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How people use energy is a matter of most import to the environment. The aim of the European Union is to develop a common energy saving policy in order to balance human activity with the environment. Energy efficiency has a very significant influence on energy consumption. The Boiler Efficiency Directive concerns the energy efficiency of hot-water boilers. Heating boilers are in most cases affected by the requirements of the Gas Appliance Directive (GAD), the Low-Voltage Directive (LVD) and the EMC Directive on electromagnetic compatibility, in addition to the Boiler Efficiency Directive.
Testing of hot-water and heating boilers
The efficiency of hot-water and heating boilers is established by testing them according to international standards. SGS Fimko tests the efficiency characteristics at its own premises and in a laboratory leased from Oilon Oy. The Finnish Centre for Metrology and Accreditation has assessed testing competence. The testing is carried out on a finished product taken from the production site. Conformity to type is checked with follow-up testing on samples randomly taken from production or through quality control of production or products carried out at regular intervals. Most hot-water boilers are affected by the requirements of the Low-Voltage, EMC and Gas Appliances Directives. SGS Fimko is authorized to test and assess a product's conformity to these directives.
The Requirements of the Boiler Efficiency Directive in Brief
The Boiler Efficiency Directive covers new hot-water boilers using fluid or gasiform fuels with a rated output of 4 - 400 kW. The Directive does not cover, for example, individual boilers, equipment rapidly producing hot service water, or certain cooking ranges. However, the energy efficiency of these can be established with procedures described in the Boiler Efficiency Directive. If the boiler is intended to heat the premises as well as produce hot water, the Boiler Efficiency Directive covers only the use of the boiler in heating.
Besides the CE marking, the Boiler Efficiency Directive also requires drawing up a technical construction file and testing carried out by a Notified Body (for example SGS Fimko). The manufacturer must have a quality system that ensures equal quality of products or production, or alternatively, a quality system assessed and approved by a Notified Body.
Markings required by the Boiler Efficiency Directive
The manufacturer shall affix a CE marking to boilers fulfilling the efficiency requirements. Adjacent to the CE marking shall be the last two digits of the year of marking and the number 0598. The manufacturer shall also issue a Declaration of Conformity. The granting of a CE marking requires that the product fulfills all relevant directives.
The energy efficiency marking is a voluntary means to give proof of the energy efficiency of the product. The marking consists of one to four stars, depending on the efficiency class. The more energy-efficient a product is, the higher the efficiency class and, in turn the greater the number of stars.
Declaration of Conformity
Products require EU type examination (module B), which includes the following steps:
- The applicant submits the products and documents to SGS Fimko
- SGS Fimko examines the documents
- SGS Fimko carries out testing and inspection
- SGS Fimko grants an EU type-test certificate, and
- The applicant informs SGS Fimko of any changes in product construction
Besides the EU Declaration of Conformity, the manufacturer can choose one of the following alternatives (C, D or E):
EU Declaration of Conformity (C):
- The manufacturer verifies that the products are identical to the type-tested product
- The manufacturer affixes CE marking and energy efficiency marking (voluntary)
- The manufacturer must take sufficient steps to ensure that the product will remain identical with the type-tested product; and
- SGS Fimko carries out supervisory inspections at least once a year
Production Quality Assurance (D):
- The manufacturer has a production quality system in operation that ensures that the product remains identical to the type-tested product
- The manufacturer affixes CE marking and energy efficiency marking (voluntary) and issues EU type examination verification
- SGS Fimko approves the quality system, and
- SGS Fimko carries out inspections at least every second year
Product Quality Assurance (E):
- At the final examination, the manufacturer has a quality system in place that ensures that the product remains identical to the type-tested product
- The manufacturer affixes CE marking and energy efficiency marking (voluntary) and issues EU type examination verification
- SGS Fimko approves the quality system, and
- SGS Fimko carries out inspections at least every second year
SGS Fimko's Services with regard to Boilers
- Clarification of the requirements, directives and standards for the appliance in question
- Testing and inspection
- Assistance in preparing and checking the technical construction file
- Assessment and certification of quality system
- Acting as a Notified Body under the Gas Appliance Directive and other directives
- Type-test certificates
- Granting of FI and other international certificates and certification marks
SGS Fimko tests boilers, including oil or gas burners according to the Boiler Efficiency Directive. SGS Fimko can test products with a rated output of maximum 1,000kW.
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