Neither MI’s (Boiler Manufacturer’s Instructions) nor CORGI can provide much information on the subject of Flue Gas Analysis (FGA) simply because there is no information to be had. To be blunt, in the domestic context, FGA is about as much use as a skip full of gold on a desert island. It is a huge confidence trick in our view.

The only information published by Corgi is on Page 40 of the Corgi Essential Handbook. We had our own expert examine that in detail and drive a bus through it. Details of that highly qualified opinion will be found in COMMENT 16* on this web site. Visitors are welcome to cross examine.

That said Corgi saw fit to print an unsafe article in the Gas Installer (TGI) magazine which allowed Peter Turner, Managing Director of Telegan to promote the useless technology. That matter is covered in COMMENT 14 on this web site. Surprisingly Peter Turner stated clearly in that article ‘we are not in a position to advise heating engineers on how to use them’ (?) Work that one out please and let us know when you have.

That article provoked a lot of correspondence between us, Bob Towse (then Chief Technical Officer - Corgi) and the Health and Safety Executive. The HSE returned some embarrassingly naïve email on the subject. They obviously had no understanding of the subject and still do not judging from the current gas safety review.

This is where it gets interesting. Bob Towse is now head of Technical and Safety at the Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association (HVCA). It is entirely logical that Bob Towse should be present at the current Gas Safety Review but in that role he is now fiercely resisting HSE insistence on the introduction of FGA (?) HSE arguments demonstrate a lack of understanding. Current arguments used by Bob Towse mirror those introduced by us in April 2001 when that unsafe article appeared in TGI.

To quote the Bard ‘The whirligig of time brings in his revenge’. They may all yet be hung by their own noose.

What about the much heralded ACS (Accredited Certification Scheme) ? Not a lot on offer there. One page on FGA and nothing verbal offered on ACS training whereas ACOPs training was full of empty promises in re FGA. I have no doubt whatsoever that ACOPs lecturers were conned as we were. The Emperor’s new clothes story has returned to haunt us.

Yes I know a few customers may be asking for FGA results but I will guarantee they do not have a clue what they are asking for. I am preparing a questionnaire ready for when we are asked for FGA results. They cannot know because no one knows. There is no information and no British Standard. A British Standard will be a long time coming, if it ever appears.

There are no Corgi regulations whatsoever as many of you will know. Corgi always point to existing authoritative sources in support of their edicts. Right and proper that they should. However there is NO, I repeat NIL authoritative source on the subject of FGA. There is in the commercial sector where air for combustion can be altered and there is a Standard to point to but not in domestic work.

We all know British Gas are fond of FGA and indeed allegedly pioneered the technology in support of their work. There is of course no one prepared to challenge BG on the subject. They may have learned scientists buried in secret bunkers under the Chilterns churning out all manner of knowledge and test results but none of that cuts any ice with me. Their folk at the cutting edge of the work in the punter’s gaff is the only thing that matters at the end of the day. BG are just a large contractor and nothing more. They are subject to the same regulations as everyone else.

My ACS notes produced by the CITB are clear on one topic. That is to say situations where FGA must NOT be used as an exclusive means to determine if a strip down service is required. FGA must NOT be relied where there is a cast-iron heat exchanger. Loose shale must be checked for and removed. FGA must NOT be relied on for warm air heating as BG once did with one of my customers. There is more as well.

FGA has novelty value but no more. It looks high tech and is high tech. We invested in a state-of-the-art Tempest T50 but it is useless. It will not discover anything that is not otherwise painfully obvious. Peter Turner suggested that observing flame picture was out of date in the 21st century but it manifestly is not. The few silly figures offered in support of FGA (on ACS) are wild cards. Any boiler even approaching those figures would have a flame picture like a camp fire. We’ve done hundreds of tests to prove it.

Talking of proving it, here is our challenge. Product manufacturers offer first class product training support. We highly commend such manufacturers and applaud their efforts which we have benefited from and urge others to do the same. North Trafford College and ICON training are now offering much needed combination boiler diagnostic training courses. Well done those two and if you hear of any more let us know so we can set up a database of such opportunities.

Will someone set up a training course on FGA leading to a nationally recognised certificate of competence ? Will someone develop a consistent model for FGA sampling just as we have a consistent model for (say) gas pipe sizing ?

The scant FGA information offered by a few boiler manufacturers is largely useless. I do not blame them. Set rigid figures close to what is expected and a flood of warranty calls would be the result. One manufacturer specifies a protocol so extraordinarily ludicrous that they know it will never be implemented.

Bob Towse suggested to me that many modern boilers only need a check. I agree. That is what I tell my customers. But FGA is not a check. It is a bone idle response to an important professional need. Modern technology is far from synonymous with reliability. I have seen too many modern boilers leaking inside due either to installation or manufacturing faults. FGA will not reveal those until it is far too late. On that subject the first two years is most important.

If you are thinking of obtaining FGA ask the supplier if they can point you in the direction of competent training first because their instructions will offer you no clues whatsoever. A motor car handbook may tell you everything you need to know about your new car but it will teach you nothing about driving. The same applies to FGA. You could perhaps ask a question of Corgi in TGI and maybe get a definitive answer there. I did say maybe.

We all know how to use a manometer and obtain results which have legal validity. Not so with FGA and that would in itself be a good test. I repeat again that FGA is useless. I would be delighted to write in support of FGA when:

• There is a British Standard that Corgi will point to AND
• One or more manufacturers offer training leading to a recognised certificate of competence AND
• Boiler manufacturers offer a consistent, recognised and simple format protocol for testing

Until this all arrives spend your money on other useful technology. Top of my list would always be an electronic manometer and gas sniffer. I spent some time last week in discussion with the head of a BPEC training establishment and he seemed somewhat bemused by my Anton Pressure manometer. Nothing wrong with the U gauge but it really is an antiquated device. Electronic manometers are so quick, simple and clean to use that all desired tests can be performed with minimum fuss. Thus we are encouraged to carry out those important tests.

Trainers are not doing the tests day in and day out. They don’t see the problems. Any reluctance to carry out tests may arise from difficult working conditions. Meters in filthy holes and as reported to me last week meters fitted backwards (facing an external viewing port) to facilitate easy meter readings and sod the Installer.

The authorities are positively Neanderthal on some topics because they have no clues about the real world and at the same time collude with others to sell us stuff that is virtually useless, overpriced and too easily stolen.

Don’t take our word for it. Do some research and ask the questions that need to be asked before spending your hard earned cash.

* Editor's note: now moved to here