Heat pumps are very modern and advanced mechanisms, so their installation and operation require appropriate technical knowledge, as well as the necessary authorizations. The installation of a heat pump cannot be carried out by people without the appropriate qualifications. Extensive experience and prior training are necessary here. This is stated in the law, specifying the requirements for the competences of installers. They differ depending on the type of device. In the following discussion, we will discuss in detail what authorizations you must have, what certificates are necessary, but also how to obtain them in order to legally and safely install heat pumps.
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The difference in permissions between the installation of hermetic and non-hermetic heat pumps
One of the basic issues regarding authorizations is the difference between heat pumps - hermetic and non-hermetic. They have not only a different structure, but also different types of refrigerants. Hermetic heat pumps - exactly as the nomenclature describes them - have a closed, hermetic cooling system.
In such a device, the refrigerant does not require any additional interventions during all works - installation, service and maintenance. It is not necessary to undertake such actions here, therefore, to operate them, it is enough to have basic installation qualifications and an F-gas certificate. It authorizes work with refrigerants, but on a more general level.
It is different in the case of non-hermetic heat pumps (i.e. split heat pumps), in which the need to replenish or service the refrigerant may arise. This is more complicated, which in practice requires more advanced qualifications and greater experience.
Therefore, the installer of this type of heat pump must have a higher level F-gas certificate, as well as additional qualifications that allow them to service open refrigeration systems. Specialist knowledge is essential here, as is compliance with regulations, because otherwise it may not only happen that the heat pump will not function properly, but also dangerous leaks of refrigerants will occur.
Certificates and authorizations for the installation of heat pumps
Every heat pump installer must have the appropriate certificates and authorizations that confirm that they are the right person. The key document is the F-gas certificate, which we have already mentioned in the previous paragraph. It authorizes work (installation, servicing and maintenance) with devices containing fluorinated greenhouse gases, which are used as refrigerants. Of course, depending on whether we are talking about hermetic or non-hermetic heat pumps (split heat pumps), the level of this certificate may differ.
In hermetic pumps, such as monoblocks, a basic certificate is needed, while in non-hermetic ones we must have a higher level of certification for heat pump installers. It authorizes the service of open cooling systems. In addition, installers must also have SEP (Association of Polish Electricians) authorizations for work with electrical installations. These are necessary when connecting heat pumps to the network.
How can I obtain permission to install heat pumps?
The popularity of these devices, whether they are air heat pumps or ground heat pumps , is growing every year, which is why more and more installers with qualifications are needed. How to get them?
To achieve this, each installer must complete several stages of training and certification. The first is the F-gas certificate, which is required to work with refrigerants. You must complete appropriate courses and, at the end, pass a state exam. In Poland, F-gas certificates are awarded by the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT).
If we want to install more advanced systems, such as split heat pumps (non-hermetic), we must have higher levels of certification. In addition to F-gas, SEP qualifications for working with electrical installations are also necessary. It is always worth participating in various specialist training courses organized by heat pump manufacturers.