OFTEC Solid Fuel study plan

Map the oil heating domain into a checklist of installation and maintenance tasks you must be able to perform

Explain the oil supply chain from storage tank to burner nozzle, including the role of the filter, fire valve and pump

Identify the key components of a pressure-jet oil burner and state the function of each

Describe the combustion requirements for correct oil firing and the consequences of incorrect air/fuel ratio

Describe the correct procedure for commissioning an oil-fired appliance, including flue gas analysis

Explain how to set burner combustion parameters and interpret CO2, CO and smoke readings

List the routine maintenance tasks for an oil boiler and burner and the interval at which each is due

Diagnose three common oil faults (locked-out burner, poor combustion, fuel starvation) and state the first diagnostic step for each

Explain the differences between the main solid fuel appliance types and their fuel requirements

Describe correct flue design, draught requirements and ventilation for a solid fuel appliance

Outline the installation sequence for a solid fuel stove or boiler, including hearth and clearance requirements

State the safety checks required before and after commissioning a solid fuel appliance

Describe routine servicing of a solid fuel appliance, including flue sweeping and draught testing

Diagnose common solid fuel faults (poor draught, smoke spillage, tarring, excessive fuel use) and their causes

Explain the causes and prevention of chimney fires and how to respond to one

Compare fuel types and their effect on appliance performance and maintenance frequency

Explain the requirements for safe isolation and prove-dead procedures before working on heating controls

Describe the wiring and function of a typical heating control system, including programmer, thermostat, zone valves and pump

Identify the protective devices required for heating circuits (fusing, RCD, earthing, bonding) and their purpose

State the legal limits on the electrical work you may carry out and when a competent person is required

Test and interpret insulation resistance, earth continuity and polarity readings on a heating circuit

Describe how to safely connect and commission a new boiler's electrical supply and controls

Explain the operating principles of heat pumps and solar thermal and how each integrates with a heating system

Outline the controls and electrical requirements specific to renewable heating installations

Compare biomass, heat pump and solar thermal options by suitability, running cost and site requirements

Explain how a renewable heat source interfaces with existing oil or solid fuel systems and when it should replace them

Describe the commissioning and handover requirements for a renewable heating installation

Revisit oil combustion and maintenance weak points identified in weeks 1 and 2 and close the gaps

Work through timed practice questions across all four domains and record your score per domain

Re-teach your two weakest domain areas using your own notes and checklists

Rehearse the practical sequences for oil commissioning, solid fuel commissioning and safe isolation from memory

Confirm you can state the key regulations and safety limits for each domain without reference