The Boiler Efficiency Regulations came into full effect in the UK on the 1st
January 1998 stating an obligation for all new gas and oil boilers to comply
with the minimum efficiency requirements.
Boiler manufacturers have for many years been required to quote efficiencies
for their boilers and to meet certain standards laid down by the European Boiler
Efficiency Directive (BED) as well as existing British Standards. From 1 April
this year all central heating boiler installations fall under the control of
building regulations.
Although the change does not apply to oil-fired central heating boilers until
1 April 2007 it is in the interest of manufacturers to take the initiative and
develop products that meet the legislation and exceed consumer demand. The new
legislation states that all gas boilers fitted in new homes must be condensing
boilers with either an 'A' or 'B' SEDBUK efficiency rating (A= greater than
90%, B= 86%-90%). For existing installations, condensing boiler must be fitted
on replacement unless the exemption criteria is satisfied. This is included
in the update to Part L1 of the building regulations.
SEDBUK (''Seasonal Efficiency of a Domestic Boiler in the UK'') was developed
under the UK Government''s energy efficiency best practice programme and provides
a basis for comparison of the energy performance of different boilers. It was
developed for calculating seasonal efficiency for individual boilers to use
in the UK Building Regulations Part L.
To quote efficiencies for their boilers the manufacturers first need to have
their product tested 'full and part load' in accordance with the standard. Conformity
to standards is mandatory before the products can be sold and it can also be
a powerful marketing tool that helps build consumer's confidence in the product.
The minimum efficiency and compliance with the Regulations can be achieved by
tests carried out by an independent Notified Body.
BSRIA is a Notified Body
for the purposes of these regulations and has expertise and facilities for testing
the efficiency levels of both gas- and oil-fired appliances at 'full and part
load' in accordance with the BED.
BSRIA is also UKAS accredited to test boilers to several European and OFTEC
standards. For oil-fired boilers we provide independent certification and performance
verification to Boiler Efficiency Directive BS EN 304:1999, BS EN 303 part 1
& 2 and OFTEC Oil Firing Equipment Standard OFS A100. Manufacturers of gas-fired
boilers can have their products tested to BSEN 483: 2000 Type C, BSEN 297 1994
Type B11 and B11BS (for boilers fitted with atmospheric burners), and BSEN 677:
1998- (specific requirements for condensing boilers).
After successful completion of testing manufacturers receive EC Type Examination
Certificates which adequately demonstrate the efficiency of products by independent
testing. The testing and certification ensures that manufacturers in this country
can comply with the regulations but also that they can compete in the UK and
European markets. In Europe, CE marking is mandatory on virtually all gas-fired
domestic and commercial equipment. The CE mark may only be affixed after successful
completion of testing, auditing of Factory Production Control (FPC) and the
issue of a certificate by accredited independent authority. On the basis of
BSRIA test results and the FPC assessment manufacturers can then apply a CE
mark to their products.
For domestic boilers, compliance with the Boiler Efficiency Directive (BED)
requires testing of representative examples from a manufacturer''s range and
an audited Factory Production Control (FPC) system, to ensure that the manufactured
quality is consistent. The requirements of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD),
Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Gas Appliances Directive (GAD) for
gas boilers also need to be met. Furthermore, under the Boiler Efficiency Directive,
production surveillance by a Notified body is a legal requirement of ongoing
CE Marking of most gas products for sale into Europe. The main purpose of the
surveillance visit is to ensure that products, which have been previously tested
by a Notified Bodies under the BED, still hold a valid certificate.
Having expertise, experience and understanding of safety standards and the
local certification schemes under one roof BSRIA as a Notified Body make this
whole process easier which for manufacturers means faster time to market.
Posted 29 September 2005
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