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The Revised Building Regulations

The revision of the Building Regulations 2001/2002 affects both heating controls for new dwellings and heating controls for existing dwellings. However when a new installation is fitted in an existing dwelling then the heating controls should be the same as for a new dwelling.

Below we have listed just some of the points to be considered for both new and existing dwellings.

New Dwellings

1. provide independent time and temperature control to both the heating and hot water circuits, (in Scotland 7 day timing is required)
2. provide control systems with a boiler interlock
3. split the heating system into zones using either:
   • room thermostats or programmable room thermostats in all zones
   • a room thermostat or programmable room thermostat in the main zone and Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV's) on all radiators in the other zones
4. provide time control by the use of either:
   • a full programmer with separate timing to each circuit
   • two or more separate timers providing timing control to each circuit
   • programmable room thermostat(s) to the heating circuit(s), with separate timing of the hot water
5. for dwellings with a total usable floor space of over 150m², then:
   • the heating circuit should be split into a minimum of two zones plus a hot water service zone and:
   • each zone should be separately timed by the use of a multi-channel programmer or multiple heating programmers or programmable room thermostats

Existing Dwellings

When replacing the boiler and/or the hot water vessel, the opportunity to change the controls should be considered.

1. provide fully pumped installations with a boiler interlock
2. provide time and temperature control to both the heating and hot water circuits, for fully pumped installations
3. separate the space heating system into zones and:
   • if a room thermostat is already fitted, fit TRV's on at least all the radiators in the sleeping areas and check if a new room thermostat or programmable room thermostat should be fitted
   • if there is no room thermostat, install either a room thermostat or a programmable room thermostat and fit TRV's on at least all radiators in the sleeping areas
4. provide time control by the use of either:
   • a full, standard or mini programmer, or
   • one or more separate time switches, or
   • programmable room thermostats
5. for semi-gravity installations, the recommended option is to convert it to fully pumped. The controls should then be detailed as above

Boiler Interlock

Boiler interlock is achieved by the correct use of room thermostat(s) or programmable room thermostat(s), the cylinder thermostat and zone valve(s) in conjunction with the timing devices. These should be wired such that when there is no demand from the heating or hot water both the pump and boiler are switched off. The use of TRV's alone does not provide interlock.

For all pre sales and Technical advice call Thermsaver on 01698 300100