Clearance above and around domestic cookers

Instructions for the installer

3.5 Clearance above and around domestic cookers

Extract from AS5601

REQUIREMENTS

1Overhead clearances – (Measurement A)

Range hoods and exhaust fans shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. However, in no case shall the clearance between the highest part of the hob of the cooking appliance and a range hood be less than 600 mm or, for an overhead exhaust fan, 750 mm.

Any other downward facing combustible surface less than 600 mm above the highest part of the hob shall be protected for the full width and depth of the cooking surface area in accordance with Clause 5.12.1.2. However, in no case shall this clearance to any surface be less than 450 mm.

2Side clearances – (Measurements B & C)

Where B, measured from the periphery of the nearest burner to any vertical combustible surface, is

less than 200 mm, the surface shall be protected in accordance with Clause 5.12.1.2 to a height C of not less than 150 mm above the hob for the full dimension (width or depth) of the cooking surface area. Where the cooking appliance is fitted with a ‘splashback’, protection of the rear wall is not required.

3Additional requirements for Freestanding and Elevated Cooking Appliaces – (Measurements D & E) Where D, the distance from the periphery of the nearest burner to a horizontal combustible surface

is less than 200 mm, then E shall be 10 mm or more, or the horizontal surface shall be above the trivet. See insets above.

NOTES

1Requirement 3 does not apply to a freestanding or elevated cooking appliance which is designed to prevent flames or the cooking vessels from extending beyond the periphery of the appliance.

2The ‘cooking surface area’ is defined as that part of the appliance where cooking normally takes place and does not include those parts of the appliance containing control knobs.

3For definition of hob, see Clause 1.4.64.

4For definition of trivet, see Clause 1.4.109.

5Consideration is to be given to window treatments when located near cooking appliances. See Clause 5.3.4.