Registered Gas Engineer, August 2022

Gas REGISTERED

THE ONLY OFFICIAL INDUSTRY PUBLICATION

Issue 161 August 2022

Hybrids:

a stepping stone to low-carbon heating

Technical Requirements for installing and replacing gas meters

Gas Safe news Using your Gas Safety Week toolkit on social media

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER

In this issue

Issue 161 August 2022

26 Hybrid heating

The government should provide more support for hybrid systems as a stepping stone and practical way towards achieving low-carbon heating, says the HHIC

06 Gas Safe news

Get in the know for Gas Safety Week when you download your free supporters’ toolkit, packed full of everything you need to take part

09 Day in the life

Did you know that Gas Safe’s own inspectors get inspected themselves and take their ACS, just like you do?

We talk to Sean Concannon about how he became one of the Register’s youngest inspectors

11 News

Gas engineers are split over installing heat pumps, says Baxi; First Environment 2050 winner named; Change to ACS entry routes and changeover requirements;

Current government programmes will not deliver net zero, says climate committee

18 The good, the bad and the ugly

25 Readers’ letters 28 Technical

The requirements for installing and replacing gas meters

30 Technical

The importance of installing fire surrounds correctly and safely

32 Products

The latest launches from Aqualisa, Ariston, Continal, Elisa, Grant UK and Testo

34 Product focus

How push-fit technology can deliver quicker, safer valve installations

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www.gassaferegister.co.uk 05

FROM THE EDITOR

Comment

T

he Boiler Upgrade Scheme isn’t catching on with consumers, according to industry insiders. Whether it’s cost or lack of installers to fit heat pumps is open to debate. But it’s not particularly surprising against the background of eye-watering energy costs, inflation and general belt-tightening.

It’s already been pointed out that, despite the grant of £5,000 for fitting an air source heat pump, the higher cost in comparison with a shiny new gas boiler prevents all but wealthier households to event consider making the switch.

Hybrids could be the ideal stepping stone on the route to net-zero, helping households to make the transition to low-carbon in manageable (and more affordable) stages. As you can read in this issue, hybrids can be set up relatively cheaply and with fewer changes required to existing homes – but these heat pump/gas boiler combinations are not eligible for the grant.

And with government in a holding pattern pending the installation of a new PM, plus the usual long Parliamentary summer recess, there’s little sign of anything changing soon.

Nicki Shearer, editor

Gas Safe Register in numbers 2021-22 78,664

Total number of registered businesses 2020-21: 76,843

130,703

Number of registered engineers 2020-21: 131,600

5,972

Number of new registered businesses 2020-21: 6,729

Gas Safe Register, PO Box 6804, Basingstoke, RG24 4NB. Email: enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk, register@gassaferegister.co.uk or technical@gassaferegister.co.uk Managing editor: Scott Darroch scott.darroch@gassaferegister.co.uk Editor: Nicki Shearer editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk News: Jennie Ward news@registeredgasengineer.co.uk Publisher: Peter McCreary publisher@registeredgasengineer.co.uk Technical consultants: Carl Banister, Stephen Gallagher, Jonathan Palmer

Visits to www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk

3,670,771

Numbers of find/check an engineer

11,176,960

Production: Mark Turpin Advertising enquiries only: Ian Carter ian@rgemagazine.co.uk Additional print subscriptions £25 per year email: wgardiner@circdata.com, Tel 01635 869 868 The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Gas Safe Register.

The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way infringe copyright or contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act. All copy is subject to the approval of the publisher, who reserves the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to it at its absolute discretion and without explanation.

All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice.

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Registered Gas Engineer is written, designed and published by The Team on behalf of Gas Safe Register.

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06 August 2022

Visits to engineer area of www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk

CIRCULATION:

Jan-Dec 2021

80,070

Source: Gas Safe Register At a Glance 2021-22

489,537

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | GAS SAFE REGISTER NEWS

Get in the know for Gas Safety Week G

as Safety Week will be here next month and thousands of you have already received your supporters’ toolkit.

It’s packed full of ways you can show your backing for the industry’s biggest annual gas safety event.

This year there are even more tools for you to use on social media: you’ve told Gas Safe Register that this is more important than ever to your business and so there’s a brand new suite of images and animations, whether you want to use a static image, an animation or create a story.

Every day of Gas Safety Week has a different topic, and the toolkit provides everything you need so that you can create a new post every day simply and easily.

But it’s not just about social media: also included are posters and leaflets, articles and factsheets, logos and a huge range of images, and banners for your website.

This year’s focus will be ‘Get in the Know’: as well as reminding people to get an

12-18 September 2022 annual gas safety check by a registered engineer, they can find out more about what problems to look out for in the home, spotting the signs of an unsafe gas appliance, not blocking essential ventilation, and never DIYing with gas.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to get involved and want to find out more about Gas Safety Week 2022, why not take a look at how the industry supported last year and sign up for your free supporters’ toolkit at: www.gassaferegister.co.uk/ gas-safety/gas-safety-week

Why should I get involved?

• When you support Gas Safety Week, you’re joining thousands of others to help spread essential gas safety messages to your own customers and communities, protecting them and helping to save lives • If you’re looking for new content for your website or social media, you can use the free materials in the supporters’ toolkit as part of your own campaign • Joining in can help to improve awareness of you and your work: just tell Gas Safe Register what you’re doing to support the campaign and it will share as many supporters’ activities as possible on Twitter, in the campaign round-up report, and in this magazine • Your competitors may well be supporting too, so don’t get left behind.

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | DAY IN THE LIFE

‘ We’re not trying to catch you out’ Are you nervous about an upcoming inspection? Did you know that Gas Safe Register’s inspectors have to go through it too? We talk to Lead Inspector Sean Concannon about the work he does to keep gas work to the highest standards, and how he became one of the Register’s youngest inspectors.

P

ossibly the last thing that Sean Concannon expected when he was being inspected as a gas engineer was to be asked whether he’d like to have an interview to consider joining Gas Safe Register. That’s what happened eight years ago to one of the youngest inspectors to join the Register.

Like many other engineers, Sean didn’t necessarily choose to become a gas engineer: it’s what his father and grandfather did. “A lot of my family are in the trades: some are joiners, electricians and plumbers – and then my dad and I have carried on doing the gas,” he says.

He was a part of the family business in Manchester at a young age. “From 11, I was involved on Saturdays and school holidays – and any time I was off school I was dragged in. I did all my training with them, went through my apprenticeship and got qualified.” He went on to broaden his experience in other businesses as a breakdown engineer and as a supervisor.

Talk to the Register It was while he was undergoing a routine inspection that one of Gas Safe’s Area Operations Managers told him there was a position coming up and asked if he would like to have an interview.

Joining eight years ago at just 26, Sean says he did feel out of his depth at first, but with the help and support of his colleagues, and extensive training, he soon felt comfortable. “The guys who work here are very experienced and they’re at the top of their game. And, as they say – if you’re good enough, you’re old enough,” he says.

Inspectors undertake a great

The inspection process Sean says: “Before their inspection, registered businesses receive a letter and email confirming the inspection date and time. They’ll also receive a brief description of how the inspection will go: we need to see a couple of sites and there will be competency questions regarding elements of ACS. There are also other things we need to see: the tools and equipment you use to carry out safe gas work, your work records, and things like that.

“You do need to find a suitable site for the inspection and arrange it with your customers – the more sites you can show us, the better.” deal of ongoing training. They take their ACS qualifications and carry out constant and regular internal training on standards, procedures and policies. Much of their training is created by Gas Safe’s own technical team, and the questions are never easy, says Sean.

But that’s the best way to keep standards high, he adds.

“The industry is so vast that you can’t remember it all, and we don’t expect engineers to remember everything either: that’s why we all have documentation and reference books.”

Ensuring that gas safety standards are being maintained is what inspection is all about, and Sean supports leading a team of 12 inspectors covering a wide area in the North-west of England, central and North Wales.

He still carries out inspections himself but he also delivers the Register’s own field quality control, along with supporting other inspectors and recruiting and training new ones.

A typical day will see him with a gas engineer in the morning or afternoon – inspections generally take around three hours – sometimes working alongside another inspector. And although it might be a bit nerve-wracking for

the gas engineer to find that there are two inspectors there, it’s because Sean routinely monitors what his team are doing. “We inspect ourselves as well – I get inspected. We check each other.

“Our job is to make sure that businesses are carrying out gas work safely and correctly. We’re not there to try and catch people out. No one likes being checked but we’re just making sure that everyone is working safely.

“I like going out and meeting engineers who are passionate about the trade. They want to do things right, they want to work alongside us and they want to keep standards high.”

But Sean’s day isn’t just about registered business inspections.

He is also there to provide support and answer queries from his own team, he speaks to customers if they have concerns, talks to gas engineers, deals with

any problems that customers might have and checks his team’s reports.

With a busy and demanding role, Sean spends his spare time with his family. He has three children between four and 12, and says: “Time away from work revolves around my family: we have days out, we go on walks and we go to the park.

They help me unwind.”

His philosophy of not being quick to judge people comes from his own experience – two of his children live with autism and the badge on his lanyard highlights the condition. “We shouldn’t just make assumptions about people. Sometimes we need to slow down and understand people and just talk.”

Family matters Sean’s father is still a gas engineer and was fully supportive of his move to the Register – although Sean says he wouldn’t inspect him, adding, “he wouldn’t have it easy”.

And although his grandfather sadly passed away before Sean joined the Register, his grandmother gave him his much cherished original CORGI registration card as a memento.

“A couple of days after he died, I got the call from Gas Safe.

I always keep his card in my wallet as a good luck charm.” n

Could you be an inspector?

Have you ever considered working at Gas Safe Register as an inspector?

If you’ve got great communication skills and you’re safety-focused, you can get in touch by email at: enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 09

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | AROUND THE INDUSTRY

John wins national Heating Installer Award

Vaillant provides hydrogen village data Vaillant’s hydrogen boiler is set to provide valuable data in the next stage of the hydrogen trials, fitted in a number of homes in South Bank, Middlesbrough.

The trials, part of H21 and led

by Northern Gas Networks, are taking place in a purpose-built facility using existing underground gas pipework.

The 100 per cent hydrogen boiler was developed at Vaillant’s German HQ in Remscheid.

Using the data and insight collected at the South Bank site, Vaillant Group will examine practicalities such as gas tightness and purging through to installation needs. The results will be used to inform industry regulations in the future.

The demonstration will form the foundations of the next stage of the government’s commitment to rolling out a hydrogen village by 2025. The village is expected to convert up to 2,000 occupied homes and commercial buildings with 100 per cent hydrogen for a minimum of 12 months.

Winner The winner of our June competition was Brian Luckhurst from Wakefield.

He will receive a prize bundle from PipeSnug.

Congratulations!

John Cruickshank of Cruickshank Plumbing and Heating in Bexley, south-east London, was named National Heating Installer Awards Winner 2022 at the Heating Installer Awards.

John was chosen from hundreds of entries and after a judging day where a panel of industry experts shortlisted the entries, a peer-reviewed technical challenge and a record number of public votes.

He impressed the judges and the public with his high level of technicality, outstanding professionalism, and commitment to the industry and his customers.

John receives prizes from the awards’ partners, which include a trip to Danfoss’s headquarters in Denmark, and prizes from sponsors Armacell, LG, Polypipe and Stelrad.

John says: “I am delighted to have been recognised as the

best Heating Installer 2022.

I have seen so many incredible winners come before me and it is a real honour for me to now be standing among them.

“This is the first time I have entered the competition and it has been an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience, not to mention the benefits it has had for my business.”

Damon Blakemore of

Blakemore Plumbing Heating Renewables from Sheffield, claimed the runner-up spot, and Josh Bentley from Bradford scooped the Rising Star award, which recognises budding apprentices.

The Most Sustainable Installer Award went to Alan Dean Marcon from Green and Reliable Heating in Harrogate.

Gas engineers are split over installing heat pumps, says Baxi The transition to low-carbon heating is at a tipping point, with gas engineers divided over whether they will be installing heat pumps. That’s the main finding of a report from Baxi that assesses what would encourage engineers to take the leap to low-carbon sources of heat.

The research found that nearly one-third are prepared to embrace heat pumps in the near future. But around 30 per cent say they are extremely unlikely to install them.

The government’s targeting of 600,000 heat pump installations every year by 2028 will require an army of low-carbon heating installers to help homeowners and encourage them to make the change.

Among the main findings in the report, Heating Installers: Taking the Leap to a Low Carbon Future, are that the government

and the industry will need to address the important issue of training costs, ensuring that there is enough demand from customers, and reducing paperwork.

On training costs, 39 per cent said they would be more likely to install heat pumps if they received help with the costs. They currently pay the full cost of training and forgo work in order to receive heat pump training Additionally, 56 per cent say customer demand needs to be addressed; 38 per cent are concerned about lack of government support for the market, and 44 per cent want support to reduce the burden of paperwork, for example, in applying for government assistance schemes Karen Boswell, managing director of Baxi UK & Ireland, says: “Installers will play an

important role as we decarbonise the nation’s heating and it will be vital that the government and industry support them with the right information, incentives and training.

“They will need to be advocates for low-carbon sources of heat and recommend to the nation’s homeowners that they should make the leap to a heat pump. To achieve this, we will need to address their concerns, support them with training, and explain more clearly the financial and non-financial benefits of these appliances.”

The report’s recommendations include spelling out stronger government initiatives to drive demand for heat pumps over the coming decade; support for training costs; and an industrywide campaign to market the role of low-carbon heating installer to attract new entrants. www.gassaferegister.co.uk 11

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Get up close and personal with Navien training

First Environment 2050 winner named Paul Thirlwall is the first-quarter winner of Worcester Bosch’s Environment 2050 competition.

The competition recognises professionals who act sustainably and make informed choices when it comes to upgrading or installing heating appliances.

Paul, from PT Plumbing & Heating Ltd in Hereford, says: “Living and working sustainably, to me, is crucial. The future of the industry and the wider world depends on sustainability being prioritised. You only have to look

Navien’s free one-day training sessions are designed to keep you up to date with recent developments in its products, as well giving you a giveaway pack to take home worth £300.

The face-to-face training takes place across the UK, providing insight into the LCB700 oil and NCB domestic gas boiler ranges.

The course covers topics including an outline of the oil range and its key components; parameters on the control panel, adjusting the oil pump and measuring combustion; plus essential service and maintenance information.

Training on NCB domestic gas boilers covers its control panel and key parameters, service process and essential maintenance information. Each dedicated section is designed to expand your knowledge of the oil and gas boiler line-up and provide a comprehensive overview of features and benefits.

The course also includes a demonstration of Navien’s Smart Plus controllers, including how to monitor domestic hot water usage, supply/return water temperatures and the eco function.

www.navien.co.uk/training

around to see the impact non-renewable fuels have made on the planet.

“I’ve been self-employed for the past year since I launched PT Plumbing & Heating Ltd, so the timing of the competition win has been great for me, and hopefully will be a nice boost for my business.”

The competition continues and you can find out more at: www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/ professional/ environment-2050

Cut down on admin with Fergus Trades software Fergus is now available in the UK. It’s designed to save time on time on admin, created by plumber Dan Pollard to solve problems that had plagued his business for years.

Used by more than 18,000 tradespeople in eight countries, Fergus provides heating and plumbing businesses with access to software tools to organise their business. The Fergus app ensures healthy finances and that you get paid quickly and tracks labour and materials back to the job in real time, helping to ensure that each job is profitable.

“We exist to make your lives better, freeing up time you would otherwise have to spend on business admin,” says James Chillman, UK country manager. “Most tradespeople are still using manual, often paper-based systems and processes to manage their business. This ultimately leads to poor cashflow, lower profits and significant stress on the business owner.

“Fergus is designed specifically for the trade and has all the built in user-friendliness you would expect.” www.fergus.com

12 August 2022

Panasonic heat pumps get Wiser Panasonic is now offering Drayton’s Wiser heating control system with its heat Aquarea air source heat pumps.

The Wiser system can be fitted with Aquarea heat pumps to provide room-by-room heating control and simple home automation. Wiser can be set up in the usual way with the heat pump, creating multi-zone systems where heating is controlled remotely room by

room. Users can then adjust the heating in each room through any web-enabled device.

Through the Panasonic Smart Cloud App users can access features such as scheduling and a detailed breakdown of the system’s energy consumption from 60 minutes to seven days.

This helps to compare space utilisation and adjust the system so that energy is not wasted.

Home of Green Heating With the Government’s decarbonisation target to achieve net zero by 2050, we’re here to support you.

We’re committed to helping you and your customers choose the right product today, while also providing you with the necessary training and knowledge to prepare your business for the future.

To discover the five key future technologies, please visit worcester-bosch.co.uk/future-industry

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | AROUND THE INDUSTRY

ACS entry routes and changeover requirements Changes are coming for newly qualified gas engineers who wish to add ACS competencies, writes the Strategic Management Board.

Guidance Note 8 (GN8) details the entry routes to ACS assessment and the requirements for extending scope or range of work. It is not intended to prevent or restrict engineers from extending their scope or range of work but to ensure consistency and provide practical guidance to assist compliance with GSIUR (Regulation 3 Qualification and Supervision) by ensuring that gas engineers do not undertake gas work on appliances or systems for which they have insufficient training and experience.

Following consultation with industry, GN8 has been amended and changes will be implemented on 1 September 2022.

The main change is to Note 2, which relates to engineers wishing to undertake additional ACS competencies: Before extending scope or range of work, gas engineers

must provide evidence to the centre that they are Gas Safe registered and there has been a minimum duration of 12 months from completion of their qualification or core ACS. Exceptions: • Where an engineer extends scope or range with less than 12 months since completion of their qualification or core ACS, they will be required to show their Gas Safe registration and will be required to undertake an MLP-Bridge via a recognised training provider, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant IGEM/IG/1 training specification.

• Upon satisfactory completion of the MLP-Bridge, the engineer will be issued with a Certificate of Training or a Validation of Training report by or on behalf of the Recogniser of Training.

Calor looks to renewable fuel Calor is investing in infrastructure to supply Futuria DME, a fuel made from renewable and recycled carbon. It’s also known as renewable DME (DimethylEther) and Calor says it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85 per cent compared with diesel and oil.

Futuria DME can be made from solid municipal waste via gasification, from waste and renewable feedstocks, or renewable electricity. It is chemically similar to LPG and is easily and safely transported as a liquid in pressurised cylinders and tanks.

Teesworks in the North-east of England will be the site of the 14 August 2022

UK’s first commercial rDME plant, with production expected to start in 2024. Over the next five years, Calor will demonstrate the use of Futuria DME across its off-grid customer base, and scale up production.

“We believe Futuria DME has significant potential to help us achieve our ambitions to be a leader in sustainable energy,” says Alastair Lovell, Calor’s head of sustainable fuels.

“As attention on the ways businesses can reduce their impact on the environment rightly intensifies, we remain committed to delivering our customers with the sustainable fuel options of today and tomorrow.”

• Where an engineer holds CCN1, they will be required to show their Gas Safe Registration but will not require 12 months since completion of their qualification or core ACS before undertaking training and assessment for domestic metering competencies.

Note: An MLP-Bridge is a derivative of an approved Managed Learning Programme (MLP) for engineers who are extending scope or range with less than 12 months from completion of their qualification or core ACS. The increase in time from six to 12 months is being introduced so that new entrants to the industry can gain experience in their core competency before extending scope or range (eg, moving from domestic to non-domestic competencies or adding appliance competencies).

Where an engineer has a requirement to extend scope or

The Strategic Management Board is the scheme owner for ACS and IGEM/IG/1 (Standards of training in gas work). Its members include the Standard Setting Body provider, Energy & Utility Skills, Plumbing & Heating Skills Partnership, Gas Safe Register, awarding organisations, and the chair of the Standards Consultation Forum (SCF) involved in providing routes to Gas Safe registration. range within the 12-month period, this can still be done by completing specified training (an MLP-Bridge taken from an IGEM/IG/1 specification) via a recognised training provider prior to taking ACS. This is to ensure that appropriate off-site and on-site training with portfolio is completed by those lacking experience.

The full guidance Note 8 is at: www.euskills.co.uk/about/ our-industries/gas/

New heads at EUA Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA) has announced a new president and vice-president for the trade body. Bob Murray, managing director of Skewb Industry, Communities and CSR, becomes president, and Martyn Bridges, director of Marketing and Technical Support at Worcester Bosch, becomes vice-president.

Chief executive Mike Foster says: “Having served as president before, [Bob] has the experience and knowledge to assist EUA as we aid the UK’s transition to net zero. Together with Martyn Bridges, who has a wealth of technical and industry experience in the heating sector, they make a formidable team.”

Stelrad to acquire DL Radiators Stelrad is to acquire Italian manufacturer DL Radiators.The acquisition extends Stelrad’s range, provides a complementary brand and increases its manufacturing capacity.

Stelrad CEO Trevor Harvey says: “This is a compelling transaction for Stelrad and allows us to grow our business through the provision of additional products and through geographical expansion.

“DL Radiators has strong brands with a significant customer base.

Following completion of this transaction, Stelrad will be a market leader in six countries and hold a top three position in five more.”

DL Radiators will run its own business with oversight from Stelrad.

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Current programmes will not deliver net zero, says climate committee There is little evidence of the government achieving its net-zero goals so far, says the Climate Change Committee (CCC) in its most recent progress report to Parliament. The independent climate change advisor also finds major failures in delivery programmes and describes the approach as ‘high-wire’.

There are some bright spots of progress but in most areas the likelihood of under-delivery is high.

CCC chairman Lord Deben said: “In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, the country is crying out to end its dependence on expensive fossil fuels. I welcome the government’s restated commitment to net zero but holes must be plugged in its strategy urgently. The window to deliver real progress is short.”

Emissions rose by 4 per cent in 2021 as the economy began to recover from Covid-19 but were still 10 per cent below 2019 levels. UK emissions are now almost half (47 per cent) their 1990 levels.

Direction and delivery The CCC says further progress must be led by policies with clear direction, credible delivery mechanisms and suitable incentives to shape private sector action. But this isn’t complete in any sector of the economy.

Its report makes more than 300 recommendations for policies over the next year,

reflecting the scale of the task.

The report says the areas with the strongest progress have been backed and led by well-designed policy: • Deployment of renewable electricity: emissions from electricity generation have fallen by nearly 70 per cent in the past decade. With offshore wind, business has shown that, given the right market conditions and support, it can cut costs dramatically and deploy low-carbon solutions rapidly.

• Electric cars are being adopted in greater numbers each year. Their rise is already ahead of projections, showing that people are willing to adopt low-carbon options when offered a costeffective, good-quality product.

But low-carbon options remain in their infancy in other areas.

Policy has not yet begun to guide

the promised private-sector action in energy efficiency in homes. And, given soaring energy bills, there is a shocking gap in policy for better insulated homes.

The government promised significant public spending in 2019 and committed to new policies last year but neither has yet occurred.

Much now rests on the promised energy advice service, which must be a major undertaking that reaches millions of households and supports them with options to cut their bills and emissions.

In its first comprehensive appraisal of UK’s Net Zero Strategy, the CCC warns that it will not deliver net zero in its current form. Credible government plans exist for over one-third of the UK’s required emissions reductions to meet the Sixth

Carbon Budget in the mid-2030s.

It adds that ‘with a fair wind we will manage another quarter’ – but more than one-third cannot be relied on to deliver the necessary emissions reductions.

The strategy contains warm words on the wider enablers of the transition but little progress, says the CCC. There is no public engagement strategy three years after the net-zero target was signed into law; the Treasury has yet to set out how the full range of costs and benefits of the transition will be shared; comprehensive reform of planning legislation is required to reflect the commitments to net zero; and we still await the urgently needed Future Homes Strategy.

Bottlenecks, such as skills gaps and planning consents for infrastructure, should be anticipated and tackled early.

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Thegoodthebad+theugly Send us your pictures Registered Gas Engineer wants to see your pictures – whether you’ve come across some horrors or instances of really good work. Please email your stories and pictures to editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk or via Twitter to @RGEMag

Mark Bridge was servicing a water heater and found the chimney/flue with two large holes caused by corrosion. The appliance has been replaced.

Thomas Shepherd saw that the chimney/flue next door had been repaired with duct tape and not sealed externally. He could see the fumes pulling into the hole and contacted the emergency service provider, which confirmed that they were entering the property. The appliance was made safe.

The chimney/flue elbow had been taped to the boiler that Nick Brown was asked to replace.

Ian Pitt saw this plastic bottle and tube being used to collect condensate from the chimney/flue. The appliance was made safe until the chimney/ flue could be repaired.

18 August 2022

Robin Day found this LPG boiler in a garage. It was still working until the air pressure switch failed and the case had rusted through due to a leaking draincock. Robin made safe and it now been replaced.

The gas meter box in this photo had been filled with expanding foam.

John Dolan notified the emergency service provider.

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | YOUR PHOTOS

Simon Western attended a property where the vertical chimney/flue terminal had blown off. He was shocked to find plastic condensing flue components had been fitted to the standard efficiency boiler.

The chimney/flue has been replaced with the correct metallic parts. As if that wasn’t enough, he then found another chimney/ flue with an incorrect extension and joined with duct tape.

Creag McCutcheon attended a boiler that didn’t provide hot water to find the main heat exchanger was cracked and he could see flames coming out. He made safe and a new boiler has now been fitted.

Kim Tomlinson’s customer said the pilot light had gone out on their water heater about nine months ago. After taking the casing off and finding a dead bird at the bottom, he then took off the chimney/flue hood and found a nest behind the heat exchanger. Kim made the appliance safe, and a new heating system has been installed.

Paul Goodchild discovered this chimney/flue had come apart after roof work had been completed because of insufficient supports.

Appropriate supports have now been fitted.

Paul Mitchell found this heat exchanger on a boiler that had not been serviced since its installation 10 years ago. He cleaned it thoroughly and replaced the burner door seal.

We may share some of your pictures on social media, so remember to include your contact details so we can tag you (or let us know if you’d rather we didn’t).

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 19

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | YOUR PHOTOS

Thegoodthebad+theugly John Lawson saw this unusual radiator installation: at least the cupboard under the stairs will be warm.

Kevin Senior spotted that the wall at this property had been reinstated with old wooden board: it’s now been bricked up.

Here’s a nice bit of pipework spaghetti, as found by Sebastian Richardson.

Shaun Leslie was trying to gain access to a gas meter for testing when a feline friend decided to come and help.

Three cracking entries from Billy Barclay: a heavily corroded chimney/flue (which he replaced); and blue MDPE pipe connected to the PRP. But his favourite is the linoleum round the chimney/flue. He asked the customer why the linoleum was there, and they said: “To keep the exhaust warm”.

22 August 2022

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24 August 2022

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | LETTERS

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Please send your letters, which may be edited, to editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk.

Competent one day, incompetent the next I’m writing probably on behalf of a lot of other engineers who find themselves out of work due to their ACS running out and, because of catch-up due to Covid, are struggling to get places to renew it.

I’ve been in the trade for 42 years and I find it laughable that one day I’m competent and, the next, my ACS has run out and I’m deemed incompetent. Surely this problem could be sorted out with proof that you’re registered to renew your ACS. I’ve got domestic, commercial and catering in natural gas and LPG but none of it is relevant until the CCN1 has been completed. Surely this could be looked at by the

relevant governing bodies.

P R Edwards Gas Safe Register replies: We appreciate the difficulties that all businesses have experienced over the past couple of years due to the impact of Covid.

As restrictions have been lifted, it is the responsibility of registered businesses/engineers to ensure that engineers hold current certificates of gas safety competence.

It is important to remember when/if you take changeover assessments that these are only valid when a suitable core qualification is in place. If your core qualification expires so do all other qualifications linked to it.

We’d also like to take the opportunity to remind you that you can take your qualifications up to in six months in advance and not lose any time, similar to the vehicle MOT scheme.

For example, if your CCN1 qualification expires on 22 October 2022, you could take it on 1 May 2022 (five months early) and the new qualification’s expiry date would be 22 October 2027.

When you take your ACS qualifications, they have to be externally verified by the relevant UKAS-accredited certification body before the information is downloaded to Gas Safe Register. Certificates of gas safety competence are only

recognised by Gas Safe Register at this point, so please remember this when planning to take your assessments.

The requirement for periodic recertification of ACS is set by industry through the Standards Setting Function, operated by Energy & Utility Skills, and is administered under the requirements of the scheme accreditation, not by Gas Safe Register.

A list of ACS centres and the assessments they offer can be found in the December 2021 issue of Registered Gas Engineer at: www.registeredgasengineer. co.uk/latest-issue

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info@electric-heatingcompany.co.uk www.gassaferegister.co.uk 25

A stepping stone to low The government should provide more support for hybrid systems as a practical way to achieve low-carbon home heating, says the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council.

T

he Heat and Buildings Strategy, launched last year, outlined the key technologies in the UK’s transition to net zero.

At its centre is the £450 million Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering homeowners grants of up to £6,000 to fit heat pumps.

However, the scheme extends only to all-electric systems and hybrid set-ups are not currently eligible for funding.

HHIC director Stewart Clements says: “The supporting initiatives surrounding heat pumps demonstrate the key role that this technology will play in the nation’s decarbonisation efforts.

“It’s important to acknowledge that transitioning directly to all-electric technology simply isn’t going to be an option for many consumers. For this reason, it’s vital that this level of support is extended to hybrid systems too as a means of bridging the gap.”

The case for hybrid heating systems is set out in the HHIC’s white paper, Hybrid Heat Pumps: A Flexible Route to Decarbonise Heat. Here, the HHIC highlights that opting for a hybrid system allows for an immediate reduction in carbon emissions for those who currently can’t change to all-electric heating.

From a practical perspective, homeowners can then make gradual improvements to the fabric of their property to increase energy efficiency, before making the full switch to an all-electric system at their convenience.

Hydrogen boilers may also be an option in the longer term so consumers have the flexibility of different fuel options including off-grid biofuels.

Elizabeth Wilkinson, chair of the HHIC Hybrids Group, says: “The UK’s ambitious net-zero targets mean there is a real need to decarbonise our homes and buildings. With the varied and complex housing stock in the UK, it is imperative that we take a pragmatic view and utilise every available option.

“It’s clear that we will see

26 August 2022

“By using a hybrid, 80 per cent of the space heating demand is delivered by a technology that is around three times more efficient (based on energy input/output controls strategy and usage) when compared to a condensing gas boiler that has an energy efficiency of <1.

“On a hybrid system, where the heat pump meets 80 per cent of space heating demand and a gas boiler covers the remainder, you can assume an average Coefficient of Performance (CoP) around 2.6. This will vary depending on house type and age, but for many it will be a cheaper and less disruptive choice than using a heat pump on its own.”

Hybrid Heat Pumps: A Flexible Route to Decarbonise Heat

significant diversification of technologies used to supply homes with heating and hot water.

Hybrid heat pumps can play a role in this by providing a consumerfriendly stepping stone to full decarbonisation, whether that’s through decarbonisation of the gas grid or an upgrade to a full electric solution.

“Hybrid heat pumps are a practical solution that enable carbon reduction in homes now, and with recommendations in this paper, such as clearly defined standards for hybrid control to ensure carbon savings, they should not be overlooked in policy as a route towards net zero.”

The white paper also raises the issue of skills and training, with an emphasis on understanding the effect that building fabric and insulation has on thermal performance and heat demand.

This can be measured through room-by-room heat-loss calculations, which now form the basis of many training schemes offered by HHIC manufacturer members.

Stewart adds: “While it would be fair to say that more manufacturers are launching all-electric systems, the key challenges to uptake here are accessibility and attractiveness to the consumer.

“In this sense, hybrid systems may serve as an effective intermediary between traditional gas boilers and low-carbon heating

so that we hit the government’s shorter-term goals. For this reason, the HHIC strongly advocates that the government adopts a revised position on this technology, as we believe it to be one of the most practical routes to net zero.”

What’s right for your customer Martyn Bridges, director of Technical Services at Worcester Bosch, agrees: He says: “It’s never been more important to understand what the right heating solution is for your customer. It’s not just about the moves towards low-carbon or zero-carbon heating and hot water but knowing your customer’s wishes and financial ability to invest in changing their current boiler to something else.

“While hybrid heating systems may not necessarily be ambitious enough for the government’s net-zero roadmap, they may well be the best technology to help homeowners transition to a greener way of heating their homes.

“The government claims that hybrid systems are not entirely ambitious enough for the net-zero transition. But strangely, they are accepted as part of the ‘market mechanism’, so they will count towards the quota of heat pumps that a boiler manufacturer will be required to sell from 2024 onwards.

“We believe we will continue to see hybrids opted for, particularly in existing properties where space and cost are issues, where changing radiators and microbore pipework will be disruptive and costly.

“With a hybrid system, unlike a heat pump system, you can generally inherit the existing heating system without too many modifications needing to be made to the space and the system itself.

“Hybrid systems don’t get us to net zero, but they get us to nearly net zero without all the added disruption and cost of replacing the entire heating system. It will ultimately now come down to the choice and preference of the

Cost comparison 5kW hybrid – heat pump (with boiler) and intelligent control Price range (for customer)

£2,300-£3,400

5kW heat pump with intelligent control for adding to already installed boiler £1,800-£2,400

12kW heat pump with intelligent control (comparison) £5,000-£6,000

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | HYBRID HEATING

carbon heating homeowner when it comes to opting for hybrid, and a minimal disruption solution that helps towards net zero can be a sensible option for many.”

The government is taking a purist approach by not incentivising them, says Baxi’s managing director Karen Boswell. “Electrically driven heat pumps… will become the main source of heating in new-build homes from 2025.

However, fitting this type of technology in the UK’s existing housing stock often requires substantial modifications to the property.

“We therefore believe that the UK government should be looking at hybrids. Hybrids could reduce gas usage by up to 70 per cent and have been proven to be effective by our parent group BDR Thermea in the Netherlands: yet this relatively simple, easy-toinstall option is almost non-existent in the UK. Purist approach “The government is taking a very purist approach by not incentivising hybrids. By not offering grants, it could be preventing existing homes across the UK from accessing efficient, low-carbon heat.”

On the need for future skills and training, Karen adds: “We really need an ambitious industry-wide retraining plan for the 130,000 Gas Safe engineers that are currently helping people stay warm throughout the UK. The government, companies, and training colleges need to rethink the job profile and skillset of an installer, who in future will need to fit a wider variety of appliances and be the consultant for customers on their options to decarbonise their homes and buildings.

“Without proper training for installers, and financial incentives for their customers, we are highly unlikely to make sufficient progress in moving away from natural gas and reducing carbon emissions from heating.” ■ www.hhic.org.uk/resources

Examples of hybrid system configuration Retrofit hybrid Heat pump (5-8kW) added to an existing condensing gas boiler with intelligent control.

•B oiler needs to be in good condition and condensing type •L owest-cost option •S mall heat pump used, saving space and smaller electricity supply required (8-10 amp) •C ould be added to a system boiler but new cylinder is required.

Hybrid combination system Existing heat generator is replaced with a hybrid heat pump and intelligent control.

•H ot water is supplied by the boiler and supports during cold periods •M edium-cost option •S mall heat pump used, saving space and smaller electricity supply required (8-10amp).

Hybrid with stored hot water Existing heat generator is replaced and heat pump contributes to both heating and stored hot water.

•A new hot water cylinder is required •H igh up-front cost but future-proof.

Compact hybrid Existing heat generator is replaced with one internal unit containing a condensing combination boiler and small heat pump.

•C an also supply stored hot water using a cylinder •C ompetitive cost option •E lectricity supply is small (8-10amp).

Source: Hybrid Heat Pumps: A Flexible Route to Decarbonise Heat

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 27

Installing and replacing gas Gas Safe Register’s technical team sets out the requirements when installing and replacing a domestic gas meter.

R

isk assessment Before undertaking any gas meter work, you should carry out a site-specific risk assessment, and take appropriate mitigating action for any hazards identified.

As part of the risk assessment, use an appropriate voltage detector to ensure that any exposed metalwork is checked for stray electrical voltage.

As a minimum, the following steps shall be incorporated in any risk assessment: • Identify any hazards • Confirm there is no smell of gas • Check for theft of gas. If theft is suspected, inform the gas supplier • Decide who might be affected by work activities • Evaluate the risks and decide whether existing measures are adequate, or if additional measures are required to reduce the risks • Confirm that there is adequate ventilation in the work area for the proposed activities • Confirm that there is safe access and egress • Review the assessment from time to time and revise as necessary • Confirm that the meter and electrical equipment are suitable for the hazardous area classification of the meter installation.

Emergency control valves A primary gas meter installation shall be connected to the outlet of the ECV. Provision of the ECV is the responsibility of the gas transporter.

The meter installation must be designed so that the consumer has easy access to the ECV to isolate the gas supply and that there is access for operation, maintenance and exchange of the installation.

The ECV shall have an attached handle which pulls down to the off position and must be labelled to indicate the operation of the valve.

It must be labelled with information about what to do

28 August 2022

in the event of a gas emergency.

Where the control is adjacent to the meter, the meter usually has a label attached. If the control is remote from the meter, an additional label must be displayed at its location.

Meter regulators All primary meter installations shall incorporate a meter regulator close to and upstream of the meter. The meter regulator shall be sited as near as practicable to the outlet of the ECV. The interconnecting pipework between the meter regulator and primary meter shall be as short as practicable.

The regulator shall be sealed and marked with the manufacturer’s specific mark.

Note: The relevant gas transporter’s authorisation shall be obtained to break the seal.

Meter installation The meter installation shall be sited: •S o as to enable the installation, adjustment, servicing and exchange of the regulator and

– Where it might cause an obstruction – Where it might be affected by a damp (unless it is a semi-concealed meter installation) or corrosive atmosphere.

The capacity of the meter shall be large enough to provide a sufficient supply of gas to meet the needs of the proposed gas appliances.

Where a gas meter and its associated fittings cannot be fitted more than 150mm from an electricity meter/electrical apparatus, or more than 25mm away from the electricity supply and distribution cables, a fire-resistant partition made of electrically insulating material shall be placed between them.

Where a gas engineer connects a primary meter installation to any installation pipework, they shall check that the protective bonding conductor is present. Where the protective bonding conductor is not visible, the person responsible for the premises should be informed.

“Confirm that the meter and electrical equipment are suitable for the hazardous area classification of the meter installation.” the exchange to the meter itself •S o that the meter is easily accessible for inspection and meter reading •S o as to enable easy operation of all functions of the meter •A meter shall not be installed on the sole means of escape from the premises in the event of fire •A meter installation shall not be sited: – Where it might be subjected to temperatures outside the operating range of the meter, as specified by the manufacturer – Where it might be exposed to accidental damage

The meter shall be secured so that it is not in direct contact with any wall, and shall be protected either by design, installation or position from direct contact with any cement and/or cement composition and any floor that might be wetted. This can be achieved by either raising the meter above the floor using a purpose-designed meter support or using a meter manufactured with insulated feet.

Where a meter bracket is used, the union connections shall be fitted to the bracket so that they cannot be removed without the use of a tool or key, and

Emergency control valve

securely hold the meter and regulator in place.

Post-installation checks After installing any part of a meter installation, carry out checks to make sure that: • All unused tappings and purge points are capped or plugged with appropriate fittings • The meter regulator has been sealed to stop it being interfered with without breaking the seal • The installation pipework has not been connected to the outlet of the meter installation unless it has been gas tightness tested, purged and labelled, and all appliances commissioned or disconnected from the gas supply • The joints, pliable connector and other components have been cleaned thoroughly to remove flux residues • Where appropriate, the annulus between the meter box spigot and the installation is sealed with a flexible, fire-resistant compound • Appropriate notices are affixed • Meter details have been recorded • The ECV is accessible to and operable by the consumer • Where appropriate, the consumer has a key to the meter box or housing • Any special instructions regarding use of the meter have been given to the consumer.

Records Following the installation, exchange or removal of a secondary meter, record the details in accordance with the meter owner’s requirements. ■

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | TECHNICAL

meters: the requirements BS 6400 gives guidance on the requirements for the installation, exchange, relocation, maintenance and removal of credit or payment diaphragm and ultrasonic gas meters with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6m3/h.

The installation/exchange of a gas meter should only be conducted by gas engineers who hold the relevant competency. *BS 6400-1:2016 – Specification for installation, exchange, relocation, maintenance and removal of gas meters with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6m3/h. Low pressure (2nd family gases).

A typical meter installation

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www.gassaferegister.co.uk 29

Figure 2: Proprietary flue box

Figure 1: Reducing the fire opening using brickwork

Flue liner

Flue gas collector

For gas fires and ILFE gas fires

Figure 1. Reducing a fire opening using brickwork

Fitting fire surrounds safely Gas Safe Register’s Technical Team look at the importance of installing fire surrounds correctly, and set out the key issues to consider when fitting laminate, lightweight marble, solid stone and cast-iron surrounds.

i Safety is a key consideration when you’re fitting a fire surround. They can be extremely heavy, sometimes weighing over 100kg. If not fitted securely, they can become detached from the wall and can pose a significant risk to people.

When installed alongside a gas or solid-fuel fire, there is also a risk that if the surround is not sealed correctly, products of combustion may escape into the room, with serious and potentially fatal consequences.

30 August 2022

W

hen starting every fire surround installation, it is essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with the fire first. All gas fire installations follow a basic set of fundamental principles, but the space requirements will vary according to the specific appliance.

Variations may apply to the minimum and maximum builder’s opening requirements, the heat distribution requirements from the front of the appliance, and the minimum distances to combustible material – for example, the surround legs and overhangs.

When fitting laminates, lightweight marble/granite and solid marble or cast-iron surrounds, the builder’s opening should be adjusted to the size required by the manufacturer.

You can do this using noncombustible material such as brick or concrete block work to form a suitable opening to accommodate the surround.

DO NOT use porous building bricks to form a fireplace opening (Figure 1).

Note: Do not brick up the front of the builder’s opening to

a letterbox opening. Where necessary, use an appropriate closure plate.

An alternative to complicated building work is to use a proprietary metal flue box/ collector that meets the requirements of BS 715 – Specification for metal flue boxes for gas-fired appliances not exceeding 20kW. However, this will depend on the appliance type and installation instructions (Figure 2).

There should be no extraneous openings or passages into cavities. Where openings are evident, they should be repaired using an appropriate mortar, to prevent products of combustion escaping through them and to stop them having an effect on the appliance or its chimney/flue.

Any plaster or plasterboard should be cut back immediately around the builder’s opening, as plasterboard can degrade at temperatures above 49°C. Fill the gap between the brickwork and surround with an appropriate fire-proof insulating material.

Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions at all times.

Laminate surrounds Laminate is usually made from a mixture of craft paper and heat-resistant resin, plus a decorative laminate finish, and therefore should be checked for suitability to use around the appliance. This will be done in consultation with the appliance manufacturer and ensuring that the proposed laminate surround is compatible with the appliance being installed and temperature effects.

A hearth shall be provided for a gas fire unless the fire conforms to the requirements of BS 7977-1 for installation without a hearth.

If the fire is intended for wall mounting, it shall be installed so that any flame or incandescent materials are at least 225mm above the carpet or any combustible floor covering.

A suitable hearth is often provided with the surround assembly, containing a noncombustible board of a minimum 12mm thickness, and built so that it raises the edge of the hearth to 50mm and projects forward at least 300mm from the flame source, with at least 150mm to either side. This should be designed and manufactured

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | TECHNICAL

Figure 3: Sealing the fire surround

r complying with BS EN 1856-2

Back panel screws

Ceramic fibre rope

Double wall

Flue gas box

Fire cement/ high-temperature mastic Elongated slots to allow for expansion and contraction

For all appliances

to meet the requirements of BS 5871-2: 2005. This will ensure that the hearth can be used safely with radiant, inset live fuel-effect and decorative fuel-effect gas fires.

The suitability of purposemade proprietary hearths for a specific application should be established with the hearth manufacturer. Hearths that would be suitable for this application are those made from non-combustible materials to BS 476-4, or materials classified as Class 0 in accordance with Approved Document B of the Building Regulations.

The opening of the back panel should be cut to the dimensions specified by the appliance manufacturer’s instructions. Once marked up, the laminate can be cut with a fine-toothed saw.

The back panel shall be secured in the manner specified by the fire surround manufacturer (Figure 3).

Essential information

Optional additional information

Figure 3. Sealing of fire surround

Any closure plate must be fitted to the surround back panel in an appropriate manner using a suitable tape that complies with PRS 10 specifications.

Solid granite, marble or stone Slabbed fireplace surrounds constructed from marble, stone, conglomerate and ceramic tiles – unless specified by the surround manufacturer – are recommended to be as specified in BS 1251.

Depending on the material, they may have little inherent stability – and can be unstable by their aesthetic design. Some can have a large overhanging mantel shelf in comparison to the width of the vertical legs – the surround manufacturer will therefore make provision for the mechanical fixing of each stone either directly to the backing wall or to another stone, which itself is mechanically fixed to the backing wall.

The fire surround

manufacturer’s detailed instructions will provide the following information: • Set out the sequence of installation.

• List the form of bedding/ jointing material to be used and to the extent it is applied • Show the location of mechanical fixings • Provide the type/form of the required mechanical fixing • Describe how the mechanical fixings are attached to the surround and secured to the various form of brickwork/ blockwork that could form the chimney breast • Give the curing time before weight can be applied to the fireplace surround fire.

The fixing brackets for the surround will be supplied by the manufacturer and will be purpose-made to fix into pre-made holes, rebates or dowel holes for that specific model.

In addition, they will be of an

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION This label must not be removed or covered Property address...............................................................

4 The Street, Blocborough

The hearth and chimney installed in the.......................... are suitable for .................................................................

Lounge Decorative fuel effect gas fire

Chimney liner ....................................................................

N/A

Suitable for a condensing appliance ...............................

Installed on .......................................................................

No 24 July 2022

Other information (optional) ............................................ eg, installer’s name, product trade name, installation and maintenance advice. European chimney product designation. Warning on performance limitation of products/materials, eg, false hearth

appropriate size to withstand any imposed or dead load applied to the surround.

You should also assess the chimney breast on to which the fireplace is to be secured. Is it of sound/solid construction and is it able to support the weight of the surround that is to be attached?

The manufacturer’s instructions will instruct you to consider the type of heat-proof fixings appropriate for the fireplace type and wall construction. Fixings used for the chimney breast masonry will be of expansive stainless steel for dense concrete blocks or brickwork. If it is intended to fix into lightweight or friable aggregate blocks, then the fixing will need to be a resin anchor type.

Once the surround is installed, Approved Document J Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems requires that where a hearth, fireplace (including a flue box) flue or chimney is provided, information must be provided essential to the correct application and use.

A way of meeting this requirement is to provide a notice plate (see left).

If a new liner/chimney has been installed in conjunction with the new fire surround, then that shall be noted on the chimney notice plate and the chimney notified to local Building Control via Gas Safe Register if it has been installed in conjunction with a gas fire. n www.gassaferegister.co.uk 31

Productnews Shower smarter with Elisa Elisa is a new premium bathroom brand featuring heritage-style mixer showers and smart digital showers.

Smart technology enables personalised settings while providing greater visibility of water usage.

Intuition and Incite smart digital showers with the accompanying ShowerMe Smart App enable users to create their own personal profile for their shower routine. They’re also compatible with voice assistants.

Elisa smart digital showers can be started remotely using Wi-Fi so the water is at the desired temperature at all times. A bath fill option makes sure the bath is filled to the perfect temperature and level without the need to watch and wait. Wireless remote control is included, and Intuition, a motion-controlled proximity sensor, activates the shower automatically when the user steps in.

The ShowerMe smart app means users can choose the duration of their shower, helping to save water and energy, and the easy-to-use dashboard gives a clear picture of individual usage and can monitor the volume of water being consumed by the family each day.

The Intuition and Incite series come with a choice of fixed drencher head, adjustable handset and bath fill features. www.elisabathrooms.com

Grant UK streamlines Vortex oil boilers Grant UK is consolidating its Vortex oil-fired boiler range to make ordering products easier and more straightforward.

The range currently features 63 models across the internal, external, floor-standing, wall hung, boiler house and combi sub-ranges. In total, 20 of the current Vortex Pro internal, Pro outdoor, Pro system and Boiler House models are being revised down to 10 new models. The range of heating outputs available in the Pro range will remain the same so there will still be choice and flexibility.

The following models remain unchanged: all Vortex combi models (internal and external), all Vortex Eco floor standing models (utility, external and system), Vortex Eco wall hung 16-21kW models (internal, external and system), and all VortexBlue blue-flame models.

The 12-16kW Vortex Eco Wall Hung models (internal, external and system) are discontinued.

Managing director Paul Wakefield says: “We can still deliver choice to our customers while reducing the number of boiler models we supply.

The Vortex consolidation will provide customers with models with outputs ranging from 15kW up to 70kW.” www.grantuk.com/professional/support/manuals-brochures

Source UFH solutions for small spaces A new service from Continal Underfloor Heating helps installers to source complete UFH solutions for small floor areas up to 30m2 with no wastage.

An online selection tool on Continal’s website creates an UFH solution tailored to your exact requirements instead of having to

32 August 2022

make do with a pre-selected area pack. Just enter details such as the floor area, type of system, pipe size required, choice of controls and the floor finish that will be laid on top, and the system will generate an instant quote.

You can then place the order for next-day delivery on all orders made before 1pm.

Continal’s Small Area Solutions include packages for solid floor systems, as well as the company’s SlimFix and TileFix systems. Every small area solution includes fitting kits where necessary, as well as full instructions.

Chris Ingram, founder of Continal Underfloor Heating, says: “Previously installers would have to purchase a pre-sized UFH pack that was as near to the size they needed as possible, then make that pack fit their installation as best they could, with pipe and materials inevitably being wasted.

Our small area solutions provide installers with everything they need for the best system and a perfect fit, every time.”

The online Small Area Solution selection tool is at: www.continal. co.uk/small-area-solutions

Ariston app can save energy on water heating The Aqua Ariston Net app enables customers to set and manage the hot water temperature from the palm of their hand, as well as monitoring water usage.

The app is compatible with Ariston’s Velis Evo Wi-Fi range of electric storage water heaters, and users can shuffle through modes and turn the unit on remotely for a hot shower at the perfect time. It also provides energy savings of up to 25 per cent using daily and weekly programming.

Customers receive a real-time notification when the shower is ready, as well as energy-saving tips to help reduce emissions and lower energy bills. Other functions include the capacity to programme a weekly shower schedule for the entire family, plus switch between operational modes – including Ariston’s Eco Evo function, which learns and remembers how much hot water

is used every day of the week.

This ensures hot water is always available when required.

Diagnostic tools send a notification to the user’s phone if a fault occurs, displaying the error code to help identify the issue.

This can help facilitate technical assistance, either remotely or by providing a technician with the diagnosis in advance – ensuring the problem can be rectified first time and avoiding the need for multiple call-outs. www.ariston.com/uk

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | PRODUCTS

Productnews Matt black taps from Aqualisa Aqualisa has added matt black models to its premium Downtown taps collection. With a refined and contemporary finish, the taps add contrast to any modern interior and follow the industrial trend for black bathroom brassware.

Each tap features an angular, soft square lever style with ultrasmooth movement, allowing precise and effortless operation.

The matt black surface is easy to clean and scratch-resistant, ensuring durability and longevity.

The new line-up includes a small and large pillar mixer tap, a deck-mounted bath filler and a bath shower mixer. www.aqualisa.co.uk/ products/type/ bathroom-taps/ BES RGE H131xW186mm ad 22 NEW.pdf 1 11/07/2022 12:52 downtown-taps.html

Next-level thermography using Testo cameras Testo has brought out a range of thermal imaging cameras, suitable for every job.

The new models – the 865s, 868s, 871s and 872s – provide auto and manual control of thermal scale and span, and all images are captured with high clarity. Resolution is up to 320 x 240 pixels, and the company’s SuperResolution technology allows up to 640 x 480 pixels.

There’s also a thermal sensitivity (NETD) for temperature differences as small as 0.05°C. The 868s, 871s and 872s models integrate into your work using smart connectivity with wireless Testo devices such as the 605i thermohygrometer. And the free Testo thermography app means that you can use your smartphone or tablet as a secondary screen and create

reports on site.

A new quick select button and modern tile layout makes navigating your thermal imaging camera even easier and helps to avoid measurement errors, plus there’s automatic detection of hot and cold spots. www.testo.com/en-UK/ products/thermal-imagerstesto-87Xs

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www.gassaferegister.co.uk 33

REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | ADVERTORIAL: PRODUCT FOCUS

Push here to go faster Push-fit technology and product innovation can help deliver quicker, safer valve installations, says RWC technical sales engineer Lee Halstead.

I

t’s important that domestic and commercial plumbing and heating systems are watertight to minimise the risk of costly leaks and damage to buildings. That means installing plumbing systems that last but that are also cost effective, safe, sustainable, and quick and easy to install.

With changing demands and pressure on contractors and installers to offer faster, more cost-effective services, products that ensure smooth installations play a vital role in delivering on time and budget. Invented in the 1970s for high-end compressed air applications, RWC’s JG Speedfit push-fit technologies have long been in the toolkit of installers and contractors, owing to their ease of installation even in the smallest of spaces, their longevity, and their efficiency and reliability.

Push-fit technologies are a straightforward, installer-friendly concept: the fitting is simply pushed on to a pipe, which locks it into place. They can be rotated after installation, enabling easy access, and the soldering-free application means it can be easily maintained without the need for time-consuming or costly repairs.

However, when it comes to installing valves in a domestic system, push-fit technology really comes into its own, speeding up valve installation times without sacrificing quality.

Compared with soldering, compression or press-fit fittings, push-fit valves can be installed almost 40 per cent faster, with no specialist tools or equipment required, in even the tightest spaces. There is no soldering or open flame required during

installation, nor any hot works, flux or glue.

Reliance Valves with Speedfit comply with the Building Regulations to ensure safety protocols are met. For instance, the Easifit Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV), which you might fit under a basin or bath, operates strictly to the maximum temperature stated in the regulations, meaning water would

never exceed 48°C, making them completely safe for use in domestic settings.

If you can fit a system four times faster, you can do four times as many jobs you would normally have capacity for. But it’s not all about speed: the valves and fittings you install need to be watertight, from the moment they are installed. ■ www.rwc.com/valves

Keep up to date with your app In these fast-moving times, your Registered Gas Engineer app can help you stay up to date with all the latest news, wherever you are.

We’ve made important updates to your FREE app. So please make sure you choose ‘Update’ at your app store to unlock some great new features.

Stay up to date – choose Latest News Feeds to see the latest news from Gas Safe Register and around the industry PLUS the newest products and jobs.

Simply tap on the headline and the full article opens in simple, readable text.

*Available to Gas Safe registered engineers only.

You’ll need to log in with your Gas Safe registration number for verification the first time you use the app.

Find the latest technical articles, news and features, Technical Bulletins, Industry Standard Updates and Safety Alerts.

Choose e-Journal replica to download and read 12 full magazine editions on your mobile device.

Chemicals Sentinel and Fernox Etc. Text information to Martin on 07821 517 954 Email: Webuyplumbingstock@live.co.uk

34 August 2022

RECRUITMENT

We’re recruiting!

Are you interested in joining our fleet of Baxi Customer Support Engineers? £46,000 OTE (£38,380.60 Basic Salary) plus London weighting allowance. Subject to location Bonuses and benefits package 25 days holiday pa + statutory days Company sick pay Hand held device, phone, work wear Ongoing training and support Company van Pension scheme OTHER ROLES AVAILABLE: Commercial Service Engineers Technical Support Advisors

Contact:

recruitment.bcs@baxi.co.uk

GAS ENGINEER (WHITE GOODS) Gas Engineer (White Goods) required for busy Domestic Appliance Sales and Repairs company based in Harrow.

Working from home covering London and the Home Counties.

Training will be given on unfamiliar brands

You must have experience of installing and repairing gas cookers and hobs together with CCN1 and CKR1 gas qualifications.

As a Gas Engineer (White Goods) you will have excellent customer service/organisational skills and ability to work on own initiative.

In return we offer remuneration of between £40,000 and £50,000 per annum (depending on experience) this is including a bonus based on parts fitted to complete a call first time. Company Pension Scheme and an £800.00 per annum bonus for good attendance.

A company van will be provided (available for personal use), together with a mobile phone/PDA and full uniform (including PPE and safety equipment).

Please be aware we do not fix or service boilers or heating systems, this position is to repair white goods appliances only.

Please apply for the position of Gas Engineer (White Goods) with your current CV to dan.george@capitalrepairs.co.uk or call 0208-866-6699

ADVERTISE YOUR TRAINING COURSES, SERVICES OR RECRUITMENT REQUIREMENTS

Are you an experienced Plumber looking to pass on your skills to the next generation?

If so, we want to hear from you!

Bicester Construction Skills Centre offers a professional, workplace-like environment with state-of-the-art equipment thanks to our partnerships with leading manufacturers and technology companies.

Interested? We have an opportunity for a you!

Plumber Trainer Opportunity (up to £ 43K*) We will support you on your journey to transfer your skills as a professional Plumber to professional Plumber Trainer in our friendly and supportive workplace environment.

You choose whether you work on a permanent or fixed term contract on either full-time or part-time hours. Not only that, but here at Abingdon & Witney College we offer employee benefits such as: • generous pension and holiday schemes (37 days paid annual leave, plus bank holidays and potential Christmas closure days)

TO 80,000 GAS SAFE

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AND REACH MORE THAN 132,000 GAS ENGINEERS.

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• corporate gym membership, cycle/tech scheme and more.

Get in touch to arrange an informal chat about this exciting opportunity, or to arrange a visit to our Bicester site.

Contact: humanresources@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

0203 137 8582 OR EMAIL: classified@rgemagazine.co.uk

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For more information visit www.gas-training-and-assessment.co.uk Telephone 01268 727797 Email gastraining@btconnect.com 36 August 2022 G.T.A 1/8 page.indd 1 126501_RGE Aug 2022 35-38.indd 36

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LONDON AND SOUTH EAST

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• Parts Replacement and Service Day – get hands-on experience removing and replacing boiler parts • Parts and Service days – max 3 people • Both courses can also be booked 1 on 1 to suit you • Company discounts available

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A friendly and professional service for all your Electrical and Gas Training and Assessment requirements.

BTAAC offer a full range of Domestic and Commercial Gas training and assessments in a well-equipped training facility at very competitive prices. · All ACS Domestic Gas – core + appliances ·All ACS Commercial Gas including CMDDA1 and BMP1 · Unvented Hot Water & Water Regs · Highly knowledgeable trainers with years of experience · Very friendly training environment

For more information and to book your course contact us on:- Email: sarah.bygraves@bromleytraining.co.uk Telephone: 0208 315 5678 Bromley Training & Assessment Centre (BTAAC) Unit 4 Ashgrove Industrial Estate Ashgrove Road, Bromley Kent, BR1 4JW

www.gassaferegister.co.uk 37

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38 August 2022

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REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER | COMPETITION

GasSafetyShop.co.uk WIN PRODUCTS WORTH OVER £500!

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Most customers are unable or not equipped to judge a great job from a substandard one. However, by presenting your ID card and having the right clothing, pads and labels, engineers visibly reassure customers that they will receive credible expert advice.

Having worked with Gas Safe registered businesses since Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI as the gas registration body in Great Britain and Isle of Man on 1 April 2009 and Northern Ireland and Guernsey on 1 April 2010; Gas Safety Shop is dedicated to providing everything you need to demonstrate that quality and attention to detail extends to every aspect of your service. Some examples can be seen here.

GAS SAFETY BOOK The all new 9th Edition, with essential safety information, the (IGEM/G/11) Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure, essential guidance covering dangerous situations and consumer advice. An essential tool during any Gas Safe Register Inspection.

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Email your answer, plus your name, address and Gas Safe registration number to competition@registeredgasengineer.co.uk by the closing date of 31 August 2022. *Standard Registered Gas Engineer competition T&Cs apply

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