INSTALLATION
Due to the gradual introduction of European Chimney Standards chimneys will be specified according to their performance designation as defined in BS EN 1443 that covers the General Requirements for chimneys. The minimum performance designation required for use with solid fuel burning stoves is T450 N2 S D3.
The flue and chimney installation must be carefully checked by a competent person before fitting the stove to ensure it is suitable and will work safely.
If the chimney is old (ie built of brick or stone without a liner) or being opened up for reuse additional checks and smoke testing as described in Appendix E of the Approved Document J 2002 Edition should also be carried out to ensure the flue and chimney are in good operating condition.
Unless the existing flue is in good condition with suitable access for collection and removal of debris. If the flue size is more than 225mm (9 inches) diameter or 200 x 200mm square, a suitable lining of 150mm (6 inches) diameter should be fitted, or if the flue length is over 5.5 metres one size larger than the appliance outlet should be fitted. This should be a double skin stainless steel flexible flue liner that is independently certified for use with solid fuel. Details of suitable linings for use with solid fuel are given in the Official HETAS guide that can be viewed on their website at www.hetas.co.uk
It is also important that suitable flue pipe complying with the Building Regulations is used to connect the stove to the flue in the chimney and that suitable access is provided into the flue for regular inspection and sweeping of the flueways.
The installer should comply with the Building Regulation requirements in respect of providing a Notice Plate giving details on the chimney, flue lining, hearth and fireplace installation. Approved Document J of the Building Regulations for England and Wales is available from The Stationery Bookshops and can also be viewed at the ODPM website at: www.safety.odpm.gov.uk/bregs/brads.htm Details on the relevant Building Regulations and BS British Standards are given in the "General
Precautions" section page 8 of these instructions.
Chimneys should be as straight as possible. Horizontal runs should be avoided except where the rear outlet of the appliance is used, in which case the horizontal section should not exceed 150mm (6'') in length.
If the fire appears to be working hard but produces very little output to the room it is likely that excessive draw is present in the chimney, and that heat is being sucked out of the appliance and up the chimney. If this is the case we recommend the fitting of a draught stabiliser in preference to a flue damper, in the interest of safety and efficiency.
We do not recommend the use of a damper when burning solid fuel.
FOR ALL APPLIANCES
Access for cleaning the flue should be incorporated in the system other than through the appliance (e.g. a soot door or access through register plate).
Ensure that the whole length of the flue can be reached from the soot door.
Note: if the appliance is fitted with a draught stabiliser or if one is fitted to the flue pipe or chimney in the same room as the appliance, then the permanent air entry opening (or openings) should be increased by 300mm2 for each kW of rated output.
For advice on flues and chimneys contact; NACE (National Association of Chimney Engineer): telephone 0800 0924019 www.nace.org.uk
or
NACS (National Association of Chimney Sweeps): telephone 01785 811732 www.chimneyworks.co.uk
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