Boiler flue into a light well

[Timberframer]

We have recently had our boiler break down and the insurance repair guy said that he should really condem it. This was a bit of a shock to us as it is only 5 yrs old (Halstead Ace).

The reason was that the flue was terminating in the light well at the fornt of our house, and he said that this is against corgi regs.

Just wondering if anyone knows what the regs are in a light well, or where i can find out for definate.

I can't see that he would have repaired it and risk losing his corgi registration if it really was that bad, but i want to be safe.

Anyone any ideas?

 

[giblets]

Need a bit more info on this. A picture or two would help.

 

[Agile]

There is no specific instruction about this problem.

The requirement is that in all weather conditions the products of combustion will naturally clear so that the air drawn in is substantially clean fresh air.

Using a gas analyser in the inlet air to the boiler under maximum power on a still day when it has been operating for say 10-15 minutes would usually indiacte if there was a significant problem.

Its essentially the judgement of the gas engineer but to make a proper judgement he will need his instrument!

Tony

 

[Timberframer]

The guy who said that there would be a problem seemed to be more bothered about our kitchen window that is also in the light well.

It is a large light well (5.5m long just over 1m wide) with steps down into it at one end, with the flue terminating horizontally into it at the opposite end. The kitchen window is at least 1m away fron the flue.

Would it be expensive to get someone corgi registered to come and have a look at it?

 

[Agile]

"""The reason was that the flue was terminating in the light well at the fornt of our house, and he said that this is against corgi regs."""

I was only replying in respect of the boiler as that was the apparent question !

The boiler should be installed in such a position that it will not cause inconvenience or danger to anyone. If your kitchen window is so close there is a serious risk if you open it that it will allow dangerous products of combustion to enter the kitchen.

Call 10 CORGIs and you will possibly get 10 different answers as its a matter of judgement. The best judgement would be from a CORGi inspector. I expect they will also condemm it as unsafe !

Tony

 

[namsag]

Agile . do you actually have a corgi book . you say there is no specific instruction about this problem .Try looking at page 284 of latest book where it mentions distances for flue and what a lightwell is described as....

(abuse deleted)

As certain dimension come into this question a photo would help

 

[doitall]

4.2.2 Basement areas, light wells and retaining walls
No flue termination or terminal shall be sited to discharge within the curtilage or confines of any enclosed
basement area, light well or external space formed by any retaining wall or passage unless reasonable
provision can be made to ensure the safe disposal of flue gases.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 4.2.2
Terminals for balanced flued appliances and fanned draught open flued appliances may, be acceptable
provided they are sited at a height of not more than 1 m below the top level of the basement area, light well
or retaining wall. The combustion products should only discharge in free open air.
Where a basement area or light well is formed by a single retaining wall to create an uncovered passage way
at least 1.5 m wide it may be possible, to site a fanned draught open flued appliance terminal or a fanned or
natural draught balanced flued appliance terminal.
The passage should allow free air circulation beyond and around the ends of the structure and retaining
wall. It is also essential that unobstructed air movement takes place at the open ends of any such formed
passage way which should terminate at or above ground level. Subject to such provisions, a fanned-draught
open-flued appliance terminal or a fanned or natural-draught balanced-flued appliance terminal may be
installed in strict accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.

 

[ChrisR]

Capped off 4 supplies to 4 boilers with flues in the same lightwell once. All new unregistered installations, for the same landlord. He wasn't very happy about it
His bloke couldn't find the meter discs I'd put in so he accused me of blocking his gas pipe - so he'd obviously tried to use them.

 

[Agile]

Agile . do you actually have a corgi book . you say there is no specific instruction about this problem .Try looking at page 284 of latest book where it mentions distances for flue and what a lightwell is described as....

(abuse deleted)

As certain dimension come into this question a photo would help

You seem to be very good at being disparaging and rather rude to others which appears to be a common ex-BG trait. However, I dont see you being able to give any specific advice to the OP.

I dont see that anything quoted above conflicts with what I originally said.

Tony

 

[namsag]

Don`t think there was anything particularly rude in it... You said there is no specific instuction about this problem which could give people a false sense of safety.

When in fact there is half a page given to it in the corgi book.. I have asked for a photo if possible that way we will be able to see if any other flues terminate in there and what exactly this light well looks like and see how enclosed it is.

 

[Gasguru]

AFAIK there are no specific written fault categories for flues within lightwells.

It always comes down to whether the individual installer considers there is a posibility of re-entry into the property of undiluted combustion products and whether the boiler is operating correctly. This will always be a subjective opinion - and exactly the same situation could be regarded as NCS by one indivdual or even ID by another.

If there is any ambiguity then AR or ID the installation. If the customer has any argument refer them to Corgi. You've covered your a**e and the customer can have an inspection by corgi at their request. Chances are the Corgi inspector will cover his a**e and consider it AR or ID.

It may be very difficult and expensive to relocate the flue or boiler. Provided the boiler is operating safely the main risk may be from combustion products entering the window. Perhaps it is feasable to seal the window permanently shut and provide kitchen ventillation via an extractor fan. The outlet of this fan would be located at a safe ddistance from the flue and incorporate a gravity vent. If the kitchen contains a gas hob or cooker other regulations must be considered when the ventilation is just provided by an extrator fan.

 

[doyle]

Agile . do you actually have a corgi book . you say there is no specific instruction about this problem .Try looking at page 284 of latest book where it mentions distances for flue and what a lightwell is described as....

(abuse deleted)

As certain dimension come into this question a photo would help

hahaha you got told of ner ner nerner ner

is this information in the coresafety handbooks aswell so i can see what we are talking aobut