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Glossary of Terms
A
Air Conditioning (air con)
The mechanical process of maintaining a predefined temperature, humidity, and/or air purity within an enclosed space. It falls under HVAC umbrella.
ALN (Wales)
ALN, or Additional Learning Needs, is the term used in Wales for pupils who need extra support in school. A new Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system replaces the previous Special Educational Needs (SEN) system in September 2022.
Anti-Dishing
A support angle fixed under a cover door to stop it from becoming deformed.
Anti-ligature
Any safety measure reducing the possibility of using a point to anchor a ligature to. Contour Heating design and engineered their DeepClean Extra range to minimise the risk of self-harm and for installation in secure environment.
ASD: Autism Spectrum Disorder
A neurological and development disorder affecting how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. A person may be on the spectrum however may never receive a formal diagnosis.
ASHP: Air Source Heat Pump
A heating device using latent heat in outdoor air for indoor heating. Seen as an environmentally sound alternative to gas heating.
Ambient Temperature
Often refers to room temperature, Contour Heating design their LST products to keep controlled areas at a comfortable ambient temperature without the risk of burning, scalding, or other injuries.
B
Biocote ®
Biocote® is an antimicrobial protection added to all Contour Heating products reduces the multiplication of any bacteria encountering a surface. Discover more on how Biocote improves the hygiene of LST radiators, covers and anti-ligature here →
Biofilm
A layer of microbial material, usually invisible to the naked eye, which may harbour bacteria harmful to humans creating an HAI risk.
BMS (Building Management System)
A computer-based control system that centrally monitors and manages a building’s mechanical and electrical equipment-such as HVAC, lighting, security, and power systems to optimise energy efficiency, safety & comfort. BMS’ s use real time data to reduce operating costs.
BRE (Building Research Establishment)
A privatised government agency which provides independent advice and information on building performance, construction, and fire safety in the United Kingdom. Contour Heating’s DeepClean Plus anti-ligature range has been self-certified through BRE. Discover more about BRE here →
BSP (British Standard Pipe)
A set of technical standards for screw threads for interconnected and sealing pipes. Used internationally, it is the measurement used when specifying plumbing connections). It has a subset of BSPT (British Standard Pipe Tapered)
BTU (British Thermal Unit)
A measurement of the amount of energy required to heat one pound (lb) of water by one degree of Fahrenheit. BTU is the HVAC industry’s standard way to assess the amount of heat a radiator will emit.
Buffer vessel
A large, insulated storage water tank.
Building Fabric Efficiency
The material a building forming the enclosure. It includes walls, roofs, floors, doors, and windows. Older buildings cannot have modern Building Fabric Efficiency retrofitted requiring efficient updates on existing heating solutions.
Bull Nose Trim
Is a convex angle profile. The rounded edge not only provides smoother finish, but it also enhances the safety of surface by dissipating the energy generated during a sudden impact.
Butt Strap joint
Or butt and strap joint is a method of connecting two steel plates by bringing their ends together (butting) and then fixing the junction with a reinforcing plate or "strap".
C
CAMHS
Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Service dedicated to the care or young people in acute mental distress.
Chamfered Design
A chamfer is a transitional edge between two faces of an object. Typically, a chamfer is a 45° angle between two adjoining right-angled faces. (image required)
CIBSE
Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers is a global body for building services professionals, championing sustainability and building performance.
CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management System)
A centralised digital hub used to manage PPM schedules (see below). Often used interchangeably with Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM)
Coefficient of Performance (CoP)
The relationship between power (kW) emitted from a heating or cooling device compared to the power supplied to the compressor. Typically, a heat pump has a COP of 3.5: for every 1 kW of power supplied it emits 3.5 kW of heat.
Copper to copper
Where two pipes made of copper meet. Soldering makes the join permanent.
CQC
Care Quality Commission is an independent body which regulates health & adult social care in in England. CQC’s rank health and social care on a four-point scale Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate.
D
Decarbonisation
The change from using fossil fuels as a heat and power source to renewal resources such as diverse as geothermal, solar, wind or wave.
Delta T (or ΔT)
The difference between the average radiator temperature and the appropriate room temperature. E.g. if the water temperature entering a radiator is 75° and the exiting temperature is 65° then the average temperature is 70°. Take this away from the desired room temperature of 20° the then Delta T is 50° (ΔT 50) which meets BS EN 442 Certification.
District Heating
A heating system that takes heat from a central location and distributes it to multiple buildings through a system of centralised pipes (aka heat networks).
E
F
Fin (radiator)
An internal part of a radiator used to maximise the contact surface of the hot water pipes to the air. By doing this one increases the efficiency of one’s heating system.
Floor mounted
Or floor standing, are radiators and or covers secured directly to the floor. The floor bears more of the radiator’s weight than a wall alone. Floor mounted radiator covers are therefore stabler and resistant to damage, especially in in high use areas.
Flow and Return
The temperature a boiler heats your water to, and the temperature said water returns to the boiler. This matters because the return temperature dictates the amount of gas a condensing boiler must consume to heat the water before it flows back through the system.
Flow Rate
The amount of water passing through a radiator at a given moment to deliver the desired temperature.
H
HBN (Heath Building Note)
Health building notes are NHS guidelines that give best practice guidance on the design and planning of new healthcare buildings and on the adaptation or extension of existing facilities. Contour Heating designed their DeepClean range to meet and exceed the HBN guidelines. Discover more
HBN 03-01/03-02
Health building notes regarding the planning and designing of adult acute mental health units in England. Contour Heating have designed their DeepClean Extra radiator covers to meet HBN 03-01/03-02 regulatory guidelines.
HCAI/HAI (Healthcare-Associated Infections or Hospital-Acquired Infection)
Any infection patients contract whilst receiving medical treatment within a clinical setting e.g. MRSA or E. coli. Contour Heating’s use of Biocote significantly reduces the circumstances where a patient contracts a HAI whilst hospitalised, therefore freeing up hospital beds that are always in high demand.
Heat Distribution System
The name for a system that moves thermal energy from source to different location in the building. Combi-boilers piped to radiators is an example of a Heat Distribution System.
Heat Emitter Sizing
The size of heat emitter required whether it is a radiator, radiant panel, or air conditioning to heat the room’s requirement.
Heat Loss Calculation
The calculation the amount of heat loss per room from the property you are accessing to specify the correct sized radiators or other heat emitter.
Heat Networks
Heat networks distribute heat from a central source or sources delivering it to a variety of various locations such as hospitals, schools, and homes. By supplying multiple buildings, they avoid the need for individual boilers or electric heaters in every building.
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/heat-networks
Heat Pump
A heating device which takes ambient heat from the air or ground to warm a property. Seen as efficient replacement technology for boilers because the units of heat provided is often 3-5 times more than energy imputed.
HPV Clean
Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour clean is a sporicidal and mycobactericidal decontamination technique for medical rooms requiring the highest level of hygiene.
HSE (Health & Safety Executive)
Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It works to prevent work-related death, injury, and ill health. The HSE possesses extensive legal powers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to enforce workplace safety.
HVAC
Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning. The generic name for the heating industry which covers all types of heating and cooling systems & solutions.
I
Integrated Plumbing System (IPS) panels
Panels used in washrooms to conceal pipework. Especially crucial in environments where anti-ligature measures are mandatory.
IP3X
Ingress Protection rating defining an enclosure prevents the entry of a foreign object larger than 2.5mm. Contour Heating’s DeepClean-plus are all specified 2mm in diameter to meet these criteria, creating forbidding barrier to any self-harm attempts.
IPC (Infection Prevention & Control)
An evidenced-based approach whose aim is to prevent patients & health workers from becoming harmed whilst in clinical settings. The NHS publish their guidance to IPCs in NIPCM (See below)
K
L
Ligature
A ligature is anything, cord or other material, used for the purpose of hanging or strangulation. For a ligature to work it does not necessarily have to attach to an anchor point.
Ligature Point/Anchor
Any piece of equipment, furniture or fitting used to attach a ligature to. This may include a standard radiator, window handles, or light switches.
Lockshield Valve
A radiator valve—typically found on the opposite side of the thermostat. Lockshield valves balance a heating system by controlling the water flow rate and to isolate the radiator for maintenance.
LOLER Regulations
Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 is legislations which govern workplace lifting equipment. LOLER mandate planning and recording of lifting operations within LERs (Lifting Equipment Records). Associated with PUWER (see below).
Low Secure Mental Health Services
An inpatient care unit locked in inpatient ward. These units focus upon rehabilitating patients, so they no longer pose a danger to themselves or others.
Low Surface Temperature (LST) Radiator
A radiator who surfaces temperature does not exceed 43˚C. LST radiators are specified in areas where public safety is paramount and compliance with NHS Estates Health Guidance Notes 1998 for CQC and NICE essential. https://www.contourheating.co.uk/blog/lst-radiators-explained
M
Magnelis Steel
Is a coating applied to carbon steel consisting of 93.5% zinc, 3.5% aluminium and 3% magnesium. Is gives the finished steel anti-corrosion properties whilst allowing the product to remain lightweight. Magnelis coating is available on all our radiator covers and should be specify where a radiator is in a damp environment e.g. a bathroom.
Manual Handling
The transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force in as part of workplace activity. It includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving loads. Employers have a legal responsibility to minimise the risk of injury in the workplace.
MAT (Most Advantageous Tender)
Specified as part of the Public Procurement Act 2023 that awards contracts based on factors other than price (see MEAT). Criteria for MAT include end of life recyclability, fuel efficiency, or proximity of supplier to site.
MDT (Multidisciplinary Teams)
A group of health and care staff who are members of different organisations and professions (e.g. GPs, social workers, nurses), that work together to make decisions regarding the treatment of individual patients and service users. Both health and care settings use MDTs.
MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender)
The Public Contract Regulations 2015 criteria for the award of public contracts where the economic cost of a product was the foremost metric. The Public Procurement Act 2023 has superseded the 2015 legislation (see above).
Micron (µm)
Unit of measurement equal to one millionth of a metre; a micrometre. Typically, Bacterium are 2 µm and virus is just 0.1 µm. Contour Heating’s LST radiator covers are polyester powder coated to an average thickness of 60 microns (0.06mm) internally and externally with RAL 9003 Biocote® paint for complete anti-microbial protection.
N
NICE
National Institute for Health & Care Excellence: an independent organisation which researches the latest in health technologies, treatments, and social care. NICE develop policies and best practice for UK health providers to follow.
NIPCM
National infection prevention and control manual for England. Used as mandatory guidance in NHS settings or settings delivering NHS services with the aim of minimising HCAIs.
O
P
Panel Radiator
A traditional radiator made of one or more flat metal panels seen in most homes in the UK. Discover more about the advantages and disadvantages of Panel Radiators here https://www.contourheating.co.uk/blog/convector-radiator-vs-panel-radiator
Perimeter Heating
A heating method which distributes warm air though ducts installed in the surrounding area (perimeter) of an enclosed space. The telltale signs perimeter heating warming a room are metal ducts on the floor.
PFI (Private Finance Initiative)
A public private partnership (PPP) model where private consortiums design, build & operate public infrastructure. The public sector (taxpayers) then pays for these services typically over 25-30 years.
PICU (Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit)
A locked, secure ward, but it is technically distinct from a "low secure" service (see above). While both provide secure environments, PICUs focus on intensive, short-term care for acute disturbances, whereas low-secure units often focus on rehabilitation. PICU in healthcare can also mean Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Powder Coating
A dry finishing process that applies electrostatically charged powder to metal surfaces. The coated items are placed in an oven, usually at temperatures between 160° and 200° creating a durable and thick layer. The advantage of powder coating is the protection against metal corrosion, accidental damage, and pigment fading.
PPM Schedule (Planned Preventative Maintenance)
A PPM Schedule is a proactive, documented plan detailing regular inspections, servicing, and repairs for assets to prevent equipment failure and extend lifespan.
Procurement Act 2023
Which came into force in February 2025, the revised act aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in procurement processes and promote fair competition.
Pupil Referral Unit (PRU)
A particular school designed for children who cannot attend mainstream schools due to exclusion, truancy, or health issues.
R
Radiator
A radiator is a heat exchanger used to transfer thermal energy from medium to another. In buildings they primarily transfer heat to warm a room, conversely, they transfer heat from car engines to cool it down. For Contour though radiators heat rooms.
Radiator Cover
An external screen concealing a radiator, usually for aesthetic purposes in domestic settings and safety reasons in public environments where safety is paramount.
Radiant Panels
Radiant ceiling heating panels provide efficient, zone-controlled heating by emitting infrared radiation to warm people and objects directly rather than heating the air. Key types include hydronic panels using warm water, electric resistance panels (including carbon fibre and infrared), and integrated ceiling panels that can both heat and cool.
Radiused
A rounded or smoothed edge corner rather than a sharp or angular one. It is often used in manufacturing and design to describe parts designed with a specific curve, such as a 5mm radiused corner, for safety, comfort or aesthetics.
RAL
A standardised four-digit numbered colour chart used primarily in varnishes, powder-coating, and plastics. There are 1825 colours in the chart the most common for Contour LST radiators is RAL 9003 is commonly known as Signal White (Signalweiß). It is a bright, neutral white that is popular for its clean and modern appearance, often used for furniture and interior design.
S
SCoP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance)
The ratio of the total amount of heat delivered divided by the total amount of energy consumed over the same period. Because output ratio over a season, usually winter, SCoP delivers a clearer measure of a heating system’s efficiency compared to CoP.
SEMH
Social, Emotional & Mental Health refers an individual (children and young adults) who experience significant difficulties managing emotions and therefore their behaviour.
SEN or SEND School
Special Educational Needs. Schools whose focus is help children & young adults who cannot cope with mainstream education due of their SEMH difficulties.
Split Delivery
A delivery method which divides arrival the of multiple parts of a product to a location until required the date. The advantages are that it often reduces the cost of delivery and avoids the need for storage onsite of parts used later in the job, thus avoiding potential for loss, damage, or theft.
Surface Heating
A method of heating which uses a surface (typically underfloor heating) to warm an indoor space.
T
TBOE (Top & Bottom Opposite Ends)
A radiator inlet and outlet piping configuration. The inlet pipe connects to the top of a radiator, the outlet connects to the bottom and the opposite end of said heat emitter.
Thermal Comfort
Subjective satisfaction of the thermal conditions one finds oneself in. HSE state that “reasonable comfort” is when 80% of occupants are thermally comfortable.
Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV)
The valve on the side of a radiator. TRV's detect the temperature of the room, adjusting the radiator to heat the room to a chosen thermal comfort level.
Turnkey
A term used in the construction industry to designate a project where completion requires the purchaser must only “turn the key.”
U
V
W
Wall Mounted
A radiator mounted to the wall and not the floor.
Whiterock
Whiterock is an internal cladding consisting of high-quality food safe PVC polymer designed to withstand hot temperatures up to 60°. Clinical environments use Whiterock when cleanliness and a safe environment is of the upmost importance.
WRAS
The Water Regulations Approval Scheme is an independent UK certification body for plumbing products and materials. The body assists business and consumers to choose products compliant with UK law.