On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 01:21:05 -0800, Late Learner wrote:

Thanks, Ed. With all these hints, I may end up sounding more
knowledgeable than the installer. That'll may him think. I'll keep
you informed of progress.

A possible case for the exemption procedure applies to a job that I am
currently looking at.

The flat is on the first floor and is part of a conversion from a large
early C20 mansion. The flat has a kitchen window at the side where
the existing broken balanced flue boiler sits. The side is about 2m away
from a very similar converted property next door. The only exterior walls
are the side and the front. The only way to install a condensing flue
would be to extend the flue above the roof line some 10m above ground
level. This will cost a small fortune in scaffolding costs alone.
It would make a lot of sense to simply install a normal F/F conventional
combi.
(There is no question about a combi here - there's no pressure and flow
from the "top cupboard cisterns" on the existing system anyway).

Since the boiler is not being moved the points for exemption add up:

700 for a flat with gas boiler.
210 for a long flue.

There is no need to relocation the boiler and every reason not to.
There is no problem with the condensate drain.

Apparently the procedure does not allow for this, except by the straight
declaration - "the flue cannot be installed". There must be a cut off for
the expense of installing the flue. I estimate the additional flue costs
will be around £1000-£1500!

I will be doing two quotes that are £1250 different!

--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at http://www.diyfaq.org.uk
Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html
Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html
Choosing a Boiler FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/BoilerChoice.html