Call: 02089881662

Category: Regulations & Practise

How CHP services could save you money

Posted on by rob.fullsend

CHP services

Combined heat and power (CHP), or cogeneration, is a more efficient way to supply heat & power to buildings, avoiding network losses and reducing emissions. CHP utilises the heat produced as part of generating energy, using it for – you might have guessed – heating. The term “CHP services” includes programming, maintenance and repair, and also fitting replacement parts.

CHP plants for the future

Ian Hopkins is a director of ENER-G Combined Power, which has delivered more than 50 CHP-led energy services contracts within the healthcare sector. Hopkins states that “the energy cost and carbon-saving benefits of combined heat and power are difficult to match where there is a large heating/cooling demand over extended periods”. For the past 30 years, ENER-G has designed and manufactured CHP systems at its global headquarters and R&D centre in Salford.

CHP – effectively an engine and alternator – allows organisations to control their own energy generation and use, and even make profits by selling the excess back to the National Grid. CHP is best suited to large properties or sites which use a lot of energy. Hospitals, schools, hotels and industrial businesses would all be well-advised to investigate the benefits of cogeneration.

CHP servicing and repair

CHP systems, like any other, can fall foul of maintenance issues stemming from heat, vibrations, moisture and leaks. Systems should be checked daily to ensure smooth operation, and inspected periodically by somebody qualified in CHP engineering.

Inspection and servicing typically includes checking battery condition, spark plugs, oil/air filters and engine oil itself, calibrating & adjusting valve settings and verifying emissions testing.

Regular CHP services will safeguard your finances against the outlay of repair bills and replacement costs, as well as ensure the system is working hard for your pocket. To invest in CHP and scrimp on servicing equates to throwing money down the drain. Conversely, the relatively low cost of regular servicing is likely to pay for itself in the savings – and earnings – you can make.

Dachs SE CHP System - Kiasu Workforce

CHPQA Certification

To qualify for CHPQA (Combined Heat and Power Quality Assurance) Programme financial incentives, systems require performance monitoring. You will need to declare generated electricity, fuel consumption and heat output over a period of time, then again annually for renewal.

CHPQA certification opens up a range of benefits. These include Renewable Obligation Certificates, Renewable Heat Incentive, Carbon Price Floor (heat) relief, Climate Change Levy exemption (for directly supplied electricity), Enhanced Capital Allowances and preferential business rates.

In addition to the direct benefits of certification, monitoring your system’s performance will allow for early identification of any defects or potential efficiency gains. Fitting your system with sensors can monitor variables such as temperatures, pressures, flow rates, electricity/heat output & fuel consumption. This is essential for knowing its capabilities & performance inside out.

CHP services = Cost savings

“CHP’s efficiencies are built into the technology,” says Mr Newman. “It is well-established as a technology, with multiple suppliers that ensure competitive pricing. That in turn equates to better overall client benefits.”

Providing you service your CHP system regularly using qualified CHP specialists, it is likely to prove a smart, efficient investment for years to come in helping you save money.

Article by Barney Scott, Kiasu Group”

© 2019 Barney Scott, Kiasu Group

BS7671 18th Edition Requirements Ups For Surge Protection

Posted on by rob.fullsend

3-phase SPDs by Hager for BS7671 compliance

The 18th Edition of the BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations became the latest standard in electrical installations at the beginning of the year. Important to note is that with the 18th Edition, several key amendments to the requirements for surge protection were introduced.

At Kiasu Workforce, we want to help you understand these changes and get to grips with them quickly. This is why we have pulled together the key information you need to know about these important updates, so you know all the facts.

BS7671

 

What is the BS7671?

Before we dive into what has changed with the BS7671, we need to understand exactly what it is in the first instance.

Published by the British Standards Institute and under the joint direction of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and British Electrotechnical Committee (BEC), the BS7671 is a non-statutory document.

So, although it is not legally required to be followed, many of the legislations regarding Electricity, Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 and Part P of the Building Regulations 2010 refer to the BS7671 as the standard to be achieved. However, exceeding these requirements is always best.

Regarded as an ‘all-encompassing’ standard for electrical safety, you must keep up to date with the latest changes and updates made to the BS7671 for this reason.

 

BS7671

Wiring Regulations Updates

In terms of wiring regulation updates to the 18th edition, there have been several revisions you should be aware of.

Chapter 53  of the BS7671, which covers Protection, Isolation, Switching, Control & Monitoring, has been completely revised.

Section 534 (Devices for Protection Against Overvoltage) focuses on the requirement for SPDs (surge protection devices) to protect against transient overvoltages. This section focuses mainly on the selection and erection requirements for SPDs protecting against transient overvoltages, as required by Section 443, the BS EN 62305 series, or as otherwise stated.

Given the small size of many of today’s sophisticated electronic components, protection from ever-smaller transient voltages is increasingly important. Transients usually originate from lightning strikes, transformer switching, lighting and motors. SPDs, therefore, prevent equipment downtime, network failures and reduced lifespans for components.

Guidance is provided to help engineers choose the appropriate level of voltage protection. Crucially, emphasis has shifted from assessing whether you might need SPDs to prove that you do.

 

Surge Protection Devices are now mandatory

To put it simply, now, any business that meets one of the following four criteria must no longer only carry out a risk assessment. It’s now mandatory to install the appropriate surge protection on new installations.

BS7671 Section 433.3 now states, “Protection against transient overvoltages shall be provided where the consequence caused by overvoltage affects results in:

  1. Serious injury to, or loss of, human life
  2. Interruption of public services and/or damage to cultural heritage
  3. Interruption of commercial or industrial activity
  4. It affects a large number of collocated individuals

In addition, any building fed via an overhead supply line will also require an SPD.

These criteria will apply across a vast spectrum of businesses. Any business where a transient overvoltage could interrupt commercial activity or public services must install surge protection.

 

Compliance and fixed wire inspections/testing

Finally, not all businesses will meet the above criteria. If not, a documented risk assessment is required as evidence if an SPD is not to be installed.

The latest regulations apply to all new installations. Regular and will be subject to and assessed for compliance with BS7671 IET 18th Edition.

 

Ensuring Expert Electrical Safety

If you’re concerned about your project or site meeting electrical safety standards, why not hand electrical responsibilities to us?

At Kiasu Workforce, we are proud to offer electrical works to various sectors and industries throughout the London area. Thanks to our expert and experienced electrical engineers, we can help you with all manners of electrical works, installations and repairs, and emergency electrician work.

All you have to do is get in touch today with our friendly team to find out how we can help you.

Contact our dedicated helpdesk on 0208 988 1662, or don’t hesitate to email us at enquiries@kiasugroup.co.uk.

Timber doors stand up to fire testing

Posted on by rob.fullsend

In the wake of the tragic events at Grenfell Tower in June 2017, fire safety, fire testing and compliance have been topics of intense public scrutiny. The British Woodworking Federation has recently released test results confirming the longstanding fire protection afforded by simpler materials.

Timber’s exceptional levels of fire protection confirmed

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has reported that timber doors are delivering on promised performance. Timber has shown good results in the ongoing MHCLG fire door investigation. The BWF has called attention to the “exceptional” levels of protection afforded by many of its members’ products. This is a view supported by the findings of the investigation.

The Federation highlighted instances of reassurance, such as doors which were advertised with 30 minutes’ max exposure time lasting holding out for 54 minutes of fire testing.

Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) fire door investigation

The BWF said that this is “in direct contrast to the glass-reinforced, foam-filled fire doors recovered from Grenfell Tower that started the MHCLG investigation into the fire door sector”. The group stated that the only way to address neglect in the area is by “rigorous testing & third-party certification”. Since the investigation’s expansion to cover the wider market in October 2018, no timber doors have failed tests.

British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Fire Door Alliance

“Through the BWF’s Fire Door Alliance, we work to improve the quality, safety and traceability of fire doors,” the BWF stated. “We often see non-certified fire doors that are not fit for purpose, which is alarming and unacceptable as they simply won’t fulfil their essential role of preventing the spread of fire and smoke and keeping escape routes clear.”

The BWF also confirmed its support of the government’s Building a Safer Future plan. The plan introduces more effective regulations and greater accountability, supported by clear standards and guidance. Building a Safer Future aims to create a more responsible building sector.

Conclusion

To sum up, timber has withstood the test of time. Is it now the best material to ensure safety whilst remaining versatile, inexpensive and attractive? In contrast, could an over-reliance on artificial materials be putting building inhabitants at risk? We can certainly conclude that, if not already done, is a necessity, both for compliance and peace of mind.

Article by Barney Scott, Kiasu Group

© 2019 Barney Scott, Kiasu Group

Your gas safety questions answered

Posted on by rob.fullsend

Gas safety questions

At Kiasu Workforce, we offer a whole range of boiler services, including surveys and inspections, repairs, system upgrades, installations, offering a 24/7 emergency service with our team of Gas Safe engineers. Here, we’ve answered some of the common questions and concerns our customers have regarding gas safety to ensure you know how to identify and deal with any issues and to take a proactive stance to protect you, your home, and your family.

How do I know if my boiler needs replaced?

In general, gas boilers last up to around 15 years old. If yours is approaching that age you should already be considering replacing it. As boilers get older, wear and tear makes them less efficient, making repairs more costly and malfunctions more likely. Annual services can help them last longer and help you get a good idea of when, exactly, it’s time to replace it.

How do I identify a carbon monoxide leak?

One of the most prevalent and serious risks regarding commercial boiler malfunctions is the leak of carbon monoxide, also known as CO. This colourless gas is not only extremely flammable but also causes carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be extremely detrimental to your health and even fatal. It can be produced by space heaters, gas stoves, boilers, heats and even refrigerators. Installing a carbon monoxide detector, testing it frequently, and ensuring it is using fully charged batteries is the best way to know whether or not you have a leak in the home.

What do I do in the event of a leak?

If you have a carbon monoxide leak in the home, stop using all fuel-burning appliances in the home and turn them off if possible before leaving the home. Call the emergency services to inform them, as well as calling appliance servicing agencies like KiasuWorkforce so they can find and correct the source of the leak.

What should I do if I suspect I have carbon monoxide poisoning?

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal, so it’s important to act quickly. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, tiredness, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect you or anyone else has carbon monoxide poisoning, follow the same steps you would take in the event of a leak. Visit your doctor for a breath and blood test for CO presence as soon as you can, too.

How often should I have my gas boiler serviced?

In order to prevent gas and carbon monoxide leaks, it’s best to have your boiler inspected and serviced every year by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. They can identify any potential issues as well as awarding your gas systems the right certification if they are safe. Preventative servicing and inspections are the only way to ensure all the appliances in the home are safe.

If you have any other particular concerns about your gas boiler or appliances, don’t hesitate to get in touch with KiasuWorkforce at 0208 988 1662. Our team is equipped to help you with any potential boiler problems you might have.