PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2026 News Review 9
Advice on selecting refrigerants
A new guide from the Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association (ICOM) provides practical advice on selecting refrigerants for heat pumps, with a focus on safety, system design and regulatory requirements. The publication examines two increasingly common
refrigerants, R32 and R290 (propane), explaining their different properties and the implications for equipment selection and installation. For R32, classified as
A2L (mildly flammable), the guide covers airflow, clearances, noise, condensate management and frost protection. For R290, which has the more stringent A3 highly flammable classification, it addresses protective zones, ignition sources, building openings,
ventilation and risk assessments. The guide also sets out key standards and regulations
relevant to the design, installation and operation of systems using flammable refrigerants, including BS EN 378, ISO 5149 and, where applicable, ATEX and DSEAR requirements. It recommends that specifiers consider building type, occupancy, system capacity and operating conditions when choosing a refrigerant. Download the guide using the reader link below. ◼
phamnews.co.uk/1126/06
Exclusive trips and rewards
New travel incentives and rewards have been announced by Vaillant and Glow-worm for installers using their dual-branded myREWARDS loyalty platform. Vaillant installers who meet registration
targets will receive £400 and can compete for a VIP trip for two to Slovenia, including the Lake Bled region. Glow-worm is offering two incentive periods, each with a £200 reward for meeting targets and the chance to win a trip to a race-day event in Dublin or the Formula 1 in Budapest. Other additions to myREWARDS include
coffee vouchers redeemable with loyalty points and a City Plumbing Supplies promotion offering eligible installers the
HPA updates tech guidance
The Heat Pump Association UK (HPA UK) has published Version 5 of its Closed Loop Vertical Borehole Standard, the first technical update since the Ground Source Heat Pump Association merged with HPA UK earlier this year. The standard provides guide-
chance to win tool bundles worth more than £1,500. Find out how to participate by using the reader link below. ◼
phamnews.co.uk/1126/07
Plumbing range unites under one brand
RWC is bringing its UK and EMEA plumbing and heating ranges together under the John Guest brand, including Speedfit, SharkBite, Underfloor, Reliance and MDPE Compression. The move aims to make its wider portfolio easier for installers, specifiers and merchants to navigate, with clearer access to products, technical information and support. Product specifications, performance, approvals and established range names will remain unchanged. The portfolio can be explored through the new John Guest website on the link below. ◼
phamnews.co.uk/1126/08
ance on the design, installation and maintenance of vertical boreholes used in closed-loop ground source heat pump systems. The revision reflects current best practice
and
technological developments, with an emphasis on safety, environmental protection, system performance
longevity. Led by Chris Davidson,
chair of HPA UK’s Standards Sub-Group, the update was developed with industry experts and endorsed by CIBSE. Version 5 is available now
through HPA UK, free of charge to HPA UK members on request, or can be purchased by non- members for £125 (+VAT). ◼
phamnews.co.uk/1126/09
and
15. – 19. 3. 2027 Frankfurt am Main
The Power of Solutions
Design meets high-quality solutions
info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 84
Discover solutions for design, bathrooms and well-being.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
