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
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.