Joe Bishop

One of the most useful applications of thermal imaging for heating engineers solves one of the most frustrating problems associated with flue gas analysis. Concealed boiler flues can often be difficult to trace across interior walls in properties and it is sometimes difficult to see whether flues have been well maintained or even correctly installed. Thermal imaging provides a helpful aid when inspecting these flue runs, thus saving time and money.

The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS7671:2018) come into force on 1st January 2019 having been published in July earlier this year. There have been several changes to the regulations that affect various aspects of electrical installations. However, this does not necessarily mean that wholesale change is required in terms of test equipment for electrical contractors so it is important to carefully consider before making any purchases.

Cleaning radiators is an important part of maintaining an efficient, reliable central heating system and power flushing provides a speedy, thorough method of clearing out corrosion and other debris from the system. Part L of the UK Building Regulations even requires that systems are cleaned and flushed before adding anti-corrosion chemicals during commissioning whilst the warranty of new boilers often depends on correct cleaning and flushing. Thermal imaging provides a great, quantitative method of checking the performance of a heating system before and after flushing, thereby confirming the efficacy of the flushing process and visualising the results for the customer.

Test-Meter.co.uk currently stocks a wide range of Kane Flue Gas Analysers suitable for use on a variety of different combustion systems including boilers, flueless appliances and professional catering appliances. With several different measurement functions available and compatibility with various fuel types, this post aims to explain the different options and help gas engineers select the right instrument for them.

More and more properties now have underfloor heating installed as the most efficient way of providing consistent heat throughout a dwelling or commercial premises. As the pipes are hidden beneath flooring rather than exposed like radiators, one of the best ways of verifying the performance of an underfloor heating system is by using thermal imaging technology. A thermal imaging camera can detect heat patterns through flooring, thereby showing where a system is effective. This is particularly useful when tracing systems in a property, checking newly installed underfloor heating, and detecting problems in existing systems.

The original NAPIT EICR: Codebreakers was published in 2017 to help inspectors and contractors correctly code observations made during Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs). The publication has now been fully updated to the BS7671:2018 18th Edition Wiring Regulations and this new version of the book will be released later this year.

The legionella bacterium is a common species found in natural water bodies such as lakes and rivers as well as in man-made water systems used in domestic, commercial and industrial properties. In normal conditions, it poses very little problem for humans but favourable conditions will encourage its growth which in turn increases the risk of inhaling the bacteria and suffering from resultant Legionnaires’ disease (Legionellosis).

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The presence of leaks in hot water systems is often first indicated by low boiler pressure or a constant need to top up the boiler, meaning that there is very little clue as to the location of a leak before investigations begin. Identifying hot water pipes throughout a property and finding water leaks can be a time-consuming and labour intensive process when the system is hidden under tiled or concrete flooring. Conventional inspections lead to digging up floors which in turn results in great expenditure in terms of both materials and labour as flooring is lifted and restored. Thermal imaging provides a cost-effective, time-saving solution to these problems.

Technical Bulletin 118 (TB118) from the Gas Safe Register - updated on 30th January 2018 - sets out the steps that should be taken by gas engineers to properly isolate appliances that use an electrical supply. This includes the majority of appliances in domestic and commercial environments. Safe electrical isolation is vital to ensuring that engineers do not receive a potentially dangerous electric shock, which can cause anything from mild discomfort to death.

The NICEIC and ELECSA have teamed up to launch a campaign that will encourage men to ditch the DIY when it comes to electricity and call in an expert. Every year, 12,500 house fires, 750 serious injuries, and 10 deaths are caused by unsafe electrics in domestic environments, often first installed by DIYers or inexpert handymen. The charity Electrical Safety First suggests that nearly half of all severe electrical shocks are caused by unsafe DIY. Such clear dangers have prompted the NICEIC to launch a campaign to ‘Ban the Bravado’ so that British men call in professionals to carry out vital electrical work, ensuring safety in domestic electrical systems.