Our support for the youth basketball team

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We are happy to announce our new partnership with a youth basketball team from Olpe. As a company, it is important to us to support the sport and the local community.

Our donation enabled the team to be equipped with new, professional jerseys, which strengthens team spirit and ensure a uniform appearance. The team was very happy to receive the equipment.

We are proud to contribute to the promotion of youth basketball and wish the team all the best for the rest of the season.

Transitional regulation for the coexistence phase

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On November 9, 2025, the coexistence period of the majority of norms for small fireplaces will end, meaning that only construction products based on the EN 16510 series of norms can be placed on the market. The coexistence phase concerns the norms EN 13240, EN 13229, EN 12815, EN 12809 and EN 14785.

In addition to retesting in accordance with the EN 16510 series of norms, the European construction product regulation (CPR) (EU) 305/2011 allows the use of historical data for assessment. The Group of Notified Bodies (GNB) has adopted a horizontal position paper on this matter (GNB NB-CPR/19/792r5). Furthermore, the Sector Group SW03 WG2 has developed documents with detailed guidance on the use of historical date for these products.

Due to the high number of enquiries about evaluations of historical data and new tests, it was expected that the notified bodies would be very busy. At the same time, the majority of previously notified test laboratories have not yet been notified or are not seeking notification in accordance with EN 16510. Only 17 of the former 46 testing laboratories currently exist, and many of the currently notified bodies were only recognised very late. As a result, it is almost impossible for the remaining laboratories to finalise all test reports before the end of the coexistence phase.

To find a solution to the situation, our technical head Sven Müller, as chairman of the group of European notified bodies, has developed a practice-oriented transitional regulation together with the HKI. This proposal was discussed intensively with the Directorate-General of the European Commission (DG GROW).

The transitional regulation is intended to support manufacturers in converting their products to the EN 16510 series. This regulation enables manufacturers to issue their own Declaration of Performance (DoP) in accordance with the EN 16510 series based on an Assessment of Performance (AoP) from a notified body.

The AoP report is a new document for manufacturers as part of the transition to the EN 16510 series of standards. It is the notified body’s statement of conformity to the manufacturer based on a test report in accordance with the EN 16510. As a transitional arrangement, a time-limited AoP report is created which refers to the historical test report. Based on this time-limited AoP report and your manufacturer documents, you can create your DoP during the transitional period. It is mandatory to create a complete type test report in accordance with EN 16510 and an unlimited Assessment of Performance report (AoP report) before the deadline specified in the AoP report expires. This gives manufacturers and notified bodies a longer period until the time limit expires. This means that any outstanding decisions (e.g. on the subject of assessing families of fireplaces) can be taken into account when preparing the final EN 16510 test reports. The current documents provide for a time limit until November 9, 2027.

World of Fireplaces 2025 – A complete success!

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This year, we once again took part at the “World of Fireplaces” in Leipzig.

We were able to hold interesting discussions, gain new perspectives and experience inspiring interactions.

We would like to thank all interested visitors who stopped by our stand. We were more than happy about your visit!

We had a lot of fun with all interested visitors who exchanged technical information with us on topics such as the certification of flue gas systems and the new EN 16510 norm series.

We are looking forward to meeting you again at the “World of Fireplaces” trade fair in 2027.

Lecture on the new Construction Products Regulation – thanks to the Chimney Technology Association and the Poll company!

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Our managing director Dennis Droll had the opportunity to give a presentation on the changes to the Construction Products Regulation at the chimney Technology Association. The main focus was on the innovations in the AV systems 2+ and 3 as well as the new System 3+.

Dennis and Christian Droll would like to give a big thank you to the Poll company for the invitation to Dörpen and the great organisation. The exchanges with experts from the industry have shown again how important it is to discuss new regulations and to develop solutions together.

Do you have any questions or experiences regarding the current changes? Please do not hesitate to contact us!

The new Construction Products Regulation EN 16510 and historical data, certification of flue gas systems… these are just a few of the topics for which we will be available to answer questions at the WoF

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This year we will once again be taking part in the international trade fair ‘WORLD OF FIREPLACES’ in Leipzig, Germany. Visit us at our stand G62 from 28.04.2025 to 30.04.2025, where we will be presenting the current requirements of DIN EN 16510, for example, and giving you valuable tips on all aspects of fireplaces.

Our team is happy to assist you as your contact person.

Have we captured your attention? Then please make an appointment for a personal conversation by e-mail to info@rrf-online.eu or by telephone on +49 208 60 70 41 0.

You can also contact us for tickets. We look forward to meeting you

“We need to move closer together”

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From 24 to 25 October, the autumn conference of the EFA took place in Würzburg under the motto ‘Future’. The RRF took part on behalf of our managing directors Christian and Dennis Droll. Christian Droll gave a presentation on the topic of EN 16510 at the conference.

The Chairman of the EFA Board, Uwe Striegler, opened the conference. Convinced of a common future for biomass, he handed over to Mrs Claudia Schön from the TFZ in Straubing. She gave a presentation on the measurement of real emissions from eleven local space heaters.

This was followed by Christian Droll’s presentation on the challenges for the industry posed by the new EN 16510 standard, which included an update on the current status of the new standard and the transition period with the existing standards, experiences and feedback on the new test procedure and the test reports from the test laboratories. Finally, he gave a forecast on the new Construction Products Regulation and the associated AV systems, in particular the new System 3+. We will go into more detail on these topics in the next News.

Josef Bock, long-standing branch manager of the SHK branch in Schweinfurt, reported on his work for the next generation of artisanal stove construction. Finally, Dr Dominik Wildanger from the Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology gave his speech. His presentation focussed on the findings of modern measurement methods. The following day was scheduled for the general meeting and discussions. The EFA’s political advisor, Dr Johannes Gerstner, criticised in his presentation that the still pending legislation for stoves – the 1st BImSchV – should have been passed long ago. Finally, the association gave an update on the organisation of the association on behalf of Deputy Chair Ursula Gröbner.

The next two important industry dates for the coming period are 28 November 2024, when the amendment to the 1st BImSchV will be discussed in Leipzig, and the next symposium and general meeting, which will take place on 15 and 16 May 2025, probably in Erfurt.

Changes to the requirements for single-room heating appliances that are operated with gaseous or liquid fuels or electrical energy

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From July 1, 2025, Regulation (EU) 2024/1103 will apply, which has been in force since May 9, 2024. This sets out the requirements for the environmentally friendly design of local space heaters. This also means that the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2015/1188, which have been in force since January 1, 2018, will no longer apply. The regulation specifically covers local space heaters designed for operation with gaseous or liquid fuels or electrical energy. Those that access a fluid via an indirect heating function through heat transfer are also affected. The future development of solid fuel single-room heaters can also be seen from the changes.

The scope of the new Regulation (EU) 2024/1103 has been extended compared to the previous one. Single-room firing installations for domestic use up to 50 kW and for commercial use up to 300 kW (instead of the previous 120 kW) are now covered.

Not affected are

– local space heaters that generate heat in a cold steam or sorption circuit process and are operated electrically or with fuels,

– local space heaters that are designed, tested, marketed and declared exclusively for outdoor use

– local space heaters whose direct heat output at rated heat output is less than 6% of the combined direct and indirect heat output

– Air heating products

– sauna heaters

– cooking appliances

Changes to the requirements for the seasonal space heating energy efficiency

From July 1, 2025, the annual space heating efficiency of at least

– 40.3 % for local space heaters with an open combustion chamber and local space heaters with an open flue gas duct

– 63.6 % for local space heaters with a closed combustion chamber and open combustion

– 63.6 % for balanced flue local space heaters

Changes to the resource efficiency requirements

This section has been added and under Annex II, point 5, the list of spare parts that manufacturers, importers or authorized representatives of electric local space heaters must make available to professional repairers is given for each product type.

The following requirements also apply to all space heaters. Especially for

– all models placed on the market from July 1, 2025, manufacturers must make at least the remote control available as a spare part for professional repairers and users

– spare parts (such as remote controls) must be available for at least 10 years after the last appliance of the model in question was placed on the market

– manufacturers ensuring that spare parts (remote controls) can be replaced using standard tools and without causing permanent damage to the heater

– during the period in which spare parts are available, the manufacturer, the importer or his authorized representative shall ensure that the spare parts are delivered within 10 working days of receipt of the order. Software and firmware updates shall be made available free of charge for a period of at least ten years after the product has been placed on the market.

Also included are:

– Requirements for the manufacturer. Granting professional repairers access to the appliance’s repair and maintenance information under certain conditions

– Requirements for the manufacturer to ensure that the lone space heater is designed in such a way that the materials and components listed in Annex VII of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE – 2012/19/EU) can be removed with standard tools and compliance with the obligations set out in Article 15(1) (WEEE)

Changes to the specific ecodesign requirements for emissions

From July 1, 2025, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from local space heaters for liquid or gaseous fuels must not exceed 120 mg/kWh input instead of the previous 130 mg/kWh input. This applies to local space heaters with an open combustion chamber, local space heaters with an open flue gas duct, local space heaters with a closed combustion chamber and open combustion, room-sealed local space heaters and local space heaters without a flue gas discharge.

It should be noted that a weighted NOx value is determined in the standards. The regulations, on the other hand, refer to the nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) at nominal heat output, which can be taken from the test report.

Regulation EU 2015/1188 does not specify for which fuel the NOx emissions and efficiency must be stated. The 2017 guidelines state that the requirements must be met for all fuels for which the appliance was developed.

Changes to the requirements for product documentation and information

The product information to be included in the instructions for installers and users and on the freely accessible websites of manufacturers, their authorized representatives and importers is set out in Annex II, point 4.

Included are:

– any special precautions to be taken during assembly, installation or maintenance of the local space heater

– Information on dismantling, recycling and/or end-of-life disposal

– Depending on the product type, further product information requirements apply, which are listed in Tables 1 to 7 of the Regulation

– The instruction manuals may also contain additional information about the product that may be useful to installers and users, including information on the compatibility of heaters and controls

– Separate controls for which a list of control functions must be included in the operating instructions according to the format in Table 7.

In addition, for local space heaters without flue gas ducting and local space heaters with open flue gas ducting, the sentence “This product is not suitable for primary heating purposes” must be indicated on the cover page of the user manual, on the manufacturer’s website and on the packaging.

Technical documentation

Regarding the conformity assessment and verification procedure, a list of all equivalent models must be included for fixed space heaters and separate associated controls, if applicable. These are explained in more detail in Annex II, point 6, as further elements and values must be listed depending on the product type.

By 2029, the ecodesign requirements will be reviewed by the EU Commission, considering technical progress in terms of energy efficiency, pollutant emissions, correction factors, scope of application and resource efficiency. It is expected that the ecodesign requirements will then be raised accordingly.

Overview of ecodesign requirements from 01.07.2025

Gaseous (liquid gas, natural gas)EfficiencyNOxPM-dustOGCCO
Closed combustion chamber and open combustion, as well as room-sealed single-room heaters63,6 %120k. A.k. A.k. A.
Open combustion chamber, flue gas connection and open flue gas routing40,3 %120k. A.k. A.k. A.
Closed combustion chamber and open combustion, as well as room-sealed single-room heatersInfo: “This product is not suitable for primary heating purposes”
Open combustion chamber, flue gas connection and open flue gas routingInfo: “This product is not suitable for primary heating purposes”
Liquid (oil, paraffin, petroleum)EfficiencyNOxPM-dustOGCCO
Closed combustion chamber and open combustion, as well as room-sealed single-room heaters63,6 %120k. A.k. A.k. A.
Open combustion chamber, flue gas connection and open flue gas routing40,3 %120k. A.k. A.k. A.
Closed combustion chamber and open combustion, as well as room-sealed single-room heatersInfo: “This product is not suitable for primary heating purposes”
Open combustion chamber, flue gas connection and open flue gas ductInfo: “This product is not suitable for primary heating purposes”

Memorial for our former employee Volker Droll

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Good people are like stars – they shine long after they have gone out

We received the sad news

of the sudden passing of our former colleague, uncle and brother,

Volker Droll

Volker Droll worked for our company for ten years from 2006 to 2016.

We mourn the loss of a dear and unique colleague whom we will remember fondly.

Oberhausen, June 2024

Rhein-Ruhr Feuerstätten Prüfstelle GmbH

Shareholders and management

Employees and staff

Information on type approval, Conto Termico and Certificato Ambientale

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Testing according to the test programs for “catalysts and dust separators in firing systems” within the scope of the state building codes for obtaining a National technical approval (abZ)/ General construction technique permit (aBG)

The RRF is one of the few test laboratories in Germany to offer the corresponding tests to verify, for example, usability or operational safety for the test programs listed above.

For this purpose, the filter or separation performance is evaluated on one of our specially configured test benches. Further tests such as soot fire resistance or distances to flammable components can be carried out in our partner laboratory for chimneys and connectors. In this case, the RRF also assumes further coordination as the main test laboratory.

After successful approval or authorization by the DIBt, monitoring of the manufacturing plant and the factory production control by an external monitoring body may be necessary. In this case, too, RRF is your competent partner and can have this work carried out by its experienced assessors. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Conto Termico (“5 stars”) new requirements in Lombardy (Italy)

From October 15, 2024, new requirements will apply for the construction of new biomass plants in Lombardy.

All newly installed devices must meet at least the requirements to achieve 4 stars. There are additional requirements depending on the altitude of the town.

If the town is below an altitude of 300 m above sea level, particulate emissions must not exceed 15 mg/Nm3 and OGC emissions must not exceed 35 mg/Nm3.

If the city is located above an altitude of 300 m above sea level, the appliance may have a maximum particulate emission of 20 mg/Nm3.

The requirements do not differentiate between log and pellet appliances.

For your information, the following is an overview of the general requirements for achieving 4 or 5 stars in the Conto Termico program:

Category/TypePMOGCNOxCOη
in mg/Nm³in %
Class 5 stars
Open fireplaces, closed fireplaces, fireplace inserts for logs, log stoves, wood-burning stoves, storage fireplaces253510065085
Stoves, fireplace inserts and stoves for pellets151010025088
Class 4 stars
Open fireplaces, closed fireplaces, fireplace inserts for logs, log stoves, wood-burning stoves3070160125077
Storage fireplaces3070160100077
Stoves, fireplace inserts and stoves for pellets203516025087
The RRF assumes no liability for the topicality, correctness and completeness of the information.
Despite the greatest possible care, no liability is assumed for the content. All rights reserved, in particular those relating to storage, reproduction, distribution and translation.

Procedure for issuing a Certificato Ambientale(/Conto Termico)

Based on the Italian Decree No. 186, we can issue so-called “environmental certificates” (“Certificato Ambientale”) for you.

As soon as you give us your approval for our offer, we will check whether your fireplace meets the desired requirements for class 1 – 5 stars based on the EN test report.

Checking the requirements of the EN test report is usually quick and uncomplicated for us, so you will receive the result on the same day in the best-case scenario.

Once the certificate has been issued, we will send it to you. You will receive your certificate within a few days.

As required by Article 3 of Decree no. 186, we enter all certificates issued in a list and publish it on our website. We regularly keep this list up to date. The following link will take you to our list of issued certificates: https://rrf-online.eu/service/downloads/

EFA update on the Blue Angel and quality mark

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From March 21 to 22, 2024, the European Fireplace Association (EFA) hosted a conference in Bonn. The RRF was represented by our Managing Director Christian Droll, who acted as a board member of the EFA. The conference was also hosted by RAL Deutsches Institut für Gütesicherung und Kennzeichnung e.V., the central body for quality marks in Germany, which also manages the Blue Angel.

On the first day, the speaker Niklas Neureuther from RAL gave a presentation on the Blue Angel and quality marks. Other topics on the first day included the “#ofenzukunft” initiative, which provides targeted and comprehensive information about stoves and tiled stoves and addresses politicians, as well as a presentation by Sabrina Walter from the “Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection” (BMUV), who gave an overview of current issues relating to immission control, funding requirements and the European legal framework. The ZIV, represented by board member Markus Burger, provided information on the topic of “Decommissioning single-room fireplaces” and the background to the counting of fireplaces and tiled stoves by the chimney sweep trade. Finally, Dirk Böhringer, external technical advisor to the EFA, gave a presentation on the testing and proof of use of particle separators. The focus of the tests by the DIBt, which he presented, was primarily operational safety and fire safety.

On the second day, the association’s direction for the future was presented. To enable the association to keep on strengthening, monitoring and supporting its European work in Brussels, cooperation with associations is to be expanded and costs reduced through digitalization in view of the stable membership fees. Furthermore, the three specialist groups – manufacturers, exhaust systems and suppliers – are to be strengthened and do more substantive work. According to the Chairman of the EFA Board, Uwe Striegler, this is necessary as the strong growth has resulted in 42 members from all sectors. Mr. Striegler sees the future of the EFA as secured and well positioned for the coming years thanks to the continuous further development.

The upcoming conference will take place from October 24 to 25 in Würzburg. A workshop on current issues is planned for the time in between. The date will be announced in good time.