6
Connecting Flue Pipe
CONNECTING FLUE PIPES SHOULD BE LOCATED AS TO AVOID IGNITING
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL.
On solid fuel appliances the maximum length of a connecting flue pipe is 2m. This distance is
reduced to 1.5m if any of the acceptable alternative methods of connection are adopted as per
BS EN15287-1. (See p.5 for full details.) On appliances with a top outlet, it is recommended that
a vertical run of at least 600mm should be allowed immediately above the appliance prior to any
change of direction.
On appliances with a rear outlet, it is recommended that there is maximum of 150mm in the
horizontal run however under certain conditions, as described in alternative methods in BS EN
15287-1, this may be increased to 450mm. (See p.5-6 for full details.)
Within a system (C Connecting Flue Pipe) there should be no more than 4 changes of
direction of maximum 45˚. 90˚ Factory made bends or tees within the system may be treated
as being equal to two 45˚ bends (as per Document J of the Building Regulations issued October
2010).
INSPECTION
On solid fuel applications to conform to Building Regulations, provisions should be made to
enable a chimney to be inspected and cleaned.
An inspection pipe, inspection elbow or a 90° or 135° Tee with tee cap can form a suitable
inspection point (unless cleaning/inspection can be done through the appliance). To aid cleaning,
sufficient distance should be left between changes of direction to permit the safe passage of
cleaning brushes within the system. This is particularly important on solid fuel applications. It is
recommended that chimneys serving solid fuel appliances be swept as frequently as necessary,
but at least twice a year.
