P^_TRTZ`^ []ZUPN_ ,^ 0>T .ZY_]ZW^ Q`]_SP] Pc[LYO^ TY_Z _SP ^[PNTʭ NL_TZY XL]VP_ bPɪaP Z[PYPO Z`] Pc_PY^TaP ]LYRP ZQ NZX[P_T_TaPWd-[]TNPO ]PWTLMWP LYO ^TX[WP SPL_TYR NZY_]ZW^ _Z YPb []ZUPN_^ LYO NWTPY_^ ɮ ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˝ˡ
Penny Cars Stadium, home to Airdrieonians FC of the Scottish ʭ ]^_ /TaT^TZY T^ L M`^d QZZ_MLWW NZX[WPc XLOP `[ ZQ L XLTY ˚˙̇˙˙˙ ^PL_P] ^_LOT`X LYO ^Tc Q`YN_TZY suites, catering for parties of up to ˚˟˙ [PZ[WP ?SP SZ_ bL_P] [WLY_ L_ _SP stadium had comprised three SPL_TYR MZTWP]^ _bZ OT]PN_ ʭ ]PO hot water generators, ˛˞˙˙ WT_]P M`ʬ P] aP^^PW^ L^ bPWW L^ L NZ^_Wd ʮ `P OTW`_TZY ^d^_PX M`_ _SP^P SLaP YZb MPPY ]P[WLNPO Md _bZ .ZTW8L^_P] NZXMTYPO MZTWP]^ LYO _bZ >TWZc ˟˙˙7_] QL^_ ]PNZaP]d /3B _bTY _LYV NdWTYOP]^ Q]ZX ,4. ?SP ^[LNP ^LaTYR TY^_LWWL_TZY has meant the reduction of gas [T[PbZ]V TY _SP [WLY_]ZZX LYO ]PO`NPO _SP Y`XMP] ZQ ʮ `P^ Q]ZX ʭ aP _Z U`^_ _bZ It is anticipated that the YPb `YT_^ bTWW LW^Z MP XZ]P PNZYZXTNLW _Z ]`Y L^ L ]P^`W_ ZQ L ^TRYTʭ NLY_ ]PO`N_TZY ZY RL^ NZY^`X[_TZY ,YO L^ _SP ʮ `P _P]XTYLW^ OZ YZ_ PcNPPO _SP WTXT_^ ^P_ Z`_ TY _SP .WPLY ,T]
,N_ L NZYNPY_]TN ʮ `P SL^ MPPY used which negates the need for L [Z_PY_TLWWd NZ^_Wd ^SL]PO ʮ `P TY^_LWWL_TZY The main criteria for choosing _SP ]P[WLNPXPY_ `YT_^ QZ] _ST^ M`^d ^[Z]_^ ^_LOT`X bP]P ]PWTLMTWT_d LYO STRS aZW`XP SZ_ bL_P] OPWTaP]d -PTYR `^PO ^PaPY OLd^ L bPPV _SP MZTWP]^ YPPOPO _Z MP LMWP _Z ^P]aP _SP NSLYRTYR ]ZZX^ LYO LW^Z NL_P] QZ] _SP NZXQZ]_ ZQ QLY^ LYO aT^T_Z]^ _Z _SP ^T_P ?SP .ZTW8L^_P] bL^ NZY^TOP]PO _SP [P]QPN_ NSZTNP MPNL`^P _SPd bTWW YZ_ RPYP]L_P SPL_TYR `Y_TW a hot water requirement is []P^PY_PO
/P^TRYPO _Z Z[_TXT^P Pʯ NTPYNd LYO [P]QZ]XLYNP _SP .ZTW8L^_P] QPL_`]P^ L ^_LTYWP^^ ^_PPW NZTW _SL_ LWWZb^ an instantaneous, continuous ^`[[Wd ZQ SZ_ bL_P] LYO _SLYV^ _Z QL^_ SPL_ ]PNZaP]d [W`^ bL_P] ^_Z]LRP ^`[[WPXPY_PO Md _SP >TWZc NdWTYOP]^ _SP ^bT_NSTYR ZQ _SP MZTWP]^ bTWW RZ `YOP_PN_PO Md _SP M`TWOTYR `^P]^ ?SP >TWZc NdWTYOP] T^ L _bTY bLWW NZY^_]`N_TZY /3B NdWTYOP] ZQ ^_LTYWP^^ ^_PPW bSTNS LWWZb^ a higher rate of heat transfer from the primary to the domestic NdWTYOP] QZ] QL^_P] ]PNZaP]d _SLY L ^_LYOL]O NZTW NdWTYOP] ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˝ˢ
31/01/2022 08:20
PHAM FEB22 FIREBIRD:Layout 1 18/01/2022 10:59 Page 1
PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
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Light Commercial Heating
Water-to-water solution for multi-residentials
!āũŶĢƩóÖŶĢŋł ĕŋũ ðŋĢķāũŭ Ŷŋ Žŭā ĞƘùũŋėāł ðķāłù
The new Ecodan Hydrodan from Mitsubishi Electric is a STRSWd PʯNTPY_ bL_P]-to-water heat pump for the multiresidential market. The packaged ‘plug & play’ solution T^ ^[PNTʭNLWWd OP^TRYPO _Z []ZaTOP SPL_TYR LYO SZ_ bL_P] in residential apartments, and to capitalise on the ^TRYTʭNLY_ ^`^_LTYLMWP PYP]Rd PʯNTPYNd _SL_ _SP next generation of heat YP_bZ]V^ ZʬP] 4_ LW^Z operates with a low quantity of low-GWP R˜˛ refrigerant. “There are already renewable heating solutions for single homes, but this T^ ZYP ZQ _SP ʭ]^_ _]`Wd WZb NL]MZY Z[_TZY^ LaLTWLMWP for multi-residential apartments,” says Alex Bagnell, product manager for hydronics at Mitsubishi. Ecodan Hydrodan units NLY MP TY^_LWWPO TY TYOTaTO`LW L[L]_XPY_^ _Z OPWTaP] DHW using an integrated storage tank, and low temperature hot water for heating. The units connect _Z L ʭQ_S RPYP]L_TZY LXMTPY_ temperature heat network deployed throughout the M`TWOTYR _Z OPWTaP] ]PYPbLMWP heating and hot water. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˞˙
=PXPSL SL^ LNSTPaPO TYOP[PYOPY_ NP]_TʭNL_TZY for its Quinta Ace, Gas ˛˛˙ Ace and Gas ˜˛˙̓˟˛˙ Ace boilers to operate on a ˛˙% hydrogen blend. The Quinta Ace and Gas ˜˛˙̓˟˛˙ Ace also ZʬP] 9:c PXT^^TZY^ ZQ less than ˛˝mg/kWh (Class ˟) in compliance with the maximum two N]POT_^ LaLTWLMWP `YOP] BREEAM, enhancing the sustainability of the installation. The company says hydrogen is one of a combination ZQ aTLMWP ^ZW`_TZY^ _SL_ bTWW SPW[ LNSTPaP _SP @6ɪ^ ˛˙˞˙ YP_ eP]Z LXMT_TZY LWZYR bT_S PWPN_]TʭNL_TZY and low carbon heat networks. Ahead of the full NZYaP]^TZY ZQ _SP RL^ YP_bZ]V _Z ˚˙˙% hydrogen, using a blend of natural gas and ˛˙% hydrogen across _SP @6 NZ`WO ^LaP ^Tc XTWWTZY _ZYYP^ ZQ NL]MZY OTZcTOP L dPL] P\`TaLWPY_ _Z _LVTYR ˛̍˞ million combustion PYRTYP NL]^ Zʬ _SP ]ZLO Remeha product manager Paul Arnold comments: “There has been a lot of hype surrounding hydrogen TY ]PNPY_ XZY_S^ >PN`]TYR TYOP[PYOPY_ NP]_TʭNL_TZY for our condensing boilers means peace of mind for ^[PNTʭP]^ NZY_]LN_Z]^ LYO PYO `^P]^ _SL_ _SPd L]P future proofed to the proposed blend of natural gas with ˛˙% hydrogen.” ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˞˛
High temperature range that runs on waste heat ?SP YPb 0cP]Rd >P]TP^ SPL_ [`X[^ Q]ZX ?]LYP OPWTaP] SPL_TYR capacity of up to ˚˛˙°C and can replace oil and gas boilers in industrial process, buildings and district heating applications. These heat pumps can source energy from natural water as well as wastewater or industrial processes, at a temperature range between -˛˙°C and +˝˞{. ?ST^ RTaP^ N`^_ZXP]^ Z[P]L_TZYLW ʮPcTMTWT_d LYO bTOPY^ _SP ^NZ[P ZQ L[[WTNL_TZY^ bSP]P _ST^ PYP]Rd NLY MP ]PNZaP]PO Pc_]LN_PO LYO `^PO L^ L ^Z`]NP QZ] PʯNTPY_ LYO PYaT]ZYXPY_LWWd ]P^[ZY^TMWP SPL_TYR ,aLTWLMWP TY NL[LNT_TP^ MP_bPPY ˜˙ to ˛˙˙˙kW , these heat pumps feature the near-zero global warming potential (GWP) R-˚˛˜˝ze ]PQ]TRP]LY_ ?SP _PNSYZWZRd ZʬP]^ `[ _Z ˝˙˙ STRSP] PʯNTPYNd compared to most fossil fueled boiler systems and is designed to ]PNZaP] bL^_P SPL_ L_ NZZWTYR [WLY_^ _Z RPYP]L_P SZ_ bL_P] LYO ]PNZaP] SPL_ Q]ZX X`YTNT[LW Z] TYO`^_]TLW bL^_P bL_P]^ bSTNS NLY then be used in industrial processes or channelled into a district heating network. ͻ phamnews.co.uk̓˛˛˛̓˞˚
Y
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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
Product News 39 Heat recovery ventilation in homes Indoor climate specialist BL]XLʮ ZZ] [L]_ ZQ _SP BLaTY 2]Z`[ has launched a new range of mechanical heat recovery ventilation systems. The APY_TeL ]LYRP T^ ^LTO _Z Zʬ P] L NZX[WP_P end-to-end solution, which helps to control _SP ʮ Zb ZQ LT] TY_Z LYd ]P^TOPY_TLW ^[LNP Mechanical ventilation systems can work with existing heating systems, including `YOP]ʮ ZZ] SPL_TYR _Z []ZaTOP LY Pʯ NTPY_ complete solution for indoor climate. Ventiza uses premium heat exchangers and has a low power consumption to keep bills low, and warm, clean air in circulation. Available in a range of sizes and variations QZ] OTʬ P]PY_ _d[P^ ZQ []Z[P]_d _SP aPY_TWL_TZY ^d^_PX^ Zʬ P] L STRS LT] \`LWT_d output for any property type – including ʮ L_^ LYO L[L]_XPY_^ bT_S L ^[PNTLW WZb []Zʭ WP NPTWTYR-mounted unit available. Tony Croke, product manager indoor
Wall-hung frame opens up the possibilities
climate solutions at Wavin, says: “The Ventiza range is an intuitive system that can work with our innovative Sentio control units too – meaning residents have complete oversight of their entire indoor climate systems through the use of the smart control unit.” Ventiza has been independently tested by BRE and has been found to exceed -`TWOTYR =PR`WL_TZY ]P\`T]PXPY_^ TY _SP @6 XPLYTYR T_ NLY MP ^[PNTʭ PO bT_S Pc_]L [PLNP of mind. ?SP APY_TeL ]LYRP T^ LW^Z Zʬ P]PO L^ [L]_ BL]XLʮ ZZ]ɪ^ _`]YVPd ^ZW`_TZY bSTNS includes a full design, supply, installation, and commission service. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˞˜
.ZZWLR _SP NZX[LYd MPSTYO _SP ,Wʭ P mountings for taps and showers, has launched a wall-hung WC frame with a concealed, slimline cistern unit. At just ˢ˟mm thick, the cistern comes already mounted into the sturdy and adjustable frame. The telescopic frame legs are adjustable from ˙–˚˚˞mm before being locked solid by four bolts and concealed within the wall, which can be of timber, masonry or metal frame construction. ?SP ʮ `^S [T[P LYO ^ZTW NZYYPN_TZY ]PXLTY ʭ cPO TY ]PWL_TZY _Z _SP XZ`Y_TYR [ZTY_^ QZ] the WC bowl, with the whole installation MPTYR NZX[WP_PO Md _TWTYR Z] Z_SP] ʭ YT^SP^ The cistern is acoustically insulated to ]PO`NP YZT^P bSPY ʮ `^SPO aTL L NSZTNP ZQ XPNSLYTNLW ʮ `^S [WL_P^ ,^ L []LN_TNLW consideration, cleaning around the toilet area is easier with all the workings hidden – making it suitable for schools, hospitals, hotels and other applications where
hygiene is paramount. Overall the adjustability of bowl height makes the Coolag unit suitable for adaptive installations, where height may be an important consideration for certain users. ͻ ťĞÖĿłāƒŭ̍óŋ̍ŽĴ̓˛˛˛̓˞˝
Quiet operation, big performance
Full bathroom collection Taking inspiration from the Mediterranean, Roca has launched the Ona collection of ML_S]ZZX []ZO`N_^ _SL_ NLY Q`WWd P\`T[ any type of bathroom space – basins and furniture, brassware, baths, accessories, WCs and bidets. The collection features Roca’s latest innovations, such as Fineceramic LYO >_ZYPc XL_P]TLW^ _SP 0aP]W`c ʭ YT^S
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touchless technology and Supraglaze coating. Ona means ‘wave’ in Catalan, and each item in the portfolio is inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle. The collection is suited for either main or en-suite residential bathrooms, hotel bathrooms and other public spaces with intensive use. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˞˞
Building on its Therma V heat pump series, LG has launched the Therma V R˜˛ Monobloc ‘S’, characterised by reduced noise levels and excellent performance. As with the original Monobloc, this new model combines the indoor and outdoor features in one module. It’s also connected by only water piping, eliminating the need for refrigerant piping, so installers don’t need to be F-gas registered. Hydronic components like the improved plate heat exchanger, the expansion tank, water [`X[ ʮ Zb ^PY^Z] []P^^`]P ^PY^Z] LT] aPY_ aLWaP LYO ^LQP_d aLWaP L]P LWW []P-installed and ]PLOd _Z ]`Y ?SP ɩ>ɪ aP]^TZY Zʬ P]^ \`TP_ Z[P]L_TZY LYO `[ _Z ˢkW units can be installed at the minimum of ˝m away, and up to ˚˟kW units up to ˞m away from neighbouring houses, complying with international noise regulations. The design and technology in this new unit includes built-in bL_P] ʮ Zb LYO []P^^`]P sensors to monitor the water circuit in real time, advanced water pump control, enhanced second circuit logic, energy monitoring of estimated power consumption via the remote controller, MODBUS connectivity without Gateway TQ ]P\`T]PO LYO LOaLYNPO control for the domestic hot water recirculation pump. ͻ phamnews.co.uk/˛˛˛̓˞˟
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Product News
Underfloor heating range leaves plenty of headroom
Pulsating shower massage In response to the growing health and wellness trend, Grohe has extended its premium product portfolio with the new Rainshower Aqua Body sprays for an enhanced shower experience. This product is designed to upgrade the daily routine with a pulsating water massage. Control is intuitive via a pop-up design: when the water is activated, the body sprays pop out of the cover plate, allowing users
To complement its existing JG Underfloor heating range, RWC has launched a new UFH solution specifically designed to keep overall floor level height to an absolute minimum. The JG LowFit, suitable for new build and retrofit projects, keeps the overall floor level to a minimum through low-profile panelling options, ranging from 16-20mm in thickness. Acknowledging the importance of retrofit projects, the JG LowFit foil and mesh panels have been specifically designed to be placed over existing timber or concrete flooring. This means installers avoid the need to spend time prising up the build’s flooring and adding unnecessary costs to the project. A good partner for renewable heat sources, including heat pumps, the new range’s full panelling options are suitable for screed, nonscreed, tiled and existing concrete floors, suiting almost any type of installation. The 12mm JG LowFit Layflat Barrier Polybutylene Pipe offers flexibility when laying, and it includes an inner barrier to prevent the ingress of oxygen molecules, which helps reduce corrosion on metal parts within the system. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/57
For the big projects A new commercial range of water treatment solutions from Fernox gives installers the solutions for heating and cooling systems in the quantities needed across the majority of commercial projects. The products are more economically sized water treatment solutions that are ideally suited to larger systems. Products in the commercial range come in 10 litre sizes and include the Cleaner F3, Protector
How to get ventilation to sub-floor areas To combat the challenges associated with providing adequate ventilation to spaces below suspended ground floors, Homevent has launched its MORI WMF weatherproof multi-functional sub-floor ventilation fan. It is designed to control air moisture content, as well as radon gas, in sub-floor spaces. John Bradley, MD at Homevent, says: “Adequate sub-floor ventilation below suspended ground floors can be critical to a structure’s integrity, and the health implications in helping to control radon gas in affected areas. Too often, there isn’t suitable consideration of how this can be managed long-term, which is why an alternative approach is required.” The MORI WMF is fully weatherproof, so it can be installed on the outside of the property, and can operate in temperatures as low as -20°C and as high as 50°C. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/60
Heat pump keeps the home quiet The Altherma 3 H HT heat pump from Daikin is now Quiet Mark certified, having passed rigorous acoustic assessments and laboratory tests. Several major components of the product have been enhanced to help minimise its sound output, including a double injection compressor and a single fan – even on large capacity units – which help to reduce the noise levels. Iain Bevan, commercial manager, heating and renewables at Daikin UK, says: “Lots of people are spending more time at home these days, so it’s no surprise that 62% of UK consumers would like a quieter home. And that’s why three quarters of people are more likely to buy an appliance that’s labelled ‘quiet’ over one that isn’t. “This independent, credible certification from Quiet Mark gives installers another reason to recommend the
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to switch between the Rain and Active Jet spray easily by simply turning them.
When the water is turned off, the body sprays pull back and blend into the shower surround completely, resulting in a slim, minimalist design for optimised space in the shower. There is a choice of round and square designs, each available in different colours to match any bathroom style. Additionally, the new body sprays enable ecoconscious water usage thanks to Grohe’s water-saving EcoJoy technology. The Rainshower Aqua Body sprays are described as making it easy to successfully combine responsible consumption with a luxurious showering experience. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/58
Altherma 3 H HT, and should help more homeowners make confident decisions to go green.” The Altherma high temperature air to water heat pump delivers heating, hot water and optional cooling. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/61
F1, Leak Sealer F4, and the Protector+ Filter Fluid F9 Anthony Martindale, global product manager at Fernox, says: “Our updated commercial range of chemical water treatment products have been specifically designed for use on larger, commercial systems.
Each product can be safely used in conjunction with all other Fernox commercial products, providing installers with a selection of quality solutions that can be used to maintain system efficiency and optimum performance effortlessly.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/59
Electric showers deliver on style and substance British shower specialist Gainsborough has relaunched in the UK with a new line-up of nine electric shower models, and a complete rebranding across its entire shower range. Each model in the Gainsborough collection offers three power modes. The range includes: Slim Mono 8.5 and 9.5kW in Polar White; Slim Duo 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5kW in Polar White with multi-mode spray head; Slim Duo 8.5 and 9.5kW in Piano Black with multi-mode spray head and soap dish; Slim Duo 8.5 and 9.5kW in Titanium Grey with multi-mode spray head and soap dish. Tim Creedon, sales director for Gainsborough, comments: “With its powerful heritage of almost 50 years in the showering industry, Gainsborough is a respected and trusted British brand, and we are pleased to be reintroducing it with a dynamic new line-up of electric models to suit all bathroom environments. Effortless to install and maintain, the multi-fit options make this range an ideal replacement or new-fit solution.” A dedicated training programme is available, and the entire product series will be updated with a new contemporary brand design and refreshed packaging style. The Slim Mono and Duo showers are backed by a two-year guarantee and Gainsborough’s customer support and service teams. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/62
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PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022
Product News
COMPETITION
Hybrid ventilation made affordable With the aim of offering a more affordable solution, Gilberts has value engineered a version of its MFS hybrid ventilation unit. This stand-alone ventilation, heating and cooling system is described as being cheaper while retaining quality and performance, by using less steel. It also makes it lighter in weight, potentially reducing transport costs and requiring less labour effort to install. As a natural ventilation unit, the MFS uses its integral low energy fan to supplement airflow as conditions demand. MFS can be configured to run on 100% fresh air, using a LPHW coil to temper the air to provide Covid compliant ventilation without compromising the internal temperature. Integrated into the heating system –
including heat pumps – Gilberts’ MFS can utilise the warmth generated from LPHW systems to warm or cool the internal space as needed, without the need for radiators and all associated ancillary capital costs. Sales director Ian Rogers says: “MFS gives everyone involved in the building services supply chain, including the end customer/building occupants, a benefit. It is a genuine ‘win:win’, whether new build, refurbishment, re-purposing. The new MFS typifies Gilberts’ place as the UK’s leading independent air movement specialist, engineering from concept quality products that meet or anticipate market forces and deliver for the environmental agenda.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/63
Long lasting solvent-free sealant New from Hodgson Sealants is a neutral cure, alcoxy, solvent-free sanitary sealant – Silfix U7N. Suitable for use in confined spaces, without compromising on performance or appearance, the product is described as having excellent adhesion to most non-porous surfaces. It can be used to seal around baths, sinks, urinals and ceramic tile joints to give a water-resistant, hygienic seal. Resistant to ozone, ultra violet radiation and temperature extremes, Silfix U7N will keep its original looks for years after application. The specialist formulation ensures a tough, watertight seal, and its proven fungicide resists mould and mildew growth. It conforms to EN15651-1: F-EXT-INT-CC and EN15651-3:S. Silfix U7N has a fast cure and tack-free time and remains permanently flexible with a movement capability of ±25 with lasting performance and low shrinkage. Silfix U7N is available in translucent and white in 310ml cartridges. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/64
Water saving shower panels As a specialist in commercial washroom water management solutions, Cistermiser has launched a new range of water saving shower panels: the Vecta+ Sensor Shower Panel (SSPV) and Vecta+ Mechanical Shower Panel (MSPV). The addition of the shower control range follows last year’s launch of Cistermiser’s infrared taps, Vecta+ Sensor Tap range. Richard Braid, Cistermiser MD, comments: “The range offers a hygienic, non-touch sensor configuration with the Vecta+ Sensor Shower Panel, and a traditional mechanical push-button configuration with the Vecta+ Mechanical Shower Panel. Both are lightweight, and surface mounted, offering a sleek and contemporary design for any changing or
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Win a shower with Triton! TRITON SHOWERS is offering PHAM readers a chance to win one of 3 Push Button Bar Diverter mixer showers The new Push Button Bar Diverter mixer shower from TRITON SHOWERS is designed to offer enhanced functionality combined with a contemporary finish. The diverter feature allows the user to easily switch between a single spray pattern handset and overhead fixed (rainfall) shower drencher at the push of a button. Benefitting from thermostatic temperature control, the product helps to maintain a consistent, comfortable water temperature – perfect for safe family showering. Triton’s Push Button Bar Diverter is only suitable for high pressure systems.
THE PRIZE We’re giving away three of TRITON SHOWERS’ Push Button Bar Diverter mixer showers in a matt black finish – a perfect choice for contemporary design schemes and bathrooms created around the monochrome look.
HOW TO ENTER: To be in with a chance of winning one of three Push Button Bar Diverter showers in matt black from TRITON SHOWERS, all you have to do is answer the question below. The winner will be selected from a draw of all the correct answers received. Only one entry is allowed per person.
commercial shower room.” For installers, they’re said to be easy to fit, arriving pre-plumbed and suitable for mains or battery power. For facilities managers and building owners, they are efficient and prevent a flooding risk or wasted water with a 30 second default safety shut-off. With concealed fixings and slim panel body, combined with a 42 shower head nozzle ‘rain effect’, they also offer an enjoyable showering experience. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/222/65
Q
What kind of system is the Push Button Bar Diverter shower suitable for?
(a) high pressure (b) low pressure (c) both high and low pressure
Email your answer to editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk with ‘TRITON COMPETITION’ in the subject line. Please make sure you include the following:
* Your name * Your company’s name * Contact telephone number * Please type ‘YES’ or 'NO' after your answer to indicate if you are happy to receive email offers from TRITON Please email your entry before the closing date of 28th February 2022
www.tritonshowers.co.uk
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Directory Controls
Radiators
Recruitment
Instruments for control, regulation & protection
We’re recruiting Logistics / Buyer / Stores Manager • Based at our HQ in Redhill, Surrey. • You’ll be responsible for purchasing of materials, consumables and plant items. • Organising the hiring and o hiring of equipment. • Ensuring that company owned plant and welding equipment is in serviceable state with correct certs. • Organising the company drivers and schedule materials and plant to and from site.
0161 946 0088 www.banico.co.uk
• Receiving goods into the stores and checking it complies with the purchase order. Booking the delivery into stock or allocating the item to a project and notifying the Project Manager of the goods arrival.
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Next Day Delivery Available on 100s of Controls Thermostats, Programmers, TRVs,Underfloor
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• The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of Purchasing experience and able to negotiate the best possible and long-term purchasing agreements with suppliers. • Experience in understanding Mechanical & Electrical components needed. • Have an understanding of our type of plant and equipment used in the pipework installation industry. • Good communication skills needed and able to work e ciently and deal with busy periods. Competitive Salary, Pension, company mobile
www.heatingcontrolsonline.co.uk
Interested? Email your CV to careers@ukgastech.co.uk www.ukgastech.co.uk
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Knee Pads
The Copper King
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Water Heaters phamnews.co.uk/222/115
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Plumbpal Products
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Training & Assessments
Information Centre 43
ESSEX SKILLS CENTRE • Domestic ACS Reassessment • Domestic ACS Initial Assessment • Unvented G3 (Hot water systems) • Legionella Operative/Manager • Water Regulations • Energy Efficiency • LPG Reassessment / Changeover • MLP Foundation Gas experienced • MLP Foundation Gas no experience • Pipe Skills Course (Beginners) • C&G NVQ Level 2 Plumbing & Heating • Installation & Maintenance Course • Add to scope - Cookers/ Boilers/ Fires etc
https://essexskills.co.uk/
01702 804318
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Information Centre
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Cold Weather Working With Snickers Workwear’s
Dressing right and staying comfortable when it’s cold and wet demands the best in Sustainable Climate Control working clothes. Snickers Workwear’s body-mapping Midlayer working clothes deliver advanced ventilation to control and regulate the heat from your body. They complement Snickers Workwear’s FlexiWork Base-layer undergarment, as well as the Top-layer or ‘outer shell’ AllroundWork and Flexiwork Weatherproof Jackets and Trousers that will keep you warm, dry and comfortable all day long. Check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or enter the code shown below.
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New Whole House Heating Guide From OMNIE The latest Product Guide from OMNIE covers all aspects of underfloor heating to suit all types of buildings as well as the manufacturer’s holistic range of heat pumps, controls, ventilation and hot & cold water distribution, ensuring its five principal technologies work together in what it calls the Whole House System. For those that require more technical detail a QR code is provided, which enables the reader to download data sheets and installation guides for each product. Downloaded from the website – www.omnie.co.uk or enter the code shown below.
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CircofloPro Publishes Big Red book The new Big* Red Book of Straightforward Underfloor Heating, from CircofloPro, is a handy, A5sized guide to help the trade specify the most suitable solution for their project – with the * after the Big indicating that it’s small enough for the glovebox, toolbox or dashboard and most people’s pockets. Printed in colour, with clear photography and technical diagrams throughout to illustrate each product, its installation method and the variations/options available if required. Available to download from www.circoflopro.co.uk or enter the code shown below.
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