Stuart 504 - need a boiler certificate?

[jamespetts]

Does the Stuart 504 boiler (rated for 60psi) need a boiler certificate? I know that boiler certificates are required for public use for boilers over, if I remember what somebody at an exhibition told me last month, three bar litres. I am not sure what the capacity of the 504 is, but it seems to be less than a litre, but probably more than half a litre. 60Psi is just over 4 bar. That seems near the borderline to me.

If a certificate is required for public use, what counts as public (use in the usual legal definition of "public place", or something else?), and how does one go about getting a small boiler certified? Is it expensive?

[Shawki Shlemon]

I am not sure about the rules in UK but I suggest to get in touch with a boiler inspector in a model club near you for peace of mind and be on the safe side .

[baggo]

Hi James,

The rules were changed recently, increasing the exemption for a boiler certificate from 1½ bar-litres to 3 bar-litres, a bar-litre being, as you say, the capacity of the boiler in litres x working pressure in bars. The easiest way to measure the capacity is to fill the boiler and then empty it into a measuring jug.
A public place would be, I presume, anywhere where the public are in the vicinity e.g. at an exhibition or a society event. If you only intend to steam the boiler at home then a certificate is not necessary. It is still advisable to check the boiler every 12 months to make sure everything is ok e.g. the safety valves are set to the correct pressure etc.
If you join a society you can normally get boilers tested free of charge so it's worth joining one just for that!(as well as all the help and advice you can get). There are also societies that will test 'outsider's' boilers for a small fee (not sure if that is strictly allowed though?).

John

[ron]

Hi John
Is the volume the total volume of the boiler or the volume to working level?
Ron

[Jo]

Ron: It is the total volume of the boiler.

We encouraged our G1 enthusiasts into having their boilers tested. After much grumbling they agreed.... We found a number of leaks that they subsequently fixed. Afterwards they admited that their locos have never run better and have willingly kept up the practise of having them put forward for inspection/testing.

Jo

[steam4ian]

G'day all,
I recently acquired a copy of the AMBSC Code Part 1 (copper) for miniature boilers; it is a good read.
Planning a G1 loco boiler I then got a copy of the code for Sub-miniature boilers, equally good read.
I recommend both publications as being extremely helpful. I got mine from Australian Model Engineer "http://www.ameng.com.au/"; see the book shop section. You may have to contact them directly for the latter code; the price was only AUD12 including postage.

Hope this helps somebody.
Regards,
Ian