PART L (J) COMPLIANCE
REVISED BUILDING REGULATIONS 2001/2002
It has been decided at Gas-News.co.uk to label this Feature PART L (J) COMPLIANCE as the topic seems to be popularly referred to simply as Part L and no doubt Part J in Scotland.
Part L actually refers to Approved Document L1 of the Building Regulations 2000 as it applies to England and Wales. Part J refers to the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations in a similar context but there are differences. In particular, Part J does not apply to existing heating and hot water systems, whereas Part L1 does.
Our feature concerns domestic premises and principally existing domestic premises. Non domestic premises are covered by the action energy web site.
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has a role in Northern Ireland on related issues and details are accessible directly from the EST web site.
Eire and the Isle of Man are not subject to the regulations but as CORGI serve both, courtesy links are provided in the reference section. No doubt they will have similar ambitions and information may be available through the relevant links.
This topic is inevitably somewhat complicated, not least by the confusing plethora of bodies, organisations and acronyms that exist. Our ambition is to present the nuts and bolts for the benefit of Consumers and Installers. It is also to help Consumers understand current mandatory obligations faced by Installers when installing new heating, hot water and control systems in existing homes or (England and Wales only) altering heating, hot water and control systems in existing homes.
Part L (J Scotland) is all about conservation of fuel and power, arising from the world’s Kyoto ambitions which should be familiar to most people by now.
The general public (England and Wales) were addressed on this subject early in 2002 by full page advertising in the press. Interested parties, especially Consumers, are advised to read that formal (feature 5) announcement now before proceeding.
Gas-News.co.uk believes it would be in the public interest for Her Majesty’s Government to produce a simple leaflet which Installers could hand to prospective customers, explaining mandatory requirements. Manufactures have responded magnificently to the clarion call but Installers are alone and urgently need a formal letter of introduction as a basis for discussion with Consumers.
How you as an Installer or Consumer respond to the regulations is entirely up to you. We are not here to preach. However, in the process of clarifying the regulations, technical agencies have necessarily made available good material, which should be readily understood by most people.
That information empowers anyone to understand, design and specify their own heating, hot water and system control needs. Aside from global warming issues, Consumers will inevitably realise significant savings on any investment made. Why burn more fuel than you need to ?
It is actually incumbent upon everyone to adopt the changes. Your local authority Building Control Department will advise on that further including details of professionals who are deemed to satisfy the competence requirements. Use of recognised professionals such as CORGI Registered Gas Installers or OFTEC oil engineers affords some protection to Consumers.
Through the offices of the Energy Saving Trust the Government sponsors the Housing Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme (HEEBPP). They promote a general information leaflet (GIL) and two good practice guides (GPG). These documents are recognised as meeting all requirements, are well presented and worth downloading. Absolutely essential briefcase fodder for the professional Installer.
The Nuts and Bolts
GPG 301 (Domestic Heating and Hot Water – Choice of Fuel and System Type) is the logical introduction and provides a foundation for developing a heating, hot water and system controls strategy. It also usefully introduces the subject of solar water heating for which grants may be available to encourage take up. All fuels including oil, heat producing appliances and system configurations are discussed, complete with modern underfloor heating and condensing warm air options [1045K pdf – 28 pages].
Best known perhaps by the acronym CHeSS is GIL 59 (Central Heating System Specifications Year 2002). That clearly and succinctly lists the various system configurations which will comply, once the fuel and appliance(s) choice is made. They detail basic (minimum standard) options as well as recommended best practice options. Excellent format for Consumers and Installers alike [581K pdf – 12 pages].
Most universally applicable (in our view) is GPG 302 (Controls for Domestic Central Heating and Hot Water – Guidance for Specifiers and Installers). It is also in our view essential reading for the discerning Consumer. Controls are always relevant in any home. No matter what exists, improvements can always be made, leading to savings in real terms. Less frequently mentioned is the ability to customise the home and enjoy your preferred environment no matter which room is entered [316K pdf – 24 pages].
The three documents complete the official line-up and we hope these help illustrate the situation.
Further Information
Much of the information supplied above by the EST has been developed by or in conjunction with an array of bodies and organisations, including the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Product manufacturers have formed alliances to enable them to compile generic data which is of value to Consumers and Installers.
If we had an award to give it would certainly be presented to TACMA (The Association of Controls Manufacturers) who have for a long time consistently provided excellent information on their subject. Installers in particular are advised to obtain their 2 page (pdf) leaflet How to Comply with the Revised Building Regulations 2001/2002 BRPL1/cJc/08 2002 [1010K pdf] That offers a summary of requirements with a wealth of illustrations; An hefty download but an absolute must (See Update)
The Government have sponsored the Seasonal Efficiency Database Boilers UK (SEDBUK). The database is an essential reference resource for us and lists both gas and oil space heating boilers, together with details of their efficiency rating.
Warm air heating is not represented at SEDBUK, which exclusively embraces water filled systems. However GPG 301 explains the broad options and the (only) current manufacturer Johnson and Starley Ltd can supply any information referred to in GPG 301, including flued heat recovery and modern air cleaning options.
Not mentioned here is Combined Heat and Power, Solid fuel and Electric boilers. The section will be extended to include those if requested. Gas-News.co.uk is primarily concerned with gas issues but we do not want to be guilty of parochialism under this important heading. In any case many Installers serve different product areas.
For those interested in the latest underfloor heating options the Underfloor Heating Manufacturers Association (UHMA) exist to provide guidance. Guidance is also usefully available to Installers, in what is a relatively new field, thanks largely to the benefits of modern insulation.
That all leaves the important topic of hot water and it has never been more important. Part L (J) promises huge benefits to consumers, many of whom now demand more hot water than of old. The subject is served by two important associations, thus recognising both vented and unvented systems.
- Waterheater Manufacturers Association (WMA) representing vented (stored) systems.
- Manufacturers of Domestic Unvented Systems (MODUS)
Although downloads are available, you are advised to visit the web sites and seek your own advice, to ensure it is always up-to-date. Consumers are advised that under (Building Regulation) G3 all Installers of unvented systems must be licensed and carry a card proving that.
As you may know some (combination) boilers also provide instant hot water. Such boilers are covered by SEDBUK above. There are also water heating options available with warm air heating.
We have not listed multipoint (stand alone) water heaters but manufacturers are listed in the Library. There are now fanned flue options for multipoint water heaters thus offering more scope for siting.
