BCAB #1242 - Solid Fuel Add On Heating System; Article 9.34.1.5.

March 27, 1991

BCAB #1242

Re: Solid Fuel Add On Heating System; Article 9.34.1.5.

Project Description

Combination wood / electric furnace for single family dwelling. Furnace is installed in attached garage.

Reason for Appeal

Article 9.34.1.5. requires add on solid fuel heating systems to be installed in conformance with CAN3-B365, "Installation Code for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment." This standard, in section 3.4, prohibits the installation of solid fuel burning appliances in locations "where a corrosive or explosive atmosphere may be present, ie, in an atmosphere that may contain acid vapours, combustible dusts, or flammable vapours."

Appellant's Position

The appellant maintains that section 3.4 of the standard is refering to commercial or industrial situations and was not intended to apply to storage garages for single family dwellings. He notes that the Building Code does not prohibit the installation of a solid fuel stove in a garage.

Building Official's Position

The building official contends that a potential explosion hazard exists with a solid fuel burning appliance in a residential garage. He also contends that section 3.4 of CAN3-B365 is not limited to commercial or industrial occupancies and as the standard was written for all occupancies it seems reasonable to assume this section applies to all occupancies.

Appeal Board Decision #1242

It is the determination of the Board that the wood burning central heating system in question must be installed in conformance with CAN3-B365. Article 9.34.1.5. requires a solid fuel burning add-on system to conform to the standard and Clause 6.2.1.3.(1)(g) requires conformance to the standard for solid fuel heating systems.

The standard prohibits the installation of an appliance in an atmosphere that may contain flammable vapours and the Board considers that flammable vapours may be present in a garage attached to a single family dwelling. Therefore, the solid fuel burning appliance cannot be installed in the garage.

George R. Humphrey, Chair