Easy Assist ECV Phase 2

Develop a cost effective solution to be retrofitted to the current ECV which will meet all gas regulations & standards. The device will aid customers to switch off their gas supply in case of an emergency. Considerations to installer requirements which could identify the opportunity for gas safe installation or GDN Engineer installation. This phase will deliver heat actuation, Beta prototypes for field trials and design pack manufacturers to deliver the end solution.

Objectives

To develop a cost effective, mechanical device to be retrofitted to any domestic ECV. This device would turn the ECV 90 degrees, in line with policy & regulation. This would allow customers on the PSR database with restricted movement to operate their ECV in an emergency.

The proposed solution shall aim to provide:

• Low cost installation
• Simple, easy operation & instruction
• Device compatible with domestic ¾ & 1 inch LP ECVs
• Visibly clear indication of ON/OFF
• Reliable & durable
• Retrofitted & mechanical – no impact on current ECV
• Release & re-set mechanism
• Actuated by heat during a fire
• Reduction in Uncontrolled escapes as opportunity to de-classify would be greater.
• Positive impact on prioritisation of workload within the customer centre.
• Customer safety & well-being – ability to make safe and limit confusion as to status of supply
• Engineer safety – property safe when they arrive on site
• CSAT scores – increase in positive scores

Learnings

Outcomes

Heat actuation has been researched, sourced, design work to incorporate this into the device. Prototypes have been manufactured and tested in house.
Packaging, labelling, and training needs have been identified, designed, and approved.
Manufacturer has been identified through a tender process, improvements have been adopted based on the recommendations for manufacture process and prototyping completed.
Additional work carried out to incorporate an over-ride mechanism.
Field Trials commenced at Cadent Friendly homes, this has tested the usability around installation and removal. Testing of actuation of device at install, one week, one month and removal which included tightness tests. All of which passed.
Independent test house commenced and 70% of testing complete. Some changes to the device were required at the test house due to incorrect handling a fix was needed which has been implemented into the production units. The remaining testing will continue post NIA project.

Lessons Learnt

Allow additional time for field trials and gathering of data needed to support the project.
Tendering of manufacture was completed earlier in the project and will allow a smoother transition into BAU and delivering benefit. Ensure we understand timescales of this activity prior to signing off project plan.
Additional time needed to ensure all requirements are considered at the start of the project, over-ride wasn’t a requirement during phase one or two until reviewing test and trial programme with Policy team.

Project summary

Objectives

Learnings

Outcomes

Lessons Learnt

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