Hager and Vaillant UK recently announced a collaboration to develop and launch custom Type B HP RCD consumer units designed for the Vaillant range of air source heat pumps (ASHPs). Mark Kimberley, UK market director at Hager, explains why this is excellent news for installers.

The strategic collaboration between Hager and Vaillant UK brings together two prestigious German companies, combining decades of experience in electrical safety and renewable heating solutions. The result is a ready-to-use consumer unit offering that provides electrical safety, performance and ease of installation for residential ASHP units.

A new standard in electrical protection for heat pumps The electrification of heating is accelerating across the UK and Europe, and ASHPs are playing a central role in the transition to net zero.

However, these systems, especially those with integrated inverter technology, can produce smooth DC currents and high-frequency leakage currents that conventional RCDs are not equipped to handle. As a result, this can cause unnecessary tripping and system downtime.

To address this challenge, Hager has developed a Type B HP RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker), specifically designed to detect smooth DC leakage currents and operate at frequencies greater than 20 kHz, ensuring a minimum tripping of 150 mA for frequencies above 1 kHz. This device will be a key component of the new consumer units developed in conjunction with UK company Vaillant to ensure that each ASHP installation is electrically safe, fully compliant and avoids any unwanted tripping.

Hager’s deep understanding of electrical protection and Vaillant UK’s leadership in ASHP technology made this collaboration a natural fit. By aligning our product development with Vaillant UK systems, we simplify installations for contractors and protect customers with best-in-class protection.

Designed for installers, and trusted by homeowners

The custom consumer units are designed to simplify installation, reduce on-site decision making, and are fully tested and validated for use with Vaillant UK ASHPs.

Each unit comes factory wired and equipped with the correct Type B HP RCCB and MCB, as well as the issued RCBOs for the immersion heater and controls.

“This collaboration ensures our ASHP systems are installed with the highest level of electrical protection,” said Paul Hanneman, Vaillant UK Head of Product Management.

“By working closely with Hager, we give installers the confidence to deliver safe, reliable and compliant heat pump systems every time.”

In addition to enhancing safety, the solution speeds up installation times and also reduces system downtime and error detection when incompatible RCDs are used and malfunctioned.

Market impact and availability

This joint offering will be available through Vaillant UK plumbing/heating distributors, supported by technical documentation and installation support provided by both Hager and Vaillant UK. The launch is part of Hager’s broader strategy to shape the world of future electricity in renewables.

A shared vision for a sustainable future

The two companies share a common vision: to accelerate the transition to low-carbon technologies while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and engineering excellence.

This collaboration is more than just a product launch, it’s a statement of intent. As two companies with strong roots in innovation, we are committed to setting new standards in integrating electricity and heating technologies.

Get more details and download Hager’s bite-sized guide to heat pump RCDs here

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GTEC, part of the United Living Group, has enhanced its training support for solar photovoltaic (PV) installers by adding a new one-day training course, ‘Working at Heights’, specifically designed for those installing solar PV systems on low-angle rooftops or commercial buildings.

The new course is currently available at its headquarters in Hawes, North Yorkshire, which features ‘real’ roofs and solar arrays to ensure candidates gain relevant practical experience, and will be rolled out to other GTEC approved centres in the coming months.

The Working at Heights for Solar PV Installations course joins GTEC’s portfolio of training for this in-demand branch of renewable building services, including the recent Solar PV for Roofers course developed with roofing giant Weinerberger, and specific training for candidates looking to become SolarEdge installers.

“Working at height is a fundamental part of the role of a solar PV installer, and it is essential that this work is carried out safely and effectively,” said Griff Thomas, General Manager of GTEC. “We have adapted our standard training for working at heights to make it specific to the requirements of PV installation, in order to provide a useful course for both large and small installation companies – whether you are a one-man do-it-yourselfer, or a larger construction company needing to upskill the staff involved in the PV installation process.”

“We expect more training courses from GTEC in the coming months as our offering expands following our acquisition by United Living Group. Their support will allow us to better support building services installers and those working in construction-related trades.”

About the course:

GTEC’s new course “Working at Height for Solar Installers” is designed for solar engineers, roofers and builders involved in the installation of photovoltaic systems. The training covers residential and commercial roofs with low angles.

The one-day course covers topics such as personal fall protection, safety belts, fall arrest systems, ladder safety, scaffolding, edge protection, handling roof structures, and managing risks associated with roof openings. Practical skills such as fitting safety belts, using energy absorbing safety harnesses, and safely climbing ladders are also covered.

For more information and to book a course, visit: https://gtec.co.uk/courses/electrical/working-heights-solar-installers

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