MSE heads up on central heating pumps

southcoastrgi

I know it's a way away but pre-armed & all that, from march 2013 a new european directive comes in, which will mean all new or replacement central heating pumps will need to be 'A' rated only, the most popular pumps on the market is Grunfos 15/50 & 15/60 the 15/50 is 'B' rated & the 15/60 is 'C' rated therefore these will be removed from general sale, meaning you will have to use the Grunfos Alpha pump at the moment the price difference is around £30-£40 between the normal pumps & the Alpha, wether the Alpha will go up or go down no one knows, while this will save energy the pumps are obv more expensive, so if you know you will need a new pump & don't want the more expensive ones get one before march, hope this helps with the MSE that we are all here for.

MrsWenger

Thank you for posting this information, very helpful to anyone who has those models.

southcoastrgi

MrsWenger wrote: »

Thank you for posting this information, very helpful to anyone who has those models.

I only quoted Grunfos as they are the biggest selling pump in the uk, but this effects every make of pump

sillygoose

Any opinion on if the A rated will last less too?

I wouldn't be surprised if they have weaker (lower power consumption) motor that gives up on a bit of sludge normal ones don't mind. I suppose they can be replaced every 5 years along with the euro boilers.

Thanks for info, I might archive one, don't know how old our one is.

Jaynne

sillygoose wrote: »

Any opinion on if the A rated will last less too?

I wouldn't be surprised if they have weaker (lower power consumption) motor that gives up on a bit of sludge normal ones don't mind. I suppose they can be replaced every 5 years along with the euro boilers.

Thanks for info, I might archive one, don't know how old our one is.

I'd guess they're just using more expensive brushes and better magnets so that may not be the case. The easy answer would be to look at the spec sheet and see if there is a difference in the MTBF for both models but I'd guess the more energy efficient one might actually be better.

southcoastrgi

I can only quote Grunfos as that's the only one i fit, the Alpha has been out for a number of yrs now & it seems to be ok at the moment & it does come with a 2 yrs warrentee, it does use a different kind of motor & the center screw is no longer there, i guess only time will tell

southcoastrgi

the dearer Alpha (there is two models the Alpha & the Alpha 2) comes with a digital readout on the front showing exactly how much power is being used & it's about 5w, they are also automatic which means as the trv's close down the pump detects this & pumps less saving money & less noise

sillygoose

Jaynne wrote: »

I'd guess they're just using more expensive brushes and better magnets so that may not be the case. The easy answer would be to look at the spec sheet and see if there is a difference in the MTBF for both models but I'd guess the more energy efficient one might actually be better.

Brushes? in an induction motor? there aren't any - or did you mean bushes/bearings?

The best solution would be an electronically driven induction motor with a tacho feedback so it feeds just enough power to maintain a target speed.

Ha - just seen post above, sounds sensible design, although electronics in a hot motor in a hot airing cupboard may be asking a lot.

T_T_2

Thanks for the heads up Southcoast. Do you know if this applies to domestic, commercial or both? the grundfos 15/50 probably makes up over 70% of the entire domestic market so this is very big news.

ETA: I glossed over the fact that this applies to all makes.

diywhynot

T_T wrote: »

Thanks for the heads up Southcoast. Do you know if this applies to domestic, commercial or both? the grundfos 15/50 probably makes up over 70% of the entire domestic market so this is very big news.

ETA: I glossed over the fact that this applies to all makes.

More than just heating circulators aka 'pumps'. Been in the works since 2005. Also take a look here page 127.

missprice

Thank you OP
I am gonna get 2 pumps and stash them
never needed one yet but ya can guarantee soon as the new rules come into force mine will die a death and I would not be able to replace like for like
its a grunfos btw.