The introduction of fan-flued gas appliances in the mid 1990s allowed gas central heating boilers to be installed away from external walls. This meant that builders could design newbuild and refurbishment properties with boilers being installed on internal walls to make better use of the available space. The flues to these boilers were, in some cases, routed through voids in the ceiling space (and through stud walls) between properties above.

Safety alert
On 2 October 2008, the Health and Safety Executive issued a safety alert to raise awareness of the potential dangers from certain types of flues connected to gas-fired central heating installations in some properties – particularly, but not exclusively, a large number of flats and apartments completed since about 2000. The concern is that these may not have been installed properly or may have fallen into disrepair.

To comply with The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (GSUR), a flue must be visibly inspected throughout its route. However, if built into a ceiling void, the ability to do so is impaired unless inspection panels are part of the construction. In November 2010, the Health and Safety Executive issued new guidelines and a Landlord has until 31 December 2012 to arrange for inspection hatches for such flues.

At risk
After 1 January 2013, any gas engineer working on a system where the complete flue is not visible will advise the Landlord that the system is ‘at risk’ in accordance with the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP). With the owner’s permission, the engineer will turn off the gas supply to the boiler so it cannot be used.

Urgent action needs to be taken as after the 31 December 2012 any appliance where the complete flue is not visible will be condemned and disconnected.

Although the gas boiler and flue may be condemned this does not mean that the system needs to be condemned.

By installing an electric boiler, the homeowner will benefit from the same controllability and flexibility that their gas heating system offered.

Flexibility and savings
As electric boilers are silent in operation and do not require flueing, they can be located in almost any room in a property. Furthermore, as there is no Annual Safety Inspection required on electric boilers, there will be significant cost savings to Private and Social Landlords. With electric boiler outputs from 4kW to 14.4kw on single phase electricity and 3-phase 24kW and 36kW outputs, The Electric Heating Company (EHC) can offer a central heating solution to most properties. There is a misconception in the market that electric heating is expensive to operate. However, EHC offers impartial advice on the best electricity tariffs within the UK to ensure that running costs are kept to an affordable level.

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In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding any of our products please do not hesitate in contacting us.

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The SlimJim can be supplied as boiler only or complete with a choice of Heat Packs.

Please contact our Sales Team on 01698 820533 for further information.

EHC team up with OLCI to provide Electric Boiler Training

EHC have been specialist suppliers of the Fusion Electric Boiler for many years. They have also recently launched the Comet Electric Boiler which incorporates a Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger, Automatic Bypass and Magnetic Filter. Due to the increased Sales and Enquiry levels for Electric Boilers during 2010, EHC consulted with various training organisations throughout the UK to establish the first of its kind Electric Boiler Training course for Installers. After several meetings EHC decided to collaborate with OLCI Construction Training as their preferred Training Partner.

OLCI have National coverage with 13 established Training Centres throughout the UK and specialise in the Plumbing, Gas, Electrical and Renewables Training Courses.
Each Centre has been equipped with a Fusion Electric Boiler training rig to enable Heating Engineers to witness first hand the simplicity of installing an Electric Boiler. The dates for the first courses have now been released (Birmingham 27th June, London 22nd July & Bristol 19th August) with the others to follow. The Course will cover all aspects of installing an Electric Boiler from Power Supply requirements, Boilers sizing and all relevant Regulations.

Anyone wishing to participate in these ground breaking training courses should contact EHC on 01698 820533 for availability and costing details. For full product range details please visit
www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk or www.olci.info

The Comet Electric Boiler is the result of many hours of product development which has taken Electric Boiler Technology to a new level. This outstanding Boiler has all the hallmarks of the award winning Fusion Range however with its improved appearance and size coupled with state of the art components it is without question the best value Electric Boiler on the market.

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31 October 2008 – Heating company honoured at national excellence awards.
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