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around door frames etc. (it is commonly accepted that this alone may suffice for appliances
<c5kW) but in case of any doubt, fit a purpose made air vent. An extractor fan, or another fuel
using appliance in the same building, can remove this air. Fit a Carbon Monoxide alarm near to
the stove.
Regarding installations in rooms with extractor fans
For solid fuel appliances: avoid installing extract ventilation in the same room. If mechanical
extraction is unavoidable then seek specialist advice to ensure the installation is tested for the safe
operation of the appliance. A suitable test would be to check for spillage when appliances are
subjected to the greatest possible depressurisation. A prerequisite for this condition is that all
external doors, windows and other adjustable ventilators to outside are closed. The
depressurisation at the appliance will depend on the particular combination of fans in operation
(fans in the room containing the appliance and fans elsewhere in the building) and the pattern of
open internal doors, hatches etc. which is established at the time of the test (when fans should be
on their maximum useable setting), and the specific combination causing the greatest
depressurisation at the appliance depends upon the circumstances in each case. Several tests
(which should include a test with the door leading into the room of installation closed and all fans
in that room switched on) may therefore be necessary to demonstrate the safe operation of the
appliance with reasonable certainty. The effect of ceiling fans should be checked during the tests.
Extra ventilation should be supplied if tests show that this is necessary.
FITTING
Before beginning the installation, please refer to the British Standard BS 8303 Code of
Practice for installation of domestic heating and cooking appliances burning solid mineral
fuel and the current issues of British Standards BS EN 15287-1:2007 design, installation and
commissioning of chimneys.
CO Alarms:
Building regulations require that whenever a new or replacement fixed solid fuel
or wood/ biomass appliance is installed in a dwelling a carbon monoxide alarm must be fitted
in the same room as the appliance. Further guidance on the installation of the carbon monoxide
alarm is available in BS EN 50292:2002 and from the alarm manufacturer’s instructions.
Provision of an alarm must not be considered a substitute for either installing the appliance
correctly or ensuring regular servicing and maintenance of the appliance and chimney system.
Ventilation:
may be required in accordance with the guidelines given in the Building
Regulations. Please refer to Approved Document J for more detailed guidance.
Chimney:
The chimney must be swept and examined for soundness and suitability before the
appliance is installed. Remedial action should be taken if required, seeking expert advice if
necessary. Where the chimney is believed to have previously served an open fire installation it is
possible that the higher flue gas temperature from a closed appliance may loosen deposits that
were previously firmly adhered, with the consequent risk of flue blockage. It is therefore
recommended that the chimney be swept a second time within a month of regular use after
installation.
