58
TECHNICAL
Implications of the new energy efficiency
rating for hot water storage heaters
By
IOPSA
VC9006, the compulsory specifications for hot water storage tanks for
domestic use, has been amended by Dr Rob Davies, Minister of Trade
and Industry.
On the recommendation of the National Regulator for
Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), the intent of the
amendments is to move the energy efficiency rating of
geysers to Class B.
What is required from VC9006?
The new amendments to the compulsory specifications for hot
water storage tanks for domestic use (VC9006), as per the
notice in the Government Gazette of 3 March 2016, make clear
reference to the new requirement from geyser manufacturers
in South Africa to ensure not only that geysers comply with the
requirements of SANS 151, but also to the energy efficiency rating
Class B.
In summary, this means that all electrical water heaters
(geysers) must become more energy efficient from 1 August
2017. Current stock of the old Class D geysers will be phased
out to make way for the Class B geysers, and manufacturers
have taken the required steps to ensure a smooth transition to
the new energy efficiency rating requirements.
Although SANS 151 is currently being updated to accommodate
the requirements of the energy efficiency rating of Class B, the
normative annexure in SANS 151 does refer to the Class B rating,
and the geyser manufacturer can test to this requirement.
SABS mark required for Class B rating
Traditionally, the South African Bureau of Standards(SABS) has
provided an extensive array of testing and certification. Once the
product met the SABS testing and certification requirements, it
could carry the SABS mark. The misconception in some quarters
of the industry is that the SABS mark is mandatory. However, the
National Building Regulations (NBR) simply require that products
must comply with South African National Standards (SANS),
unless the SABS mark is specifically required by local bylaws or
specific contract specifications.
This means that manufacturers or suppliers of products do not
have to carry the SABS mark, but must be able to prove that
their products meet the minimum requirements of the relevant
September 2017 Volume 23 I Number 7
SANS standards by means of product certification.
Most manufacturers have obtained third-party verification from
Test Africa for energy efficiency only for Class B.
The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS)
is adamant that they can enforce and will be going around the
country sampling products for verification.
Installation implications for plumbers
The dimensions of the new Class B geysers will see the
standard 150ℓ geyser casing increase to the dimensions of the
200ℓ casing. Plumbers will now face the following problems:
a. If the access point and area of installation only allow for
the current dimensions of a 150ℓ geyser, the installation
might have to be moved to an alternative installation
point on the property. This will have a cost implication
on additional pipework and labour, as more time is also
required to complete an installation. The same problem
will be found on the large 200ℓ geysers.
b. Trapdoor sizing. With the average trapdoor being 600mm
× 600mm, the plumber will not be able to get the geyser
through the trapdoor. An alternative point of entry to the
roof space will be needed and the roof cover may need to
be opened to provide an access point.
The installation will still need to be completed to the current
requirements of SANS 10254, but no additional pipework or
valves are required.
CoC or not?
In terms of the professional bodies’ requirements, all licensed
plumbers must issue a CoC for all installations undertaken by
themselves. A CoC is further required if it is a requirement of
the applicable SANS standard for the installation, condition of
warranty, contractual requirement and/or bylaw.
Cost per installation
The overall cost of an electrical storage water heater
(geyser) installation will be effected by the energy efficiency
requirement. PA
www.plumbingafrica.co.za