CPA1 Combustion Performance Analysis of Domestic Appliances
Within the UK are the approximately 120,000 registered gas service engineers and some 45,000 use a flue gas analyser. Despite 75,000 gas service engineers holding competency in HTR1 (gas fires) and CEN1 (central heating boilers), they do not possess an assessed competence in the operation of flue gas analysers. It will shortly become a requirement for all gas service engineers to correctly operate a flue gas analyser. The introduction of the CPA1 Combustion Performance Analysis of Domestic Appliances is a gas safety course and assessment designed specifically for gas service engineers for compliance with the requirements of BS7967 Parts 2 to 4.
Safe Operation of a Heating Appliance
Alarmingly, it is becoming a quite common story of deaths caused by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning because of incorrectly operating or dangerous conditions of heating appliances within dwellings. Therefore it is imperative that gas service engineers are able to competently check the safe operation of a heating appliance after installation or during a service call. This has led to the government to legally require that all gas service engineers are certified in the understanding the proper and safe use of a flue gas analyser.
Operating a Flue Gas Analyser Effectively
Unfortunately, a vast majority of gas service engineers are unaware of the full potential that a flue gas analyser has to offer or indeed how to operate the equipment effectively – a common mistake is simply failing to select the required operating mode on the flue gas analyser for a particular type of fuel. From February 2010, all gas service engineers completing or holding HTR1 and CEN1 will be legally compelled to complete their CPA1 first.
CPA1 Course and Assessment
The Combustion Performance Analysis of Domestic Appliances course and assessment comprises of:
- Commissioning, servicing and testing appliances requirements when new components have been installed
- The Gas Industry Unsafe Situation category given to gas appliances that do not reach a satisfactory combustion performance
- Allowances made for gas cooker carbon monoxide (CO) levels
- Comprehension of action levels for gas appliances
- Remedial action required if carbon monoxide (CO) / carbon dioxide (CO2) ratio levels continue to be above suitable performance levels after adjustment
With the introduction of the CPA1 flue gas analyser assessment course, which is ratified by the Approved Certification Scheme (ACS), both the government and the heating industry have implemented necessary action to provide gas service engineers with a thorough understanding of combustion performance gas analysis required for commissioning at installation, re-commissioning after servicing or replacement of parts or the recognition of full service requirements on gas-fired appliances listed in BS 7967 Part 3 2005 Guide.
Critical Factors to Consider Before Using a Flue Gas Analyser
All heating professionals are much as the part of the process of combustion analysis – from setting up the digital flue gas analyser, using it and interpreting combustion results for safety and maximum efficiency of a heating appliance. However, heating professionals must always consider other critical factors affecting the analysis equipment regardless of whether or not it is in use.
Listed below are some of those critical factors:
- Get to know the flue gas analyser. Study the product manual to thoroughly familiarise yourself with the flue gas analyser functions and any peripherals (printers etc.) before using it.
- Ensure any rechargeable batteries within the equipment are fully charged before arriving at the service site.
- Ensure that any mains power supply is undamaged and ready for use before arriving at the service site.
- Check to see if any printer has sufficient paper before arriving at the service site.
- Never expose the equipment to moisture, fuel oils and chemicals as this may seriously affect the operation of the flue gas analyser.
- Ensure that the correct fuel type is selected on the flue gas analyser for the type of fuel used.
- Avoid using the flue gas flue analyser for long periods or during freezing temperatures, as this may limit the life of the internal sensors.
- Use the equipments backlit display facility during poor lighting conditions to avoid inaccurate readouts.
- Ensure that any condensation (water) trap is frequently emptied to maintain optimum performance and to help prevent equipment damage.
- Try to avoid leaving the flue gas analyser unattended when in use to help prevent any external interference.
- Clean the heating appliance, its components and the immediate service area first before using the flue gas analyser.
- Always perform a smoke test on oil-fired heating appliances before using a flue gas analyser to prevent damage to the equipment’s internal sensors.
- Avoid kinking or damaging sensor tubes, probes and thermocouples, as this will severely compromise the operation of the flue gas analyser.
- If fitted, always leave the flue gas analyser within its protective boot jacket when in use.
- Never use the analysis equipment and/or its probes on or near live electrical components.
- The flue gas analyser should be stored securely in its carry case when transporting to and from the service site and when not in use.
- When in use, attach the flue gas analyser to the heating appliance casing using its magnetic boot jacket to keep it out of harms way when making adjustments to burners etc.
- Always follow manufacturers instructions and recommendations for servicing and maintenance of the flue gas analyser.