Home Heating Test Centre
At the Centre we test all forms of solid fuel domestic heaters, wood stoves, multifuel stoves, and coal stoves.
We test the heaters to ensure that they meet the safety and performance standards that are vital to the success of the solid fuel industry. Spectrum Laboratories has the resources and the expertise to meet both testing and problem solving solutions
Modern Up To Date Facility
Our facility at Auckland was among the first in Australasia to test to the latest home heating Standards. The new Standards are acceptable to both New Zealand and Australia regulatory authorities. They specify procedures for determining the power output of a heater, and measuring flue gas emissions.
Heat Output and Efficiencies to AS/NZS 4012:1999
The test centre uses a high performance calorimeter room designed and calibrated to allow accurate measurement of the combined convective and radiated heat transferred to the room.
Three burn cycles at high, medium and low firing rates are performed to the conditions prescribed in the Standard.
Particulate Emissions to AS/NZS 4013:1999
The Standard incorporates a dilution tunnel method for determining particulate emissions.
Flue gas discharged from the appliance stack mixes with ambient air and is induced into the sample measurement tunnel. A sample of the mixed air and flue gas is drawn off and passed through a filter. The emissions collected on the filter are accurately weighed and an emission factor is calculated.
The Appliance Particulate Emission Factor is defined as the arithmetic mean of the particulate weight collected at high, medium and low burn rates.
Safe Clearance Determination to AS/NZS 2918:2001
The specification of minimum installation clearances for each stove from a heat sensitive material wall is mandatory for solid fuel burning appliance manufacturers.
A feature of the Spectrum Laboratories rig is the 357 thermocouples incorporated into the floor, walls and ceiling.
The outputs from the thermocouples are fed to a computer which allows the graphic plotting of the temperature profiles of the heater under test.
Maximum output and Flash Fire tests, as prescribed by the Standard, can be undertaken at parallel and angled positions with and without flue shields and hearths.
Heater Development Service
Spectrum Laboratory’s expertise and facilities are also on offer for prelim efficiency and omission testing. Customers are welcome to work on site along side our technicians (who will be operating the test facility) to view first hand how their heaters are performing during development and the testing of new ideas and products.
The research data is available from The Home Heating Centre to assist with the resolution of operating or design development.
The development service is offered at an hourly rate so that testing can be terminated at any time to save unnecessary testing and so that customers have the option to make same day modifications to their heaters.
Benefits From a Spectrum Laboratories Certification
Spectrum Laboratories is dedicated to quality of service, confidentiality and cost effectiveness.
Extended Markets
Certification extends markets by giving manufacturers access to New Zealand and Australian locations in which environmental emission standards apply and which would otherwise be denied.
Increased Sales
Customer confidence is increased in a product that meets quality and performance criteria, meets environmental standards, and has been independently tested. The standard states that the manufacturer must attach a permanent plate to the heater signifying that it met the necessary criteria.
Customer confidence is also increased when a product carries a New Zealand or Australian Standards logo.
Manufacturers who have met the required standards and who meet any other Standards Association criteria can apply for a licence for a New Zealand and Australian Standard Mark Certification Schemes, to display the mark on their product.
Additional Information Available
At no extra cost information can be made available to manufacturers over and above that required by the Standards. This information included; flue gas temperatures, firebox temperatures, thermostat response, and water heating capabilities.
Facilities Inspection
Spectrum Laboratories has a successful history in appliance testing and now offers manufacturers a world class facility. Clients are welcome to visit the centre during the period their heater is undergoing testing.
Potential clients are also welcome to inspect the facilities, but in order for us to maintain test confidentiality, an appointment is necessary.
Competitive Rates
The Home Heating Test Centre is centrally located. The facility is extensively computerised which lowers costs through more effective data collection and reporting. Test reports make extensive use of graphs.
Contact Spectrum Laboratories for details of prices and the schedule of testing for your product at the Test Centre.