Unvented Cylinder Components & Safety Kits
A safe and compliant installation of any unvented hot water cylinder depends on specific safety controls and unvented cylinder components. At World Heat Cylinders, we ensure all our domestic unvented cylinder ranges include high-quality, WRAS or KIWA approved unvented kits. These kits are vital. They protect the cylinder and wider system from excessive pressure or temperature when operating under mains pressure. This is in line with UK G3 Building Regulations.
Furthermore, we maintain a full stock of individual spare components. This ensures you can readily obtain replacements or specific parts for maintenance and repair.
What’s Included in a Standard Unvented Cylinder Kit?
Exact kit contents may vary slightly. This depends on the cylinder size and specific application. However, a typical World Heat Cylinders unvented kit generally includes essential unvented cylinder components for G3 Building Regulation compliance. These usually are:
- Cold Water Inlet Control Group: This vital assembly often includes:
- Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV): This valve limits incoming mains water pressure to a safe level for the cylinder.
- Strainer/Filter: It protects downstream components from debris in the water supply.
- Check Valve (Non-Return Valve): This component prevents the backflow of heated water into the cold mains.
- Balanced Cold Water Take-Off (Optional): This can provide a balanced cold water supply to mixers if needed.
- Expansion Vessel: The system requires a correctly sized vessel. It accommodates water expansion during heating, thus preventing over-pressurisation. (Note: For some very large commercial systems, we might supply the expansion vessel separately based on system volume).
- Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve (T&P Valve): This critical safety device discharges water if the cylinder’s temperature or pressure exceeds pre-set safety limits.
- Tundish: It provides a visible air gap. This indicates discharge from any safety valve, allowing for early issue detection.
- Motorised Zone Valve (for indirect models): Manufacturers often include this with indirect unvented cylinders. It controls primary heating water flow from the boiler to the cylinder’s coil.
Importance of Using Approved Unvented Components
Using correct, approved unvented cylinder components is not merely a recommendation. Indeed, it is a legal requirement for safety and compliance under UK G3 Building Regulations. Key reasons for this include:
- Safety: These components actively prevent dangerous conditions. Such conditions include overpressure or overheating, which could otherwise lead to cylinder failure or scalding.
- Compliance: This ensures the installation meets all relevant legal standards. It also satisfies local water authority bylaws. For instance, WRAS and KIWA approval signifies components are suitable for use with potable water.
- System Longevity: Approved parts protect the unvented cylinder from stresses. These stresses could otherwise shorten its operational life.
- Warranty Validity: Using non-approved or incorrect components can potentially invalidate the cylinder’s manufacturer warranty.
Therefore, World Heat Cylinders commits to supplying only high-quality, fully approved unvented kits and spare components. This ensures every installation is safe, compliant, and efficient.
Obtaining Spare Components & Further Information
World Heat Cylinders offers a comprehensive stock of individual unvented cylinder components and complete kits. Our technical team can assist whether you need a replacement part for an existing installation or a full kit for a new project.
For further details on our unvented components, or to request datasheets and place an order, please contact our technical design engineers. You can reach us by calling 0161 343 8610 or by emailing sales@whcylinders.co.uk. Alternatively, feel free to use our contact page for your enquiries.
