Glow-worm Micron 40FF, 50FF, 60FF, 70FF, 80FF, 100FF, 120FF

Please note that this Safety Notice has been updated to includethe 70FF and 80FF.

During routine quality inspection procedures it has been discovered that a manufacturing defect may be present in the above Glow-worm Micron boilers manufactured between 25th October 2006 and 2nd May 2007. All Micron boilers are tested after manufacture, but the defect does not become apparent until installation when, in some circumstances, the gas manifold can leak gas when the boiler is running.

We are in the process of carrying out a free of charge safety inspection / modification to all of the relevant Micron boilers for which we possess installation addresses. We are seeking your help to identify further boiler installations.

Please urgently call our free helpline 0800 783 8554 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm. Saturday - Sunday, 9am - 12pm) with the installation address details of any of the above Micron boiler models that have been installed since the 25th October 2006. We will then contact the user and arrange for an engineer to carry out an safety inspection / modification of the boiler free of charge.

You will be asked for the boiler type, model and installation date when you phone, so please have these to hand.

If you do not have records of exact dates, please immediately contact us anyway on the free helpline number above with the relevant installation addresses.

We have also set up an email address if you would prefer to send in relevant Micron installation address details in this manner. Please urgently email full installation addresses and installation date where available to addresses@glow-worm.co.uk.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you in advance for your co-operation. less...



A DREAM COME TRUE – INSTALLER PROFILE ON MARTYN BROWN
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Everyone dreams of being their own boss at some point in their career – yet Trowbridge installer Martyn Brown made his dream come true – with a little help from one of Britain’s best known boiler companies.

Martyn, 41, worked for British Gas for all his working life until September 2004 when he struck out on his own as Martyn Brown Gas Appliance Services.

Although a fairly recent development, this was not a snap decision. “I’d been thinking about going solo for some time,” he explains. I craved a greater degree of control over when and where I would work.

“Although there is pressure working for yourself, the degree of pressure is usually determined by you: depending on how much work you want to take on and how well you do the job. It doesn’t come so much from external pressures – which is what was happening before. I have no regrets about making the step; the financial rewards are also better and I definitely feel a greater sense of personal satisfaction.”

Working with an apprentice, Martyn’s work ranges from cooker breakdowns to full gas central heating installations, from inception and design through to having the system up and running. Most jobs are working directly for individual customers and are within a 10 mile radius of Trowbridge, an area he knows “like the back of my hand”.

Most work is gained through word of mouth via customer recommendations, and in this respect Glow-worm has helped Martyn to maintain customer respect and repeat business.

“Glow-worm was one of our preferred boilers when I was at British Gas,” he says, “so I knew the products well before I installed them. I like them. They’re nice looking and they are reliable. Of course I service and maintain other makes of boiler and I always give customers the option, but I do recommend Glow-worm for three main reasons: reliability; ease of installation and a competitive price. The fact that I can secure a reasonably good deal is reflected in my price – and I have to be competitive to survive.

“ Glow-worm have always been there for me – this is another major strength which has been a support to me in my first years of trading.  In fact, I can’t say anything bad about them! As long as they continue to give me the support I need, then I will continue to support them, because I benefit from recommendations and repeat business.

“I’ve got a really good regional sales manager who always keeps in touch and we get together with groups of local installers for the odd ‘jolly’. Then there’s the loyalty scheme which is the icing on the cake – not a deciding factor in whether I use Glow-worm or not – but if there were two identical appliances I guess you’d opt for the one that had a good loyalty scheme.

The back-up, support and overall package Martyn gets from Glow-worm definitely has its positive financial knock-on effects. But there are other factors which have proved a challenge to installers like Martyn – the main one being the much-publicised switch to high efficiency.

However, Martyn believes that this change represents opportunities for installers. “I don’t have a problem at all with high efficiency,” he says, “probably because we had been dealing with it for some time at British Gas. But I can see how some installers and customers might be put off by the higher cost implications. But it all depends how you sell it to the customer. Yes, the products generally carry a price penalty but over time there are considerable running cost savings to the customer – and these boilers are kinder to the environment – so this is what we must push, in a positive way. High efficiency is, after all, the way forward and we have to push the benefits.

“Installers do now have to think a little harder about where they site high efficiency appliances but manufacturers are coming up with solutions and innovations such as water pumps to push the condensate away from the appliances.

“Prices will become more competitive and the technology will evolve, just as it has with mobile phones and digital cameras. In a few years time we will all be wondering what all the fuss was about.”

What was expected to be a gentle drift into high efficiency products has turned into a massive leap. High efficiency products now dominate the domestic heating boiler market.

High Efficiency – It speaks volumes!

April of this year marked a new era in the domestic heating industry for all facets of the supply chain, from manufacturer right through to the merchant, the specifier, the contractor, the installer and the end-user.

On 31st March 2005, 135,020 High Efficiency Condensing boilers had been sold in the UK. By the end of August this figure had shot up with 565,484 condensing boilers flying off the shelves.

This reflects an increase in High Efficiency boiler sales of 151.5% over 2004 with standard efficiency sales falling by 49.8% over the previous year.

The Current Situation

So what impact has there been on the overall industry? And was the impact as expected?

I think it is reasonable to say that most of the supply chain did not expect the new building regulations to affect installers so quickly, with many expecting a gradual progression from standard to high efficiency. Demand has exceeded many expectations and has shown a positive reaction from all in the heating industry – especially the installer - to the new Government legislation.

As these sweeping legislative changes impact on the UK domestic heating market, the need for all those concerned to keep abreast of the new legislation has never been greater. The industry has quickly adapted to these new working practices with the mass of installers taking their Certificate in Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating qualifications and passing the knowledge and benefits on to the homeowner by installing energy efficient heating systems.

All in all, it is fair to say that very few within the UK heating industry expected the demand for High Efficiency boilers to soar in a relatively short space of time!

There is still a big job to be done on educating the industry and the end-user. New high efficiency products are being brought to the marketplace in an effort to satisfy this demand. At the moment there are three basic types of high efficiency condensing boilers widely available – the heating-only, the heating and hot water (combi) and the system boiler.

A key feature for the specifier or contractor in choosing high efficiency products is to look at the track record and pedigree of the brand and/or model.

With Part L of the Building Regs now fully in place virtually all new or replacement boilers, barring certain exceptions, must now be a condensing appliance.

Many in the industry are still uncertain about the new regulations and have the misconception that there is considerably more time and effort involved with installing a High Efficiency boiler. This is not the case, installing high efficiency boilers is the same as any other wall-hung model, except for the condense drain but with times changing, the spotlight has turned its attention on training, probably to the greatest extent the industry has seen so far.

What training is required?

It is a Government priority to ensure that existing and new heating installers are competent to install and maintain energy-efficient domestic heating / hot water systems.

Training has become a high priority as a result of the Energy White Paper launched by the Government at the home of Glow-worm in June 2003.  At present, domestic heating is a major contributor to the harmful emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere with the heating industry seen by central government as playing a major role in environmental care and training seen as pivotal in raising industry standards. The White Paper aims to reduce the level of UK carbon emissions, in part by improving the average energy efficiency of domestic heating / hot water systems, by installing efficient condensing boilers.

The Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating qualification has been developed to prepare heating installers for the change in building regulations and to encourage them to have a positive attitude to high efficiency products based on sound knowledge and product confidence. Covering technical issues and the environment, this one-day course is designed to ensure you are up-to-date on boiler sizing and system design for condensing and related issues.  It also provides the background to explain to homeowners why the Building Regulations are changing and how they can benefit from High Efficiency heating.

The qualification is relevant to those people who undertake individual customer-facing roles and who are responsible for advice, design and installation of energy efficiency heating and hot water systems. It may also be of interest to those people who specify the installation and maintenance of the heating and hot water systems and to those who provide training and development for installers and specifiers.

N.B. Possession of the Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating qualification is required by all heating installers in order to self-certify installations from April 2006 onwards.

April of this year marked a new era in the domestic heating industry for all facets of the supply chain, from manufacturer right through to the merchant, the installer and the end-user. So what impact has there been on the merchant industry? And was the impact as expected?

It can be fair to say that both manufacturers and merchants alike did not expect the new building regulations to effect installers so quickly, with many expecting a gradual progression from standard to high efficiency. Demand has exceeded many expectations and has shown a positive reaction from all in the heating industry to the new Government legislation.

As these sweeping legislative changes impact on the UK domestic heating market, the need for merchants to keep abreast of the new legislation has never been greater.

Help is at hand, however, with the publication of the  essential high efficiency manual – designed to help merchants understand the new Building Regulations and make it easier for them to sell High Efficiency products to their customers.

In the early stages of the new Building Regulations, most merchants and installers were not fully aware of the changes in legislation that had come into force. Many had questions that needed answering with very little support available.

In September 2004, Glow-worm launched a specialist website www.high-efficiency.info designed to raise industry awareness for the forthcoming changes in legislation and to inform installers, merchants and end-users on the benefits of high efficiency. In conjunction with this, Glow-worm made High Efficiency Installer Packs available by request, again designed to inform heating engineers of the building regulations updates.

Now that April 1st has been and passed, it is vital that all within the heating industry adhere to the updated regulations in line with the UK’s commitment to reduce harmful emissions. To ensure this happens it is important that the focus on condensing is maintained and that manufacturer support is made available.

Many merchants will heave a sigh of relief that the new High Efficiency Manual from Glow-worm contains everything they need to know in a simple, easy to digest format. Forget having to wade through reams of intimidating text, this guide is presented in easily digestible ‘chunks’, giving readers a clear understanding and knowledge of these market changes and how they affect their business – including facts on installer training requirements.

Scores of merchants across the UK have already found the guide to be a ‘must have’ - something they refer to time and again.

Divided into four sections, the first section of the High Efficiency Manual is entitled ‘HE Information’. This gives brief background information on the subject of energy conservation and lays out the facts of the new Building Regulations. Already well-documented, the new regulations mean that from April 1st of this year, the majority of new and replacement gas central heating boilers fitted are either SEDBUK ‘A’ or ‘B’ rated condensing models (90% and 86% efficient). In addition, from January 1st 2006, the new complete Part L will set a whole-house carbon emissions target. These changes have a knock-on effect – not only on what High Efficiency products merchants will sell, but also on installer training requirements.

Installers will want clarification of what they have to do for Part L compliance, and by referring to the second section on ‘Training’, merchants will be able to answer installers’ queries on appropriate City & Guilds courses, and the deadlines by which they have to qualify.

The third section covers Glow-worm’s High Efficiency boiler range, to enable merchants to clearly see which products give Part L compliance. These include the hxi condensing heating only boilers, the cxi condensing combi boilers and the sxi range of condensing system boilers. An A3 sized, High Efficiency Range Selector desk pad also gives an at-a-glance guide on model specific features such as SEBUK ratings, main heat exchanger types and burner types for the Glow-worm HE boiler range.

The final and fourth ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section gives practical advice and solutions to a range of queries such as: ‘What is pluming?’; ‘Can condensing boilers be fitted to existing systems?’ and ‘Are condensing boilers more expensive to buy and install?’ Nine questions are answered in all – and are typical of queries merchants might get, not just from installers, but also from householders.

The High Efficiency Manual also features useful website addresses on the HE issue including www.high-efficiency.info Glow-worm’s unique site created to aid the industry ease into the new building regulations.

Finally, the confidence to offer customers a really professional service can only come from merchants who are knowledgeable about issues that matter to their customers. Using the High Efficiency Manual and range selector will give merchants the information they need to serve their customers in the best possible way. Knowing about the changes and being able to offer installers practical help and advice will result in repeat business and improved profits.

Merchants can also be confident in the fact that virtually no other company takes energy efficiency as seriously as Glow-worm. The company has long recognised the importance of environmental conservation. By investing over £7 million in the manufacturing facility at Belper, Glow-worm has earned a reputation as a Centre of Excellence in the manufacture of high efficiency products across Europe.

The publication of the High Efficiency Manual is a natural progression of the company’s role as a leader in high efficiency technological innovation, and is part of Glow-worm’s continuing quest to raise standards and to fully support merchants to the benefit of the heating industry overall.

The pace of change in the domestic heating market is faster than ever – making the continued support and commitment towards installers from reputable manufacturers more crucial now than ever before.

So says Ivor Riley, a Stoke-on-Trent installer whose working experience has helped him to appreciate the difference that professional after-sales and technical backup can make to his own, successful, business.

For example, he remembers the time when Glow-worm replaced a boiler the very same day after talking to the Belper-based manufacturer’s technical support team. “It certainly helped to create a good impression with our customer,” recalls Ivor, “otherwise they might not have had any hot water that night.

“Another example of how Glow-worm has responded to feedback from installers is that they have improved the design of their boilers. A couple of years ago they changed the jig on their combis to a one-piece which makes life much easier for us, the installers,” he adds.

In the fast-changing world of domestic heating, Ivor believes that the support from a company like Glow-worm is vital to the smooth-running of his business. “The business is harder now for installers in many ways,” he explains, “because the rules are changed too often in my opinion. The pace of change has been greater in the last two years than ever before. Understanding and installing high efficiency boilers is not a problem but making sure you interpret the new rules correctly can be problematic, especially when you are self-employed. This is why general support and after sales support is so important.

“I always go on Glow-worm’s installer training courses and am attending a high efficiency course this October in Belper. All the courses I have been on are very well organised and informative – plus it’s useful to meet Glow-worm staff who are so knowledgeable about their products. I am hoping the high efficiency course will be even more informative.”

Ivor is in good hands. Glow-worm are at the forefront of helping installers to get to grips with the changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, which means that the majority of new and replacement gas central heating boilers fitted must be either SEDBUK ‘A’ or ‘B’ rated.   The company has invested £7 million in high efficiency production and training facilities. Through expert advice and courses, installers can find their way around the have Part L compliance maze by gaining the Certificate in Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating; although they have up until 1st April 2006 to obtain this industry recognised qualification. Installers can obtain this qualification at Glow-worm’s approved training centres.

With a successful six years working for himself as I J Riley Heating Services, Ivor is keen to be able to give his customers the best possible advice, and Glow-worm has obviously helped him to do this. “I always like to try anything new – I’ll always give it a go,” he says, “but I always want to offer professional advice and guidance so that the customer gets the best possible solution for them. For example, a customer recently wanted underfloor heating but it just wasn’t practical. So I was able to suggest an alternative that worked out well.

“One area which really seems to be taking off is pressurised cylinders because of the growth fro better and bigger showers, body jets and so on. These are definitely a growth sector and I am more than happy to meet this demand.

“Having said that, with boilers, it really helps to have a brand name that people know. That’s another reason why Glow-worm has always been my preference.

“Obviously I’ve been familiar with the Glow-worm name since I started off in the industry 15 or 16 years ago. Most customers have heard of them – which helps!

“The after sales call out is much better than any other manufacturer, in my experience, and they really are in line on cost. So you can’t ask for much more than that.”

With accelerated change now a fact of every installer’s life, it’s reassuring to know that back up is there, when and where it’s needed.

Ivor definitely doesn’t regret the decision to ‘go it alone’ but the transition was made smoother with a helping hand from Glow-worm.

Glow-worm offers one of the biggest ranges of high efficiency domestic heating boilers currently available to the UK market. The range offers significant fuel cost savings – an important consideration in these times of rising energy costs.

The Glow-worm range includes heating-only, combi, system and even models suitable for LPG.

The company has an 11 - model range: There are six models in the hxi heating-only range (12, 15, 18, 24, 30 and 38kW), three cxi combi models (24, 30 and 38kW) and two sxi system boilers (18 and 30kW).

All models achieve the highest possible efficiency rating, SEDBUK A, and a NOx class 5 rating, the best possible class for low emissions.

All Glow-worm hxi, cxi and sxi models have a small case size, light weight and enough flueing capability to allow boiler siting almost anywhere in a property. The advanced common platform provides for interchangeable parts across the whole of the wider range, so if you can fit one, you can fit them all.

On board diagnostics provide superior serviceability while Glow-worm's Trademark 'continua' electronics will allow this boiler to continue operating when others may fail due to system faults. This is standard on each and every Glow-worm high efficiency boiler.

All require zero compartment ventilation. Extensive flueing options permit flue lengths up to a massive 10m horizontal and 10m vertical, plus up to 40m of twin flue capability.

The Glow-worm hxi heating-only range has class-leading outputs in all of its six models: from 12 up to 38kW. All measure just 600mm high by 375mm wide and 334mm deep. Weights are just 30kg for the 12, 15 and 18kW models, and 33kg for the 24, 30 and 38kW models.

The cxi condensing combi range has 24, 30 and 38kW versions. All deliver high performance heating and hot water.

In the cxi range of combis, domestic hot water is produced from the stainless steel plate heat exchanger at flow rates of up to 15.5 litres/minute @ 35oC for the 38cxi. A pre-heat facility gives an impressive five-second hot water response while still maintaining quiet operation.

Glow-worm's 18 and 30sxi system models are small, light and have enough flueing capability to site almost anywhere.

Fitted as standard are an in-built by-pass, frost protection and anti-seize controls. The 18 & 30sxi are fully modulating and come complete with pump, expansion vessel and safety discharge valve. A pre-fixing jig is available to ease installation.

Extensive flueing options are a feature as they have a massive 10m horizontal and 10m vertical, plus up to 40m of twin flue capability.

All Glow-worm products are covered by a national service network offering the installer and end-user direct and local after-sales service.

Installers should “fully embrace” the move to high efficiency in the gas industry – and they should treat it as “business as usual”, according to Glow-worm’s David Brown.

Commenting on trends in domestic heating, David Brown, Commercial Director of Glow-worm, said: “High efficiency is the biggest thing to have hit the industry in years and the rate of transition has exceeded everyone’s expectations. It has taken every one by surprise – not just Glow-worm.

“My key advice to installers during this momentous time is to fully embrace the changes and ‘go with the flow’. They should treat the changes as business as usual as far as high efficiency boilers are concerned. Their top priority now is obviously to attend the relevant training courses to ensure they are fully compliant with the new regulations.

“All the major players like Glow-worm have increased the availability of courses – in fact we are substantially improving our training facilities in the South of England to allow installers easy geographical access from there. We realise that may have been an issue in the past.

“In conclusion, installers should look to the future with confidence – despite these historic changes – with the support and back up of manufacturers such as Glow-worm they will find that the move to high efficiency will be as smooth a transition as possible.”

Britain's installers have met the high efficiency challenge with professionalism and enthusiasm. British domestic heating has been dominated by high efficiency products thanks to an army of installers who are better trained, better informed and more highly motivated than ever before in their mission to get the energy conservation message across to householders.

Glow-worm has listened to what installers themselves have to say – and explains how one company is thanking its installers for their support during the transition to high efficiency throughout 2005.

2005 marked a watershed in UK domestic heating – the year when the amended Part L of the Building Regulations came into force. It's fair to say that following the Part L introduction in April, the profile of the industry changed forever. Demand for high efficiency totally exceeded expectations. In fact, every facet of the supply chain - from manufacturer right through to the merchant, the installer and the end-user – wholeheartedly embraced the new legislation.

Glow-worm installers in particular continue to report a smooth transition with virtually no installation problems. High efficiency boilers appear to hold no secrets or hidden fears for them.

Martyn Brown, based in West Wiltshire comments:

"I have only had one minor problem with an installation but that was quickly rectified. All the others have been trouble-free with no call-backs. All of my customers are accepting the price differential once the fuel-saving benefits have been fully explained."

Steve Baron, based in the North West, echoes this: "To me they are easy to install –although every site and customer is different. We've fitted about 40 so far and all have been OK. The end-user sometimes raises objections to the high efficiency installation being a bit more expensive –what with controls, power flush etc. But once we have explained the situation, and the thinking behind it, they are OK…"

Meanwhile, Kevin Marr, a Cheshire-based installer with over 30 years' experience, believes his job has been made easier – with a recent switch to Glow-worm boilers. We decided to try Glow-worm and I can honestly say that the Sales Rep we have now is the best of any company I have ever dealt with.

"The rep we have now always goes that extra mile. So far, Glow-worm is working out well for us. The products are good, the after sales are good and the training is good."

Kevin believes that technical backup and after-sales support are vital for high efficiency boilers. He enjoyed a recent Energy Efficiency Seminar in Prague with Glow-worm and is rightly impressed with Glow-worm's training facilities in Belper - he has attended seminars there on the high efficiency range of condensing combi boilers.

The high efficiency issue has clearly not been a problem for Kevin. "It is a positive move," he says, "and we certainly don't see it as a major obstacle; we have been fitting these boilers a year or two before it became mandatory. I have to say, the energy efficiency seminar I attended at Belper was very helpful; they were very supportive."

Derby installer Bob Whitmore, has also found Glow-worm to be extremely supportive – particularly when it comes to training. He has never viewed the transition to high efficiency as a problem. He and his installer son Stevie attended the Glow-worm High Efficiency Course together so that they could become Part L compliant well before the April deadline. "We got it sorted right at the beginning," explains Bob, "we both went on the same day. We learnt more on the course about the high efficiency products and this of course helps us to sell them to our customers. As far as we're concerned the main selling point to the customer is economy of running costs."

Getting help on new products and attending Glow-worm-approved training courses has even given him kudos with customers! Even down to the training tops that are supplied: they "give a more professional look".

Stoke-on-Trent installer Ivor Riley has also taken advantage of the high efficiency training that Glow-worm has to offer. "Understanding and installing high efficiency boilers is not a problem but making sure you interpret the new rules correctly can be problematic, especially when you are self-employed. This is why general support and after sales support is so important.

"I always go on Glow-worm's installer courses and I am attending a high efficiency course this October in Belper. All the courses I have been on are very well organised and informative – plus it's useful to meet Glow-worm staff who are so knowledgeable about their products. I am hoping the high efficiency course will be even more informative."

These installers are certainly in good hands. Glow-worm is at the forefront of the swing to high efficiency.  The company has invested £7 million in high efficiency production and training facilities. Through expert advice and courses, installers can find their way around the Part L compliance maze by gaining the industry recognised- Certificate in Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating.

Glow-worm is committed to providing installers with all the support they need both now and in the future. The company's proven range of high efficiency condensing boilers (cxi, hxi, sxi) provide reliable products that are easy to install, they are also one of the few condensing ranges that are now in their 3rd year on the market. Glow-worm's Plume Management Kit has also proved a success with installers by removing any potential pluming headaches.

The publication of a High Efficiency Manual, creation of www.high-efficiency.info and the presence of a proven boiler range show a natural progression of the company's role as a leader in high efficiency technological innovation, and is part of Glow-worm's continuing quest to raise standards and to benefit the heating industry overall.

As a company, Glow-worm values the high efficiency partnership that it has developed between itself and its installers. So much so, that it is extending a big Champagne 'thank you' this month to those installers who helped them become the UK leader in high efficiency boilers.

Free bottles of Champagne – plus an all expenses paid trip to the Champagne region in France – are up for grabs as the company celebrates its successful partnership with installers.

"Without the loyalty and commitment of our installers Glow-worm couldn't have become the leading manufacturer of high efficiency boilers that it is today," says Commercial Director David Brown. "We're proud of the partnership we've developed with them and this is our way of thanking them for their support throughout 2005."

Claiming your bottle of bubbly couldn't be easier. The first 500 installers to visit the company's specialist website www.high-efficiency.info or call 01773 596096 and answer a few simple questions can claim their free bottle of Champagne. In addition, they will automatically be entered into the prize draw to win the trip to the magnificent Champagne region of France.

Cheers, and good luck from Glow-worm!

By Matt Parr, Product Manager, Glow-worm



Condensate, until the laws of physics are changed, is a by-product of high efficiency boilers. When fossil fuels such as natural gas are burned in oxygen water is produced. Because high efficiency boilers extract more of the energy from the fuel than standard efficiency boilers the flue gas temperature is lower. When the flue gas temperature falls below the dew point around 57 degrees C the water formed by the combustion process cools from steam to form condensate.

As high efficiency boilers can produce up to 0.5 litres of condensate per hour provision has to be made to dispose of this liquid. This is the only difference to installing a standard efficiency boiler. There is no other voodoo, secret code or satanic ritual to installing a high efficiency boiler. Installation of high efficiency units involves the same procedure as with any other wall hung boiler with the addition of the condensate drain.

Fitting a condensate drain is simple and easy. At the bottom of each boiler unit, usually to the back, is the condensate connection. An adaptor is fitted and used in conjunction with standard 21.5mm plastic overflow pipe to carry the condensate away to the disposal point.

It is extremely important that the drain piping is plastic. Condensate is acidic with a pH of approximately 4.5, about the same strength as vinegar. If the condensate is carried away in copper pipe it will corrode very quickly.

The condensate must go to waste and this is where some art and science can be married for the benefit of a long, trouble-free installation.

Thought must be given to where the condensate drain is located. For example, if the condensate drain simply goes through an exterior wall to fall on a path, this could freeze during winter and be a serious nuisance.

The condensate waste can be connected to the sink or washing machine waste pipe or soil stack however if the boiler does not have a built-in trap of at least 75mm an external trap must be fitted prior to connection to a waste pipe to stop any nasty smells from travelling up the condensate drain. Pipe manufacturers have developed a range of condensate fittings to simplify the connection to existing waste pipes.

If it is not possible to connect to a waste pipe or soil stack the condensate can be directed away outside to a sokeaway buried in the ground, filled with lime stone chippings which will neutralise the acidity of the condensate.

All of these methods and modes rely purely on gravity lending its helping hand meaning that a continuous fall away from the appliance of around 2.5o is required on condensate pipes. There are some sites where the positioning of the boiler makes the condensate drain problematic. Condensate pumps have been developed to help take away the condensate waste quickly and effectively.

It cannot be emphasised too strongly that this aspect of high efficiency boiler installation is the ONLY difference from standard efficiency wall hung models.

The trick is in the positioning of the drain; just some thought on this will save a lot of future time and effort.

Glow-worm looks at what the company offers installers in terms of a spares back up in the High Efficiency era.

Glow-worm is aiming for genuine world-class excellence in all facets of its operation – new products, technical support, training and customer service.

The company has implemented a series of initiatives in pursuit of this goal. These changes are an imaginative and energetic response to current market conditions in which heating engineers and specialist heating parts stockists demand ever-higher levels of service from manufacturing suppliers.

2005 sees the spare parts division ensconced in its own purpose-built premises at Belper, which in addition to the warehousing facility also houses the administration hub and commercial function with a dedicated staff of over thirty, lead by Logistics Director David Lacey.

This massive inward investment in people, training and facilities has been complemented by the introduction of an updated pan-European Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) computer system called SAP.

SAP is having an immediate and positive effect on levels of customer service, with the whole ordering process being streamlined. For example, it gives spare parts personnel Belper access to information on the entire stock inventory including delivery times, stock levels, prices, availability and so on.

With a nationwide network of stockists and around 8,000 components on the system for Glow-worm in total, that’s no mean feat!

   

A major innovation is the introduction of an updated Webshop called E-Power; currently being tested with a select representation of customers and scheduled for roll out to all major distributors during 2006. E-Power will enable any customer who has an account with the spare parts division to order on-line and monitor order progress and stock availability.

But E –Power is much more. Easy to use on-line search facilities and exploded views of boilers will allow the correct component to be identified along with its correct product number.  This will make life easier for everyone; especially as rapid update of the new web site will ensure that only the very latest information will be displayed.

Another factor having a positive influence on the spare parts division is the commonality of components of the new products, now being launched. The new products are in the condensing, condensing combi and system boiler sectors of the market, this commonality of parts will ultimately make identification and availability of spare parts easier for engineers and specialist stockists

The spare parts division’s customers have different needs to those of the mainstream boiler business. The majority of spare parts are sold directly to specialist stockist outlets as opposed to merchants.

In this slightly different market, the quality of the spare parts being supplied is paramount. Heating engineers don’t want to take chances; they want genuine, quality parts that are safety tested and reliable. All types of customers rely on a good reputation and word of mouth for repeat business, just as we do.

In fact, repeat business is their ‘bread and butter’. So they are willing to pay for manufacturer’s genuine parts, rather than reconditioned or copy parts. Using the correct part that is fully tested to the manufacturers’ specification means that our warranties can be honoured.

Glow-worm offers a 6-model range of stainless steel hot water storage cylinders for use on unvented systems.

There are six models in the following sizes -115, 150, 175, 200, 250 and 300 litres. These stylishly designed and aesthetically pleasing mains fed unvented domestic hot water cylinders are manufactured in high-grade stainless steel with all seams laser welded.

They are packed with features and benefits to give easy installation and many, many years of robust, trouble-free use. The features include: EPS cylinder insulation which meets CHeSS best practice as low as 1.7kW/24hr; High recovery heating coil as low as 20 minutes; Stand alone cylinder (complies with G3); High flow rates achievable working at 3.5 Bar pressure; External expansion vessel (supplied); Expansion vessel wall mounting bracket available as an accessory; Dimensions of 600mm at widest point on all six models: Simple front connection compression fittings; back-up immersion heater on all models; covered control and wiring box; simple maintenance – no Anode required. There is also a 25-year warranty for the perforation of the shell and two years guarantee on parts.

Says Pippa Wibberley, Glow-worm Brand Manager ”We are fulfilling our aim of providing the installer with a complete domestic heating boiler and hot water solution to suit every possible type of site. The new range is manufactured from the best possible quality materials to give a long-life product. This is the first time that the Glow-worm brand name is been given to a product other than a heating appliance. We have done our research and our homework, so we are offering a premium product at a market price.”

The Glow-worm range of cylinders will suit any type of residential property. For example, Single bathroom property is suited to the 115-litre model: Single bathroom property with an en-suite shower room is suited to either the 115 or 150 litres model. Bigger properties with two bathrooms are suited to either the 150 or 175 litres. If there is a shower room in a two-bathroom site then the 200 litre model would be a better bet. For even larger properties there is the 250 or the 300 litre models.

 

They are supplied with all necessary cold and hot water controls and a

2-port valve to regulate hot water. They operate from a mains water pressure supply and do not need a cold water storage feed tank. They also have a 22mm DHW outlet and cold water mains inlet connections for optimum flow rates.

The back-up 3 kW electric immersion heater includes an operating thermostat and energy cut-out.

      

The units come complete with water control pack (pressure reducing valve); expansion relief valve; connections for balanced cold water, secondary return: motorized 2 port valve.

Supplied with installation and user instructions and an appropriate expansion vessel 12-litre expansion vessel for the 115/150 litres models; 18-litre expansion vessel for the 175/200 litres models and a 25 litre expansion vessel for the 250/300.

Accessories include a remote expansion vessel-mounting bracket.

All Glow-worm products are fully supported by a dedicated team of over 300 service engineers operating nationwide.

Nearly one thousand Glow-worm high efficiency boilers are being installed as part of the biggest single heating replacement programme ever undertaken by the Riviera Housing Trust - one of South West England’s most prominent social housing providers.

Around nine hundred properties throughout the Torbay, Devon, area are having their heating systems replaced and upgraded – not only to ensure Part L compliance with the Building Regulations – but also to extend and foster the excellent relationships the Trust enjoys with its many diverse clients.

Thanks to a successful partnership agreement with Safeheat (Torbay) Ltd, Trust clients benefit from a first-class service that ensures that they receive the most energy efficient heating systems possible.

“We pride ourselves on the way we communicate with the tenants and the Housing Association,” commented Safeheat’s Tony Brimble, who has many years’ experience in the social housing sector. “We consistently exceed our Key Performance Indicators - governing factors such as response times, times of arrival, job completion and 24 hour emergency call-out responses. We believe that the key to success is to talk to each customer to find out exactly what they want down to the smallest detail – such as where they want their new radiators positioned. We believe in looking after customers.”

As part of this philosophy, Riviera Housing in consultation with Safeheat specified Glow-worm hxi condensing heating only boilers and cxi condensing combi models. “We get virtually zero breakdowns with these boilers,” said Tony. “We have to look carefully at the cost implications on a project of this size; we don’t want to be going back and forth to the customer’s home because of problems. This equipment is top-notch – it’s bullet-proof!”

Richard Hawkins, Riviera Trust Project Manager, said: “We entered a partnering agreement with Safeheat as it was deemed the best route to achieve customer satisfaction, improved efficiency and realised benefits for both parties through team work”.

        

”We had always found Glow-worm to be efficient and it made sense to reduce the amount of spares we needed to carry by specifying the same make of boiler across the 900 properties”.

“Safeheat have excellent liaison with tenants. They are switched on to the fact that standards have to be the same whether it’s private or social housing. They are very attentive to our customers’ needs.”

Riviera Housing Trust was created four years ago following the transfer of 2,800 properties from Torbay Council. Covering a wide range of different homes ranging from flats, maisonettes and three-bedroom semis, this latest contract means that tenants will benefit from the very latest in high efficiency boiler technology.

Glow-worm has one of the biggest ranges of high efficiency domestic heating boilers currently available to the UK market.

The Glow-worm range includes heating-only, heating and hot water (combi) and system boilers as well as models suitable for LPG.

A key feature to the entire range is the commonality of components and the fact that all designs are tried, tested and now proven.

The company has an 11 - model range, three of which can be adjusted during commissioning to operate on LPG – the 30cxi, 30sxi and 30hxi.

There are six models in the hxi heating-only range (12, 15, 18, 24, 30 and 38kW), three cxi combi models (24, 30 and 38kW) and two sxi system boilers (18 and 30kW).

All models achieve the highest possible efficiency rating, SEDBUK A, and a NOx class 5 rating, the best possible class for low emissions.

All Glow-worm hxi, cxi and sxi models have a small case size, are lightweight and enough flueing capability to allow boiler siting almost anywhere in a property. The advanced common platform provides for interchangeable parts across the whole of the wider range, so if you can fit one, you can fit them all.

As well as providing excellent heating performance and being pleasing to the eye, they are also packed with an impressive range of features. On board diagnostics provide superior serviceability while Glow-worm’s Trademark ‘continua’ electronics will allow this boiler to continue operating when others may fail due to system faults. This is standard on each and every Glow-worm high efficiency boiler. All require zero compartment ventilation. Extensive flueing options permit flue lengths up to a massive 10m horizontal and 10m vertical, plus up to 40m of twin flue capability.

The new Glow-worm hxi heating-only range has class-leading outputs in all of its six models: from 12 up to 38kW. All measure just 600mm high by 375mm wide and 334mm deep. Weights are just 30kg for the 12, 15 and 18kW models, and 33kg for the 24, 30 and 38kW models.

The cxi condensing combi range has 24, 30 and 38kW versions. All deliver high performance heating and hot water, saving householders’ money and protecting the environment – a three-fold effect.

In the cxi range of combis, domestic hot water is produced from the reassuring stainless steel plate heat exchanger at flow rates of up to 15.5 litres/minute @ 35oC for the 38cxi. A pre-heat facility gives an impressive five-second hot water response while still maintaining quiet operation.

A one-piece pre-fixing jig allows all gas and water pipework to be connected prior to full installation of the boiler. Once commissioned, on-board diagnostics provide superior serviceability in the unlikely event of a failure.

These boilers are all fully modulating and come complete with pump, expansion vessel and safety discharge valve as well as being fitted, as standard, with an in-built bypass, filling loop, two-stage frost protection and anti-seize controls.

Three of the Glow-worm high efficiency models are also suitable for use on LPG; these are the 30cxi, 30hxi and 30sxi. These models are factory set to operate on natural gas, and simply require an adjustment of the gas valve during commissioning. However, the heating engineer, for safe working practises, must have a flue gas analyser to check that the installation to LPG is correct.

All Glow-worm products are covered by a national service network offering the installer and end-user direct and local after-sales service.

Glow-worm is making it easier for installers to develop both their skills and knowledge by increasing the focus on training. Steve Court has been appointed as the new Southern Training Manager and his clear-cut aim is to more than double the number of installers on Glow-worm training courses in the South of the country over the next five years.

Steve, who up until recently was Glow-worm’s Southern Divisional Sales Manager, knows what he is talking about. With years of experience firmly rooted in heating installation (he started off as a heating apprentice on leaving school) Steve has a vision firmly based on an in-depth knowledge of the industry.

“The changes which came in with Part L in April are the biggest the industry has ever seen and there is no doubt that Glow-worm’s training strategy is geared towards this change,” he explains. “Training is a huge issue, and we are addressing it.”

Based in Croydon, Steve, is also addressing what he believes has traditionally been an imbalance of training provision in the South – largely due to Glow-worm’s geographical location. “In the past we have had to book installers on courses that are run in Belper, Derbyshire – but this will change before long.

“Most installers realistically will only opt for an hour’s travelling time to get to a training course,” he explains. “But we are going to change all that by establishing Glow-worm training centres that are more easily accessible in the South of the country.

“Glow-worm already has an enviable reputation as one of the best training providers in the heating industry. All we are doing is building on that and making it easier for installers to take advantage of our huge wealth of expertise in an area closer to where they live and work.”

“Our advantage is that – unlike some other training courses – we do not subject installers to an hour of hard product sell before the training actually starts. We don’t have to. We already lead the way – we have some of the top training facilities in the country. Our kit is so good that it sells itself. Installers tell us ‘Don’t sell us the boiler, tell us how to fit it’. This is our philosophy – this is where we are coming from. It’s the training that installers are interested in and we have the expertise and muscle to provide it.”

Steve’s first task is to assess existing training provision in the South and then develop new centres in areas where they’re needed. Glow-worm already has established training facilities at colleges in Exeter, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Reading, Sittingbourne and Bristol. But new venues will soon be added to the list.

In addition, installers will be able to book training courses through Glow-worm’s established teams on the contracts, specification and installer sides of the business. Pre-set training slots will be made available to installers via these teams.

“By next year we plan to have a large regional training office in the Southern area of England to give us abase from which to work. There will then be added satellite-training branches in the field. The industry demands it and we will meet that demand.”

Watch this space …

Glow-worm takes a step-by-step detailed look at installing a typical high efficiency combination boiler

Installing a high efficiency domestic boiler is no different than any other type of wall models – except for one difference – you must fit a condensate drain. Other than that it is exactly the same.

So the tools required are: Electric drill, core drill, screwdrivers and grips or adjustable spanners.

Preparation: Time spent in preparation always turns out to be time saved at the other end of the job. So familiarise yourself with the installation manual and unpack the boiler ensuring that all the contents listed are present. There will be three boxes, one containing the boiler, the second holding the standard flue kit and the third containing the fixing jig and wall template.

The first big decision is chose the exact location of the boiler, taking manufacturers clearances into consideration. This will be influenced by factors such as where the old boiler was fitted, boiler size, any potential nuisance from pluming at the flue terminal, and flue options to reduce / remove any issues. Once the position is decided, then remove the wall template from the jig box and place upon the wall in the required position, ensuring it is plumb.

Holes can now be marked for the flue, hanging bracket and fixing jig. These holes can now be drilled noting that the standard horizontal flue is designed with a built in 2.5° fall and can therefore be drilled horizontally.

The wall template can now be discarded and the hanging bracket and fixing jig mounted to the wall.

Hanging the boiler can now commence: The boiler should now be hung on the wall to ensure that the water and gas connections match with those of the fixing jig. The boiler should now be removed from the wall and the fixing jig can now be pre-plumbed without the boiler in position, with the exception of the condensate outlet and PRV pipes. It is possible to pre-plumb the jig with the boiler in position providing that the soldering work on the pipes is done away from the boiler. The boiler can now be repositioned on the wall and connected to the fixing jig.

Installing the flue is the next step: Fit the flue elbow to the top of the boiler. For a rear flue, measure the distance from the outside wall to the butt joint of the elbow. If the wall thickness is between 208 and 413mm then the telescopic flue can be used (for shorter flue lengths the standard flue should be used). The telescopic flue does not require cutting to length – it is simply pulled to the required length, taped and secured with one screw. This makes the installation much more straight forward and saves time. Fit the rubber collar behind the locating lugs on the flue terminal. The flue can now be fitted to the boiler and secured with the metal collar provided along with the fixing screws.

Condensate & PRV pipes: This is the only additional operation when compared with a standard efficiency installation. Decide on where the condensate discharge will terminate and also the safety valve discharge. The fitting of a condense pipe is the only additional operation required compared to installing a standard efficiency boiler.

The condensate pipe needs to be connected to an internal or external drain or soak away. Connection to an internal drain is preferred to remove the possibility of freezing. The condensate siphon fitted complies with Building Regulations so an additional air gap is not required. A range of accessories are available to simplify the condensate drain connection.

Electrical connections: Connection of the boiler to the electrical system and any heating system must be through a common isolator. Isolation should preferably be by a double pole switched, fused spur box. The box should be readily accessible and preferably adjacent to the boiler. There are two methods of connecting system controls to the boiler using either 230v or low voltage controls. For 230v controls connect to the green plug supplied in the fittings pack. The green plug is then connected on to the PCB inside the control box. If low voltage controls are used connect these to the terminal block on the back of the control box. The blue link wire must be removed.

Commissioning: Fully open any valves in the domestic water supply to the boiler. Open the domestic water isolation valve on the boiler fixing jig. In turn, open any hot taps and close them when water flows. Check for water soundness of the complete water system. Open the two central heating isolating valves on the jig, and to enable the system pressure to be viewed, turn off the central heating and hot water controls at the boiler. Turn on the mains electricity supply to the boiler and set the On/Off switch to the On position. The system pressure can now be viewed on the digital display. The system is pressurised by opening the tap of the Inbuilt Filling Loop. Fill the system until the pressure on the display reads at least 1 bar. Ensure the automatic air vent on the rear of the pump housing is in the Open position. Check the heating system and boiler connections for air tightness. Isolate the boiler from the electrical supply. Turn on the gas service cock at the appliance.

Purge the air from the gas supply. Test for gas tightness.

Check that any external controls are calling for heat.

If an optional integral clock/timer is fitted, check it is correctly programmed and if necessary overide to provide heat. Turn on the main electrical supply and ensure the On/Off switch is switched to On. Purge the system of air of air. Turn the domestic hot water control knob to the desired position and open a hot water tap. Check that the hot water temperature is correct and close the tap.

The 3-way valve will move to hot water position and the display will show system pressure.

The 3-way valve will move to hot water position and the display will show system pressure. Turn the central heating control knob to the required temperature and the appliance will then continue to fire in central heating until the user controls are satisfied, or there is another demand for hot water. Balance the radiators as required.

Turn off all the radiators that can be shut off by the user.

Check to see if less than the 20°C differential can be achieved across the flow and return. Allow the system to reach maximum temperature then switch off the boiler at the electrical isolating switch. Drain the entire system rapidly whilst hot using the drain tap at the lowest part of the system. Fill and vent the system as previously described. If there is a nuisance problem caused by pluming, even after careful selection of the boiler location, this can easily be reduced by retro fitting a plume management kit to the flue terminal.

The installation is now complete.