A new Fernox Express Inhibitor Test has been released and vowed to make testing central heating systems for the correct concentration of inhibitor quicker and easier than ever.
The company said a pass or fail result will be shown in just 10 seconds, and the dip test is also compatible with the Fernox Water Test App.
It means annual testing of central heating systems, a core requirement under BS 7593:2019 and the Benchmark Commissioning Checklist, can be carried out with less time spent on site.
For fast results, installers simply dip the test strip provided into the system water and within 10 seconds it will change colour. By comparing the test strip to the colour chart label on the bottle, installers can assess whether the system water includes the correct concentration of inhibitor. A fully protected system will have inhibitor levels of 100ppm or above – and will pass the test. However, if the test fails and a result of less than 100ppm is received, the system should be re-dosed with Fernox Protector F1.
Fernox has also made it easier to keep track of test results with the free to download Fernox Water Test App, which installers can use to manage and evidence each test. Using the in-app camera, users take a picture of the test strip and select its colour to generate the pass or fail result.
If the test passes, users will receive a digital certificate that acts as evidence that the test has been completed and the system is fully protected.
Richard Crisp, head of chemistry at Fernox said: “With the Express Inhibitor Test, installers are equipped with a quick and effective solution to conduct the recommended annual, central heating system water test to check the correct concentration of inhibitor – and therefore comply with BS 7593:2019 and the Benchmark Commissioning Checklist. The user-friendly test will save time on site, as results are received within just 10 seconds. This also means that, even if the test fails, there is no requirement for a repeat site visit.
“The Fernox Water Test App also makes it easy to record and manage the results of each test. This is ideal for contractors working on schemes with local authorities, such as social housing, when they are required to demonstrate that the annual test has been completed.”
The Express Inhibitor Test will check for the presence of any molybdate based inhibitor within the system water – including Fernox Protector F1. Each small, portable kit contains enough test strips to test 50 systems.