I=B=R

Roger Butler

I ma trying to find out some things about I=B=R ratings. After a review of "the Wall", I have a good understanding of what it is, but what I need to know is why some manufacturer's don't list I=B=R ratings. Is there some kind of reason, like the boiler type? Also, is there a web site for I=B=R?

Thanks

Mike T., Swampeast MO

"Makers" of the I=B=R Rating System:
Hydronic Institute
35 Russo Place
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922-0218
908-464 8200

I can't find a website address.

The I=B=R standard for boilers is a steady-state rating. At some point the government required AFUE ratings that are supposed to be more "realistic" because they include factors for boiler cycling (going from hot to cold to hot). I believe some manufacturers may forego I=B=R rating because they believe it unrealistic.

As modulating boilers become more common I believe that a new rating system will have to be created. Modulating boilers are anything BUT steady-state OR digital.

Even recently proposed changes to the AFUE rating system that supposedly encompass modulating devices aren't really realistic as they consider them STAGED (i.e. Low burn or High burn) with an "oversize factor" so large that they are considered to be in low burn around 90% of the time! I guess that wouldn't be too bad, but they ALSO consider that the unit is still cycling CONSIDERABLY between on-off at low fire. Modulating boilers CAN behave this way--but only if improperly (my opinion) sized and/or installed and/or controlled!

I=B=R ratings for steam include compensation for loss in piping. I do not know if this is the case for water or air.

AFUE ratings appear to apply ONLY to the boiler/furnace itself, not the delivery system. This seems [my opinion] to impart a penalty for hydronic equipment AS INSTALLED in working systems.

Jeff Alexander

I=B=R

The I=B=R logo on a boiler or radiation means that the product has been tested and certified by the Hydronics Institute division of GAMA. Those companies that have their product certified also use the I=B=R logo on their literature, manuals and other technical information. This assures the purchaser that the product will do what the ratings say that it will do because it is certified by a third party, professional organization. If a product is not certified by the Hydronics Institute division of GAMA then it cannot display the logo. The Hydronics Institute division of GAMA is the most recognized and respected certifying agency in the hydronics industry.

The standards for efficiency testing have been established and published by the HI division and are continually reviewed for refinement and improvement. The ratings of equipment are published annually by the HI division. This publication is recognized internationally for its reliability and impartiality.

The HI division will test and certify all types of boilers and radiation at the manufacturer's requst. If maufacturers do not list I=B=R ratings, it is likely that their products were not tested by the HI division.

The actual I=B=R net ratings shown in manufacturer's literature and the HI directory are industry standards. They are intended to be used for heat loss calculations using the I=B=R heat loss guide H-22.

Information concerning the Hydronics Institute division and GAMA can be found on GAMA's website - www.gamanet.org. You can also contact the HI division headquarters in Berkeley Heights, NJ by calling 908 464 8200 or GAMA headquarters in Arlington, VA at 703 525 7060.

DanHolohan

And

only cast iron and steel boiler manufacturers are members, and not all of those.