Building Regulations Technical Building Regulations - HVAC (incl Fire Protection)
Technical Building Regulations - HVAC (incl Fire Protection)
There are several reasons for applying insulation to Pipe and Ductwork, whether it is to save energy through reducing heat loss, temperature control or personnel protection.
The following tables are used to detail the Isover product thickness in relation to British Standards BS5422. The tables have been calculated using the formulae given in BS EN ISO 12241:2008. The thicknesses shown in this section are commercially available thicknesses that will meet or exceed the thermal performance required.
England and Wales
BS5422:2009. Method for specifying thermal insulating materials on pipes, ductwork and equipment (in the temperature range –40ºC to +700ºC) or TIMSA guidance for achieving compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations (TIMSA edition Feb 2008).
Scotland
Note 1. From October 2010, BS5422:2009 'Method for specifying thermal insulating materials on pipes, ductwork and equipment (in the temperature range -40°C to +700°C)' tables now apply. This is referred to in the Technical Handbooks produced by Building Standards Scotland, Domestic Handbook 2010 and Non-Domestic Handbook 2010 Sections 6.4 – Energy.
Note 2. Reference can still be made to the 2001 edition of BS 5422 for the insulation to pipework within unheated areas.
Up to October 2010, BS5422:2001 'Method for specifying thermal insulating materials on pipes, ductwork and equipment (in the temperature range -40°C to +700°C)', should be referred to. Reference is made in the Technical Handbooks produced by Building Standards Scotland, Domestic Handbook 2009 and Non-Domestic Handbook 2009 Sections 6.4 – Energy.
What thickness of Isover insulation do I need?
The thickness tables shown in the below links are calculated at the maximum thermal conductivities of the material as required in the above British Standards. These thermal conductivity figures must not be exceeded by unapproved substitute materials. In such a case the following thicknesses could be invalid and the installation may not comply with the legal requirements of the building regulations.
- Table 1: Domestic central heating installations & hot water systems
- Table 2: Non-domestic central heating installations to control heat loss for direct water & heating pipes
- Table 3: Chilled water supplies to control heat gain
- Table 4: Chilled and cold water supplies to prevent condensation
- Table 5: Ducts used to carry heated and cooled air
- Table 6: Protection against freezing in buildings other than dwellings
Fire Protection
Euroclass Harmonisation
Commonly accepted in England, Scotland and Wales, Euroclass is a harmonised European classification system (A1, A2, B, C, D, E and F) for products, measuring their reaction to fire. A1 corresponds to the safest situation, E the most dangerous and F would not be classified.
Reaction to Fire
Under reaction to fire, one of the most important issues is the potential for flashover.
This is the spontaneous ignition of hot smoke, gases and fuel which can lead to a fire spreading uncontrollably.
Class ‘O’ Compliance
Class ‘O’ compliance refers to the surface properties of a product, specifically ‘Surface Spread of Flame’ or ‘non-combustability’ of the surface. BS 476: Parts 6 and 7 also needs to be satisfied.
