RRF tests the new certification program of the HKI

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In cooperation with the certification body of the TÜV Süd, the HKI has published a new certification program for fireplaces in accordance with EN 13229, 13240 and 15250. Manufacturers of efficient and low-emission stoves and other fireplaces can now have this certified. As an approved laboratory, the RRF also performs tests in accordance with this certification program.

The basics for the certification of your fireplace are as follows:

  1. You submit the certification application (application for certification of local space heaters for wood logs) to the certification body. We are happy to help you with the application.
  2. If your application and application documents have been checked completely and positively, you will receive a draft of the certification contract from the certification body.
  3. After the certification contract has been concluded, the certificate for the use of the certification mark is issued based on our type test and the test report.
  4. To maintain the certification, manufacturers must have a regular (at least once a year) product-related control test – usually in the manufacturers works. This ensures that the fireplaces manufactured in ongoing production correspond to the certified prototype. Since we are a recognized monitoring body, we can register our auditors with the certification body accordingly to your wishes.
  5. The validity of the certification depends on the testing and certification regulations of the certification body. Should the state of the art and / or the legal regulations change, the certification program may adapt.

We would like to assist you as your partner in testing, certification and monitoring of your fireplace and please do not hesitate to contact us for questions about the topic, to make appointments or to select a suitable auditor.

Requirements of the Eco-Design Regulation in 2022

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With this year, the implementation for the requirements of the Eco-Design Regulation (EU) 2015/1185 in 2022 is getting closer and closer. At the turn of the year, the meeting of the German technical heads of laboratories took place. There, the implementation of Eco-Design requirements in practice with regards to the test reports and the manufacturers documents were clarified between industry, German standardization bodies and German notified bodies. 

At this meeting, it was discussed, which documents apply. It should be noted that many manufacturers only pay attention to average values shown in the test reports and compare them with the Eco-Design requirements. However, in addition, further requirements must be met. These emerge both from the regulation itself and from an associated official journal of the European Commission (see below).

What is the legal bases?

  • The general requirements and value limits are specified in the Eco-Design Regulation (EU) 2015/1185. In addition, the Official Journal of the European Commission “2017/C 076/02” applies.

ATTENTION

Many manufacturers only pay attention to the average values ​​shown in test reports and compare them with the eco-design requirements. In addition, there are further requirements mentioned in the Official Journal “2017/C 076/02” need to be met!

So that no invalid declarations are created, we would like to give you specific information on how to meet the requirements:

  • The declaration is made by the manufacturer, not by the test laboratory.
  • Currently, the declaration is made by the manufacturer in the technical documentation listed in the regulation, not in the declaration of performance according CE marking.
  • A test report of the current EN standards (EN 13240, 13229, 14785, 12815, 15250, etc.) is not sufficient for the declaration.
  • CO, NOx and OGC content must have been determined in accordance with EN 16510-1.
  • This also applies to the heat output and efficiency (with the exception of EN 14785 and EN 15250).
  • The dust content must have been determined in accordance with CEN/TS 15833 or EN 16510-1.
  • If the manufacturer requests confirmation from the test laboratory, this must not appear as a notified body in the document (the Notified Body Number is not mentioned).
  • If the manufacturer declares compliance with Eco-Design, he bears the sole responsibility.

What does this mean in practice?

  • Confirmation letters from test laboratories, such as certificates, lists, letters of confirmation, in which the test laboratory appears as a notified body – as they are currently published by some manufacturers are for marketing purposes – may not serve as a base for the declaration.
  • The measurements of the above-mentioned parameters must have been performed in accordance with EN 16510-1. This applies to new test as well as performance tests. The requirements of EN 16510-1 are, for example:
    • At least 2 continuous burning cycles in a row
    • For EN 13229 fireplaces 3 burning cycles instead of 2
    • Different minimum burning cycle times
  • The fuels used in the test must correspond to the fuel specification of EN 16510-1. This also applies to new test as well as performed tests.
  • If the manufacturer wants to know whether his test report, for example according to EN 13240, is compliant to the above-mentioned requirements, the test laboratory carry out an evaluation of the raw data if necessary. An alternative is that the measurement method EN 16510-1 is listed for the corresponding parameters in the current test reports.
  • The manufacturer can also declare compliance with the Eco-Design requirements based on their own measurements and calculations. Based on this, however, no official confirmation / certificate can be created by our laboratory.

What kind of support does the RRF offer you:

  • Issue of certificates for publication
  • If necessary: re-evaluation of raw data or re-examination of the missing parameters on the test bench
  • Issue of letters of confirmation of the fulfilment of the requirements for internal use

If you have OEM products in your portfolio, you should have the test report, which serves as the basis, checked by the owner of the original test report.

We are happy to offer you the opportunity to discuss further details on this topic in a personal meeting. If you send us a list of your fireplaces / test reports, we can make you an offer for the evaluation effort and the above-mentioned services for you.

Link to the Regulation: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32015R1185

Link to the Journal: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1613464324868&uri=CELEX%3A52017XC0310%2804%29

First exchange of experiences on the Blue Angel

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The environmental label “Blue Angel” started the certification of roomheaters this year. At the end of the year there was a call to share experiences. The test laboratories were asked to share their experiences from the first measurements in order to optimize the measurement method and the test procedure and to clarify detailed questions.

Of course, the RRF also took part and was able to contribute some important experience from the tests carried out.

Participation in standardization committees

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Even during the corona pandemic, standardization work does not stand still. Therefore, the RRF is still active in the standardization committees like currently for the topic of exhaust systems (TC 166) and takes part in the web meetings on your behalf.

Passing of the “Blauer Engel”

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In its meeting on 11. and 12. December 2019 the “Jury Umweltzeichen” did pass the “Blauer Engel” for wood burning stoves. This means that the environmental label can be applied for at the RAL gGmbH from 01. January 2020.

The awarding criteria and all necessary application documents are now available in German language on the “Blauer Engel” website: https://www.blauer-engel.de/de/produktwelt/bauen-heizen/kaminoefen-fuer-holz

The corresponding documents in English language will follow shortly.

Since the RRF was, of course; also actively involved in the development of the criteria of the environmental label, we have included the test in our portfolio and can offer you this test for your fireplaces. In the course of this, we have invested in the measuring device for particle counting, so that we can offer you the required particle counting method from January.

You are welcome to contact us for any questions or a non-binding offer request.

Participation in the expert workshops and expert discussions on the topics of the environmental label “Blauer Engel” and evaluation of the 1. BImSchV

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Due to our competence, we are regularly invited to expert rounds.

We are glad to take this responsible part to actively participate in the legislation, climate protection and the future of the industry.  

1. BImSchV

In the second expert discussion, on 12 September 2019 in Berlin, regarding the evaluation of the 1. BImSchV, the preliminary final report of the DBFZ (Deutsches Biomasse Forschungszentrum) was presented and discussed.

Christian Droll actively participated in the discussion.

The amendment of the 1. BImSchV 2010 revised the regulations for solid fuel appliances and was complemented with new requirements. On one hand, the emission limits for new appliances were significantly tightened and, on the other hand, for the first time, new limits were established for existing appliances in the retail sector – with transitional periods – connected with retrofitting or shut down responsibilities.

Eight years later, the question now arises as to whether the amendment to the 1. BImSchV actually achieves the hoped-for and also assumed in individual studies on future emission trends and whether there is still room for improvement if necessary.

The final report should answer this question and provide a basis for discussion for a renewed amendment of the 1. BImSchV.

In further expert rounds we will accompany the revision of the amendment.

Blauer Engel

Since the beginning of the expert discussions on the environmental label “Blauer Engel”, the RRF participated in the relevant meetings. We will include the test program in our portfolio and are already offering preliminary tests on the current version of the “Blauer Engel” criteria.

The criteria of the “Blauer Engel” was lastly discussed at the second Environmental Label Hearing “Kaminöfen” (DE-UZ xxx) on 18./19.09.2019 in Berlin at the Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt). Representing the RRF, Christian Droll participated and integrated our position into the meeting. On 11 and 12 December 2019 the the “Blauer Engel” will be presented to the jury “Umweltzeichen”. Until the 22 November comments can be send to the RAL non-profit GmbH, which will be awarding the label.

The final result of the decision will be made by the jury in December and the label will be introduced from the 01 January 2020 on out. The awarding criteria can be requested at www.blauer-engel.de or www.umweltzeichen-ral.de.

Future Workshop

In addition, in June 2019, the first Future Workshop for the fireplaces and chimney industry took place at the Umweltforschungszentrum (UFZ) in Leipzig, in close proximity to the Deutschen Biomasseforschungszentrum (DBFZ). The Europäische Feuerstätten Arbeitsgemeinschaft (EFA), the Zentralverband Sanitär, Heizung, Klima (ZVSHK) und der Fachverband Schornsteintechnik invited to this event. Over two days, the innovative workshop concept identified the industry’s current challenges and planned future steps. What was special: Not only the industry was involved, also representatives of other interested parties and politics came to Leipzig.

On 15 – 16 January, the Future Workshop will be continued at the Agritechnical in Hanover, in order to substantiate the results of the first workshop.

Flagge Europas

Publication of EN 16510-1 as a non-harmonized standard

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With the issuing date from July 2018, the English version of EN 16510-1 has been published in CEN. The German version will now follow in the next few weeks and thus the revision of the old fireplace standards is slowly taking shape.

A new structured setup of the EN 16510 series of standards is intended to simplify the handling for both manufacturers and users. Part 1, which is now published, contains the general requirements and tests for all domestic solid fuel fireplaces and is to be used in future in conjunction with a specific Part 2 for the corresponding type of fireplace.

Since this is a non-harmonized standard, it does not yet replace the current harmonized standards such as B. EN 13240, 13229, etc.

In EN 16510-1 the emission measurement methods for NOx, OGC and PM (Annexes D, E and F of the standard) are specified in a more detailed way than the previous specification and the test procedure for the type test is specified more clearly than in the previous CEN / TR 15883, which will be replaced by EN 16510-1. Due to the relevance of these detailed descriptions of emission measurement methods, CEN / TC 295 decided in November 2016 to publish Part 16510-1 as a non-harmonized standard. In addition, manufacturers can already apply the EN 16510-1 for the type testing of new developments, in order to avoid inspections after the harmonization of parts 2. There are no contradictions to the currently harmonized old standards.

However, it will not be possible to simply rewrite the test reports because EN 16510-1 and the specific parts 2 make further administrative requirements. Consequently, when converting the test reports to the 16510 series of standards, after the complete harmonization, an increased effort for the issuing of the test reports must be expected.

New requirements for the certification of fireplaces, that are operated with combustible biomass in Italy

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As of 07.11.2017, the new regulation n. 186, passed by the Minister of the environment, in collaboration with the Minister of health and the Minister of economy and development, came into force.

It applies to small fireplaces and boilers, which are operated with biomass solid fuels.

The regulation sets requirements for the emission of particles, OGC, NOx, CO and the efficiency.

There are 5 categories of emission requirements, which are divided into stars.

The requirements can be found in detail in the following table:

Type of fireplace Particles

(mg/Nm³)

 OGC

(mg/Nm³)

 NOx

(mg/Nm³)

 CO

(mg/Nm³)

 N (%)
5-Stars
Open fireplaces 25 35 100 650 85
Inset appliances 25 35 100 650 85
Roomheaters 25 35 100 650 85
cookers 25 35 100 650 85
Slow heat release appliances 25 35 100 650 85
Heating appliances fired by wood pellets 15 10 100 250 88
Boilers 15 5 150 30 88
Boilers fired by wood pellets 10 5 120 25 92
4-Stars
Open fireplaces 30 70 160 1250 77
Inset appliances 30 70 160 1250 77
Roomheaters 30 70 160 1250 77
cookers 30 70 160 1250 77
Slow heat release appliances 30 70 160 1000 77
Heating appliances fired by wood pellets 20 35 160 250 87
Boilers 20 10 150 200 87
Boilers fired by wood pellets 15 10 130 100 91
3-Stars
Open fireplaces 40 100 200 1500 75
Inset appliances 40 100 200 1500 75
Roomheaters 40 100 200 1500 75
cookers 40 100 200 1500 75
Slow heat release appliances 40 100 200 1250 75
Heating appliances fired by wood pellets 30 50 200 364 85
Boilers 30 15 150 364 85
Boilers fired by wood pellets 20 15 145 250 90
2-Stars
Open fireplaces 75 150 200 2000 75
Inset appliances 75 150 200 2000 75
Roomheaters 75 150 200 2000 75
cookers 75 150 200 2000 75
Slow heat release appliances 75 150 200 2000 75
Heating appliances fired by wood pellets 50 80 200 500 85
Boilers 60 30 200 500 80
Boilers fired by wood pellets 40 20 200 300 90
Every fireplace that does not reach the requirements for 2-Stars, will be categorized as 1-Star.

The requirements mentioned in the table above are based on 13% O2.

The compliance of the value requirements needs to be proven by a document, the so-called “Certificato Ambientale”. The manufacturer can order this document, directly from us. We generally issue the “Certificato Ambientale” bilingually (English-Italian).

 

There is also a new requirement with regard to the state funding “Conto Termico 2.0”. Due to the fact that several contradictory documents have been submitted to the competent body, an official document of an accredited testing laboratory is required, which confirms compliance with the value requirements for “Conto Termico 2.0”. The manufacturer can also order this bilingual so-called “Rapporto Sintetico” (English-Italian), directly from us.

Of course, the RRF is an accredited laboratory for both the abovementioned Regulation as well as for “Conto Termico 2.0”. If you have any questions or interest, feel free to contact your personal contact or one of our employees.

Energy Labelling of local space heaters

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The regulation was published on 21.07.2015 in the official journal of the European Union and officially came into force on 10.08.2015. This directive applies to every local space heater up to 50 kW. The requirements mentioned in the directive apply for every local space heater, that is no solid fuel heater without or with an open exhaust gas control starting 01.01.2018. For every construction product from 01.01.2022 on. The regulation as well as the framework regulation can be found under the following links:

Regulations are legally binding without additional legal transposition in the member states. Just the establishing of appropriate authorities or market authority and eventually national law, that are affected by this regulation.

Duties of the manufacturer

  • For every local space heater inside the scope, the manufacturer needs to provide the retailer with printed and electronic versions of the label according to (EU) 2015/1186.
  • As well as a printed and electronic version of a product fiche. For example, it can be placed inside the product brochure or other product literature. The label and other additional information need to be provided, so that the retailer is always able to give the customer the significant information.
  • Upon request, a technical documentation has to be delivered to the commission or the authorities of the member states.
  • Measurements and calculations need to be done according to the harmonised standards and technical specifications.
  • The manufacturer is solely responsible for the creation of the label and labelling.
  • On sale, the label must be visible on the frontside of the product.

Duties of the retailer or at point of sale

  • Product-related advertisement or technical advertising material needs to reference the energy efficiency class.
  • The label and the significant material must be provided with the product fiche if a product is not visible to the customer, while marketing (e. g. in-stock product).
  • The label and product fiche do not have to be delivered on the product or “inside the box/outer packaging”.

Calculation and classification of the label

EEI = (ns,on * BLF) – 10% + F(2) + F(3) – F(4) – F(5)

Where:

  • ns,on is the seasonal space heating energy efficiency in active mode, expressed in %
  • ns,on = nsth,nom is the useful efficiency at nominal heat output, based on the lower NCV.
  • BLF is the biomass label factor
    • for biomass local space heaters: factor = 1,45
    • for fossil fuel local space heaters: factor = 1
  • F(2) is a correction factor accounting for a positive contribution to the energy efficiency index due to adjusted contributions of controls of indoor heating comfort, the values of which are mutually exclusive, cannot be added on top of each other, expressed in %;
  • F(3) is a correction factor accounting for a positive contribution to the energy efficiency index due to adjusted contributions of controls for indoor heating comfort the values of which can be added on top of each other, expressed in %;
  • F(4) is a correction factor accounting for a negative contribution to the energy efficiency index by auxiliary electricity consumption, expressed in %;
  • F(5) is a correction factor accounting for a negative contribution to the energy efficiency index by energy consumption of a permanent pilot flame, expressed in %.

Energy efficiency class of local space heaters

The European Commission has provided a useful tool for the creation of the label on their website http://eepf-energylabelgenerator.eu. This is not a guidance for the calculation of the label, but rather helps you with the correct format and the print ready version of the label.

Exceptions from this label

  • Art. 1 (a – j)
    • e.g. sauna ovens, air heating products and solid fuel local space heaters, that were not factory mounted or prefabricated components or parts, from the same manufacturer, delivered to the place of assembly.
  • Used products. As far as they were not imported from a third country (EU) 2017/1369 Art. 1 (2) a
    • Re-sale of exchanged goods (if used)
    • Repaired products, if not significantly changed or that got a new warranty / guarantee (complete overhaul)
  • Except outlet or b-goods, because they are not used beforehand

Obviously, this information is only a brief summary of the core statements of the regulation. Further requirements can be found in the regulation in the above-mentioned link.

Should you have any further questions about the calculation or creation of the label or any other topics like internet marketing, product fiche or the technical documentation, we can create an offer about consulting for you.

Conto Termico 2.0

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Since May 2016, a subsidy for fireplaces was granted by the Italian government.

The total allowance amounts to 900 million € per year. In order to receive this subsidy as a private individual, an old room heater has to be replaced by a new one. The old room heater has to be brought to a specialist retailer, together with photos and documents. . This must be documented and registered at the GSE (Gestore Servizi Energetici). The newly acquired room heater must have an efficiency of > 85% and meet the requirements of DIN EN 13240.

Formula for the calculation of the grant:

Ia tot = 3,35 * In(Pn) * hr * Ci * Ce

Explanation:

Ia tot: annual subsidy for a max. of 2 years

Pn: nominal heat output from a type test according to EN 13240

Hr: hours of heating relating to the location (by region)

Ci: typology of the product

Typology of the product Ci-factor for room heaters with a  nominal heat output of  ≤ 35kWt
Room heater for burning wood 0,040 (€/kWht)
Pellet stove 0,040 (€/kWht)

Ce: Particulate-emission-coefficient

Particles (PM)  

Ce
(mg/Nm3 related to 13% O2)
30 < Emissions ≤ 40 1
25 < Emissions ≤ 30 1,2
Emissions ≤ 25 1,5

Example:

A room heater with an efficiency of 85%, at 6 kW nominal heat output, particles under 35 kW, particulate emission of 35 mg/m3 and sold in Bozen (f-zone) may be granted an annual subsidy of:

3,35 * In(6) * 1800 * 0,04 * 1 = 432.17 €  * 2 years = 864,34 €  total subsidy