Building Services
Key HVAC standards and their implications
Performance data to given industry standards is a key part of every manufacturer’s product information. It is designed to give assurances that products are meeting specific criteria and are fit for purpose. Unfortunately however not all the claims are as reliable as they may first seem. Information can sometimes be misrepresented and not all testing is carried out correctly. Here we look at some of the ways in which information can be misused, so that you are equipped to ask the right questions and ensure your specifications achieve the necessary heat output. After all, if a product fails to achieve its expected level of performance you will be the first port of call.
THE KEY INDUSTRY STANDARDS.
There are currently four key standards in the HVAC sector which cover radiators and convectors (EN 442), radiant heating (EN 14037), radiant cooling (EN 14240) and fan assisted radiators, convectors and trench convectors (EN 16430). All products within these categories which are sold in the UK should meet the given standard as outlined below:
1. EN 442 - SPECIFICATION FOR RADIATORS AND CONVECTORS
This standard certifies the output of all heat emitters for central heating systems. EN 442 is a mandatory requirement for all radiators sold into the UK as part of the introduction of CE marking in July 2013. This means that all products must be performance tested and their heat output certified by an independently accredited third party.
2. EN 14037 - CEILING MOUNTED RADIANT PANELS SUPPLIED WITH WATER AT TEMPERATURE BELOW 120°C
With only one test chamber in Europe certified to conduct this testing any manufacturer who has correctly tested their product will be able to supply you with a BS EN 14037 certificate from the University of Stuttgart stating the output of a 3000mm by 600mm panel. This requirement should form part of any radiant specification to ensure the correct heat outputs are obtained.
3. EN 14240 - VENTILATION FOR BUILDINGS. CHILLED CEILINGS
This European Standard specifies test conditions and methods for the determination of the cooling capacity of chilled ceilings and other extended chilled surfaces.
The test method applies to all types of surface cooling systems using any medium as energy transport medium. In addition, this standard refers to chilled surfaces. Where ‘surfaces’ are specified this should be taken to include ceilings, walls or floors as appropriate.
4. EN 16430 - FAN ASSISTED RADIATORS, CONVECTORS AND TRENCH CONVECTORS
Filling a significant gap in performance statistics for the HVAC sector and finally putting an end of the uncertainty of comparing the performance data of different manufacturers heating and cooling trenches, EN 16430 was introduced in December 2014.
MISUSE OF INDUSTRY STANDARDS
Whilst it is conceivable to assume that performance figures published in accordance with a specific industry standard are reliable data upon which to select a product unfortunately not all data is entirely accurate and some manufacturers fail to test their products correctly and/or inflate their heat output figures to sell product.
Manufacturers may publish figures in reference to an alternative standard. For example, some trench heater manufacturers publish output figures in
ZEHNDER GROUP UK LTD
accordance with EN 442. Because EN 442 is specific to radiators it does not take into account the fact that trench heaters are installed within the floor. Products are therefore tested as free standing radiators, giving much higher and unrealistic output figures, and consequently a false declaration of performance.
Alternatively, output figures may be published in reference to a standard which is not yet fully compliant, but is still in draft format. This information can be misleading as by quoting a genuine standard number, albeit a draft one, the expectation is that the standard is compliant and the product is meeting set performance criteria.
TAKE ACTION
Avoiding these pitfalls is quite simple and can be carried out quickly and simply from your desk. Firstly make sure you keep up to date with the relevant industry standards and ensure you are specifying the right product for the job.
Here is a list of useful organisations to keep you on top of all the latest developments:
The British Standards Institution -
www.bsigroup.co.uk The European Commission -
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/ european-standards/
European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) -
www.cen.eu/
At Zehnder we are here to help with your HVAC requirements. Contact us on 01276 605800 or visit
www.zehnder.co.uk for further information.
TEL: 01276 605800 23
WWW.ZEHNDER.CO.UK
Above: Zehnder Carboline radiant heating panel is the best performing panel in the market.
Left: Zehnder Terraline trench heater conforms to EN 16430 industry standard.
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