9- SERVICE Warning It is a requirement that only qualified and competent personnel may undertake
servicing and commissioning
On completion of service details should be entered in the heater log book
8-2 Gas supply
WARNING Installers should satisfy themselves that the gas pipework installation is carried out in
accordance with all current legislation, Codes of Practice and Recommendations.
Additionally it may be necessary to protect the gas valves which form part of the heater or burner
assembly from potential pipe contamination particularly, but not exclusively, where copper pipe is
used.
In instances where copper pipework is to be used for all or part of a gas pipework installation,
including short length final connections then we advise that installers consult with gas supplier or
provider and satisfy themselves what additional precautions may be necessary .
Consideration should be given to the pressure drop on single and multi heater installations and the effect
they may have on other plant sharing the supply.
As there have been recorded instances of the deposition of copper sulphide dust within the valves and
orifices of gas appliances as a direct result of a reaction between the hydrogen sulphide contained in
some natural gasses and copper pipe we recommend that the heater(s) should not be connected to any
natural gas pipe distribution system which utilizes copper pipework, including final connections. Instead
steel pipework should be used throughout.
In the event that it is impractical to use steel pipework or where installers are obliged or insist on using
elements of copper pipework within the installation then we strongly recommend that the gas supplier be
consulted as specific conditions and requirements may be necessary.
Only qualified and competent personnel are allowed to undertake the installation, commissioning, and
servicing of Gas Heaters
Prior to installation the supply characteristics (gas type and pressure) must be checked to ensure that they
are in accordance with the data plate on the heater. The gas supplier should check that the meter and
service connection to the heater are capable of delivering the required volume of gas, thereby ensuring
that the minimum burner pressure can be achieved. If it is necessary to fit a gas pressure booster, the
controls must include a low pressure cutoff switch which must be fitted on the supply / inlet side of the
booster. It is also a requirement that the gas supplier is advised prior to the installation or fitting of the
booster.
Each heater supply must be fitted with a separate isolating cock positioned adjacent to and upstream of
the union which must be sited outside the heater.
The isolating cock should be of the 90
0
turn type and should be clearly marked OPEN / CLOSED
it should also be installed so as to fall to the closed position
An approved gas jointing compound must be used on all joints and unions and the system purged and
tested for soundness prior to final connection
The connection to the heater can be made by way of either an approved flexible coupling or rigid
connection . Threaded connections must comply to ISO 288/1 or ISO 7/1 further information concerning
accepted European practice is detailed in BS EN1020 1998.
The diameter of the pipework from the isolating cock to the burner must not be less than the diameter of
the connection into the heater
Reference to The Institute of Gas Engineers publications Utilisation Procedures IGE/UP1 and IGE/UP2
together with reference to BS6891 is strongly advised.
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