Engineering specialist, Teddington – manufacturer of the industry-acclaimed KBB fire valve – has reported an increase in the number of its customers who are being offered fire safety valves imported into the UK and Ireland.
The Cornwall-based company is now warning merchants and distributors to be wary of cheap imitations that may not have any industry safety approval.
Kenneth Maxwell, Teddington Sales Manager, said, “Since the start of 2018 a number of our customers have come to us and said they’ve been offered fire safety valves at a lower price. “In many cases they look identical to our KBB valve and even have similar labelling – but they are manufactured abroad and may not be subject to the same quality control checks that we have here.
NOT WORTH THE RISK
“We decided to take this step and warn others because we want them to continue to buy from reputable manufacturers – ones that are industry and OFTEC approved. For the sake of saving just a few pounds, it’s not worth the risk.”
Ryan McNaught, Teddington’s Ireland-based agent, added, “The KBB is the best-selling fire valve in Ireland and has a strong reputation for dependency. But if cheaper, unproven valves are installed, the effectiveness of that fire valve’s safety could be greatly compromised.”
Travis Perkins Group and Wolseley are the latest builders’ merchants to have signed deals to stock Teddington’s KBB.
Dennis Grogan, Commercial Manager, Travis Perkins – Group Spares, said, “The KBB is a quality product that has been protecting homes for 60 years. We’re delighted to have this agreement in place and look forward to working with Teddington for a long time to come.” Teddington’s KBB provides essential protection for properties using oil fired boilers – stopping the flow of oil and protecting homes against the risk of fire if a set temperature is exceeded.
WARRANTY
The device, which is fully OFTEC approved and comes with a three-year warranty, is installed in the oil supply outside the building, with the sensor mounted inside the boiler above the burner. The valve will automatically close if the temperature at the sensor exceeds the set value.
OFTEC regulations state fire safety valves should be inspected annually for any signs of damage or leakage at joints with the oil supply pipe.
The sensory capillary of the valve should also be checked throughout its length for any kinks or damage and to ensure it is adequately supported and protected. The correct operation of the valve should be observed using test equipment such as Teddington’s KBT1000.
Kenneth Maxwell added, “Remember, if it doesn’t say KBB on the box, it isn’t a KBB in the box.”
Teddington Systems is a UK manufacturer based at St Austell, Cornwall. Among other sectors, it specialises in valves and electronic control devices for heating, plumbing and ventilation.
For more information about Teddington, visit www.teddingtonsystems.co.uk
For more information on the KBB, visit www.kbbfirevalve.co.uk or contact Ryan McNaught NDi, T: +44 (0)7967 827014 E: ryan@nobledi.com
