Technical Bulletin 149 Developed with Baxi Title: Baxi Flame Effect independent gas fires and Bermuda back boiler fire fronts which incorporate a glass front panel Additional servicing notes Date issued: 20 December 2016 Baxi has identified an issue regarding insufficient information and has provided supplementary information to support the installation/ servicing manual issued with the Baxi flame effect independent gas fires and Bermuda back boiler fire fronts which incorporate a glass panel. Introduction This Technical Bulletin (TB) has been published in conjunction with Baxi to provide additional information to assist engineers in carrying out maintenance activities and to supplement the installation/servicing manual issued with the Baxi flame effect independent gas fires and Bermuda back boiler fire fronts which incorporate a glass front panel. Background Following investigations the servicing instructions for Baxi flame effect independent gas fires and Bermuda back boiler fire fronts which incorporate glass front panels have been revised. Where fires have an enclosed combustion chamber (i.e. behind a glass panel) a down draught diverter (DDD) is incorporated after the heat exchanger. The DDD is designed to divert any natural momentary downdraught from the chimney away from the burner to prevent distortion of the flame and prevent incomplete combustion. The DDD also acts as a break in the chimney reducing flue pull, therefore increasing efficiency and allows dilution air into the chimney reducing condensation within. Spillage testing on appliances fitted with a DDD is carried out at the skirt of the DDD where dilution air is entrained and therefore after the heat exchanger. Whilst the spillage test ensures the safe operation of the chimney it may not detect or identify a restricted or blocked heat exchanger. The revised servicing instructions provide guidance to registered engineers on the method to be employed when servicing these appliances and checking the condition of the heat exchanger. Affected Models Baxi have issued revised servicing instructions for the range of appliances as detailed below: Page 1 of 2 TECHNICAL BULLETIN 149 Gas Safe Register has used its best efforts in the production of this information, but makes no warranty about the content and will not be held liable under any circumstances for any direct or indirect damages resulting from the use of this information. Users have the responsibility to ensure the information is current and relevant at the time of application. This document may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of Gas Safe Register other than for personal reference purposes only. This document is uncontrolled when printed, please visit: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/sign-in/, login and visit the Technical Information area for the controlled (current) copy. Capita Gas Registration and Ancillary Services Ltd, 2012.
Appliance list (all variants, e.g. Super models) Gas Flame GF Solaire SL Arena SP Baroque VP Gas Flame WS RG Gas Flame WL LFE The revised servicing instructions, included as Appendix 1 to this Technical Bulletin, provides more detailed procedures on the correct method of servicing. For further information please contact the Baxi Technical Helpline on: 0344 871 1545 Note 1: For details of current gas safety legislation, building legislation and industry standards for the geographical areas covered by Gas Safe Register, see the Legislative, Normative & Informative Document List (LNIDL) (1) at: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/sign-in/ - login and visit the Technical Information area. Note 2 For general information about the process behind the development of Gas Safe Register Technical Bulletins and the expectations for all Stakeholders, see TB 1000 (2) at: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/sign-in/ - login and visit the Technical Information area. Bibliography (1) LNIDL - Gas Safe Register Legislative, Normative & Informative Document List (2) TB 1000 An introduction to Gas Safe Register Technical Bulletins Note: Gas Safe Register Technical Bulletins and the Legislative, Normative & Informative Document List can be viewed at: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/sign-in/ - login and visit the Technical Information area -o0o- Page 2 of 2 TECHNICAL BULLETIN 149 Gas Safe Register has used its best efforts in the production of this information, but makes no warranty about the content and will not be held liable under any circumstances for any direct or indirect damages resulting from the use of this information. Users have the responsibility to ensure the information is current and relevant at the time of application. This document may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of Gas Safe Register other than for personal reference purposes only. This document is uncontrolled when printed, please visit: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/sign-in/, login and visit the Technical Information area for the controlled (current) copy. Capita Gas Registration and Ancillary Services Ltd, 2012.
Customer Support Appendix 1 Flame Effect Additional Servicing Notes
Service & Maintenance - Additional Notes These notes apply to all Baxi flame effect independent gas fires and Bermuda firefronts which incorporate glass front panels*. They are not appropriate for any DFE, radiant or stove type appliances. *Appliance list (inc. all variants, e.g. Super):- Gas Flame GF Solaire SL Arena SP Baroque VP Gas Flame WS RG Gas Flame WL LFE Under normal operation with regular maintenance these appliances will give many years of safe & reliable service. When the nature of the appliances and the age of the newest is taken into consideration some deterioration is to be expected. This may be evident in discolouration of the glass panel, loss of colour from the coal bed and darkening of the combustion box. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate an appliance that is operating in an unsatisfactory way. GENERAL SAFETY NOTES: i) Suitable gloves should be worn to prevent irritation to the skin. ii) Respiratory protective equipment must be worn, e.g. face masks marked FFP2 or FFP3. iii) Care must be taken to prevent spreading any dust or debris from the installation. iv) Dust or debris must only be collected using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. Larger pieces should be sealed in thick polythene bags for appropriate disposal. v) Good hygiene procedures must be maintained, e.g. wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking after handling. Before performing any work on the installation make a full visual inspection, including any visible parts of the chimney system. Consult the user to establish if they have experienced any problems with the appliance or installation, and if they have noticed any untoward smells or fumes. Also consider the environment in which the appliance is operating, noting excessive dust, use of aerosols, the presence of pets etc. Where other observations are made, such as soot deposits, further investigation is imperative to establish if additional servicing is required. The following procedure is recommended in these instances, always using a suitable CO detector or alarm:- 1. Ensure that the appliance is cool and isolate the gas & electrical supplies. 2. Remove all case panels and note any areas of deterioration. 3. Reinstate the gas & electrical supplies and operate the appliance (including back boiler unit where appropriate) for 10 minutes. *see IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE 4. Perform a flue pull test with all windows and doors closed. If there are any extraction fans in the room or adjacent rooms ensure they are operating and any interconnecting doors open. *see IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE 5. If the test result is unsatisfactory then any chimney faults must be rectified before continuing as they are probably contributing to any sooting or excessive deterioration. 6. Where the full pull is acceptable further examination of the firefront is necessary to determine the reason for any sooting or excessive deterioration. 7. Allow the appliance to cool and isolate the gas & electrical supplies. 8. Remove the glass front panel & coal bed, disconnect the burner feed pipes, pilot and/or igniter assembly and remove the burner. 9. Via the slot in the top of the combustion box inspect the inside of the heat exchanger using a mirror (see Fig. 1) & torch. 10. Using a suitable flue or bottle brush clean any deposits from all the internal fins of the heat exchanger (see Fig. 2).
11. Remove the injectors and examine the burner. Ensure all flame ports are clear. If the burner skin displays any crack, split or distortion it must be replaced. 12. Carefully clean the injectors but do not use pins, wire or other hard objects. If any blockage cannot be removed the injector must be replaced. Fig. 1 13. Examine the pilot or igniter assembly, cleaning carefully and replacing if necessary. Any deposits must be removed 14. The condition of the coal bed should now be assessed. Light soot may be brushed off, but heavier deposits or any broken part require it to be replaced. 15. Using a suitable HEPA filter vacuum cleaner remove all dirt, dust or grit from the appliance and surroundings (see Fig. 3). Fin spaces should be clear 16. As appropriate service the back boiler unit or examine the catchment area. Ensure that chimney/fireplace closure plates are in good condition and fully sealed. Check any holes for pipework in the builders opening are sealed and the pipes protected. 17. Check the condition of the glass panel, the seals in the glass surround frame and around the combustion box, replacing as necessary. 18. Reassemble and re-check the performance of the flue. Observe the flame picture of the firefront. Some impingement on the coal bed is necessary to achieve the desired flame effect. Fig. 2 If in any doubt contact Baxi Customer Support on 0344 871 1545 *IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: If at any time the CO monitoring device indicates excessive levels STOP THE TEST, turn the appliance OFF and investigate! Fig. 3
Gas Safety Regulations: The law requires that the fitting of any gas-carrying part, or one which necessitates disturbing the gas supply, must be carried out by a Gas Safe Registered fitter. All descriptions and illustrations provided in this leaflet have been carefully prepared but we reserve the right to make changes and improvements in our products which may affect the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet. All goods are sold subject to our standard Conditions of Sale which are available on request. THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN MUST NOT BE ALTERED OR AMENDED IN ANY WAY. Baxi Heating UK Ltd 2016 All rights reserved. Flame Effect Notes v.2 - (12/16)