| Frequently Asked Questions regarding Installation of Solid Fuel Stoves, Ranges and Cookers |
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Question: I’m told that the regulations have recently changed for solid fuel stoves, rangesand cookers? Due to incidents regarding fires and carbon monoxide on boats, new guidelines (BS8511) have been produced to help installers safely fit stoves, ranges and cookers. Question: My installer is saying that the flue on my new solid fuel stove will have to be a twin-wall insulated chimney. Is this correct? Yes, most likely. The new guidelines state that a twin-wall chimney should be fitted at least through and above the roof. However, it is advisable to fit a twin-wall insulated chimney from the stove, as this reduces the chance of touching a hot flue pipe and makes the stove work more efficiently. However, some stove manufacturer’s installation instructions specifically state that this is not required for installations on boats for their products only. Question: Why can’t my stove be fitted as they have been for years, with a single-wall flue pipe, cast metal roof collar and single-wall chimney? Unless the stove manufacturer’s have detailed instructions as to how to fit the stove in a boat, many installations are not suitable for boats and not to the manufacturer’s instructions: hence they could be unsafe. For example, most stoves require a 4.5M (15ft) long flue and clearance around the stove of up to 600mm (2’) that is very difficult to achieve in a boat. However, with the new guidelines, stoves can be fitted in tight spaces as commonly needed on boats, with shorter flues. Question: My installer is saying that the flue on my existing stove will need to be replaced with a twin-wall insulated chimney. Is this correct? Yes, most likely. The new guidelines state that a twin-wall chimney should be fitted at least through and above the roof. However, it is advisable to fit a twin-wall insulated chimney from the stove, as this reduces the chance of touching a hot flue pipe and makes the stove work more efficiently. However, some stove manufacturer’s installation instructions specifically state that this is not required for installations on boats for their products only. Question: My stove needs to be repaired (e.g. because the back plate has cracked) and the repairer is saying that the flue on my stove will need to be replaced with a twin-wall insulated chimney at the same time. Is this correct? Yes, unless the stove manufacturer’s installation instructions specifically state that this is not required for installations on boats, the installer should follow the new guidelines that state that a twin-wall chimney should be fitted. Question: If all the flue is twin-wall insulated chimney, will I not get as much heat from the stove, as usually the single-wall flue pipe provides additional heat? With the twin-wall insulated chimney to the new guidelines, the stove should work more efficiently and will get hotter, giving at least the same heat as with a stove & single-wall flue pipe combination. The stove will also be easier to control, especially on lower settings. Question: I often get tar staining on my boat roof due to tar running from the chimney. Will this still be the case with chimneys to the new requirements? No. As the chimney has to be twin-wall insulated, this will reduce the chance of tar deposits and if tar does form it will run back into the stove. Question: How much do twin-wall insulated chimneys cost? As at Spring 2011, a typical twin-wall insulated chimney system should cost around £500 + VAT plus fitting cost. Question: Where can I get a copy of the new guidelines? The guidelines are in British Standard BS8511, which can be purchased from the British Standards Institute (BSi) or viewed at most libraries. There is also a useful article giving details of the guidelines in the magazine Waterways World, May 2011 pages 60 to 63. Question: Does anyone that works on a solid fuel stove on a boat have to be qualified or HETAS registered? No. According to the guidelines, anyone working on a solid fuel appliance on a boat should have a combination of sufficient: skill, knowledge, practical experience and training commensurate with performing the activity concerned. Question: I hear that the Boat Safety Scheme is to ban solid fuel stoves in boats unless they meet the new guidelines. Is this true? No. The Boat Safety Scheme are not going to ban solid fuel stoves, but will most likely be recommending that new stoves are fitted to the new guidelines or to manufacturer’s instructions. We expect a decision by Autumn 2011. Question: Is it now a requirement to fit a smoke alarm or a carbon monoxide alarm if a solid fuel stove is fitted? It is recommended that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted, but it is not a compulsory requirement. The Boat Safety Scheme gives more advice on alarms at www.boatsafetyscheme.com |
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