1. Categorizing Appliances

Transcription

1 Fireplace Inspections Made Easier 1901 N. Moore St. Arlington, VA (703) Inspection 1. Categorizing Appliances 1

2 Masonry Fireplace Factory Built Fireplace 2

3 Gas Log Sets Fireplace Inserts 3

4 Free Standing Stoves Hearth Stoves 4

5 Masonry Furnaces Outdoor Categorizing By Venting Type Gas Venting Systems Conventional Vent Direct Vent Unvented 5

6 Categorizing By Venting Type Gas Conventional Vent B-Vent Chimneys Masonry or Factory-Built Liners Categorizing By Venting Type Gas Direct Vent Coaxial Co-linear PVC Hi-efficiency condensing 6

7 Categorizing By Venting Type Woodburning Venting Systems Masonry Chimneys Factory-Built Chimneys Liners HT Categorizing By Venting Type Pellet Venting Systems Type L Pellet Pellet DV Liners 7

8 Vented Gas Fireplace ANSI Z21.50, CSA 2.33 Appliances: (Not tested for efficiency) Fireplaces Fireplace inserts Freestanding stoves Requirements Safety pilot Spill switch if equipped with draft hood Restrictions No thermostat Options Listed blowers Vented Gas Fireplace Heater ANSI Z21.88, CSA 2.33 Appliances: (Tested for efficiency) Fireplaces Fireplace inserts Freestanding stoves Requirements Safety pilot Spill switch if equipped with draft hood Restrictions None Options Listed blowers Thermostats 8

9 Decorative Gas Accessory in Solid Fuel Fireplaces ANSI Z21.60, CSA 2.26 Appliances: Log Sets Requirements Safety pilot Working fireplace and chimney Permanent damper opening Fireplace screen Cleaning of venting system Restrictions No thermostat Options Listed blowers Manually Lighted, Natural Gas Appliances for Installation in Solid-fuel Burning Fireplaces ANSI Z21.84 Appliances: Log Sets Requirements Working fireplace and chimney Permanent damper opening Fireplace screen Cleaning of venting system Restrictions No thermostat 9

10 Unvented Gas Room Heater Appliances: ANSI Z a Fireplaces Fireplace inserts Freestanding stoves Requirements Safety pilot w/ods Restrictions Bedroom, Bathroom, Confined space Tight construction Maximum 40,000 Btu/hr input Options Listed blowers Thermostats Outdoor Decorative Gas Appliance ANSI Z21.97 Appliances: Fireplaces Fire Pits Fire Tables Requirements Minimum construction, performance, testing Restrictions Outdoor Use only Options Propane cylinder enclosures 10

11 Outdoor Gas Hearth Appliances: Building Codes IFGC : Listed for outdoor installation or provided with protection for environmental factors affecting operability, durability, and safety IFGC 2012: Tested to ANSI Z21.97 Outdoor Decorative Appliances Outdoor Gas Hearth Appliances: Building Codes Rain Test/Post Rain Test Electrical Test Glass Front Test Wind Test Propane Cylinder Enclosure Requirements 11

12 Solid Fuel Standards Underwriter s Laboratories (UL) Materials and construction Fire and strength tests Review of installation instructions UL 127 Factory Built Fireplaces Testing requirements for entire system Fire chamber Chimney Roof assembly Related components 12

13 UL 127 Factory Built Fireplaces Standard factory-built chimney test Sustained temperature of 1000 F Ten minute test at 1700 F Optional Type HT test Sustained temperature of 1000 F 3 - ten minute tests at 2100 F Not required for factory-built fireplaces UL 737 Fireplace Stove Open or Closed fire chamber Freestanding stoves Few appliances listed to this standard 13

14 UL 1482 Solid Fuel Room Heater Closed fire chamber Freestanding stoves Fireplace Inserts Some built-in high efficiency fireplaces Controlled combustion Regulated air intake High efficiency Extended burns Masonry Chimneys No specific standard Site-Built Materials subject to standards flue liners and mortar, etc. Construction standards in codes NFPA 211, Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel- Burning Appliances International Residential Code 14

15 UL 103 Factory-Built Chimneys Tested to 1700 Optional Type HT High Temperature 2100 testing required not required for UL 127 fireplaces UL 1777 Chimney Liners Metallic Poured Tested to 2100 F 15

16 Combustibles Combustible: Walls with wood framing Paper-faced materials Papered sheetrock (dry wall) including fire-rated papered sheetrock Plaster on wood lath or studs Noncombustible Entirely metal Brick Tile Concrete Slate Combustibles Plaster on metal lath 16

17 Clearances Side Clearance Back Clearance Bottom Clearance Also mantle, surround, ceiling and adjacent walls Clearances Header Size Orientation Flat or on edge 17

18 Clearances Wall Protection Reducing listed clearances Approved site-built systems Listed manufactured systems Clearance reduction systems can NOT reduce clearance to less than 12" Clearances less than 12" can only be listed clearance, specific by manufacturer. Clearances Wall Protection Protection Wall Ceiling 3½" masonry wall / NO ventilation ½" noncombustible board over 1" insulation, NO ventilation Min. 24 gage sheet metal / spaced out 1" 3½" masonry wall / spaced out 1" 33% 50% 66% 66% 33% 50% ½" noncombustible wall board spaced out 1" Listed prefabricated systems 66% 50% Manufacturer instructions 18

19 House Pressure Conditions Sources that exhaust air: Kitchen range fans Clothes dryers Central vacuum Gas furnace Water heaters Recessed lighting Additional hearth appliances, -especially open fireplace Outside air Open fireplaces require cfm EPA woodstoves require cfm 4 outside air brings in about 10 cfm of air Photo compliments of CSIA House Pressure Conditions House Stack Effect Heated portion of house taller than vent termination Open window in upper portion create greater chimney effect than vent 38 19

20 Combustion Air Combustion air: (Primary Air) Dilution air: Excess air: (Secondary Air) Air provided for combustion that mixes with the gas. Air introduced into draft hood and mixed with flue gases. Moderates draft and reduces vent temperatures Air that that does not combine with fuel in the combustion process Combustion Air Air changes per hour (ACH): Percent of volume exchanged (outdoor air replacing indoor air). Example: 0.35 ACH = 35% of volume of indoor air is replaced by outdoor air every hour. Unusually tight construction: Continuous water vapor retarder Storm windows Weather-stripping Caulking/sealing of gaps 20

21 Combustion Air Confined space: Space with volume less than 50 cubic feet per 1000 Btu/hr Unconfined space: Space with volume 50 cubic feet or more per 1000 Btu/hr. Rooms communicating through openings without doors are part of unconfined space. KAIR Method: Fuel Gas Codes Combustion Air Known Air Infiltration Rate Air Exchange rate is known Must be used if.40 or less May be used if between.40 &.60 Standard Method: Air exchange rate is not known. 21

22 Fuel Gas Codes KAIR Method 60,000 Btu/hr natural draft gas fireplace in room 15' x 25' with 9' ceiling in house with 0.40 ACH Formula: 21 divided by.40 = 52.5 [60,000 divided by 1,000 = 60] 60 x 52.5 = 3,150 cubic feet Available volume in room: 15 x 25 x 9 = 3,375 Indoor air OK because volume is more than required 3,150 cubic feet Fuel Gas Codes Standard Method Minimum volume necessary: 39,000 BTU appliance cu. Ft for every 1,000 BTU s 39,000 BTU s / 1,000 = * 50 = 1950 cu. Ft 2. Divide input rating Btu/hr by 20 1,000 / 50 = 20 39,000 BTU appliance / 20 = 1950 cu. Ft Room volume 1,950 or greater is OK Room volume less than 1,950 is not OK (I.E. Room size 21x12x8=2016 cubic feet = OK) 22

23 Fuel Gas Codes Standard Method Maximum Btu/hr rating Room15x18x8 = 2,160 cu. Ft cu. Ft for every 1,000 BTU s 2,160 cu. Ft. / 50 = 43.2 (43,200 BTU s) 2. Multiply the volume by 20 2,160 cu. Ft. * 20 = 43,200 BTU s Space OK for appliance with 43,200 Btu/hr or less Space not OK for appliance with more than 43,200 Btu/hr Fuel Gas Codes Combustion Air Bedroom/Bathroom -Unvented Confined space Not allowed Unconfined space 1 wall-mounted heater No more than 6,000 Btu/hr in bathroom No more than 10,000 Btu/hr in bedroom 2002-> Gas logs allowed with means to mount burner base to floor of solid-fuel fireplace 23

24 Fuel Gas Codes Combustion Air: Summary Indoor Adjoining room 2 Openings Indoor Different story Outdoor Direct or Vertical 2 Ducts Outdoor Horizontal Ducts 2 Openings Outdoor One Duct or Direct Opening 1 in² per 1,000 BTU s 2 in² per 1,000 BTU s 1 in² per 4,000 BTU s 1 in² per 2,000 BTU s 1 in² per 3,000 BTU s 12 of ceiling 12 of floor At least 100 in² At least 100 in² May be from ventilated attic or ventilated crawl space 12 of ceiling 12 of floor 12 of ceiling 12 of floor Not less than the sum of the areas of all vent connectors Fuel Gas Codes Combustion Air Source of Air Including adjacent spaces that cannot be closed off May now use a combination of openings to indoor spaces outdoors 24

25 Combustion Air Opening Size Calculation 60,000 Btu/hr gas fireplace 12 x 15 x 8 room 1. Determine total room volume: 12 x 15 x 8 = 1,440 cu. ft. 2. Determine required volume by standard method: 60,000/20 = 3,000 cu. ft required /3000=48% The room is able to provide 48% of the necessary air. We need to bring 52% in from outside. 4. Determine overall opening size:(1 sq. in/3,000 BTU s) 60,000/3,000 = 20 sq. In. (1 duct direct to outdoors) 5. Determine minimum outdoor air opening: 20 x 52% = 10.4 sq. In. Combustion Air Louvers and Grilles Size based on net free area Calculation Wood: 25% free area Metal: 75% free area Screens: mesh size must not be smaller than 1/2" Wood 6"x10" = 60 x.25 = 15 sq. in. Metal 10"x6" = 60 x.75 = 45 sq. in. 25

26 Combustion Air Direct Vent Combustion air requirements do NOT apply Combustion Air from Outside Combustion Products Vented to Outside Combustion Air Passive: Non-mechanical (no fan) Infiltration Gaps in building envelope Outside air kit May be required May not be reliable source due to influence of pressure conditions inside and outside house Flow reversal of air and combustion products possible in certain situations 26

27 Combustion Air Decorative Fireplaces (UL 127 or UL 737) NFPA 211 Outside air where required by AHJ Listed component installed to instructions Not from Attic Basement Garage Another interior space Combustion Air Decorative Fireplaces (UL 127 or UL 737) IRC Exterior air supply unless room mechanically ventilated/controlled to neutral or positive pressure OK from ventilated attic or crawl space Not From Garage Basement Elevation higher than firebox 27

28 Combustion Air Woodstoves UL1482 NFPA 211: Outside air is required: When building is so tight that normal air infiltration does not provide the necessary air. Woodstove UL 1482 Combustion Air IRC : Different requirements depending on tightness of construction and volume of space Unusually Tight Construction Not Unusually Tight Construction IRC 2009: in accordance with the appliance manufacturer s instructions. 28

29 Combustion Air Powered Make-up Air System Fan and ductwork to make up difference between available and needed Specifications determined by house pressure test Depressurization level from exhaust devices Hearth appliance tolerance Avoid bringing in more unheated air than needed Floor Protection Protection against heat and sparks IRC: listed to comply with UL 1618 Follow manufacturer s instructions If instructions unavailable, NFPA 211 Opening less than 6 square feet: extend 8" to each side and 16" to front of opening Opening 6 square feet or greater, extend 12" to sides and 20" in front Local codes may require more protection 29

30 Floor Protection Flame retardant rugs do NOT provide spark/ember nor thermal protection required UL 1618 listed floor protectors Confusion about listings Protectors may provide spark/ember protection, but NOT adequate thermal protection Floor Protection UL 1618 Type 1 Contiguous noncombustible surface Provide Ember Protection No thermal protection Must state on label Not for stoves that require thermal protection. 30

31 Floor Protection UL 1618 Type 2 Contiguous noncombustible surface Minimum R-value of R=1.0 Must have R-value listed on floor protector Floor protection must have R-value greater than or equal to the stove s required R-value. Mobile Home Requirements HUD Requirements Outside air attached directly to appliance Mechanically attached to floor No installation in sleeping room Listed chimney with spark arrestor UL 127 and 1482 Maintain structural integrity of home Manufacturers Instructions Some require electrical grounding to chassis 62 31

32 NFPA 211 Inspections Level Circumstance Level of Access Scope 1 Replacement with similar type, input, efficiency Readily Accessible Obstructions Deposits 2 Add/replace dissimilar Sale of property Malfunction Accessible Construction/ condition Clearances/ suitability 3 Hazard suspected Need access to concealed areas Can include removal of bldg. /chimney components Includes access to concealed areas EPA Regulations New Source Performance Standard Emissions limits Catalytic 4.1 grams/hour Non-catalytic 7.5 grams per hour Differences based on original expectations of catalyst decline 32

33 EPA Regulations New Source Performance Standard EPA/HPBA efforts focus Replace pre-epa stoves through changeouts Encourage installation and planning by qualified professionals NFI certification required for stove many changeouts Educate owners about proper fuel and operation EPA Regulations New Source Performance Standard Review and negotiation process New regulations released Feb. 2015! Compliance dates follow Changes for woodstoves Reduction in emission limits Eliminating exemptions Revising test methods Streamlining certification process 33

34 Green Building Codes International Energy Conservation Code IECC 2009 & IRC 2009 New wood-burning fireplaces shall have gasketed doors and outdoor combustion air. IECC 2012 & IRC 2012 New wood-burning fireplaces shall have tight-fitting flue damper and outdoor combustion air. Section & IRC N Fireplaces shall have gasketed doors. Appliance Standards AFUE Tested Thermostat Fireplace, Insert, Stove Z21.60 Gas Log Sets NO NO NO Z21.50 Gas Fireplaces Z21.88 Gas Fireplace Heaters NO YES NO NO YES YES YES YES YES Z Unvented Room Heater Vent switch: draft hood units ODS equipped NO YES YES NO * NO NO YES 34

35 Equipment Shutoff Valve Isolates appliance Servicing, removal, or replacement Required upstream of appliance connector Within 6 feet with exceptions for some hearth appliances Shutoff Valve Exceptions Readily accessible Permanently identified Serves no other equipment Readily accessible Having direct access without the need of removing or moving any panel, door, or similar cover Accessible Having access to but which first requires the removal of a panel, door, or similar covering 35

36 Shutoff Valve Exceptions National Fuel Gas Code Appliances installed in vented fireplaces and unvented firebox enclosures Gas log sets Fireplace inserts Unvented hearth appliances 2. Shutoff valve installed at a manifold within 50 of the appliance Vented fireplaces or free standing hearth appliances require a shutoff within 6 of the appliance Shutoff Valve Exceptions International Fuel Gas Code 2009: Vented decorative appliances, room heaters and decorative appliances for installation in vented fireplaces Vented gas hearth appliances Fireplaces Fireplace inserts Freestanding hearth appliances Vented gas log sets Unvented gas hearth appliances require shutoff within 6 of the appliance 36

37 Sediment Traps Installed close to appliance Intercept solid debris to prevent blockage Required by some appliance manufacturers Prevent rusting and degradation of main burner Appliance Connections International Fuel Gas Code Rigid or CSST (2006) = No length limit Semi-rigid =Maximum 6 Copper/aluminum tubing ANSI Z21.24 Listed Connectors In the same room as the appliance Length limited to 3 Extended to 6 in 2009 Protected from physical damage 37

38 Appliance Connections Additional IFGC requirements: Connectors to vented decorative appliances and room heaters can extend through walls, floors, partitions, ceilings Semi rigid tubing and listed connectors can extend through protected appliance openings Vented Gas Fireplace Installation Listed to ANSI Z21.50 Gas Fireplaces ANSI Z21.88 Gas Fireplace Heaters Floor Support and Protection: Most can be installed on combustible surface Carpet & vinyl usually not approved without metal or wood panel Appliance level and plumb, with adequate support Hearth extension may/may not be required 38

39 Gas Appliance Venting Systems Negative Pressure Category 1 (Natural draft hearth appliances) No condensate Category 2 Capable of condensate Positive Pressure Category 3 No condensate Category 4 (Mechanical draft hi-efficiency hearth appliances) Capable of condensate Conventional Vent Systems Draft Hood Allows dilution air into venting system Provides escape of flue gases in event of no draft, back draft, blockage Reduces temperatures in vent Reduces vent height affect Stronger draft brings in more dilution, not combustion air 39

40 Conventional Vent Systems Type B Vent Factory-made, double wall metal pipe Air space between walls Close clearance Help maintain draft and reduce condensation Conventional Vent Systems Type B Vent Components not interchangeable unless allowed by manufacturer Hearth products use Round B vent Oval B 2x4 Oval B 2x6 NOT Type BW unless otherwise listed 80 40

41 Conventional Vent Systems Type B Vent Horizontal Run and Rise Minimum vertical height may be specified Keep horizontal run to minimum Rise at least ¼ inch per foot for vent or connector Maximum rise to run ratio 75% of vent height for single wall connector 100% for double wall B vent connector Manufacturer may require 50% maximum (2:1) Conventional Vent Systems Type B Vent Termination with obstructions within 8 2 higher than any portion of the building within 8 41

42 Conventional Vent Systems Type B Vent Common Venting Appliances on different floors of building Only allowed for appliances in areas separate from living space Appliances on same floor Not addressed or prohibited Appliance manufacturer may prohibit AHJ may prohibit Conventional Vent Systems Type B Vent Chimney Liners Required for gas fireplace inserts and freestanding appliances using masonry or factory-built chimneys Listed liner systems Type B vent listed to UL 1777 Aluminum or stainless steel UL 1777 Rigid or flex 42

43 Conventional Vent Fireplace Insert Fireplace and chimney in good working order Some require hearth extension protection Alterations: variations by manufacturer Required removal of damper and grate Refractory, smoke shelf, baffles, screen, doors can be removed Insulation can NOT be removed Conventional Vent Fireplace Insert Surround variations Gap between fireplace face and panel may be required for air circulation and cooling Insulation along top of insert may be required for mantel clearances May allow installation without panel if minimum gap with mesh maintained Air inlet grilles on factory-built fireplaces important consideration 43

44 Conventional Vent Condensing Appliance Plastic Pipe (PVC) Recognized in Fuel Gas Codes Appliances must be listed for use High efficiency, Category IV Resists corrosion from condensation Provides adequate heat protection Can be sealed for mechanical vent positive pressure Direct Vent Follow manufacturer instructions Venting Clearances Vent system is part of appliance Appliance manufacturer provides instructions Permissible configurations are model specific 44

45 Direct Vent Fireplace Inserts Air intake terminated above damper inside chimney Listing and instructions Must be in instructions May require blocking of damper area Direct Vent Condensing Appliance Direct Vent PVC Systems Provides outside combustion air Co-linear Two separate PVC pipes Co-axial Inner pipe expelling exhaust Space between pipes providing combustion air 90 45

46 Mechanical Vent Systems Negative pressure (B-Vent or Direct Vent) Fan at flue collar or termination of vent Positive pressure (Direct Vent only) Fan before the firebox Central Fireplace Empire Comfort Systems Unvented ODS Pilot: Oxygen Depletion Shutdown Normal Operation 20.9% Oxygen Oxygen Level Dropping 19% Oxygen Safety System 18% Oxygen Pilot flame engulfs tip of thermocouple Flame begins to lift off Thermocouple begins to cool Unstable flame moves away from thermocouple Thermocouple stops generating sufficient mv to keep valve open Flow of gas stops 46

47 Unvented NFGC & IFGC Combustion air requirements Use of room restrictions IFGC Maximum input rating of 40,000 Btu/hr Not to be sole source of heating in house Garages Woodburning UL 1482 Prohibitions Areas where flammable liquid vapors may be present Enclosed spaces less than 512 cubic feet 8 x8 x8 unless listed for alcoves 47

48 Avoid elbows Woodburning Connector Pipe Use 15 0 elbows instead of 30 0 Avoid horizontal runs Minimum ¼ /foot rise for horizontal runs Woodburning Connector Pipe Materials NFPA 211 prohibits use of galvanized steel NFPA 211 requires 24 gauge or more Size and length At least appliance flue collar size Long runs can affect draft adversely and increase creosote buildup 48

49 Woodburning Connector Pipe Replacing an existing woodstove? Heat expectations Flue size Flue configuration Start up techniques Woodburning Venting Never use an unlined chimney. Two solid fuel appliances cannot share a common flue. Maximum size 3x larger than the appliance flue. 2 x if chimney is on an outside wall or in Canada. 49

50 Woodburning Masonry Chimneys Condition of flue liner Cracks, soft, mortar joints in place and tight Free of creosote Connection of other products Cannot share flue with solid fuel product Can be in same chimney on separate flue NFPA 211 requires a cleanout Woodburning Venting Height 3 feet above the highest point penetration AND at least 2 feet above anything within 10 horizontal feet 50

51 Woodburning Factory-Built Chimney Double wall or triple wall Air insulated, solid insulation, combination UL 103 HT required for woodstoves Single wall chimney connector not a chimney and should not penetrate combustibles Woodburning Firestop Spacers Blocking to prevent fire spread Correct spacing to meet clearances Provides lateral (side to side) support 51

52 Woodburning Firestop Spacers With room above: installed below joist Unoccupied attic above: installed above joist 103 Woodburning Fireplace Insert Fireplace and chimney in good working order Some require hearth extension protection Alterations: variations by manufacturer Required removal of damper and grate Refractory, smoke shelf, baffles, screen, doors can be removed Insulation can NOT be removed 52

53 Woodburning Fireplace Insert Surround Installations Gap between fireplace face and panel may be required for air circulation and cooling Insulation along top of insert may be required for mantel clearances May allow installation without panel if minimum gap with mesh maintained Air inlet grilles on factory-built fireplaces important consideration Woodburning Fireplace Insert Factory-Built Fireplaces Most fireplace manufacturer s only allow inserts specifically listed for use with specific model NFPA 211 requires Type HT chimney and insert listed for use with specific fireplace Warranty may be voided if insert not approved 12 53

54 Woodburning Fireplace Insert Direct Connect Stainless connector to first flue liner Minimum NFPA 211 requirement for installation of insert in masonry fireplace No dilution air Re-line to top Easier startup Better performance Woodburning Fireplace Insert Less frequent, expensive, difficult maintenance 54

55 Perfect Installation Balanced ventilation system in the home Outside air to firebox: Open fireplaces require cfm EPA woodstoves require cfm 4 outside air brings in about 10 cfm Photo compliments of CSIA Perfect Installation Chimney is inside the building envelope Keep flue gases warm for optimum draft Prevent cold hearth syndrome in standby and startup 55

56 Perfect Installation Chimney is insulated to prevent heat loss Perfect Installation No smaller than flue collar area Maximum Size Chimney is correct size No larger than 3 times flue collar area if inside the building envelope. (2x in Canada) No larger than 2 times flue collar area if one or more walls are exposed to the outside. Same as flue collar area best 56

57 Perfect Installation Penetrates the highest part of the house House Stack Effect Leaks, open windows in upper portion create greater chimney effect than vent Perfect Installation Chimney is tall enough 3 feet above the highest point of roof penetration 2 feet above anything within 10 horizontal feet 57

58 Perfect Installation Chimney is tall enough EPA woodstoves may need minimum 15' total venting system (connector + chimney) High altitude Manufacturer may recommend heights to be increased 2-3% per 1000 feet of elevation Extremely tall chimney can cause over drafting Damage to combustor and/or internal parts Shorter appliance life Perfect Installation Chimney is clear of obstacles 58

59 Perfect Installation Connector pipe runs straight up Avoid elbows Use 15º instead of 30º Avoid horizontal runs Minimum ¼ /foot rise Perfect Installation Home owner is informed Normal operation How to light a fire! Maintenance Ash removal Chimney Maintenance Catalytic Combustor care Break-in fires 59

60 Perfect Installation Home owner is informed Burn Wise video The Heating with Wood DVD Set Characteristics of a Perfect Installation 1. The house has a balanced ventilation system. 2. Chimney runs inside the building envelope. 3. Chimney is insulated and the correct size. 4. Chimney penetrates the highest part of the house. 5. Chimney is tall enough and is clear of obstacles. 6. Connector pipe runs straight up. 7. Homeowner is informed regarding proper operation. 60

61 Pellet Appliance Types Negative Pressure Combustion fan downstream of firebox Exhaust products drawn through fan Unwanted gaps such as worn gaskets affect combustion Pellet Appliance Types Positive Pressure Combustion fan upstream of firebox Exhaust products pushed through venting system Fly ash in the room through leaks in venting system 61

62 Pellet Control Boards Analog control boards Turn motors on or off Change to pre-set voltage/speed Digital control boards Monitor & controls motors Monitor combustion air fan speed Regulate fuel feed accordingly Monitor & maintain room and stove temperature Pellet Venting Outer galvanized wall, air space, inner stainless steel wall Different grade stainless for corn UL 641Tested sustained 570 o F, flash test to 1700 o F Factory sealed for air tightness Not to be confused with B Vent 62

63 Pellet Venting Pellet Venting NFPA 211: minimum 1 foot above roof IRC: follow manufacturer instructions Manufacturers Some require 2 63

64 Pellet Venting Pellet Venting Manufacturer may specify Minimum Maximum Horizontal runs # of elbows EVL used for positive pressure venting systems May not be used for natural draft 64

65 Pellet Venting Equivalent Vent Length 3-90 o elbows 2 horizontal 6 vertical Total: 20 = Acceptable Pellet Venting Direct Vent Bring all combustion air from outdoors Reduces concerns about tight homes Can provide preheated combustion air Avoid long horizontal runs prevent overcooling exhaust Closer minimum clearance 65

66 Safety Codes Pellet Venting Direct Vent Both NFPA and IRC recognize manufacturers instructions NFPA also offers termination clearances based on Btu/hr ratings IRC offers these terminations for gas direct vent, not pellet Safety standards Do not specifically reference pellet direct vent Code authorities Some disagreement in interpretation of direct vent in the field Pellet Venting Direct Vent NFPA Requirements Minimum distance from terminal to opening into building Appliance input 10,000 Btu/hr or less: 6 Appliance input over 10,000 to 50,000 Btu/hr: 9 Appliance input over 50,000 Btu/hr: 12 Bottom of terminal at least 12 above grade 66

67 Inspection 6. Accessory Installation Issues Vented Gas Logs For functioning fireplaces Chimney in place and proper height Adequate natural draft or mechanical listed for use with gas appliance Not for correcting draft problems 67

68 Vented Gas Logs Credentials needed varies Must have safety shutoff system Except ANSI Z Manually Lighted log sets No thermostats Use supplied damper clamp May require removal or welded open Manufacturers instructions may require damper be fully open during operation Failure to maintain opening can cause sooting and possible CO poisoning Vented Gas Logs Check flue size and chimney height Mechanical draft system may be remedy Listed for use Full interlocking to manage fuel flow Not initiated until fan establishes adequate draft Shut off in event of loss of adequate draft Sizing and installation by qualified technician 68

69 Vented Gas Logs Fireplace screen In place, closed during operation Glass doors Open during operation Log placement Important for combustion efficiency Incorrect placement Cooling of flame (impingement), soot, possible CO Media placement: Give appearance of embers and ash Usually fine sand for NG, vermiculite for NG or LP Positioned according to instructions Vented Gas Logs Chimney above roofline Firescreen on fireplace Glass doors on fireplace Damper Permanent chimney opening Specific log placement Required X X X X Not Required X X

70 Unvented Gas Logs Only in functional woodburning fireplace Logs listed for use in factory-built fireplace Fireplace listed for use with unvented log Chimney must be in place Must have adequate combustion air Fireplace screen with openings for air Unvented Gas Logs Glass doors can be present but open when log set used Outside air ducts/ash dumps permanently closed and sealed Damper closed, but not sealed Flue and firebox cleaned May be prohibited in bedroom or bathroom Approved for use by AHJ

71 Unvented Log Set: Enclosure Listed to ANSI Z21.91 Ventless Firebox Enclosures for Gas- Fired Unvented Decorative Room Heaters Decorative Shroud Cowl that covers chase Site made or manufactured Replaces listed cap Must be listed product Otherwise prohibited by NFPA 211, IRC, Can change cooling characteristics Possible ignition of combustibles at top of chimney or elsewhere

72 Special Components Wall Thimble Facing Requirements 72

73 Facing Requirements Instructions vary widely Metal face (surround) Clearances from combustibles Obstruction of air grilles Joint between fireplace and wall May/may not be required to be sealed Access door or air grille Should not be blocked Mantel Clearances 73

74 Surround Clearances Blowers Blowers and Grates Only listed for use with fireplace Follow instructions for blower and wiring No connection to cold air furnace returns Grates Some manufacturers prohibit use of grates Replacement only with manufacturer specified grate If no specifications, 2/3 hearth area or less No alterations or raising/lowering of grates 74

75 Catalytic Combustor Available for some fireplaces Original equipment or retrofit for some factory-built appliances Retrofit for masonry fireplaces May carry EPA hang tag Catalyst must be replaced every 3-5 years for proper performance 12 Glass Doors Doors standard on some fireplaces, optional on others, not allowed on some Required for fireplaces listed for installation in mobile homes ONLY doors listed and specified by the manufacturer for use with factory-built fireplaces Unauthorized doors can lead to damage and fire hazards Air grilles should not be covered 75

76 Glass Fronts & CPSC Consumer Message Fireplace glass fronts can be extremely hot when in operation or when cooling down when flame is not present. Certified barriers (screens) are recommended if there are children or other at-risk people in the home. New fireplace units will come with certified barriers (screens) which should remain in place. There are aftermarket products available for existing units. Keep fireplace remotes and switches out of reach of children. Follow the manufacturer s instruction for the safe use and maintenance of the fireplace. Glass Fronts & CPSC 76

77 Installer Qualifications NFGC calls for qualified agency Manufacturers instructions Qualified technicians Some suggest or recommend industry certification Jurisdictions Some have no requirements Some have qualifications based on broad categories of heating equipment Growing number considering specialty licenses specifically for gas hearth products installers Installer Qualifications National Fireplace Institute (NFI) Focused solely on hearth products Certification exams meet national standards for reliability, validity, legal defensibility 77

78 Maintenance Qualifications Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) Inspection and cleaning or repair of chimneys and vents Certification exams 78