Fireproof case for old boiler

hornblower

I had my 20 year old boiler serviced today (Potterton Kingfisher II) by Bord Gais. Serviced many times in the past without a problem. But today, the technician said that there was no case on the boiler and unless I put a fireproof case around it, the gas would be cut off within 10 days. The boiler is perfect but obsolete, therefore no case can be purchased. I was told that I could line the enclosure (a floor standing kitchen cabinet) with a fireproof board.

My question is - what board should I use? I have seen a number of differing fire-boards with different names but am clueless as to suitability, etc. Any advice would be great as I'm not in a position to buy a new boiler at 1150 E plus fitting!

Thanks guys

Billy Bunting

The board you need is Ceraboard, retails under several other names one being Supalux.

heinbloed

Ask the service man what classification this board must have, check with a civil engineer or a fire officer how this has to be installed to meet the criteria. Gap-free, min.thickness, fixing materials etc...., don't forget the access for future inspections.

It is propably more economical to get a new boiler.

DGOBS

Where is the boiler located, and what are the distances to combustable materials? A picture here would say a thousand words.

Is yours the open flued or room seal version? What model?

Carlow52

DGOBS wrote: »

Where is the boiler located, and what are the distances to combustable materials? A picture here would say a thousand words.

Is yours the open flued or room seal version? What model?

from opening post
the enclosure (a floor standing kitchen cabinet)

DGOBS

Still does not tell what I need to know, all kingfishers are floor standing models!

Very important if room sealed version, or open flued as this will have a significant bearing,
Regarding compartment ventilation and combustible surfaces ect.

So no, the original post does not have enough information, have you anything helpful to add?

hornblower

Hi guys, the kitchen cabinet is a standard 600 mm unit with a plywood top supporting a granite worktop. The pictures don't tell a lot because I took them to try and get a Potterton casing (which is not made anymore as the model is discontinued). It's a perfectly good boiler that I can't afford to replace so I need to get the fireproofing right.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150581643853047&set=a.10150581640438047.479673.630893046&type=1&theater

Thanks in advance.

DGOBS

Looks like the room sealed version, according to the manufacturers any compartment will need ventilation (hi/low vents) for appliance cooling air, this will be calculated from the appliance kw input (900mm2 for every kwh input hi & low into the room, or 450mm2 if the vents are directly to outdoors) where the appliance in too close to combustible material (which this seems to be as manufacturers says 50mm) you would need to use a material that provides 60 minute fire rating (as far as I remember) but it doesn't look like you have a lot of room either side to achieve this. All surfaces interior cabinet surfaces will require this, including the door, and all vents will need to have a notice (or stamped on them) advising against blockage

I know you talk about not being able to afford upgrading the appliance, but to be honest this are very inefficient appliances, an upgrade would dramatically reduce your gas usage and pay for itself in a short period, you could be looking at up to 20% less gas! Even more if combined with a controls upgrade..

heinbloed

There is no legal way that this installation was ever legally comissioned.
If the installer/builder who had installed is still there there is theoretically a come-back, your insurance might cover the legal steps.
Another method of recouping some money are the service men, they blotched their job all the years they certified this illegal installation.

Be greatefull that your new RGI registered installer takes his job serious.
All others come under the category "cowboy". Threaten to take legal steps against them, and your new boiler might be payed for.

Not one of the previous certs met the legally binding regulations. Money back!

Talk to a solicitor.

hornblower

heinbloed wrote: »

There is no legal way that this installation was ever legally comissioned.
If the installer/builder who had installed is still there there is theoretically a come-back, your insurance might cover the legal steps.
Another method of recouping some money are the service men, they blotched their job all the years they certified this illegal installation.

Be greatefull that your new RGI registered installer takes his job serious.
All others come under the category "cowboy". Threaten to take legal steps against them, and your new boiler might be payed for.

Not one of the previous certs met the legally binding regulations. Money back!

Talk to a solicitor.

Hey guys, I'm delighted that the service technician picked up on the problems and threaten to cut me off - just the same as I am very happy to be searched thoroughly before getting on a plane. It's in my interest. I will be replacing the boiler in the short term and making it legal in the shorter term. Thanks for all of your help.