afecor - The European Control Manufacturers' Association afecor is a trade association representing the leading European manufacturers of controls for the gas and oil industries. The mission of the association and the aim of its member companies for over 30 years has been to promote and manage energy consumption efficiently and to improve our environment through the provision of constantly high process and combustion controls on a Pan European basis. History The association was founded in 1963 as EGCMA (European Gas Control Manufacturers' Association). Expansion of activities caused a change of the name in 1968 to AFECOGAZ (European Gas and Oil Control Manufacturers' Association) becoming AFECOR in 1988. Objectives The specific objectives of the association are as follows: To establish consistent and commonly accepted standards for process and combustion controls in EC and EFTA countries. Through this, realise the economies of scale and pass on reduced costs to users. To ensure involvement in, and input to, all future draft EC legislation affecting the oil and gas industry. Specifically to review the Gas Appliances Directive implemented on 1st January 1996, identifying any gaps in the Pan European standards proposed and make recommendations as appropriate. To work closely with certification bodies to assist their understanding of new Pan European standards. Activities AFECOR representation on external organisations: GADAC - Gas Appliance Directive Advisory Committee This committee advises the Commission of the European Communities on the implementation of the GAD. In connection with GADAC AFECOR is also represented on the Standing Technical Working Group, on Quality Assurance and the Test House Collaborative Group. CEN Sector Forum Gas The committee controls all mandated standards for gas appliances and components. AFECOR is also represented on related working groups. CEN, IEC and ISO Technical Committee and their Working Groups AFECOR has an expert in all working groups dealing with subjects that are or could be relevant to controls. In some cases AFECOR has nominated the Convenor of a working group, especially within TC 58 (Safety and Control Devices for Gas Burners and Gas Burning Appliances). Some drafts of European Standards are based on AFECOR proposals, e.g. EN 257 (Mechanical Thermostats for Gas Appliances), EN 151 (Cooker Taps) and EN 1106 (Appliance Taps). Informative Work All information obtained by AFECOR delegates is compiled, evaluated and distributed internally or published: Technical Committee Meetings These are held on a biannual basis to keep all AFECOR members informed, to discuss present status on ongoing issues and future actions. Document Distribution The Technical Secretary organises and distributes regularly to all members relevant information from any committee where AFECOR is represented. AFECOR Seminars Seminar days, held as October 1991, June 1993 and October 1999 on European Standardisation and Certification on the Heating Industry, have attracted about 70 high-level experts from gas supply organisations, control and appliance manufacturers and their associations, test houses, standards organisations and certification authorities, the EC Commission and national governments. Liaisons AFECOR works closely with organisations dealing with appliances as well as transmission/distribution of oil and gas such as: JETACE - Joint European Trade Association for Combustion Equipment EHI - European Heating Industry CEFACD - European Cooker & Space Heater Manufacturers Association ECA - European Chimney Manufacturers Association EFCEM - European Catering Equipment Manufacturers Association AFECOR also co-operates with MARCOGAZ (Union of Natural Gas Industries in the Common Market) who are also striving for common European standards for the gas supply industries.