Building Regulations

Important Information

The following information is intended as a guide andd that the full copy of the regulations is available at CentralHeating.co.uk

Replacing Boilers or Hot Water Vessels in Existing Dwellings

The replacement of a boiler or hot water storage vessel has to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations ADLI from the 1st April 2002.

To be confident these requirements are met, this would entail the following:

Boiler and Heating System Considerations

  • A boiler meeting the minimum SEDBUK value shown in the 'Boiler Choice' table.
  • Insulate all primary pipework, which is altered or replaced and is outside the heated space.
  • If the boiler requires a bypass to be fitted, then use an automatic by-pass as well as any minimum pipe length specified in manufacturer's instructions.

Other Forms of Heating

  • Warm air heating units should meet the requirements of BS EN778: 1998.
  • Insulation should be provided on any ducts that are newly installed or changed.

Hot Water Vessels:

  • For vented systems, replacement copper cylinders should be labelled as conforming to the relevant British Standards, ie BS1566 & BS3198.
  • Cylinders labelled type P are only suitable for pumped primary sytems. Type G should ideally be pumped but can be used on gravity systems.
  • Unvented systems should either be labelled as complying with BS7206 and/or certified by the BBA, WRc or other accredited body.
  • Primary Stores should demonstrate compliance by meeting the requirements of the 1999 WMA performance specifications for thermal stores.
  • All pipes connected to a hot water vessel should be insulated for at least a metre in length or up to a the point at which they are concealed to limit summer heat loss from the vessel. This includes primary flow and return connections and the vent pipe.

Controls:

  • The opportunity should be taken to improve the system controls.

Fully Pumped Systems:

  • For fully pumped systems the control system should provide time and temperature control to both the heating and hot water circuits and a boiler control interlock.
  • Fit TRVs on at least those radiators in the sleeping areas if not already fitted.
  • If a room thermostat is not fitted, then one should be fitted in a room without a TRV.
  • Provide time control if not present by fitting
    - A full programmer or
    - A standard programmer or
    - A mini programmer or
    - Time switches.
  • No time control is required for the hot water circuit where the hot water is produced instantaneously, such as a combi bolier.
  • Ensure that the controls are wired so that when there is no call for heat either from the heating or the hot water circuits the boiler and pump are switched off.

Gravity Systems:

  • The prefered option is to convert to a fully pumped system.
  • If this is impractical, choose a boiler capable of operating on a semi-gravity system and upgarde the controls to include:
    - A cylinder thermostat and zone valve to control the hot water temperature and provide a boiler interlock
    - A room thermostat
    - A programmer or time switch
    - TRVs on the radiators at least in the sleeping areas.
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