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Article 19 Solid Fuel Fireplaces, Fireplace Stoves and Room Heaters
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§27-848.01 General
The construction, installation, alteration and operation of all fireplaces, fireplace stoves and room heaters used for space heating shall be subject to the provisions of this article. This article shall not be construed to apply to a central heater with hot air distribution, a central boiler with either hot water or steam heat distribution or a water tank, water heaters, furnaces or cooking stoves.
§27-848.02 Reference Standards
The applicable reference standards shall be as follows:
(a) Fireplaces and wood burning appliances. Reference standard RS 14-18.
(b) Factory-built fireplaces. Reference standard RS 14-19.
(c) Fireplace stoves. Reference standard RS 14-20.
(d) Room heaters. Reference standard RS 14-21.
(a) Fireplaces and wood burning appliances. Reference standard RS 14-18.
(b) Factory-built fireplaces. Reference standard RS 14-19.
(c) Fireplace stoves. Reference standard RS 14-20.
(d) Room heaters. Reference standard RS 14-21.
§27-848.03 Definitions
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the following meaning:
Accessories, factory-built. Such devices as fireplace heater inserts, heat exchangers circulating air or water or other devices which may alter the combustion or heating characteristics of the fireplace.
Appliance. A device which utilizes fuel or other forms of energy to produce light, heat, power, refrigeration or air conditioning. This definition shall also include wood burning appliances and vented decorative appliances.
Fireplace, factory-built. A fireplace composed of factory-built components assembled in accordance with the terms of the listing and acceptance to form the completed fireplace and provided with a chimney complying with subchapter fifteen of this chapter (see figure 14-1).
Figure 14-1
Fireplace, masonry. A hearth and fire chamber made of solid masonry units such as bricks, stones, or reinforced concrete and provided with a chimney complying with subchapter fifteen of this chapter.
Fireplace heat exchangers. Metal heat circulators designed for installation wholly within a masonry fireplace built in accordance with this code. Fireplace heat exchangers extract heat from the firebox of masonry fireplaces and return it to the area to be heated (see figure 14-2).
Figure 14-2
Fireplace inserts. Solid-fuel burning appliances located partially within a complying masonry fireplace. Stove and room heaters may be used as inserts for installation in masonry fireplaces (see figure 14-3).
Figure 14-3
Fireplace stoves. Freestanding assemblies having firechambers intended to be operated open to the room or if equipped with doors to be operated with doors either open or closed and provided with a chimney complying with subchapter fifteen of this chapter (see figure 14-4).
Figure 14-4
Room heater. A solid fuel burning freestanding firechamber assembly designed to be operated with the firechamber closed except for fueling and provided with a chimney complying with subchapter fifteen of this chapter (see figure 14-5).
Figure 14-5
Hearth extension. The noncombustible surfacing applied to the floor area beneath, and extending beyond the front, back and sides of a heating appliance.
Listed and listings. Terms referring to equipment which is shown in a list published by an accepted nationally recognized testing laboratory qualified and equipped for experimental testing and maintaining an adequate periodic inspection of current production and whose listing shows that the equipment complies with nationally recognized safety standards.
Manufacturer's installation instructions. Printed instructions included with equipment as part of the conditions of the listing.
Solid fuel. A material such as natural wood which will ignite and burn when subjected to fire.
Accessories, factory-built. Such devices as fireplace heater inserts, heat exchangers circulating air or water or other devices which may alter the combustion or heating characteristics of the fireplace.
Appliance. A device which utilizes fuel or other forms of energy to produce light, heat, power, refrigeration or air conditioning. This definition shall also include wood burning appliances and vented decorative appliances.
Fireplace, factory-built. A fireplace composed of factory-built components assembled in accordance with the terms of the listing and acceptance to form the completed fireplace and provided with a chimney complying with subchapter fifteen of this chapter (see figure 14-1).
Figure 14-1
Fireplace, masonry. A hearth and fire chamber made of solid masonry units such as bricks, stones, or reinforced concrete and provided with a chimney complying with subchapter fifteen of this chapter.
Fireplace heat exchangers. Metal heat circulators designed for installation wholly within a masonry fireplace built in accordance with this code. Fireplace heat exchangers extract heat from the firebox of masonry fireplaces and return it to the area to be heated (see figure 14-2).
Figure 14-2
Fireplace inserts. Solid-fuel burning appliances located partially within a complying masonry fireplace. Stove and room heaters may be used as inserts for installation in masonry fireplaces (see figure 14-3).
Figure 14-3
Fireplace stoves. Freestanding assemblies having firechambers intended to be operated open to the room or if equipped with doors to be operated with doors either open or closed and provided with a chimney complying with subchapter fifteen of this chapter (see figure 14-4).
Figure 14-4
Room heater. A solid fuel burning freestanding firechamber assembly designed to be operated with the firechamber closed except for fueling and provided with a chimney complying with subchapter fifteen of this chapter (see figure 14-5).
Figure 14-5
Hearth extension. The noncombustible surfacing applied to the floor area beneath, and extending beyond the front, back and sides of a heating appliance.
Listed and listings. Terms referring to equipment which is shown in a list published by an accepted nationally recognized testing laboratory qualified and equipped for experimental testing and maintaining an adequate periodic inspection of current production and whose listing shows that the equipment complies with nationally recognized safety standards.
Manufacturer's installation instructions. Printed instructions included with equipment as part of the conditions of the listing.
Solid fuel. A material such as natural wood which will ignite and burn when subjected to fire.
§27-848.04 Installations
(a) Application.
(1) An application for the installation of a fireplace or stove equipment shall be filed by a registered architect or licensed professional engineer at the borough office of the department. The application shall describe the equipment in question and its installation.
(2) The applicant, prior to the filing of the application, shall make an inspection to determine the adequacy of the air supply for combustion and ventilation and the ability of the equipment to be installed to comply with code requirements.
(b) Qualifications of installer.
(1) Installation shall be made only by persons authorized by the manufacturer to install the specific equipment in question.
(2) The installer shall certify to the registered architect or licensed professional engineer who has filed the application that the installation is in full compliance with the terms of the listing, acceptance and the manufacturer's instructions.
(3) For retrofit installations in occupied residential dwellings, the installer shall have a home improvement contractor's license from the department of consumer affairs.
(c) Controlled inspection. Installation shall be subject to controlled inspection to ensure that the installation is in accordance with:
(1) the structural elements shown on the approved plans,
(2) the fire protection requirements, and
(3) the listing, acceptance and the manufacturer's installation recommendations.
(d) Environmental requirements. All solid fuel burning appliances shall comply with the requirements of the air pollution control law, chapter one of title twenty-four of this code.
(e) State energy conservation code. The requirements of the New York State energy conservation construction code concerning the combustion air supply shall be complied with.
(1) An application for the installation of a fireplace or stove equipment shall be filed by a registered architect or licensed professional engineer at the borough office of the department. The application shall describe the equipment in question and its installation.
(2) The applicant, prior to the filing of the application, shall make an inspection to determine the adequacy of the air supply for combustion and ventilation and the ability of the equipment to be installed to comply with code requirements.
(b) Qualifications of installer.
(1) Installation shall be made only by persons authorized by the manufacturer to install the specific equipment in question.
(2) The installer shall certify to the registered architect or licensed professional engineer who has filed the application that the installation is in full compliance with the terms of the listing, acceptance and the manufacturer's instructions.
(3) For retrofit installations in occupied residential dwellings, the installer shall have a home improvement contractor's license from the department of consumer affairs.
(c) Controlled inspection. Installation shall be subject to controlled inspection to ensure that the installation is in accordance with:
(1) the structural elements shown on the approved plans,
(2) the fire protection requirements, and
(3) the listing, acceptance and the manufacturer's installation recommendations.
(d) Environmental requirements. All solid fuel burning appliances shall comply with the requirements of the air pollution control law, chapter one of title twenty-four of this code.
(e) State energy conservation code. The requirements of the New York State energy conservation construction code concerning the combustion air supply shall be complied with.
§27-848.05 Structural Adequacy
The registered architect or licensed professional engineer filing the application for the installation shall certify on the application as to the adequacy of the structural supports and chimney bracing to sustain the loadings when in operation.
§27-848.06 Chimneys
Fireplace, fireplace stove and room heater chimneys shall meet the requirements of subchapter fifteen of this chapter. Separate flues shall be provided for every fireplace, fireplace stove and room heater.
§27-848.07 Masonry Fireplaces
(a) Construction.
(1) Masonry fireplaces shall be constructed of solid masonry units of reinforced portland or refractory cement concrete. Masonry fireplaces shall be supported on foundations of masonry or reinforced portland or refractory cement concrete, or on other noncombustible construction having a fire resistance rating of not less than three hours. Such supports shall be designed to support the loadings.
(2) Where a lining of low-duty fire clay refractory brick at least two inches thick laid in medium-duty fireclay refractory mortar, or the equivalent two inches thick soapstone, three-sixteenths inch thick steel or cast iron, or equivalent material capable of withstanding a temperature of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit without cracking or spalling or other accepted lining is provided, the total thickness of back and sides, including the lining, shall be not less than eight inches.
(3) Where such lining is not provided, the thickness of the back and sides shall be not less than twelve inches.
(4) Where the masonry supporting a fireplace is designed to support vertical loads from the building and corbels are used to support beams or girders, corbeling shall be as described in reference standard RS 14-18 as recommended for masonry chimneys. The lintel spanning the fireplace shall be designed and constructed to support the additional load transferred by the member.
(5) Masonry fireplaces shall be provided with chimneys designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of subchapter fifteen of this chapter for construction of masonry chimneys or, where permitted by the individual listing, shall be provided with accepted factory-built chimneys having accepted adapters in accordance with the requirements for factory-built chimneys of subchapter fifteen of this chapter.
(b) Steel fireplace units.
(1) Steel fireplace units incorporating a firebox liner of not less than one quarter inch thick steel and an air chamber shall be installed with masonry to provide a total thickness at the back and sides of not less than eight inches, of which not less than four inches shall be solid masonry. Listed firebox liners shall be installed in accordance with the terms of the listing.
(2) Warm air ducts employed with steel fireplace units of the circulating air type shall be constructed of metal in accordance with reference standard RS 14-22, or of masonry.
(c) Clearance.
(1) All wood beams, joists, studs and other combustible material shall have a clearance of not less than two inches from the front faces and sides of masonry fireplaces, and not less than four inches from the back faces of masonry fireplaces. Headers of combustible material supporting masonry trimmer arches or concrete hearth extensions shall be located not less than twenty inches from the face of the chimney breast.
(2) Spaces between headers or trimmers of combustible material and masonry fireplaces shall be fire-stopped with noncombustible material. The material used for firestopping shall be galvanized sheet metal of at least no. 14 U.S. standard gauge thickness, mineral board at least one quarter inch thick or equivalent rigid noncombustible sheet material not less than one half inch thick or other accepted noncombustible material.
(3) Woodwork, such as wood trim and mantels, or other combustible material shall not be placed within six inches of a fireplace opening. Combustible material above and projecting more than one and one-half inches from a fireplace opening shall not be placed less than twelve inches from the top of the fireplace opening.
(4) Clearances specified in reference standard RS 14-18 shall apply if greater than those specified in this subdivision.
(d) Hearth extensions.
(1) Masonry fireplaces shall have hearth extensions of brick, concrete, stone, tile or other accepted noncombustible materials. Such hearths shall be supported on trimmer arches of brick, stone, tile or concrete at least four inches thick, or of other equivalent materials and with noncombustible material against the underside thereof. Wooden forms or centers used during the construction of the hearth and hearth extension shall be removed when the construction is completed.
(2) Where the fireplace opening is less than six square feet, the hearth extension shall extend at least sixteen inches in front of the facing material and at least eight inches beyond each side of the fireplace opening.
(3) Where the fireplace opening is six square feet or larger, the hearth extension shall extend at least twenty inches in front of the facing material, and at least twelve inches beyond each side of the fireplace opening.
(4) Where a fireplace is elevated above or overhangs a floor, the hearth extension shall also extend over the area under the fireplace.
(e) Fireplace dampers. Every fireplace shall be equipped with a damper able to withstand distortion, binding, cracking or corrosion when exposed to the fireplace operating temperature.
(f) Accessories. Factory-built accessories shall be listed and accepted and shall be installed in accordance with the terms of their listing and acceptance.
(1) Masonry fireplaces shall be constructed of solid masonry units of reinforced portland or refractory cement concrete. Masonry fireplaces shall be supported on foundations of masonry or reinforced portland or refractory cement concrete, or on other noncombustible construction having a fire resistance rating of not less than three hours. Such supports shall be designed to support the loadings.
(2) Where a lining of low-duty fire clay refractory brick at least two inches thick laid in medium-duty fireclay refractory mortar, or the equivalent two inches thick soapstone, three-sixteenths inch thick steel or cast iron, or equivalent material capable of withstanding a temperature of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit without cracking or spalling or other accepted lining is provided, the total thickness of back and sides, including the lining, shall be not less than eight inches.
(3) Where such lining is not provided, the thickness of the back and sides shall be not less than twelve inches.
(4) Where the masonry supporting a fireplace is designed to support vertical loads from the building and corbels are used to support beams or girders, corbeling shall be as described in reference standard RS 14-18 as recommended for masonry chimneys. The lintel spanning the fireplace shall be designed and constructed to support the additional load transferred by the member.
(5) Masonry fireplaces shall be provided with chimneys designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of subchapter fifteen of this chapter for construction of masonry chimneys or, where permitted by the individual listing, shall be provided with accepted factory-built chimneys having accepted adapters in accordance with the requirements for factory-built chimneys of subchapter fifteen of this chapter.
(b) Steel fireplace units.
(1) Steel fireplace units incorporating a firebox liner of not less than one quarter inch thick steel and an air chamber shall be installed with masonry to provide a total thickness at the back and sides of not less than eight inches, of which not less than four inches shall be solid masonry. Listed firebox liners shall be installed in accordance with the terms of the listing.
(2) Warm air ducts employed with steel fireplace units of the circulating air type shall be constructed of metal in accordance with reference standard RS 14-22, or of masonry.
(c) Clearance.
(1) All wood beams, joists, studs and other combustible material shall have a clearance of not less than two inches from the front faces and sides of masonry fireplaces, and not less than four inches from the back faces of masonry fireplaces. Headers of combustible material supporting masonry trimmer arches or concrete hearth extensions shall be located not less than twenty inches from the face of the chimney breast.
(2) Spaces between headers or trimmers of combustible material and masonry fireplaces shall be fire-stopped with noncombustible material. The material used for firestopping shall be galvanized sheet metal of at least no. 14 U.S. standard gauge thickness, mineral board at least one quarter inch thick or equivalent rigid noncombustible sheet material not less than one half inch thick or other accepted noncombustible material.
(3) Woodwork, such as wood trim and mantels, or other combustible material shall not be placed within six inches of a fireplace opening. Combustible material above and projecting more than one and one-half inches from a fireplace opening shall not be placed less than twelve inches from the top of the fireplace opening.
(4) Clearances specified in reference standard RS 14-18 shall apply if greater than those specified in this subdivision.
(d) Hearth extensions.
(1) Masonry fireplaces shall have hearth extensions of brick, concrete, stone, tile or other accepted noncombustible materials. Such hearths shall be supported on trimmer arches of brick, stone, tile or concrete at least four inches thick, or of other equivalent materials and with noncombustible material against the underside thereof. Wooden forms or centers used during the construction of the hearth and hearth extension shall be removed when the construction is completed.
(2) Where the fireplace opening is less than six square feet, the hearth extension shall extend at least sixteen inches in front of the facing material and at least eight inches beyond each side of the fireplace opening.
(3) Where the fireplace opening is six square feet or larger, the hearth extension shall extend at least twenty inches in front of the facing material, and at least twelve inches beyond each side of the fireplace opening.
(4) Where a fireplace is elevated above or overhangs a floor, the hearth extension shall also extend over the area under the fireplace.
(e) Fireplace dampers. Every fireplace shall be equipped with a damper able to withstand distortion, binding, cracking or corrosion when exposed to the fireplace operating temperature.
(f) Accessories. Factory-built accessories shall be listed and accepted and shall be installed in accordance with the terms of their listing and acceptance.
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