What is BS EN 1443-Performance criteria for chimneys about?
BS EN 1443 is a European Standard that discusses requirements for chimneys.
BS EN 1443 specifies requirements and the basic performance criteria for chimneys, flue liners, connecting flue pipes, components and accessories used to convey the products of combustion from combustion appliances to the outside atmosphere.
BS EN 1443 is to be used as a reference for all product standards of CEN/TC 166.
Note: BS EN 1443 does not apply to structurally independent chimneys and custom-built chimneys consisting of non-CE-marked components.
Who is BS EN1443- Performance criteria for chimneys for?
BS EN 1443 on General requirements of Chimneys can be used by:
- Chimney component manufacturers and suppliers
- Flue dampers manufacturersand suppliers
- Contractors
- Architects
- Installers
- Designers
- Local authorities
Why should you use BS EN 1443 Performance criteria for chimneys?
The development of combustion appliances which has progressed in the recent years due to the need of saving energy and protecting the environment was paralleled by technical development of chimneys. Therefore, new additional requirements for chimneys are necessary, e.g. operation with positive pressure, operation with the formation of condensate.
Chimneys consist of different components which can be assembled, e.g. either:
- As system chimneys, that are installed using a combination of compatible chimney components, obtained or specified as a kit from one manufacturing source with product responsibility for the whole chimney, or
- As custom-built chimneys, that are installed or built on-site in accordance with a design document or local building regulations, using a combination of compatible chimney components that can be from one or more sources.
BS EN 1443 covers both cases. It lists the relevant performance requirements for system chimneys and custom-built chimneys.
BS EN 1443 specifies sootfire resistant chimneys, flue liners, connecting flue pipes, fittings and accessories for combustion appliances burning solid, liquid and gaseous fuels and non-sootfire resistant chimneys, flue liners, connecting flue pipes, components and accessories for combustion appliances burning liquid and gaseous fuels only.
BS EN 1443 specifies a designation scheme for chimneys which considers combinations between combustion appliance and chimney. This scheme takes into account, for example, different climatic conditions, different fuels, and different building parameters. The ability of a chimney to prevent ignition of adjacent combustible materials and to prevent the spread of fire to adjacent areas within a building is included.
BS EN 1443 specifies a designation scheme for chimneys which considers combinations between combustion appliance and chimney which makes manufacturing and research easier for the user.
BS EN 1443 also identifies minimum requirements for marking, instructions, product information and provides guidance for the assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP).
Overall, you can demonstrate the performance of the overall chimney system and its components and accessories, such that they contribute to optimal user safety and minimize the risk of hazards.
