Legislation & Regulations For the Heating & Plumbing Installer

Part L building regulations

Following a lengthy review process with considerable industry involvement, including comments from NES Ltd, the government have finally published a consultation paper that sets out proposals for changes to Part L of the Building Regulations which deals with energy efficiency.

The standard assessment procedure (SAP)

SAP is the Governments 'Standard Assessment Procedure' for energy rating of dwellings. SAP, was designed to be included in the 1995 Building Regulations and it is now a compulsory component in Part L of the Regulations.

The boiler efficiency data file

The Boiler Efficiency Data File is published as part of the DETR's Boiler Efficiency Database scheme. It holds data on domestic boilers, gas and oil fired only, current and obsolete, for the purposes of carrying out SAP energy ratings.

Radiator standard BSEN442

Up until July 1997 the Radiator Standard within the UK was BS 3528. It was introduced over 20 years ago and testing facilities also dated back to that time. Technology has moved on in both manufacturing and testing and the time is right for a European-wide, updated standard.

Water regulations guide

On the 1st July 1999 the water supply company's in England and Wales ceased to enforce their own regulations and began to enforce the new regulations of the secretary of state. The three water authorities in Scotland commenced enforcing new byelaws on 4th April 2000, and these, for the most part are the same as those for England and Wales.

British standards for physical water conditioners

Standards currently being drafted for physical water conditioners do not reflect the use of these units in real life situations and threaten to reduce choice for end users, warns the UK Physical Water Conditioning Association (UKPWCA).