On Tue, 23 Nov 2004 22:27:49 -0000, "Rob" wrote:

Whilst having a gas stove fitted the other day, I was talking to the boss
fitter about central heating and he said the rule about all new boilers
having to be condensing after next April has been postponed for several
years. He claimed to have been to a Corgi meeting where it was explained
that it had been dropped because condensing boilers are still very unpopular
due to doubts about reliability. He wasn't trying to sell me anything, but
he did say he found the Baxi Potterton combi (non-condensing) with hot water
reservoir was very reliable.
Does he know what he's talking about (on both counts)?

If you believe what the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is saying
(a risky strategy admittedly), he is incorrect.

http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/grou...eg_032806.hcsp

However, see the exceptions assessment:

http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/grou...eg_032807.hcsp

Exceptions are allowed for various situations.

Perhaps this is what the guy is talking about. There is still an old
wive's tale among some installers that condensing boilers are
unreliable. This used to be the case with early UK designs, but
those from Germany and Holland were good. Most of the new products
originate from designs or including components from Germany and
reliability is much better..

As you can see there is a points system in the exceptions assessment,
and it wouldn't be too hard for people to reach the 1000 point
threshold in some instances.






Incidentally, after his men had made a neat job of fitting the Yeoman gas
stove and left, I read in the instruction booklet that a spillage test
should have been done, as well as a burner pressure test with all other
appliances turned on, and the result recorded in the booklet along with the
signature of the installation engineer. Well, nothing has been recorded, and
they didn't ask me about other appliances, so I assume the tests weren't
done. Is this just fussing by the manufacturer, or should I follow it up?
In the way of most tradesman I've dealt with in this area I would expect
them to just bung it in, light it up and say the job's a good 'un, though as
installers for the biggest gas fire showroom in the area they presumably
know what they're doing.

Not if they didn't follow the manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions. Did they do a gas soundness test? This involves
connecting a pressure gauge and testing any drop in pressure with the
gas turned off at the meter. The details are slightly more involved
as far as the procedure is concerned (see Ed's gas fitting FAQ) but
that is the principle.

If they haven't done these things then they should be pulled back to
do them.



--

..andy

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