Important Tips for Installing and Ensuring Safety with Gas Heaters

Safety Tips and RisksGas Heater Installation

In winter, the use of heating appliances increases due to the cold weather. These heating systems make homes warm and cozy during the cold winters. However, if we do not follow safety tips while using them, a carbon dioxide leak can lead to severe injuries and financial losses, causing unfortunate accidents. The root cause of these accidents is people’s lack of knowledge regarding the use of gas appliances. In this section ofSelMagzwe will familiarize you with safety recommendations for heater installation.

Gas Heater Installation Recommendations

Close the air vent during winter.

Close the air vent during winter since the air duct is taller and wider than the building’s flue and can act as a flue.

If the air vent is open, the smoke flow from the flue will reverse, because air enters through the flue while heat and combustion products exit through the air duct.

Do not use a fireplace as a heating device.

Using a fireplace as a heating source is not recommended compared to other heating appliances due to:

1. Combustion in a fireplace occurs in an open environment, increasing the risk of poisoning compared to other heating appliances.

2. There is a higher possibility of error when using a fireplace because of the manual adjustment and damper.

The fireplace results in significant heat energy loss.

Since combustion occurs in an open environment, the risk of fire, especially due to children’s play, is very high.

Therefore, it is better to use the fireplace only when alert and awake. It is recommended to install a CO gas sensor to improve safety.

Avoid using flue pipes with accordion tubes.

Using flues with accordion pipes is not allowed because:

• The body of these flues, due to insufficient strength, can become punctured by heat and humidity over time.
• Additionally, the weight of the accordion pipe can cause it to detach from the flue opening, leading to combustion products returning to the environment.
• There is a risk of creating improper bends in these types of flues.
• These pipes experience a significant pressure drop which negatively affects the smoke suction.
• Because these types of flues lack parts that fit together, there is no guarantee against leaks at connection points, risking combustion byproducts returning to the environment.
• Over time, due to their structure, these flues may sag and will not retain their original shape.

Do not use a fireplace flue as a heater flue.

It is better not to use a fireplace flue instead of a heater flue, but if necessary, you can do this under the following conditions:

• Properly install the flue and direct it to the roof.
• Seal the entrance point where the heater flue connects to the fireplace.
• The elbow and slope should be directed upwards.
• The fireplace should not be used and should be removed.
• Install a CO gas detector in the environment.

Use an H cap instead of a single cap.

Installing an H cap on the roof is better than a single cap. For high thermal output gas appliances like boiler rooms, an H cap should also be used.

Using space gaps for heater flue exits is prohibited.

Do not utilize space gaps for heater flue exits, as proper and correct installation is not possible in this space, and toxic gases may enter living units.

Avoid using flueless heaters in closed spaces.

If you want to use a flueless heater in busy areas with sufficient oxygen, ensure to follow all proper installation regulations and standards. However, avoid using flueless heaters in small, enclosed spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms.

Using flueless heaters is prohibited under Iran’s national standard ISIRI7268.

How the ODS system works in flueless heaters.

In normal air, with an oxygen percentage of 20.9%, the ODS pilot functions properly.

If the oxygen level drops to 18%, the ODS pilot flame will begin to flicker due to separation from the thermocouple. This causes the thermocouple to cool, closing the gas flow from the valve and ensuring the appliance shuts off safely.

Testing the removal of the pilot oxygen circuit is one of the most crucial tests according to clause 8.4.2 of national standards. This test is performed to ensure that if the pilot oxygen is altered and fails, the heater does not become dangerous for the user.

In this test, the ODS pilot is removed from the circuit. If the oxygen level drops to 15.5% by volume, the amount of carbon monoxide produced should not exceed 250 PPM.

Avoid using a shared flue.

Each gas appliance should have a separate flue, so avoid using shared flues for two or more appliances.

Cover the heater pipe with insulation.

It is permissible to use non-flammable insulation, such as foil, to cover the heater body.

Do not place the flue in a bucket of water.

During normal combustion, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gases are released into the environment through the heater. Placing the flue inside a container of water does not dissolve or absorb the combustion products, making this actionsuicidal.Do not route flue pipes through windows or sidewalls.

It is better not to route flue pipes through windows or sidewalls, as this does not ensure proper ventilation. However, if there is no alternative, you may temporarily do so by following these conditions:

Create fixed openings like grilles under doors for proper air ventilation.

• Flue pipes must be installed vertically.
• Insulate flue pipes, especially those longer than three meters and exposed to cold air, suitably.
• All relevant installation guidelines for flues must be adhered to.
• To ensure the evacuation of combustion products, ensure that the flue is hot when using gas heating appliances.
• If your heater pipe is not hot, you must install a standard flue. You can temporarily disconnect the heater and use an electric heater.
• Installing a carbon monoxide sensitive sensor helps increase the safety level of the area.
• Avoid installing the flue horizontally.
• Refrain from installing the flue horizontally and strictly avoid negative-sloping installations.
• The slope of horizontal flue pipes should be upwards, and for every horizontal meter, consider three vertical meters.
• The connecting flue pipe should be short and straight, as short elbows and sharp bends interfere with smoke flow.
• Safety tips for installing the heater pipe

When installing the heater, pay attention to these important notes:

The distance from the flue to the heater outlet.

1. The distance from the flue to the heater outlet should be very minimal.
2. The heater, water heater, packages, etc., must have a distance of 45 cm from surrounding areas and 75 cm above them.
3. The distance from the stovetop to the top must also be 75 cm.
4. The distance from a wall-mounted heater to surrounding areas and above must be 100 cm.
5. Standard length of gas appliance hoses.

Use standard rubber hoses for connecting stoves and heaters to the piping system.

The length of the gas hose should not exceed 120 centimeters.

Avoid using long hoses to supply gas to various points in the home.

Use suitable metal clamps to secure gas hoses.

Checking rubber hoses for gas is essential; if damage or wear is observed, be sure to remedy it.

* Safety tips for flue installation encompass a wide range of important considerations, which have been elaborated in a separate article on SelMagz titled “Safety Tips for Installing Heater Flues.” We strongly recommend a careful reading of it.

To ensure the proper functionality of the flue, carry out the three tests below:

Touch the flue and check its temperature. If the flue is cold, it means that the toxic gases from the gas appliance are not being adequately expelled.

Hold a candle or match at the flue’s opening and origin. The flame should be drawn into the flue. If there’s no change in the flame, it indicates inadequate flue suction.

Use a weight and rope to check the flue’s path from the roof to its opening and origin, ensuring it is clear.

Definition of proper installation standards for gas appliance flues.

 Gas appliance flues should not have any openings or leaks and must be made of durable material. They should also have a cap shaped like H, and the distance between gas appliances and the roof surface must be at least 60 centimeters.

The diameter of flue pipes should be equal to or larger than the diameter of the heating device’s output pipe.

Also, within units, the slope of horizontal pipes should be upwards, and the height of vertical pipes should be at least three times their horizontal length.

Ensure that vertical flues are properly secured to the wall with suitable clamps and are installed on a proper support to transfer weight.

Each internal combustion device, like water heaters or heaters, should have a separate and independent flue.

Never route the flue through the bathroom ceiling or enclosed spaces.

As stated in SelMagz, if you use wall heaters in public areas, ensure that their flue opening is installed at a height of 120 centimeters.

Specialized individuals can construct a shared flue according to proper standards for up to five floors.

Using too many elbows or excessive bends is not permitted for flue installation.

Additionally, it is crucial for the flue ducts to connect to the outside air from above. When installing flues, utilize cup-shaped metal pipe pieces, and avoid installing flat-ended metal pipes.

Installation of packages and gas water heaters.

When installing gas appliances like high-capacity packages and wall-mounted water heaters, pay heed to relevant standards and the manufacturer’s installation guidelines.

Installing a water heater and package in spaces less than 60 square meters is dangerous and must adhere to proper installation standards and ensure adequate ventilation.

Checking flue suction capacity.

Before connecting a gas heater to the flue entry, confirm the flue’s ability to draw smoke and gas. Otherwise, toxic gases may re-enter the room, causing trouble. To check the flue’s suction, place a piece of paper or cotton soaked in gasoline or alcohol at the flue opening and light it. After this, the flue must be able to expel all the created smoke and gas from the chamber. Otherwise, it lacks sufficient suction power.

Checking the heat level of the heater pipe.

Touch the flue exit pipe located in a closed room with your hand to ensure it is hot. The heat of the flue pipe indicates that the toxic gases from the heater combustion are being expelled effectively. Therefore, if the flue exit pipe is cold, you should promptly troubleshoot and fix the issue.

The main reasons for the cooling of gas appliance flues.

Gas appliance flues cool due to the following reasons:

Improper and non-standard flue installation.

If the flue is not designed and installed correctly—for example, if it exits below the roof and from the building’s side walls and windows—combustion products will not adequately ventilate, causing flue cooling.

Lack of sufficient oxygen in the environment.

Gas appliances require oxygen for combustion. If the oxygen in the environment is insufficient and the air intake openings for burning the gas appliance are inadequate, the room will experience a form of negative pressure compared to outside air. As a result, air flows from outside into the room through the flue, causing it to cool. To ensure sufficient oxygen in the environment, it is best to leave part of a door or window open where air can flow.

Excessive cold.

Excessive cold in improperly installed metal flues causes the cold to transfer to the body. Due to the wall’s low temperature, hot gases and combustion products become too dense to exit through the flue and will spread within the home. To prevent this, it is advisable to insulate metal flues using suitable materials.

Strong air currents.

Strong air currents (winds) can also cause flue cooling. Direct and indirect winds enter the flues, causing heat and combustion products to flow back into the environment. To prevent this from happening, ensure that flues are properly installed to the roof and that H caps are installed on them. Also, maintaining the distance of the flue from side walls is essential, and the height of the flue should be at least 0.6 meters above the roof level.

What are the symptoms of CO gas poisoning?

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble those of a cold, and unfortunately, individuals who are poisoned may think they have simply caught a cold

and are inclined to rest and sleep. Symptoms of CO gas poisoning include:HeadachePhysical weakness

Dizziness

Anxiety

Nausea and vomitingExcessive yawning

Reduced vision

Sleepiness

Severe fatigue

Reduced muscular strengthIf you experience these symptoms, quickly move away from the contaminated space to avoid severe poisoning.

CO Gas Poisoning Symptoms

Important measures in case of gas poisoning.

Exit the contaminated environment or move the poisoned individual out of that environment.

Loosen tight clothing and unbutton shirts and belts.

Begin oxygen supply operations.

Try to open the patient’s airways and then call emergency services.

Fireplace

Disadvantages of fireplace installation.

Flue cap