Roger Russell

Part L Government building regulations for the installation of central heating boilers, systems and controls 2002.

The Government has set a goal of reducing the UK’s production of carbon dioxide (C0²) by 20% below 1990 levels by the year 2010. Carbon dioxide is considered to be the leading greenhouse gas and is produced when fuel is burnt.

Part L is designed to maximise the contribution that Building Regulation can make to CO² reduction targets. By making homes more energy efficient we will reduce fuel being burnt to provide heat and hot water and therefore produce less CO². Changes to the Building Regulations for England and Wales came into effect on 1st April 2002. The approved document L1 202 (ADL1), Conservation of fuel and power in dwellings replaces the content of the 1995 edition relating to dwellings.

These regulations apply when a boiler or hot water cylinder is changed in an existing dwelling, previously this applied to only new dwellings (new build). Minimum efficiency standards for boilers, (SEDBUK A-D new build) and (A-G for existing, until 31 August 2002). Hot water cylinders also apply for minimum efficiencies, BS1566, BS3198 pipes connected to a hot water vessel should be insulated for at least a meter in length and from boiler to cylinder. Existing systems must be upgraded to meet ‘Best Practice’. This means space heating split into zones, automatic system by-pass giving 10% of the minimum heating load, separate electric temperature control for stored hotwater and space heating interlocking with the boiler. The boiler should not fire when there is no demand for heat, either space heating or hot water, equaling Best Practice by programmer and Good Practice by shared time clock. Heating zones with TRVs (Thermostatic Radiator Valves) on at least all radiators in the sleeping area, or a programmable room thermostat (minimum 2 zones). For sleeping areas over 50m² an electrically controlled zone should be used for the second zone. For semi gravity systems, if impractical or not proposed to convert to fully pumped, controls should be upgraded to give electric temperature and timed boiler interlock control as above. On completion the Commissioning certification for Building Regulation and Manufacturer’s compliance should be filled in and left with the end user along with the boiler installation and servicing instructions.

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