Pre-Test Client Advisory
A standing advisory we send to commercial heat pump clients before EN 14511 testing begins, covering test conditions, threshold rules, and document scope.
This page captures the pre-test advice EnergyAE gives clients before EN 14511 testing begins. It is sent as a standard email at the start of any new commercial heat pump engagement, ideally alongside the Project Initiation Checklist.
Sending the advisory
Sent by the lead engineer at the start of the testing phase, copied to the director. Use the Pre-test Advisory Email Template.
Contents
1. EN 14511 performance testing
EN 14511 testing produces a performance map that feeds AS/NZS 4234 modelling and ultimately VEU/ESS certificate quantities. Test conditions affect modelled COP via the linear interpolation methodology. Notes from experience:
- Pre-existing EN 14511 testing is almost never applicable: some clients may already have EN 14511 testing for the EU market, but it will likely not include the required 12x test conditions to create a performance map. Request any existing testing, but warn that it will likely not comply with AU requirements.
- Maximum inlet water temperature: this should be the highest inlet temperature the HP would actually see during normal operation. If you set tank setpoint to 65°C with a 5K deltaT, the maximum inlet is 60°C — not 65°C. Testing at the lower, accurate maximum inlet typically produces higher modelled COP and a better certificate outcome.
- Recommend adding a higher dry-bulb point: e.g. 30–38°C dry bulb. Systems perform better in warmer ambient conditions, and this point materially improves certificate quantities. The lab will not add it by default; please request it.
See EN 14511 Testing Guidance for the baseline conditions per refrigerant type.
AS/NZS 2712 (each tank under 700L)
AS/NZS 2712 is required for each individual tank with a volume below 700L. This applies regardless of how many tanks are in the system or what the combined system volume is. A common misreading is to look at the combined system volume — that is not the threshold. If your system has multiple 500L tanks plumbed together to give >750L combined volume, each 500L tank still requires AS/NZS 2712.
AS/NZS 4692 (tank heat loss for tanks ≤700L)
Each tank model ≤700L requires an AS/NZS 4692.1 test report. If you have multiple tank variants that share heat loss characteristics (e.g. the variants differ only in elements fitted), you will need an Equivalence Declaration in addition to a single test report. Template available on request.
AS/NZS 3498 (potable water components)
All wetted components in contact with potable water must comply with AS/NZS 3498 and obtain WaterMark certification. The certificate must cover every wetted component in the system. The WaterMark certificate is required for installation, not VEU/ESS submission.
Warranty scope
The VEU scheme has a warranty requirement that depends on system configuration. The tank warranty must cover tank and compressor for the warranty period. A tank-only warranty is a known gap; please confirm with your manufacturer that the warranty covers both. A template warranty extension is available if needed.
Documents we will need
Linked: Documentation Required. The Client Kickoff Form lists every document and is sent as a single consolidated request.
Communication routing during testing
We strongly recommend that EnergyAE be copied directly on all communications with the test lab. If your lab relationship is direct and you prefer not to involve us in routine logistics, please agree to forward technical exchanges (test conditions, schedule, results, lab queries) to us within 2 business days. This protects you from delays we could have caught earlier.
Closing
The advisory ends with a one-line offer: “Happy to walk through any of the above on a 30-minute call before testing starts.”