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European legislation has its friends and its enemies as we have discovered, having survived the rigours of a recent General Election. Whatever the outcome of the promised referendum on EU membership here in the UK, we have to get on with abiding by European Directives for now. With many of the day to day products in use in the heating and plumbing sector being manufactured by European companies, it seems highly likely that with much of the legislation already in place and being acted upon, it would stay whatever the outcome. In the EU, or out, we clearly as a nation, need to reduce carbon emissions and continue to clean up our act on the environmental stage.

There is still a lack of realisation in some circles, of the amount of energy that is used day to day by pumps as a proportion of energy use in the average home. And every home pretty much, has one. Once understood, it’s easy to see why it was a prime area for attention when looking for ways of reducing energy use and reducing carbon emissions. In today’s vernacular, it was something of a ‘no brainer’.

Small circulating pumps are a key component of all wet heating systems in the UK – whether traditional boiler driven systems or new renewable systems. They perform as standalone pumps or as integrated pumps in combi and system boilers and they keep the water circulating in underfloor heating systems too. They are responsible for a much higher percentage of overall household electricity usage than many still realise which is why old uncontrolled pumps were targeted by European legislation as a key way of reducing energy usage in the home, reducing energy bills and reducing emissions. They offered a real way of making strides towards meeting the ambitious environmental targets set by the UK Government and European legislators.

Before January 2013, small circulating pump selection was often made on price. Although some installers had loyalty to a brand, in many people’s eyes, a pump was a pump was a pump. If it did the job, it did the job. There were a few high efficiency pumps on the shelves before the end of 2012, but at a far higher price than the standard efficiency ones. Until legislation said that you had to install them, despite some installers deciding that a high efficiency pump was what the customer deserved as part of an energy efficient heating system, from sales figures alone, it was clear that many were voting with their wallets.

From January 2013 high efficiency pumps were demanded by EU Legislation – the much vaunted ErP Legislation – and whilst there was initially some resistance to comply, as 2013 unfolded and availability of anything other than high efficiency options declined, installers began to buy and install and specifiers began to specify the high efficiency options. Now, just a few months down the line, high efficiency pumps have been accepted and are being installed in their thousands across the UK, with for example, some social housing landlords undertaking major pump replacement programmes, to help reduce their tenants’ electricity bills.

Despite this embracing of the new legislation and availability of the new ErP compliant circulating pumps, the fact remains that there are still many millions of old, uncontrolled small circulators operating in heating systems across the UK. So there is still huge potential to further reduce energy use and energy bills in the months and years ahead. Wilo and other pump manufacturers have begun to see their high efficiency models begin to sell well. Helped by the legislation, there was little choice but to utilise the new high efficiency models.

Although the concept of lifecycle costs was not new in January 2013 when ErP came into force, it was a concept that had largely been associated with commercial projects rather than domestic ones. But suddenly it became more important and the additional costs that inevitably follow the development of exciting new technology – in this case the vastly improved electronics and the arrival of electronically commutated motors (ECMs) for small circulating pumps – were justified by the lower life cycle costs of the new high efficiency, more expensive pumps and the huge savings possible over a ten or fifteen year operational life time. These could pay for the increased capital cost of the pump at the outset, many times over.

Wilo has just announced it is celebrating the sale of 28 million small circulators in the past ten years. In addition the company recently celebrated the selection of its small circulators as the pumps in the new combi boilers launched by two major boiler manufacturers here in the UK. Wilo’s high efficiency small pumps – in particular the Wilo-Yonos PICO – have made a huge impact in the UK heating and air conditioning sector over the past two and a half years, since the arrival of the ErP legislation in January of 2013.

Wilo’s series of glandless pumps – Wilo-Yonos PICO, Wilo-Stratos PICO and Wilo-Stratos – are seeing increasing popularity across the board. They are relevant for nearly all applications for heating, air-conditioning and cooling in the building services area – from the family home to a small commercial or industrial building.
Sadly, as always, some people will try to circumnavigate new legislation and ignore the drivers for environmentally friendly products. There has been genuine concern in the pump industry about the on-going availability of non-ErP compliant pumps, and the mislabelling of some pumps being imported into the UK and European markets since January 2013. European manufacturers are concerned that these pumps, although cosmetically looking like the new high efficiency models, in some cases, do not meet the requirements of the ErP regulations. Wilo, along with fellow members of the British Pump Manufacturers Association, continues to monitor this situation and report breaches of the regulations to the relevant authorities.

In general terms, the arrival of the EU ErP Directive has clearly begun to make significant inroads in the energy consumption figures, and as a result the emissions figures. There’s a long way still to go to hit the targets being demanded. But the age of the energy efficient pump is very much here.

To find out more about Wilo’s highly convenient, reliable family of high efficiency, ErP compliant small circulating pumps, just click on to www.wilo.co.uk.

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The Timbmet Group has had a second consecutive year of improving both their gross and net profitability and stabilising revenues. To build on the secure business platform now in place, Timbmet is planning for further growth.

Chairman, Simon Fineman, comments: “The Group is pleased to report an operating profit before exceptional costs of £2.126 million, compared with £1.782 million last year. Given the actions taken by the group in recent years and the future plans, both supported by an easing of economic pressures, the board are confident that the business will continue to grow and to trade profitably in the current financial year.”

The decisive action in the first half of 2013 to restructure the management team and certain operational elements of the business has been reflected in the results for the last two years.

UK Managing Director, Nigel Cox, reports: “The underlying trend for the UK business was an increase of 7.1%, with our overseas business showing a strong growth of 31.1%. Overall, group sales fell by 1.0%, but this includes the discontinuation of low margin direct business to a major DIY chain. As a result, the gross profit percentage increased by 1.7 percentage points.

“Our intention now is to invest further by enhancing our stock range and increasing the number of front line sales staff so that customers get the advice and support that they need. Operationally we’re investing in our business infrastructure, expanding our warehouse capabilities and upgrading our fleet to enable us to effectively process the orders and, ultimately, deliver the product.”

Chief Executive, Paul Rivers, notes: “It is very pleasing to see the efforts of the last two years reflected in the group’s return to stability and profitability. We are continuing to work on forward planning to continue increasing the rate of sales growth and profitability of the business. This will in turn allow for greater re-investment for the future.”

Paul continues, “We want to be a business that customers want to trade with, because our service is better, our products are right and because our staff understand what the customer needs.”

Timbmet has also continued to review their closed final salary pension scheme. This year an additional non-cash exceptional cost of £1.0 million was recognised to correctly equalise retirement ages under the scheme. The 2014 triennial valuation of the scheme has been completed, and a new and longer deficit reduction payment plan will apply from July 2015. This will reduce the group’s contributions to the scheme for the next three years.

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For those designing energy-efficient buildings, roofing specialist Klober now has a permanent exhibit at the Building Centre. Klober has pioneered the development of tapes, sealants, sealing collars and vapour control layers to seal the roof space, ceilings and tile penetrations. The company also manufactures high performance air-open and vapour permeable underlays for all roof types and pitch in order to provide balanced ventilation and airtightness. As with all exhibits at the Building Centre, brochures are available on site or via Specifinder – http://tinyurl.com/p4mjgmz. A roofing airtightness CPD presentation can also be booked by calling Ann Leeson on 01332 813060.

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In line with the requirements of the new 3^rd amendment to the wiring regulations, Crabtree has launched a comprehensive range of Starbreaker consumer units, in all-metal, non-combustible enclosures. This means whether specifying or installing consumer units to comply with this new requirement, together we are ready.

Amendment 3 to BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations (published January 2015) requires that consumer units (and similar switchgear assemblies) for use in domestic household premises shall have their enclosures manufactured from non-combustible material (regulation 421.1.201). This UK regulation also gives an example of non-combustible material as ferrous metal. The intent is considered to be, as far as reasonably practicable, to contain any fire within the enclosure and to minimise flames from escaping.

Statistics maintained by London Fire Brigade show a significant increase in the number of domestic household fires involving consumer units as the source of ignition and this drove forward the amendment. These fires, involving plastic consumer units, have mainly been the result of poorly installed connections and the location of the enclosures themselves, often situated on escape routes, under stairs, and surrounded by other combustible materials.

The new Starbreaker range is all-metal and has a busbar system that contains socket apertures for plug-in devices (MCBs and RCBOs), providing instant, guaranteed factory quality connections as standard. This means there are no screws to tighten on the incoming side of the devices, assuring the connection and reducing the risk of an error being made during installation.

The range of consumer units includes all of the models necessary to meet the requirements of the 17^th Edition such as Main Switch, Split Load, Hi Integrity, and Dual RCD. Circuit protection and control devices include B & C Curve MCBs and 30mA RCBOs with ratings from 6A to 50A all 100% tested and all incorporating Siemens technology.

The latest range of Starbreaker AM3 all-metal circuit protection systems couples high levels of safety and ease of installation, with proven Crabtree quality and design. Crabtree have published a concise Starbreaker consumer unit catalogue detailing the whole of the new range, so together we are ready!

For further information about Crabtree and the new all-metal Starbreaker consumer unit range, contact Electrium Sales on 01543 455000 or go to www.electrium.co.uk/crabtree.

A list of ‘must haves’ when specifying a consumer unit for the new amendment:

• Full metal enclosure, no exposed plastic parts
• Low smoke and fume paint
• Self closing stay shut and metal hinges
• Cable entry knockouts on all sides and to rear
• Mains tails cable entry grommet extra insulation
• Non combustible cover blanks for unused ways
• RoHS compliant and UKAS certified to BS EN 61439-3
• Factory quality plug in instant connections
• 25% fewer manual connections
• Plug and DIN clip to give positive device location
• Raised busbar for easy routing of cables
• Permanent non-removable busbar insulation
• No need to cut busbar
• No exposed busbar prongs
• Less exposure to live parts (e.g. when testing etc.)
• Consistent levels of safety assured in all models

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Wylex have launched a new range of all-metal consumer units to help installers and specifiers conform to the latest requirements of the wiring regulations, as market leader, once again Wylex were first to market with a comprehensive range of Amendment 3 consumer units so that specifiers and installers can get an early start and comply with the new regulations without delay.

Amendment 3 to BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations (published January 2015) requires that consumer units (and similar switchgear assemblies) for use in domestic household premises shall have their enclosures manufactured from non-combustible material (regulation 421.1.201) gives as an example ferrous metal (steel).

Statistics from the London Fire Brigade show a significant increase in fires in plastic consumer units mainly as a result of poorly made electrical connections. The location of the units themselves e.g. under the stairs, on exit routes and surrounded by combustible materials was also of concern, hence the introduction of a new regulation. The intent of regulation 421.1.201 and the purpose of using all metal consumer units is to help contain any fire within the enclosure and thus minimise the chance of flames escaping.

Wylex NM consumer units provide a simple and safe method of conforming to the new amendment, helping installers who apply good workmanship and proper materials to ensure that the cable entry method, so far as is reasonably practicable, maintains the fire containment of the enclosure.

The new regulation applies to domestic household premises including the main building and all integral attached or detached garages and outbuildings.

Get an early start on compliance by discovering details of the products needed to comply with this important new safety standard, download the Wylex NM consumer unit range catalogue at
http://www.electrium.co.uk/downloads/Wylex_NM_Metal_CU_catalogue.pdf

or call Wylex sales on +44 1543 455000.

There is also a useful and informative Wylex video that can be viewed at

http://www.electrium.co.uk/wylex/amendment3.html

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We are pleased to announce the appointment of Precision Technology Supplies Ltd (PTS) as the UK wholesaler for BUMAX products to distribution.
Effective 1st May 2015, PTS will take over and supply BUMAX products to the distribution customer base.

We will have inventory available in our new warehouse for next day delivery service where possible. This is an improvement from your current supply of three to four days from Sweden with an applicable carriage charge. We have details of the last 12 months of UK purchases and will also enhance the range available ex-stock to serve new enquiries.

Precision Technology Supplies Ltd are specialists in supplying Stainless Steel Fasteners and Precision Turned Parts and BUMAX will enhance the product portfolio we currently offer.

A few quotes from BUFAB UK:

‘BUFAB UK wish PTS every success in this new venture and the improvements in technical support and delivery will ensure the growth of the BUMAX brand throughout the UK market.’

‘BUFAB UK would like to thank all the distributors that saw the benefits of BUMAX in the past and would encourage and support the new appointment of PTS in the UK market.’

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Monitoring the performance of water and energy saving initiatives is essential to demonstrate the benefits, ensuring that systems operate to specification and are tuned for maximum savings to deliver fast pay-back on investments. And London based PA Energy who specialise in the supply, installation and ongoing monitoring of turnkey sub-metering systems have used Micronics ultrasonic, clamp-on flow and heat metering products to good effect on a wide range of water and or energy saving projects.

The projects have included rainwater harvesting, fuel cell and solar/thermal installations on commercial buildings in the London area and the simple clamp-on, non-invasive solutions from Micronics have offered significant advantages over the traditional alternative of in-line meters and their requirement for system drain-down, pipe cutting, re-filling systems and the associated costs, which are all avoided by the use of a clamp-on solution.

For the rainwater harvesting project a claim for a reduction in the sewage charge is being developed by using a Micronics U3000 to demonstrate how much rainwater is being dumped to sewage by metering the amount of water being pumped into a grey water tank in comparison to the boosted cooling water entering the tank. Another application was measuring the LTHW heat flow from a fuel cell calorifier again with a U3000 to demonstrate the performance of the fuel cell process. And yet another was monitoring the heat transfer/performance from a solar/thermal panel by measuring the water /glycol mix and differential flow and return temperature with a heat calculator to calculate heat transfer to the buffer vessel heat exchanger to demonstrate the performance of the solar/thermal system i.e. that it was performing to specification.

PA Energy selected clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters for the clear advantages of being low cost, non disruptive and simple to install in comparison to in-line meters and Micronics were selected as the supplier due to a combination of their long-term experience with non-invasive, clamp-on technology, product performance and pre-order assistance.

PA’s Managing Director – Percy Albuquerque says “The Micronics clamp-on flow meters have proved to be an effective component in providing accurate water flow and heat measurement data for our web based aM&T plus data analysis services. The product performance has been good, even on partially filled pipes and on the rare occasions that we have had application problems the Micronics support has been good.”

The potential for similar use is significant and PA’s experience is an example of how clamp-on, ultrasonic technology can be successfully implemented to gather information and demonstrate the performance of water and energy saving installations. For further information call +44(0)1628 810456, or visit www.micronicsflowmeters.com.

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In HVAC system terms, heat recovery is a process of capturing, and putting to good use, heat that would, in the normal course of events, be “rejected to atmosphere”. One example is heat energy that is absorbed and rejected by an air conditioning system during its cooling cycle. This, to all intents and purposes, is free heat that can be successfully redirected for space heating, domestic water heating or any other process that requires heat.

Heat recovery is being successfully applied in all types of buildings, schools, manufacturing plants and office buildings. It typically provides a very attractive return on investment for building owner/operators.

Hotels with their relatively high year-round internal cooling loads combined with high hot water demand are excellent opportunities for “green” heat pump, heat recovery chiller technology.

Importantly, heat pump heat recovery systems can allow for substantially downsizing or even eliminating fossil fuel, combustion based heating equipment such as gas boilers. This was the case in a project undertaken and described here by the Daikin Distributor, Space Airconditioning plc.

Space Air has enjoyed a partnering agreement with a leading UK hotel group for over 20 years and, for a refurbishment project in the heart of London, supplied a 320kW Daikin air-cooled chiller with a heat recovery option. In addition to satisfying specific, almost continuous cooling demands, this chiller also provides warmed water to 4 x 500 litre indirect DHW cylinders.

The hotel’s hot water supply is pre-heated by the chiller’s heat recovery process; this in turn dramatically reduces the output required of new high efficiency gas fired water boilers.

The result is significant kW savings in energy and huge reductions in mains gas consumption.

The Hotel Group had committed to refurbish the Covent Garden Hotel including all guest bedrooms as well as function rooms, reception areas and restaurants.

Space Air technicians in conjunction carried out a survey with the hotel’s maintenance company. It was determined that whilst the existing Air Handling Unit serving the common areas and restaurants etc. was in good condition and could be re used, an existing air cooled chiller needed replacing, due to the fact that it was designed to operate with R22 refrigerant (the use of which for service purposes will be banned from 2015) and was in a state of disrepair with only one working compressor circuit.

The concept that a new Daikin Chiller to replace the old machine, could also provide cost effective heat recovery features, created interest because the hotel’s existing gas boilers were due to be replaced.

Space Air presented the features and specification of the Daikin Heat Recovery system to the client. Space Air was able to illustrate cost savings the Heat Recovery option would provide, and combined with the reduced costs for the smaller gas boilers, substantial reductions in the hotel’s hot water services operational costs could be realised.

The Hotel group decided it made good financial sense to proceed with the Heat Recovery option.

The new Daikin heat recovery chiller operates 24/7 and an existing back up (cooling only) Daikin chiller is only used in case of unlikely
failure. This means the new chiller provides virtually continuous pre-heated water for the DHWS.

On a seasonal basis it has been calculated that the chiller will produce an average of 236.6kW of hot water, free of charge. This takes into account the chiller operating for 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 day a year (8760 hours).

Four x 500 Litre indirect cylinders provide pre-heated water on a separate circuit to the secondary heat exchanger in the basement, which serves the main feed to the showers, and DHWS for the hotel guestrooms.

Allowing for losses in the cylinders and pipework etc., the system achieves delta T of approximately 20°C. So the mains water supply to the DHWS heat exchanger is increased by this temperature rise resulting in a much lower demand than usual on the new gas boilers.

To put this into perspective the cost to heat 2000L of water based on a ∆T of 20°C with a gas boiler was calculated and compared with the ‘extra’ cost of providing a heat recovery option on the chiller price to perform the same function.
Approx. 46.44kWh (per hour) of energy is required. Over one year based on 24/7, 365 days (8760 hours) operation and with gas at 4p per kWh, the cost of gas would be approx. £16k.

The premium cost for the optional HR circuit on the Daikin Chiller plus the required tanks, pumps, pipework etc. Installed = £30/40k (Estimated). This equates to a payback period on the investment of less than 3 years.

So far the client is delighted with the cost savings achieved and is looking to apply similar heat recovery principles in more of his property portfolio.

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The Brick Development Association (BDA) announces the appointment of Michael Ankers OBE as its incoming Chairman. Michael, who served as the BDA’s Chief Executive from 1995 to 1998, will rejoin the Association in December of this year, following the retirement of Alan Baxter.

With over 40 years’ experience in various industry sectors, Michael most recently held the position of Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association which he established as a highly effective representative body for that £50 billion industry during his 13-year tenure. In the course of his career, he has held various positions within government departments as well as serving as Director of the Chartered Institute of Building.

Michael commented on his appointment: “I am honoured to have been invited to chair the Association. The brick industry has an important part to play in the recovery of the construction industry and particularly the creation of the additional housing that politicians in all the major political parties recognise the country urgently needs. These are exciting and challenging times for the brick industry, and the Brick Development Association has an important role to play. I am very much looking forward to playing my part in this”.

During his previous time with the BDA, Michael developed a new business strategy designed to raise the profile of the brick industry and the BDA’s role within the sector. He also strengthened links with the Government and the other main political parties, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Masonry Alliance, as well as the Better Brickwork Alliance which encourages closer ties between manufacturers and brickwork subcontractors.

Michael has represented the UK brick industry at European level, and is currently Chairman of the Considerate Constructors’ Scheme, and council member and trustee at the BRE. His non-executive positions include Director at the British Board of Agrement and Director of the CIC Approved Inspectors’ Register. He is also Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Constructors and Freeman of the City of London.

In 2009, Michael was awarded an OBE for services to the construction industry. Three years later, he received a Special Lifetime Award from the Chartered Institute of Marketing for services to marketing in the construction industry, and last year he was granted Honorary Life Membership of the Construction Industry Council.

Alan Baxter commented: “We are delighted with the appointment of Michael as our new chairman. Michael and I worked together previously when I was Chairman of the BDA in the late nineties, and his time at the CPA. We are confident with Michael’s invaluable experience the BDA will continue to provide exceptional service to its members”.

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Six individual ranges at astonishing published prices

Stelrad has launched a new series of six selected radiator ranges under the Stelrad Vita branding that includes an entry level Stelrad Vita Value range, right through to the beautifully designed Ultra product with colour options. The Vita series is set to revolutionise the radiator market.

Stelrad is dedicated to continually developing innovative products and widening the extensive range to offer the largest selection of technically-advanced and attractive steel panel radiator styles in the UK, but importantly at the best prices on the market. With the introduction of the Vita series, Stelrad has excelled itself again.

The Vita series is made up of six expertly selected ranges of radiators, offering value and design options to suit every budget and taste. It features simple and transparent pricing, using published trade prices so that installers can purchase the products and recommend the best quality solutions to their customers, at known, affordable prices.

“We’re conscious that some installers and plumbers are persuaded by the lower quality products available to them online and via non-specialist outlets,” says Stelrad’s Chris Harvey, “but now, with the Vita series you can have a market leading Stelrad branded radiator at market leading prices. You can now choose the best in terms of quality and value.”

The Stelrad Vita series comes in six selected ranges of radiators from the entry level Vita Value, through the Vita Compact, the Vita Eco for those wanting an energy saving option, Vita Deco for those wanting a designer radiator look, to Vita Plan – a flat faced, smooth fronted design and finally the designer look, Vita Ultra – with bespoke colour finishes available.

Prices start from as little as £14.63 for the Vita Value which compares favourably with any other radiators you can buy. And the designer versions start at £31.60 – which for radiators of this quality and appeal is astonishing value for customers.

Full details of the new Vita Series can be found on www.stelrad.com, you can call for brochures and information on 0844 543 6200 or email marketing@stelrad.com . You can follow Stelrad on Twitter @Stelrad or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StelradLimited.

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