PHAM NEWS | JUNE 2025 32 Light CommercialHeating


Choosing the right wet rotor circulator


From managing peak demand and lowering costs for clients to preventing limescale build-up, Adam Ferneyhough from DAB Pumps highlights some important considerations when it comes to fi tting pumps in larger buildings.


option for many heating and plumbing engineers, thanks to their effi ciency, low noise levels and minimal servicing requirements. But not all circulators are created equal and understanding how to harness their full potential can make a big diff erence in heating and cooling performance, reliability and ease of installation, especially in larger residential settings, commercial buildings or more complex system layouts. In large residential buildings,


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such as student accommodation and care homes, heating and hot water demand rarely stays constant. It tends to peak at predictable times, such as early mornings or evenings, when dozens of showers, taps or appliances start drawing from the system. That puts pressure on the entire circulation network and calls for equipment that can keep pace with these fl uctuations.


Specify with confi dence Choosing the right electronic wet rotor pump can make a big diff erence. Those with multiple performance settings or adaptive control allow the pump to respond more accurately to shifting demand throughout the day. By aligning performance with usage patterns, systems can maintain comfort levels without burning through energy unnecessarily. When commissioning a new pump or replacing an existing one, it’s worth checking how adjustable the unit is and whether those settings can be changed to meet the specifi c demands of the building.


Space wars It’s not uncommon to fi nd circulation pumps squeezed into awkward corners of older plant rooms, especially in retrofi t situations. Over time, as systems


et rotor circulator pumps have become a popular


are extended or upgraded, space becomes even more of a premium. Installers are often left working around legacy pipework, limited clearance or poor access – all of which can slow down a job and make future maintenance more diffi cult. Choosing a pump that


Adam Ferneyhough Country director UK & Ireland at DAB Pumps


From dealing with demand spikes to preventing limescale and keeping running costs down, a thoughtful install and proper commissioning can help ensure the system works harder for longer


 The Evoplus Lite’s motor head can be turned to three diff erent positions to accommodate the requirements of even the tightest spaces


allows for fl exible installation orientation can help here. Units that feature rotatable motor heads or adjustable connections make it much easier to work around existing constraints. Not only does this save time on site, but it also reduces the risk of poor alignment or pipe strain, which can cause noise or wear over time. The goal is to ensure good fl ow and service access, even when space is tight. The Evoplus Lite, for example,


has a motor head which can be turned to three positions so can be installed in the tightest of spaces. Installation is made even easier as there is only one plug-and-play connector and one set-up button and it is easy to monitor thanks to an easy-to- read 7-LED display. Selecting the right size


and type circulator pump is essential to get the best performance. If a pump is undersized, it may struggle to circulate water eff ectively, leading to poor heating or cooling distribution. If oversized, it can lead to excessive energy consumption and noise. To ensure the right pump is chosen installers should look at the fl ow rate and head pressure required for each specifi c system, the liquid temperature range, particularly in mixed-use HVAC applications and the maximum working pressure to ensure system compatibility. In buildings with constant


occupancy, pumps don’t get much of a break. Heating, hot water and air conditioning systems are in near-continuous use, especially in environments like shared housing or


care facilities. Under these conditions, even small design


fl aws can lead to failures – and failures mean disruption for users and extra callouts for installers. One factor that directly


aff ects pump longevity is how well the internal components are protected from heat and moisture. Circulators with increased separation between the motor and control electronics, for example, have better thermic insulation, which means safer use during air conditioning, where systems are more prone to condensation. The Evoplus Lite is built with cast iron hydraulics, an aluminium motor housing and honed internal surfaces to maximise effi ciency and comes with optional insulation shells to help reduce heat loss and condensation. Installers should consider features like these when specifying for high-use environments, where durability is just as important as fl ow rate or energy use.


Rising costs Rising energy prices and tighter effi ciency requirements have put pressure on facilities managers to fi nd savings wherever possible. Circulator pumps are often running continuously in large buildings and if they’re not properly matched to the system or set up effi ciently, they can quietly consume more energy than they need to. Electronically controlled wet


rotor pumps are designed to address this by adjusting their motor speed based on system demand. Rather than running


 In larger residential buildings, aligning pump output with demand ensures comfort and cuts energy waste


at full capacity around the clock, they only use what’s needed to maintain circulation – which helps reduce both energy use and wear. Installers should make sure this kind of control is set up correctly during commissioning to help clients achieve long- term savings and meet energy performance goals. In hard water areas or in


systems with long pipe runs that sit idle for periods of the day, limescale build-up can be a costly problem. If water isn’t moving regularly, scale and sediment begin to collect. Over time, this can restrict fl ow, reduce effi ciency and eventually cause pump failure. Some circulator pumps


include timed activation to prevent stagnation. These features keep the water moving at regular intervals even during low demand periods, helping to minimise the risk of build-up. While it’s easy to overlook during install, this kind of function can make a noticeable diff erence to long-term system health. Wet rotor electronic circulator


pumps off er a combination of effi ciency, fl exibility and low maintenance. From dealing with demand spikes to preventing limescale and keeping running costs down, a thoughtful install and proper commissioning can help ensure the system works harder for longer with fewer surprises down the line. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/625/36


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