Fireplace Inspections Made Easier 1901 N. Moore St. Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 524-8030

Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation National Fireplace Institute

Why discuss fireplace inspections? Challenges our industry presents Importance to public safety

Challenges Products are Constantly Changing New product offerings Various installation applications Venting systems and venting configurations

Challenges Variety of Code Issues Combustion air Use of room Authority for venting instructions Mobile home requirements

Challenges Manufacturers’ Instructions Installation requirements differ Manufacturer to manufacturer Model to model Inconsistent organization Inconsistent terminology

Challenges Inspectors Numerous responsibilities Lack of time

Improper Installation May result in: Poor Performance Voiding of Listing and Warranty –Assumption of All Liability Loss of Property and Life

Reference Manuals

We offer the following Inspection as a guideline, not as a required list of inspection areas.

Inspection Categorizing Appliances General Concerns Gas Appliances Wood Burning Appliances Pellet Appliances Accessories

1. Categorizing Appliances Inspection 1. Categorizing Appliances

Categorizing Hearth Appliances Fuel Type Appliance Standard Venting Method Appliance Type

Categorizing Hearth Appliances Fuel Type Gas Solid Fuel Electric Natural Gas Liquid Propane Wood Coal Biomass

Categorizing Hearth Appliances Appliance Type

Masonry Fireplace

Factory Built Fireplace

Gas Log Sets

Fireplace Inserts

Free Standing Stoves

Hearth Stoves

Masonry Furnaces Outdoor

Categorizing By Venting Type Gas Venting Systems Conventional Vent Direct Vent Unvented

Categorizing By Venting Type Gas Conventional Vent Chimneys Masonry or Factory-Built B-Vent Liners

Categorizing By Venting Type Gas Direct Vent Coaxial Co-linear PVC Hi-efficiency condensing

Categorizing By Venting Type Woodburning Venting Systems Masonry Chimneys Factory-Built Chimneys Liners 1700° 2100° “HT”

Categorizing By Venting Type Pellet Venting Systems Type L Pellet Pellet DV Liners

Gas Standards Vented Gas Hearth Appliances NOT Efficiency Tested (“Decorative”) Efficiency Testing (“Heating”) Gas Log Sets Gas Fireplace Gas Fireplace Heaters

Categorizing By Venting Type Gas Direct Vent Coaxial Co-linear PVC Hi-efficiency condensing

Gas Logs Fireplaces Freestanding Stoves Gas Standards Unvented Gas Hearth Appliances Gas Logs Fireplaces Freestanding Stoves

Gas Standards

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

Decorative Gas Accessory in Solid Fuel Fireplaces Appliances: ANSI Z21.60, CSA 2.26 •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

Unvented Gas Room Heater ANSI Z21.11.2a Appliance s: •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

Solid Fuel Standards Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) Materials and construction Fire and strength tests Review of installation instructions

Open Chamber Factory Built Fireplaces Solid Fuel Standards Solid Fuel Appliances Open Chamber Factory Built Fireplaces Closed Chamber High Efficiency Fireplace Stoves High Efficiency Factory Built Fireplaces Freestanding Stoves Fireplace Inserts Hearth Stoves

UL 127 Factory Built Fireplaces Testing requirements for entire system Fire chamber Chimney Roof assembly Related components

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 3 - ten minute tests at 2100°F Not required for factory-built fireplaces

Installation Manual

Safety Label

Inspection 2. General Concerns

Combustibles Combustible: Walls with wood framing Paper-faced materials Papered sheetrock (dry wall) – including fire-rated papered sheetrock Plaster on wood lath or studs

Combustibles Noncombustible Entirely metal Brick Tile Concrete Slate Plaster on metal lath

Safety Testing

Clearances

Clearances Side Clearance Back Clearance Bottom Clearance Also mantle, surround, ceiling and adjacent walls

Clearances Header Size Orientation – Flat or on edge

Clearances

Clearances Standoffs -Top

Clearances Standoffs -Side

Clearances Standoffs -Bottom

Clearances Nailing flanges

Clearances Instruction Manual

Clearances Instruction Manual

Clearances Safety Label

Clearances Warning Labels

Clearances Warning Labels

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 Ceiling 3½" masonry wall / NO ventilation 33% ½" noncombustible board over 1" insulation, NO ventilation 50% Min. 24 gage sheet metal / spaced out 1" 66% 3½" masonry wall / spaced out 1" ½" noncombustible wall board spaced out 1" Listed prefabricated systems Manufacturer instructions

Clearances Wall Protection 1" air space gives greatest reduction Converts radiant energy to convection heat Rising warm air pulls in cool air 12

Vent System Purposes Remove combustion by-products Protect combustibles from heat Airspace Remember: combustibles can ignite with no contact from flame Obtain adequate combustion air

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 200-300 cfm EPA woodstoves require 11-32 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 65

Combustion Air Combustion Air provided for combustion that air: (Primary 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 Dilution air: Excess air: (Secondary Air) Air that that does not combine with fuel in the combustion process

Combustion Air Air changes per Percent of volume exchanged hour (ACH): (outdoor air replacing indoor air). Example: 0.35 ACH = 35% of volume of indoor air is replaced by outdoor air every hour. Continuous water vapor retarder Unusually tight Storm windows construction: Weather-stripping Caulking/sealing of gaps

Confined Space with volume less than Combustion Air Confined Space with volume less than space: 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: Known Air Infiltration Rate 2002 – 2009 Fuel Gas Codes Combustion Air KAIR Method: 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.

2002 – 2009 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

2002 – 2009 Fuel Gas Codes Standard Method Minimum volume necessary: 39,000 BTU appliance 50 cu. Ft for every 1,000 BTU’s 39,000 BTU’s / 1,000 = 39 39 * 50 = 1950 cu. Ft 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)

Standard Method Maximum Btu/hr rating Room15x18x8 = 2,160 cu. Ft 2002 – 2009 Fuel Gas Codes Standard Method Maximum Btu/hr rating Room15x18x8 = 2,160 cu. Ft 50 cu. Ft for every 1,000 BTU’s 2,160 cu. Ft. / 50 = 43.2 (43,200 BTU’s) 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

Combustion Air Bedroom/Bathroom -Unvented Confined space 2002 – 2009 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

Combustion Air Adjoining Rooms 2002 – 2009 Fuel Gas Codes Combustion Air Adjoining Rooms Minimum free area of 1 sq. in./1,000 Btu/hr Not less than 100 sq. in. One opening commences within 12 in. of ceiling within 12 in. of floor

Combustion Air Different Stories 2002 – 2009 Fuel Gas Codes Combustion Air Different Stories Minimum free area of 2 sq. in./1,000 Btu/hr Not less than 100 sq. in.

Two Openings: Directly or Vertical Ducts 2002 – 2009 Fuel Gas Codes Combustion Air Outdoor Two Openings: Directly or Vertical Ducts One within 12” of ceiling One within 12” of floor can be from ventilated attic can be from ventilated crawl space Minimum 1 sq. in. per 4,000 Btu/hr

Two Openings: Horizontal Ducts 2002 – 2009 Fuel Gas Codes Combustion Air Outdoor Two Openings: Horizontal Ducts One within 12” of ceiling One within 12” of floor Minimum 1 sq. in. per 2,000 Btu/hr

Combustion Air Outdoor One Opening Within 12” of ceiling 2002 – 2009 Fuel Gas Codes Combustion Air Outdoor One Opening Within 12” of ceiling Communicates with outdoors Directly Through ducts Spaces that freely communicate with outdoors Minimum 1 sq.in./3,000 Btu/hr Not less than sum of areas of all vent connectors

2002 – 2009 Fuel Gas Codes Combustion Air: Summary Indoor Adjoining room 2 Openings 1 in² per 1,000 BTU’s 12” of ceiling 12” of floor At least 100 in² Indoor Different story 2 in² per Outdoor Direct or Vertical 2 Ducts 4,000 BTU’s May be from ventilated attic or ventilated crawl space Outdoor Horizontal Ducts 2 Openings 2,000 BTU’s One Duct or Direct Opening 3,000 BTU’s Not less than the sum of the areas of all vent connectors

Combustion Air Source of Air 2002 – 2009 Fuel Gas Codes Including adjacent spaces that cannot be closed off May now use a combination of openings to indoor spaces outdoors

Opening Size Calculation Combustion Air Opening Size Calculation 60,000 Btu/hr gas fireplace 12 x 15 x 8 room Determine total room volume: 12 x 15 x 8 = 1,440 cu. ft. Determine required volume by standard method: 60,000/20 = 3,000 cu. ft required 1440/3000=48% The room is able to provide 48% of the necessary air. We need to bring 52% in from outside. Determine overall opening size:(1 sq. in/3,000 BTU’s) 60,000/3,000 = 20 sq. In. (1 duct direct to outdoors) Determine minimum outdoor air opening: 20 x 52% = 10.4 sq. In.

Combustion Air Louvers and Grilles Size based on net free area Wood Size based on net free area Calculation Wood: 25% free area 6"x10" = 60 x .25 = 15 sq. in. Metal: 75% free area Metal Screens: mesh size must not be smaller than 1/2" 10"x6" = 60 x .75 = 45 sq. in.

Combustion Products Vented to Outside 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

Combustion Air Outside Air Kits High enough to avoid blockage – snow, leaves, debris Never from garage or space where combustible liquids stored Never from attic or position above flue gas outlet Duct as short and straight as possible Follow manufacturer’s instructions for materials, length, height, location

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

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

Combustion Air Duct heater 24VAC damper Inline fan Outdoor Weather hood Diffuser Interlock and speed control Insulated duct

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

NFPA 211 Inspections Definitions Readily accessible: Exposed for inspection without tools to open or remove doors, panels, coverings Accessible: Exposed for inspection without doing damage, but may require tools Non-accessible, concealed:Inspection requires damage to chimney, building structure or finish, and/or use of special tools

NFPA 211 Inspections Level 1 Circumstance Level of access Replacement of connected appliance with one of similar type, input rating, & efficiency Level of access Readily accessible portions of chimney exterior & interior; accessible portions of appliance & chimney connection

NFPA 211 Inspections Level 1 Scope Readily accessible areas of chimney, structure, and flue Lack of obstruction or creosote in flue Basic appliance installation and connection

NFPA 211 Inspections Level 2 Circumstance Level of Access Addition of appliance Replacement with appliance of dissimilar type Sale or transfer of property Operating malfunction or external event likely to have caused damage to chimney Level of Access Accessible portions of chimney & appliance Video scanning or other means of inspection

NFPA 211 Inspections Level 2 Scope All subjects of level 1 Proper construction and condition of accessible portions of chimney structure and enclosed flues Size and suitability of flues for connected appliances

NFPA 211 Inspections Level 3 Circumstances Investigation of incident that has caused damage to the chimney or building Hazard detected or suspected as a result of level 1 or 2 inspection cannot be fully evaluated without access to concealed areas

NFPA 211 Inspections Level 3 Level of access Internal and external portions of chimney structure, including concealed areas Removal of building or chimney components Removal only as needed to gain access to areas subject to inspection

NFPA 211 Inspections Level 3 Scope All subjects of level 1 and 2 inspections Proper construction and condition of concealed portions of chimney structure and enclosed flues Proper clearances from combustibles

1 2 3 NFPA 211 Inspections Level Circumstance Level of Access Scope 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

Green Building Codes Define additional approaches to construction – Referred to as “overlay” or “reach” codes and standards that extend, but do not conflict with basic codes and standards Direct impact with some hearth products Indirect or upcoming impact in relationship to air tightness of building envelope or indoor air quality concerns

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 402.4.1.1 & IRC N1102.4.1.1 – “Fireplaces shall have gasketed doors.”

Green Building Codes International Energy Conservation Code Material(s) assembled and joined together to provide a barrier to air leakage through the building envelope. An air barrier may be a single material, or a combination of materials. – Fireplace walls must include an air barrier

3. Gas Appliance Installation Issues Inspection 3. Gas Appliance Installation Issues

Class 4 Condensing Appliances Fireplace, Insert, Stove Appliance Standards Z21.60 Gas Log Sets Z21.50 Gas Fireplaces Z21.88 Gas Fireplace Heaters Z21.11.2 Unvented Room Heater Class 4 Condensing Appliances AFUE Tested NO YES Thermostat OPTION Fireplace, Insert, Stove Vent switch: Draft hood units ODS equipped * YES

Shutoff Valve Exceptions Readily accessible Permanently identified Serves no other equipment 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

Shutoff Valve Exceptions National Fuel Gas Code 2009 “Appliances installed in vented fireplaces and unvented firebox enclosures” Gas log sets Fireplace inserts Unvented hearth appliances 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

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

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

Yellow Flame Combustion HVAC industry Yellow flame means inefficiency Hearth industry Reduce primary air intake Use secondary air to achieve acceptable Combustion efficiency Flame aesthetics

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

Vented Freestanding Appliance Floor protection May indicate installation on solid combustible floor May indicate bottom heat shield required May require metal, wood panel, or listed pad Clearances Specified from front, sides, rear, corners Alcove may not be allowed

Gas Appliance Venting Systems Negative Pressure Category 1 (Natural draft hearth appliances) No condensate Category 2 Capable of condensate Positive Pressure Category 3 Category 4 (Mechanical draft hi-efficiency hearth appliances)

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

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 118

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’

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

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

be required for air circulation and cooling 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

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

Direct Vent Follow manufacturer instructions Venting Clearances Vent system is part of appliance Appliance manufacturer provides instructions Permissible configurations are model specific

Direct Vent

Direct Vent

Direct Vent

Direct Vent Fireplace Inserts

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

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

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

Unvented NFGC & IFGC 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

Fuel Conversion Some appliances, including unvented, can NOT be field converted Others specify in instructions May required approved conversion kit Label identifying fuel attached to control valve

QUESTIONS? THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION