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AndyNorman · Joined: 23 Feb 2003 Posts: 2 Location: Epsom Surrey UK

We would like to put a basket style gas fire. We have a 1930's house with an open brick fire place and a recently swept chimney. The dimentions of the fire place are width : 79cm Height : 79cm and Depth : 35cm.

We have been told by a gas fire sales man that we need to raise the floor to reduce the height from the base of the fire surface to the under side of the chimney. Is this correct. If so what are the legal dimentions. ie would a line of bricks on end raising the base by 4 inches be enough?

Where can I find out with the legal imentions are?

Thanks

Andy

[/img]http://www.users.totalise.co.uk/andy.norman/fireplacesmall.jpg[img]

ChrisR · Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2003 10:52 pm Post subject:

The rules are first set out in British Standards - it's BS5871 part 3 for DFE's. (Decorative Fuel Effect fires) BUt that's just the start. MOST important is the Manufacturer's Instructions. These can be tighter or more relaxed than the BS, and it's the MI which rule. So you will find different requirements depending on the fire.
The BS's change from time to time, so you need the MI. For example, some basket fores need a "shelf" to sit on if there's not going to be a hearth, others are OK within certain dimensions. You might find there's a limitation on the distance between the top of the opening and the wooden mantle shelf, too.
If you have to build up the base, any non flammable material would be OK.
There is/was no perticular dimension for the height of the opening. The AREA of the opening has to be in the right relationship to the diameter and height of the flue - a complex diagram in the standards is used to work it out.

So, don't take the salesman's word for it, look at the MI. If in doubt call the manufacturer's help line for the model you're interested in.