Boiler...newly installed, more problems!

C_Mababejive

IGEM is an industry body which is approved by the Engineering Council and so can accept applications for registration as professional Engineers. It can trace its history back to 1863 and received its Royal Charter in 1929. I havent checked recently what the minimum requirements are to register as an Engineering Technician (Eng Tech). I have previously been GSR but my current role does not require me to be fully GSR.

To encourage greater standards of professionalism, GSR people are now welcomed as members.

I have more than thirty years experience in the Gas Industry and have worked my way from the ground up in my early days installing,repairing and servicing domestic appliances and equipment.

There are many highly skilled,experienced and professional Gas chaps and women who do excellent work every day in their roles as GSRs but sadly, I would suggest that that level of professionalism has been slowly dialuted over the years.

Why do i say that?

Well...all the training centres are independent businesses. They need to attract customers to survive. One only has to scan the small ads in the trade press to see how keenly they advertise. There is often talk of high success rates,95% pass rates etc. Which institution is going to attract more customers? The one with 95% pass or the one with 80% pass? You see the conflict of interest?

We all have our roles to play. I have done my share of house bashing and have the back to prove it.

I just worry that too many people are being conned into the profession with promises of high earnings and are then rubber stamped through by training centres which need to maintain throughput and income.

These people then join the pool and compete and often undercut existing chaps.

The public are blissfully unaware.

We are all in this together and we must strive to maintain the highest of standards and teach our young apprentices the real skills of engineering and not just how to pass multiple guess papers as a ticket to print money.

southcoastrgi

well never thought i'd say it (but as i have always said i tell it like it is) i do have to agree with most of what you have said above.

gas4you

I too agree with your post.

My concern is that IGEM themselves are now 'diluting' the skills needed to be one of their members by offering membership to RGI's, in the name of getting more money in!

What are your views on this as an original member and obviously a fully qualified engineer?

C_Mababejive

gas4you wrote: »

I too agree with your post.

My concern is that IGEM themselves are now 'diluting' the skills needed to be one of their members by offering membership to RGI's, in the name of getting more money in!

What are your views on this as an original member and obviously a fully qualified engineer?

I know what your saying and as you say,IGEM like many such organizations rely on corporate and industry memberships and sponsorship to survive. In its hay day ,the mighty British Gas Corporation would no doubt have kept it afloat but these days,with the widely fragmented industry,its membership numbers have dwindled somewhat. I would guess that much of the membership is made up of individuals who get their fees paid by employers. Having said that,there may well be installers who see that being able to use the IGEM logo might just give them a competitive edge for a relatively small fee of £45. Aside from that,the benefits are not particularly clear aside from maintaining your professional status. Then of course there are meetings,lunches and the Christmas do !

I guess its a case of diversification and survival .

gas4you

Personally if I was a fully qualified engineer, I would be a bit peeved at allowing a so called 'registered gas engineer' to use the logo for gain.

After all, how many RGI's are actually qualified engineers?

I'm not, and I only know one who is in my local area, who happens to be a good friend of mine.

But I do understand the financial needs of any organisation to survive these days.

southcoastrgi

gas4you wrote: »

Personally if I was a fully qualified engineer, I would be a bit peeved at allowing a so called 'registered gas engineer' to use the logo for gain.

After all, how many RGI's are actually qualified engineers?

I'm not, and I only know one who is in my local area, who happens to be a good friend of mine.

But I do understand the financial needs of any organisation to survive these days.

i fail to see how using a logo of an organisation that apart from engineers no one else has ever heard of, hardly a licence to print money, i'm not saying anything about it but it's abit like the IOP it's good idea but in financial terms really brings in very little money or work to the members.

for someone who earns his money from being GSR & also sat on some kinda board to discuss gas issues, you have a very low view with regard to the hand that feeds you, i for one are proud to be GSR & try & promote gas safety in this country.

gas4you

I wouldn't say a low opinion, just a very realistic view of the state of the industry today.

C_Mababejive

gas4you wrote: »

Personally if I was a fully qualified engineer, I would be a bit peeved at allowing a so called 'registered gas engineer' to use the logo for gain.

After all, how many RGI's are actually qualified engineers?

I'm not, and I only know one who is in my local area, who happens to be a good friend of mine.

But I do understand the financial needs of any organisation to survive these days.

I see your point of view but really,we all have our part to play. I have done my share of house bashing and repairing stuff but you chaps could beat me hands down on fault finding new boilers because you do it every day and so are familiar with them. I wouldnt be averse to doing that kind of work again as i used to enjoy it and there is much pride to be had in a job well done and delivering good quality work for your customer. We must do all we can to uphold and drive high standards in the industry ..to keep out and marginalize the ripoff merchants and incompetents.

callmechar

UPDATE - he came back last week. I was away.

He has replaced all the pipes outside and did the electrical bonding. He levelled up the boiler.

All seems ok, only had a brief look as not been back long but looks better than it did

southcoastrgi

callmechar wrote: »

UPDATE - he came back last week. I was away.

He has replaced all the pipes outside and did the electrical bonding. He levelled up the boiler. He left the following printout:

LET BY TEST
PRS_1 mbar 10.44
PRS_2 mbar 10.42
LET BY MINS 1:00

TIGHTNESS TEST
PRS_1 mbar 20.72
PRS_2 mbar 2.0.96
PRS mbar -0.24
STABIL N MINS 1:00
TIGHTN S MINS2:00

I thought that this boiler was meant to be between 9.2% and 9.8% C02? Is this still wrong?

this is nothing to do with the boiler, this is a gas tightness test of the installation to make sure you have no leaks.