There are a number of regulatory approval schemes available across the UK which are accepted by the wider industry. The approval schemes include WRAS, KUKreg4 and NSF. These approval schemes ensure water products are compliant with regulation 4.
Who’s at Risk?
It is the responsibility of the end-user to prove to the water regulators that your water product is compliant, should they wish to inspect or interrogate your installation.
We advise all end-users to ensure they check the compliance status of their water heater units with a recognised body. If you are legally responsible for a water fitting in a property, it is a criminal offence if you fail to comply with the requirement to provide evidence of compliance. Evidence may be obtained from a variety of sources including, the water fitting manufacturer, suppliers, installers, specifiers, certification schemes and test laboratories.
Consequences
Water regulators may enforce compliance through a range of options including enforcement notices to rectify works within a specified timeframe. Regulators may disconnect installations where serious infringements exist and the water supply to the premises may be disconnected on expiry of an enforcement notice. In the most serious cases where the duty holder has failed to respond to an informal approach, or where there are frequent less serious breaches have occurred, regulators can initiate prosecution procedures. Penalties which include fines are issued to any person or business which is found guilty of failing to comply with the provisions of the Water Supply Regulations.
What is Regulation 4?
(1) Every water fitting shall–
- be of an appropriate quality and standard; and
- be suitable for the circumstances in which it is used.
(2) For the purposes of this regulation, a water fitting is of an appropriate quality or standard only if–
- it conforms to an appropriate British Standard or some other national specification which provides an equivalent level of protection and performance; or
- it conforms to a specification approved by the regulator.
What You Can Do
Check your water heating product is listed as an approved product on WRAS, KUKreg4 or NSF, if it is listed this is evidence of your compliance. If you can’t find your product on the industry recognised certification bodies listed, you should contact your installer for evidence of compliance or the supplier. The installer or supplier may refer you to the manufacturer who may be able to provide test results however, it’s worth noting that self-certification through internal testing is no longer accepted by the regulators as a form of evidencing compliance.
Lochinvar Secures WRAS Approval
Lochinvar are delighted to announce it has recently received WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approval for an impressive lineup of products, including the EcoCharger, EcoCharger Hybrid, EcoSword, EcoSable, LST/LSTR, SIVS, and TTW.
This endorsement underscores Lochinvar’s commitment to providing high-quality, efficient, and reliable products that comply with stringent water safety and hygiene standards, and helps take the burden of proving compliance away from our customers for additional peace-of-mind.
Understanding WRAS and KUKreg4 Approval
WRAS approval was historically the only industry recognised certification body for any product intended to connect to the UK’s water supply. Kiwa is an independent certification body who offer an equivalent certification which demonstrates compliance with UK Water Regulations. Both WRAS and Kiwa product approvals demonstrate that the materials and components used do not contaminate drinking water and that the products meet rigorous safety and performance standards. For Lochinvar, receiving WRAS approvals and Kiwa’s KUKreg4 product certification is a testament to the quality and reliability of their products, reinforcing their position as a leading provider of heating and hot water solutions.
For Lochinvar, achieving this milestone across such a broad range of products highlights their dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction. It provides assurance to installers, specifiers, and end-users that these products meet the highest standards of safety and quality.
Lochinvar’s Approved Products
EcoCharger (ECH)
EcoCharger is a range of fully condensing, gas-fired, floor-standing, storage water heaters. These water heaters have low NOx emissions and can achieve efficiencies up to 98.0% gross CV and can help reduce energy use & carbon emissions. The range is suitable for a wide variety of commercial and industrial water heating applications. EcoCharger is a WRAS Approved Product until the end of May 2029 and has KUKreg4 Product Approval until December 2028.
EcoCharger Hybrid (HWH/HWHC)
Based upon our successful EcoCharger condensing water heater range, these units feature an advanced integral controller, which gives priority to the Solar generated hot water, maximising the use of this source of renewable energy. There are 9 models in total, 2 of which (HWHC models) include an integral solar coil, which negates the need for a separate preheat vessel and saves valuable plant room space. EcoCharger Hybrid Water Heaters, integrated with a Solar thermal installation, are suitable for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. EcoCharger Hybrid is a WRAS Approved Product until the end of May 2029 and has KUKreg4 Product Approval until December 2028.
EcoSword (LGC)
EcoSword fully condensing gas-fired water heaters are available in 9 models, with storage capacities ranging from 163 to 388 litres and hot water recovery rates from 210 to 540 litres per hour, based upon a temperature rise of 50°C. Designed to enable easy access and maintenance, all components can be accessed from the front of the unit. The storage vessels are constructed from enamelled steel and their design minimise the harmful effects of hard water. EcoSword is a WRAS Approved Product until the end of May 2029 and has KUKreg4 Product Approval until December 2028.
EcoSable (LGSS)
EcoSable is a two-model range of fully condensing gas-fired water heaters with hot water recovery rates of 600 and 787 litres per hour, based upon a temperature rise of 50°C. Both models have a storage capacity of 186 litres. EcoSable is a WRAS Approved Product until the end of May 2029 and has KUKreg4 Product Approval until December 2028.
LST/LSTR
Designed for use with circulating-type water heaters, our LST/LSTR range is constructed from enameled steel and are supplied with an A-rated fire resistant jacket. LSTR storage vessels are suitable for installation with EcoKnight, EcoForce and TTW gas-fired condensing water heaters and also our LOK Packaged Plate Heat Exchangers. LST/LSTR is a WRAS Approved Product until the end of May 2029 and has KUKreg4 Product Approval until December 2028.
SIVS/SIVT
Squire indirect water heaters are available for a range of commercial and industrial applications. Sometimes referred to as ‘calorifiers’ these products provide domestic hot water when installed as part of a heating boiler system. They can also be used as pre-heat vessels when installed with renewable technologies such as solar thermal or heat pumps. Squire models are available with high-output single or twin coils for fast recovery of hot water. SIVS/SIVT is a WRAS Approved Product until the end of May 2029 and has KUKreg4 Product Approval until December 2028.
TTW
TTW are circulating-type Water Heaters, available in 2 models the largest of which is capable of generating 9912 litres of hot water per hour. As circulating-type units they are designed for use with separate storage vessel(s). These units generate fast-recovery hot water in a high-efficiency stainless steel heat exchanger, which is then transferred to a direct storage vessel or multiple vessels. TTW is a WRAS Approved Product until the end of November 2026 and has KUKreg4 Product Approval until December 2028.
Talk to Lochinvar for Further Details
With WRAS approval now secured for the EcoCharger, EcoCharger Hybrid, EcoSword, EcoSable, LST/LSTR, SIVS, and TTW, Lochinvar continues to lead the way in providing top-tier heating and hot water solutions. This achievement not only reinforces the quality and safety of their products but also demonstrates their unwavering commitment to advancing technology and sustainability in the heating industry. Our team are here to support you and advise the regarding your water heating system whether it’s our system or not. Contact your Area Sales Manager or our Internal Sales Team for more information.