Revised requirements of the location of flue terminals
This advisory note outlines the new rules for the location of flue terminals including when installed under a covered area, in a recess, or on a balcony.
| Note | 02/2023 |
| Date issued | January 2023 |
| Last updated | January 2023 |
| For | Licensees and contractors working in the gasfitting industry |
| Issued by | Building Commission NSW Gas Compliance Unit |
| Scope | Applies to all areas in New South Wales |
Issue
A new revision of AS/NZS5601.1 has been released on 30 September 2022 (AS/NZS5601.1:2022) and becomes the referenced standard from 30 March 2023.
AS/NZS 5601.1:2022, does not permit the installation of gas continuous flow hot water systems near building openings, and prescribes requirements of the flue terminal when installed under covered area, in a recess or on a balcony.
All gas installations in NSW must comply with the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 (the Act) with any installation not conforming to AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 considered non-compliant.
AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 – Gas Installations
6.9.3 Location of flue terminals around the perimeter of a building or structure
The location of the flue terminal of a balanced flue appliance, room sealed appliance, a fan-assisted appliance or an appliance designed for outdoor installation shall:
- conform to Figure 6.9.3, Table 6.9.3, Clause 6.9.4 and Figure 6.9.4; and
- where a flue terminal discharges combustible products in the direction of a property boundary, the flue terminal shall be more than 450mm from the boundary.
6.9.4 Flue terminal under a covered area, in a recess or on a balcony
Where a flue terminal is to be installed under a covered area, in a recess or on a balcony, ready dispersion of combustion products and avoidance of nuisance shall be achieved as follows:
- For partially or fully covered areas and recesses, which are not balconies and which are open on at least two sides, the flue terminal shall be located to ensure a free flow of air across it and conform to the requirements of clause 6.2.5. The appliance shall be a balanced flue appliance, room sealed appliance, a fan-assisted appliance or an appliance designed for outdoor installation.
- For partially or fully covered areas and recesses, which are not balconies and which are open on only one side, the flue terminal shall extend beyond an external corner or the covered area and discharge towards the open side, as illustrated in Figure 6.9.4(a) and Figure 6.9.4(b) respectively, to ensure that combustion products discharge to open atmosphere. The flue terminal shall be located to conform to the requirements of Clause 6.2.5. The appliance shall be a fan-assisted appliance.
- For all balconies, regardless of the number of open sides and including partially covered balconies, the flue terminal shall extend beyond an external corner or any covered area and discharge towards an open side as illustrated in Figure 6.9.4(c) to ensure that combustion products discharge to open atmosphere. The flue terminal shall be located to conform to the requirements of clause 6.2.5. The appliance shall be a fan-assisted appliance.
The minimum clearances as per table of Figure 6.9.3 shall apply, with the exception of clearance “c”.
These requirements do not apply to domestic gas barbecues and radiant gas heaters designed for outdoor use. For these appliances, see Clause 6.10.19.
6.2.5 Temperature limitation on nearby combustible surface
An appliance shall be installed such that the surface temperature of any nearby combustible surface will not exceed 65’C above ambient.
Requirements
When installing gas appliances, strict compliance to AS/NZS 5601.1 is required for all installations ensuring that the heater is located correctly to comply with the above clauses.
It is essential that there is sufficient ventilation for the heater to operate and for gasses to escape. Louvre screens, windows or other such obstructions shall not interfere with the air flow required or flue termination for the appliance.
It is recommended that licensed gasfitters discuss with building designers and builders to plan for the correct location of the appliances. The licensed gasfitter is the responsible person for the gas installation including appliance locations.
Information contained within this advisory note refers to codes and standards current at the time at when it was last updated.
Building Commission NSW disclaims any liability (including for negligence) to any person in respect of anything done, or not done, by that person in whole or partial reliance on any of the information in this advisory note.