Boilers in kitchen cupboards

[TerryWaite]

It is becoming more common now for boilers to be located in kitchen cupboards. I just wanted to know a few details about what you need to allow for when installing a boiler in a kitchen wall unit.

1) Does the cupboard have to be fitted first and the boiler then placed in or can you fit the cupboard around the boiler? 3)

2) Servicing clearances - is it usually just the front and underneath that need to be accessible or the sides too? and how would you make an access underneath without cutting the cupboard to bits?

3) Flues. What allowances do you have to make for vertical or horizontal flues? 4) for a typical sized combi boiler, what size cupboard would you need? would the cupboard definitely have to be bigger than the other kitchen units?

Many thanks, John

 

[JAP&H]

Hi John

1. Have found both ways acceptable. Sited new boiler in exiting cupboard, tended supply appliance with direct rear flue.

2. Normal servicing is achieved with access to remove front panel and access flue sampling point. Repairs are a different matter, some appliances need side panels removing simply to check CH thermistor. Vokeras spring to mind. Usually jigsaw base of cabinet out to suite.

3. Try to avoid flue projecting through top of cabinet, direct rear option.

4. Most boiler manufacturers state when a boiler is "cupboard fit"

As with all installs each is unique but with thorough measurement of site, checking requirements of customer and appliance specifics a suitable solution can normally be agreed upon.

 

[Syty]

It is much easier to fit boiler and cupboard after, if it ***s to the clearance in compartment always check MI.

 

[AWheating]

i agree its normally better to fit the boiler first and cupboard afterwards. Aslong as the boiler meets the manufactures min clearences and you can get your analyser in then you will be fine. Ideal used to make a kit for there classic boiler that gave you metal brackets to allow you to alter the cupboard as needed while still keeping its structual strength.

 

[TerryWaite]

i have seen system boilers fit in cupboards the same size as the rest of the kitchen cupboards. But for a combi boiler are you definitely looking at a bigger cupboard than the rest of the cupboards?

 

[stevetheplumber]

i have seen system boilers fit in cupboards the same size as the rest of the kitchen cupboards. But for a combi boiler are you definitely looking at a bigger cupboard than the rest of the cupboards?

there are some combis around that fit a standard cupboard gloworm do at least one

 

[TerryWaite]

thanks steve

 

[JAP&H]

If customer expresses desire to hide combi in cupboard I would check when measuring up for quote whether the existing units are big enough.

If the sizes are ok fine, if not then alternative positions discussed.

Last 10 combi installs, 6 in kitchen cupboards. Vaillant, GlowWorm and Ideals. Made sure adequate space for service/maintenance as hopefully it will be me doing it.

 

[bright spark]

Its alot handier to fit the boiler, then the cupboard, for example if they're getting a new boiler and kitchen. But thats an ideal world as they say. If you're replacing a clapped out boiler then mostly you are stuck with the space you have in the exisitng cupboard. As said above you have to go with the manufacturers instructions clearance wise. Follow the boilers inst. catalogue and you won't go wrong If you don't, it'll come back to haunt you if it can't be serviced or repaired in the future. So if the new boiler doesn't really suit the existing cupboard, tell the customer.