New Rules Regarding Replacement of non-ErP Approved Circulators
A recent announcement has stated that there has been an expiration of an exemption related to Commission Regulation 641/2009. Previously you could use replacement products for circulators integrated in products to be exempt from ErP requirements. This has now changed and any replacement products for circulators have to be ErP approved.
This article will explain the new regulation regarding spare parts in circulators and will cover the following topics:
- What this new regulation applies to
- What rules do the new replacement circulators adhere to?
- What circulator do we recommend?
- How do you find specific OEM replacements?
What this new regulation applies to
This new change in the Commission Regulation 641/2009 can sound confusing at first. But, it does not apply to any circulators integrated in products and placed on the market any later than 1st January 2022 that are used as replacement for identical circulators integrated in products and placed on the market any later than August 2015.
This means that effective from 1st January 2022, it is no longer legal to replace circulators integrated in products with a circulator that does not fulfil the ErP regulation.
This exemption was originally from January 2020 but has now been extended to 1 January 2022 in Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 which amended Regulation (EC) 641/2009.
What rules must the new replacement circulators adhere to?
Effective from 1st January 2022, it is no longer legal to replace circulators integrated in products with a circulator that does not fulfil the ErP regulation. This means that the replacement circulators have to adhere to the following rules:
-
- Fulfil the ErP regulation for the entire pump portfolio to guarantee spare part availability for many years
- Be the same quality as the original pump to ensure approvals and certifications remain valid
- Be a 1:1, or like-for-like, replacement in order to make the replacement task as easy as possible for the installer
- Simplify and reduce the stock of spare parts in order to optimise the spare part budget
- Fit the exact geometrical dimensions and hydraulic compatibility to ensure full functionality
- Fulfil all safety requirements for minimum flow and any deviations in the start-up process in order to avoid overheating
The replacement product or its packaging must clearly indicate the product(s) for which it is intended.
What circulator do we recommend?
For use within appliances prior to August 2015, and to meet this new legislation on circulators to be installed integrally, we would recommend installing the Grundfos UPS3 15-50/65 circulator. Due to this circulator’s backwards compatibility with boiler integration pumps, and it's one size fits all solution, it reduces complexity for the installer as well as fulfilling ErP regulation requirements.
The UPS3 also benefits from the following features:
- Low noise level
- Simple installation
- Deblocking device
- Low EEI (Energy Efficiency Index)
- Three constant curves/constant speed curves
- Two proportional-pressure curves
- Two constant-pressure curves
The pump also features three control modes:
- Constant pressure control with two settings
- Proportional pressure control with two settings
- Constant curve mode with three settings
How do you find specific OEM replacements?
We recognise that finding specific OEM replacement parts can be tricky and can add extra time and cost to a job. So to combat this, we recommend downloading Grundfos GO Replace app. This app is available for Android and Apple users and provides a quick mobile guide that can help with replacing or upgrading boiler integrated UP15 variants.
Use your camera to take a picture of your pump's nameplate or manually enter the pump’s product number and the app will recommend any other ErP certified pumps you can use to replace it. It’s that easy!
The app suggests which parts you can replace, and also comes with a ‘How to Install’ button which, when pressed, gives you guidance on how to change the pump. As well as this, you can create a report which not only helps you out with paperwork, it can be emailed to either yourself or the customer. It includes:
- The author and date
- Replacement information
- Energy savings
- Any monetary savings
- A store of any pictures you have used
This app should be part of every engineer's toolbox for working on boiler breakdowns.
There is our overview on the change in the ErP legislation for replacement of non-ErP spare parts. To confirm, as of 1 January 2022, it is no longer legal to replace circulators integrated in products with a circulator that does not fulfil the ErP regulation. If you want to browse any other ErP regulated circulators, we have a wide range on our website. And if you need any help with replacing pumps or circulators, we offer free advice which you can find below, our experts are happy to help!
Free Advice
If you’re struggling with advice regarding replacing pumps or circulators, ring our dedicated experts on 0800 112 3134 or 0333 577 3134.
We’re open Monday to Friday 07:00 - 17:30 and Saturday 08:30 - 12:30.
