Burner control
The term "burner control" generally refers to the mechanisms and systems used to regulate and control the operation of a burner in heating appliances, such as boilers. This includes functions like ignition, flame monitoring, fuel supply regulation, and safety shutdown procedures. Systems often include thermostats, time controls, and interlocks to prevent unsafe operation.
Types of burner control include:
- Two-stage burner control: ‘…a type of control that offers two distinct boiler firing rates.’
- Multi-stage burner control: ‘…a type of control that offers more than two distinct firing rates, but without continuous adjustment between firing rates.’
- Modulating burner control: ‘…a type of control that provides a continuously variable firing rate, which is altered to match the boiler load over the whole turndown ratio.’
The relevant regulations typically fall under:
- Approved Document J (Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems) – Covers the safe installation and operation of appliances using solid fuel, gas, and oil.
- Approved Document L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) – Focuses on energy efficiency, requiring proper burner control to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
- Burner control systems must comply with Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and relevant BS EN standards, such as BS EN 676 (for automatic gas burners).
Ref Non-domestic Building Services Compliance Guide For Scotland, 2015 Edition v1.1, published by the Scottish Government, Building Standards Division in April 2018.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.