10 ASSOCIATIONS
affordable housing developments . Inferior plumbing products , such as thermostatic mixing valves , are sold at a fraction of the cost of quality systems that comply with the relevant standards . They are especially appealing during challenging economic conditions as a short-sighted cost-cutting exercise . This has also been at the expense of local industry which supplies thermostatic valves that comply with strict standards .
Notably , the authorities have established localisation targets for solar water heater installations on many of these affordable housing projects . This is to stimulate the South African manufacturing industry so that it is also able to create more jobs . Yet , there are no such requirements for important plumbing components such as thermostatic mixing valves that are assembled or manufactured in the country according to the relevant quality standards .
For example , Advanced Valves , one of IOPSA ’ s platinum members , manufactures a high-quality thermostatic mixing valve at its stateof-the-art factory in Johannesburg . The product ’ s very high local content compliments localisation targets that have been stipulated for other components of solar-water heating systems for affordable housing projects . The only component of the product that is not manufactured in the country by the company is the wax thermostatic element . Essentially the ‘ brain ’ of the system , it expands and contracts according to the temperature of the water . As temperature rises , the element expands closing the supply of hot water and releasing cold water into the system . When temperature decreases , it contracts to allow hot water into the pipe . The company imports its thermostatic element from France , which is considered a world leader in the field .
It remains a serious concern that burn injuries account for about 180 000 deaths every year throughout the world . “ The highest burn-related deaths are in low- and middle-income countries . These burns are usually because of an accident at home . Scalding and flames are the most common causes of burn injuries in developed and developing countries , including in South Africa . To what extent poor plumbing contributes to this worrying situation still needs to be investigated . Unlike other countries in the world , we do not keep such statistics . However , I am sure that if we were to undertake such an investigation , it would be a real eye-opener . This is considering the extent of substandard plumbing workmanship and the use of poor-quality plumbing products in the country ,” Reynolds concludes . PA
“ Hot water from a solar water heater can reach temperatures of up to 90 ° C .”
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline November 2022 Volume 28 I Number 9