When used in locations vulnerable to rodent attack, all
plastic pipes and fittings should be adequately protected
within sealed ducts.
Speedfit products along with other materials such as
electrical cables may be damaged if rodents are present.
If vermin infestation is suspected then a rodent exterminator
should take appropriate action
.
No taste, colour, odour or toxicity is imparted to water by
Speedfit components, nor do they promote
microbiological growth.
In accordance with BS7291: Part 1 Clause 6.7, the opacity
of both pipes and fittings allows insufficient light to pass
for the growth of algae
Tests within the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme,
have approved Speedfit pipe and fittings to BS 6920 for
water quality.
On completion of the plumbing and heating system it is
essential that system checking and a hydraulic wet test
takes place. Connections to boilers, radiators and
sanitary ware should first be capped or plugged.
Testing should be carried out at
2 bar for 10 minutes followed by 10
bar for 10 minutes.
This testing combined with other
relevant checks, should reveal most
system problems. Any components
within the system not designed
to take these pressures should
be disconnected.
Before carrying out a pressure test
ensure all Speedfit pipe and fittings
are installed correctly. Speedfit
Barrier Pipe is printed with insertion
marks to help ensure full insertion
has been achieved.
Remember pressure testing is NOT a substitute for
making sure fittings are clean and free of any grit, dirt or
swarf and the pipe is correctly inserted (see Making a
Good Connection, on page 06.
With existing systems, flushing prior to the use of Speedfit is
essential to remove any harmful contamination or chemical
residues from elsewhere in the system.
For the installation of central heating systems flushing
procedures must be in line with BS7593 code of practice
for treatment of water in domestic hot water heating systems.
Flux residues used in the soldering of capillary fittings are
very corrosive. Dirt and grit, which can enter the system
when Speedfit pipe is being pushed through underfloor or
across a roof space, must be removed.
The JG Speedfit Technical Advisory Service is available to
assist and advise on all aspects of using the Speedfit
system. The service is available between 8.00am and 4.30pm,
Monday to Friday on Telephone No. 01895 425333 and
Fax No. 01895 425350. Products within this Product Guide
are designed for use within UK plumbing and heating
installations or in other countries where similar installation
requirements apply. For information on products suitable
for use in other countries please consult our Technical
Advisory Service.
We take pride in the quality of our products and all complaints
are investigated thoroughly. If you have a problem with a
Speedfit Product please return both fitting and pipe to us
for investigation. We will need at least 50mm of pipe to
ensure an accurate analysis. If there is a suspicion that the
pipe is faulty, please provide marking details from the pipe.
PROTECTION AGAINST RODENTS
BIOLOGICAL
SYSTEM TESTING
SYSTEM COMMISSIONING AND FLUSHING
TECHNICAL ADVISORY SERVICE
Ceiling
24°C
Floor
18°C
2.70
1.70
Ideal
Heating
System
Floor
Heating
System
Radiator
Heating
System
UNDERFLOOR HEATING
The Speedfit Underfloor Heating System has been designed
to be as quick and easy as possible to install with component
parts manufactured to UK and European standards.
Underfloor heating provides the most comfortable even warmth
of any heating system. It is economical to run and virtually
maintenance free. The principle has been with us since
Roman times but is still the system of choice in some
European countries, accounting for 70% of installations.
The Speedfit System has water being pumped from a
boiler to a pump pack, where it is mixed to approximately
50ºC then distributed via a manifold to heating circuits
made using Speedfit Barrier Pipe. The pipe is laid in
concrete or suspended just below the surface of the floor.
In concrete floors, the pipe is laid on insulation and then
covered with a screed on which can be laid almost any type
of floor covering.
For timber floors, spreader plates are laid between the joists
and the floor decking or on the underside of the floor.
Speedfit Pipe is pushed into the grooves on the plates.
The floor area is typically warmed to between 25ºC and
28ºC, providing an even distribution of heat at only slightly
higher than room temperature. The system is controlled
by one or more thermostats which signal the Pump Pack
when heat is required.
21
22
RADIATOR SYSTEM AND HEAT GRADIENT
UNDERFLOOR HEATING SYSTEM
An Underfloor Heating System heats mainly by radiation.
Radiant energy is emitted by the floor giving an even
distribution of heat. No cold spots, hot ceilings or cold feet.
The overall effectiveness of an UFH heating system can
be seen below.
The heat is concentrated where it is most needed for
comfort and efficiency.
Problem:
Burst or melted pipe.
Pipe will be distorted showing either a ‘Parrot beak’ look
or a long opening with the edges of the pipe melted in a
wave shape.
Identification:
A ‘Parrot beak’ will have been formed by
the pipe bursting due to the water freezing. If the Pipe has
a melted appearance it will have been subject to a
temperature in excess of 128 degrees Celsius. This will
have been caused by direct contact with a heat source
such as a blowtorch or flue pipe or by water or steam
within the system rising above safety levels.
Problem:
A fitting or part of a fitting dissolved - the fitting
may have blown off the pipe and may have missing
component parts.
Identification:
The fitting will have failed because of a
chemical attack. The most common attack is from acid
based solder flux running down into the fitting during
soldering of a nearby copper fitting or flux coming into
contact with the fitting in some other way.
Problem:
Weep from fitting.
Identification :
The pipe has not been fully inserted up to
the pipe stop or one or both of the ‘O’ rings have been
damaged by burrs or sharp edges on the end of pipe. See
‘What Not to Do’ on page 06.
Problem:
The fitting has blown off the pipe. Fitting is
missing the collet, the pipe insert is still inside the fitting
after the pipe has come out.
Identification:
If this happens on first fix, the most likely
reason is that the pipe has not been fully inserted into the
fitting, up to the pipe stop, and the system has not been
pressure tested.
If the collet (gripping device) is missing everything will
blow out. If the collet is there and the pipe support is still
inside the connector but the pipe has still blown out, this
means that full insertion had not been accomplished.
COMMON PROBLEMS AND IDENTIFICATION
During the commissioning of a heating system, all air
must be removed from the system before the boiler is
allowed to fire. This will ensure pockets of air do not
cause localized overheating within the system as this
could have a detrimental affect on the pipework and
boiler.
For further advice on chemical flushing agents and
inhibitor treatments, the following manufacturers should
be contacted: Fernox Manufacturing Ltd., 01799 550811
or Sentinel Betz Dearborn Ltd., 0151 420 9595.
Ceiling
18°C
Floor
24°C
By contrast, radiators transfer heat from a relatively small
area at a much higher temperature than the space being heated.
The radiator system heats mainly by convection. This
results in the floor being the coolest place in the room,
with the mass of warm air at ceiling level.
The Speedfit Underfloor Heating System offers many benefits
to the consumer. These include:
Installation
It is simple to install, requiring the minimum of installation
effort and little maintenance.
Comfort
The system uses radiant heat, the most comfortable form
of heating, to give a good even distribution of warmth
over the whole room.
Space
The system in unobtrusive and space saving which means
every square metre of floor and wall space can be fully
utilised giving freedom of interior design.
Noise
Compared to radiator systems the system is virtually silent running.
Health
Dust is minimised reducing the problem of house dust
mites. Reduced numbers of hot surfaces and sharp edges
minimise risk of burns or injury.
Economic
Underfloor Heating Systems are designed to operate at
lower temperatures than radiator systems, resulting in
reduced energy consumption and lower heatloss from the
building structure.
Control
The system is easy to control and the small temperature
difference between the floor and air means the system is
virtually self - regulating.
Environment
Underfloor heating is suitable for use with the most energy
efficient and environmentally friendly heating systems
including condensing boilers, solar power and heat pumps.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
The Speedfit Underfloor Heating System is suitable for
most floor finishes, including ceramic tiles, carpets, vinyl
and laminate.
The thermal resistance of floor covering will have a marked
effect on the performance of the heating system.
Advice on the use of floor coverings and their effect on
the performance of a system is laid out in the Speedfit
Underfloor Heating Manual.
FLOOR FINISHES AND COVERING
