What is BS EN 13278 – Open fronted gas-fired independent space heaters about?
BS EN 13278 is a European Standard that discusses open fronted gas-fired independent space heaters. The main objective of BS EN 13278 is to provide best industry requirements and test methods to ensure open fronted gas-fired independent space heaters are fit for purpose.
BS EN 13278 specifies the requirements and test methods for the construction, safety, marking and rational use of energy of open fronted gas-fired independent space heaters with and without a fan to assist with the transportation of flue gases, hereafter referred to as appliances.
Although the fan may be mounted outdoors, BS EN 13278 only covers appliances where the body of the appliance is indoors.
BS EN 13278 applies to types B11AS, B11BS, B14AS, and B14BS (commonly referred to in this standard as type B1 appliances) open fronted gas-fired independent space heating appliances:
- That incorporate an atmospheric burner
- That are connected directly to an open flue (see Figure 1), or to a device to evacuate the products of combustion (open-flued appliances)
- That have a nominal heat input not exceeding 20 kW (based on the net calorific value)
- That are delivered with the gas-carrying components, burner(s), combustion chamber and heat exchanger fully assembled
Note: BS EN 13278 does not apply to:
- Closed-fronted appliances
- Decorative fuel effect appliances as specified in EN 509
- Catalytic combustion appliances
- Ducted-air appliances
- Appliances installed by means of a closure plate (see 3.3.3.3).
Who is BS EN 13278 - Open fronted gas-fired independent space heaters for? 
BS EN 13278 on open fronted gas-fired independent space heaters is relevant to: 
- Manufacturers of gas-fired space heaters
- Product designers
- Quality control and testing personnel
- Mechanical engineers
- Electrical engineers
Why should you use BS EN 13278 - Open fronted gas-fired independent space heaters?
Open fronted gas-fired independent space heaters play a vital role in providing space heating. However, to avoid improper heating and performance inefficiencies, it is crucial that the heaters conform to best industry requirements and testing.
BS EN 13278 classifies open fronted gas-fired independent space heaters according to the nature of the gases used, and the method of evacuation of the products of combustion. This classification can be helpful in ensuring the gases and the pressures for which they are designed contribute to the functional efficiency.
BS EN 13278 also provides constructional and operational requirements of open fronted gas-fired independent space heaters and their adjusting, control and safety devices.
To facilitate the performance evaluation of open fronted gas-fired independent space heaters BS EN 13278 provides standardized test methods for the product. As a result, you can identify and correct product failures in time to prevent irreparable damage and injuries.
BS EN 13278 also provide with marking schemes and instructions for safe operation of the product. This helps in marking the warning labels for a clear guidance to its users.
As a result, if you are a manufacturer of open fronted gas-fired independent space heaters, adopting BS EN 13278 requirements and test methods can ensure your products are safe, reliable and effective at the point of use. Thus, the risk of electrical hazards, deformations, safety/control device failure, and leakages can be minimized.
