§ 01 — Articles
Read in depth.
A reference work on materials, principles and legislation. Each chapter can be read on its own — or end to end if you want to build a full understanding.
Articles
Become a technical insulatorFree · no login · Get started · 5 minTechnical insulator is one of the trades where demand for skilled hands is greatest — and where the path from curious beginner to qualified journeyman is straightforward. You earn a wage during your training, work on everything from hospitals to power plants, and your work is a direct part of the green transition. Here is why you should consider the trade.What is technical insulation?Introduction · 6 minTechnical insulation is the trade that wraps up pipes, tanks, ducts and industrial equipment. The purpose is rarely only heat loss — it is just as much about condensation, fire, sound, operational reliability and energy economy. Here is the short introduction.Mineral woolMaterial · 8 minMineral wool covers stone wool and glass wool and is the most widely used material for technical insulation. We review λ-values, fire class, application on pipes, tanks and ducts, and moisture management.PIR and PURMaterial · 6 minPIR and PUR are closed-cell foams with a very low λ-value. They are used in pre-insulated district heating pipes and for cooling pipes, but the fire class and temperature limits set the boundaries.The outer jacketMaterial · 7 minThe insulation itself is rarely the outermost layer. Around it comes an outer jacket that protects against moisture, mechanical wear, UV light and fire. The three main solutions are felt+canvas, PVC film and a sheet-metal jacket of aluminium or stainless steel.Heat, cooling, condensation, firePrinciple · 8 minTechnical insulation is categorised by its purpose: heat, cooling, condensation and fire. The four types often use the same materials — but the dimensioning, vapour barrier and outer jacket look very different.Vapour barrierPrinciple · 5 minOn cold pipes, the vapour's diffusion pressure drives moisture inward from the outside — the opposite of hot pipes. We explain the Glaser method, where the vapour barrier should sit, and what the sd-value means.DS 452 — Energy classesLegislation · 8 minDS 452 sets 7 insulation classes (0-6) for the permitted heat loss. For pipes, the requirement is calculated per running metre based on the pipe's outside diameter. We go through the values of the classes, which installations fall under the standard (and which do not), and how to read a requirement in practice.DS 428 — Ventilation and fireLegislation · 18 minDS 428 is the Danish standard for the fire protection of ventilation systems — fire insulation of ducts, fire dampers (BRS, FRS, RS, RES), fire sealing of penetrations and smoke ventilation. It is mandatory under BR18 for all new ventilation installations in non-small buildings and is life-critical legislation for the insulator.Fire classesLegislation · 7 minThe building regulations and EN 13501-1 determine which materials may be used where. We review class A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F as well as smoke and droplet classes.Sound insulationPrinciple · 8 minTechnical insulation is not only about heat — it is also about sound. We go through what sound and decibels are, the difference between sound insulation and sound regulation, the absorption classes A–E per ISO 11654, reverberation time, and practical noise reduction of machines.Elastomeric foamMaterials · 6 minElastomeric foam (elastomeric foam) is the preferred material for cold pipes and refrigeration systems, because the closed-cell structure itself acts as a vapour barrier. We go through its properties, temperature limits, gluing and the practical working rules from the basic course.Technical insulation — from craftsmanship to standardThe craft's history · 7 minTechnical insulation has developed from an experience-based craft to a documented, standard-based discipline. Here we follow the tracks that can be documented: the energy crisis of the 1970s, Danish insulation standards from DS 325 to DS 452, the emergence of condensation insulation with refrigeration technology, and today's focus on precision calculation and sustainability.District heating and the insulatorInstallations · 6 minMore than half of residential buildings get their heat from a district heating network. Here are the insulation classes from table 6.4 of DS 452 for district heating in and between buildings, for domestic hot water, heat exchangers and tanks — and why the requirement is stricter outdoors than indoors.The heat pump's pipes — insulation outdoors and indoorsCooling insulation · 6 minMore and more houses are getting a heat pump. Here are the insulation classes from table 6.4 of DS 452 for the heat pump's warm and cold connecting pipes, ground source heating and solar heating — and why the cold pipes must be insulated against condensation.The journeyman's test for technical insulatorsEducation · 4 minThe journeyman's test completes the education as a technical insulator. Here are the rules from the education regulations that apply from 1 August 2026: the written case assignment, the oral exam, the 24-hour practical task and the weighting 1/6, 1/6 and 4/6.Asbestos — rules and safe workWork environment · 9 minOld insulation can contain asbestos. Since 21 December 2025 a new Asbestos Executive Order applies, and everyone who carries out asbestos work must have AMU training. Here are the rules step by step: pre-survey, notification, cordoning off, low-dust methods, protective equipment, waste and the limit value, which falls from 0,003 to 0,002 fibres per cm³ on 21 December 2029.ID cards on large construction sitesWork environment · 4 minThe Danish Parliament has passed an act on ID cards on construction sites with a construction sum over DKK 100 million. Here are which sites are covered, what the card must show, who is responsible for it, and the rules on checking in and out. The date of entry into force has not yet been set.