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Gas News
Looks can be deceiving : common flue problems
By Tyler Mason , Senior Gas Engineer
Correct flueing is absolutely critical to the safety of every gas appliance and installation .
Incorrect flueing can cause spillage , poor combustion and increased temperatures , posing carbon monoxide risk , fire hazard – or both .
A number of examples have been brought to ESV ’ s attention that serve as a timely reminder for gasfitters to check the integrity of flues , especially in cases where they present warning signs .
In the two images above , the cowl ( despite appearing fine ) had rust drop into the flue , creating a near perfect seal that prevented the discharge of combustion products .
The top of the appliance , a storage water heater , was found covered in soot and debris from the deteriorated cowl and flue .
This slightly worn cowl ? An eagle-eyed plumber noticed that the bird mesh was removed . A bird then nested within the cowl and flue , requiring extensive efforts to clear it out .
Finally , this older style flue cowl appeared seemingly ‘ squashed ,’ with its entire flue and heat exchanger coated in thick soot . Reports from the owner identified a luminescent ( or smothered ) flame on the instantaneous open-flued water heater , installed in a toilet .
Despite not being confirmed , it is highly likely that the appliance was spilling combustion products as well .
Common flueing
By Tyler Mason , Senior Gas Engineer
Common flueing of appliances can be a little confusing when considering the applicable requirements . In short , AS / NZS 5601.1 :
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Paragraph H1 lays out the design principles and necessary considerations for designing flues for appliances with atmospheric burners
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Paragraph H2 details the design principles and necessary calculations to design and size a power flue for either an open-flued appliance , or a forced / induced draught burner system . Note that while this applies to open-flued appliances ( including power-flued appliances that draw combustion air from the space their in ), it differs from room-sealed or balanced flue appliances , in which case the entire flue and its termination are within the scope of the Type A certification . This is primarly due to the systems also supplying the appliance with combusion air , in addition to discharging combustion products . It involves additional testing of the appliance during certification and may require additional safety interlocks .
Consequently , room-sealed or balance flue appliances must be installed in full accordance with the manufacturer ’ s installation instructions . Note : Appendix H is not intended , nor does it apply to roomsealed or balanced flue appaliances .
Prosecutions and infringements
Results of proceedings and prosecutions as at 31 August 2017 .
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Paul Oxley Gower , of Kyneton , unregistered and unlicensed appeared at Seymour Magistrates ’ Court charged with carrying on electrical contracting work when not registered six times , and carrying out electrical installation work when not a licensed electrician . He was convicted and fined $ 10,000 .
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Chao Yan , of Boronia , Solar system engineer , appeared at Broadmeadows Magistrates ’ Court charged with carrying out electrical installation work when unlicensed . He was given an undertaking to be of good behaviour for one year , and ordered to pay $ 500 in costs .
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Jason Gluck , of South Caulfield , Locksmith , appeared at Melbourne Magistrates ’ Court for employing a person to carry out electrical work when the contractor ( Gluck ) was not an electrical contractor . He was given an undertaking to be of good behaviour for one year , and ordered to pay $ 250 in costs .
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Statewide Electrical Automations Pty Ltd , of Diggers Rest , RES ( unregistered at the time of the offences ), appeared at Sunshine Magistrates ’ Court charged with carrying out electrical contracting work when not registered , failure to have prescribed electrical installation work inspected , and permitting a person to carry out electrical installation work that did not comply with the Act and Regulations . The organisation was released without conviction and ordered to pay $ 1000 in costs .
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Bruno Cuscuna , of Diggers Rest , LEIW , appeared at Sunshine Magistrates ’ Court charged with carrying out electrical work when not registered , failing to have prescribed electrical installation work inspected , and carrying out electrical installation work that did not comply with the Act and Regulations . He was released on an undertaking of good behaviour for one year and ordered to pay $ 250 in costs .
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Green Engineering Vic Pty Ltd , of Dandenong , REC , appeared at Ballarat Magistrates ’ Court charged with installing unsafe electrical equipment , failing to complete a COES and failing to notify cessation of Tech Nominee . The organisation was fined without conviction and ordered to pay $ 1000 in costs .
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Sali Degirmencioglu , of Sydenham , unregistered , appeared at Sunshine Magistrates ’ Court chared with carrying out electrical contracting work when not registered . He was fined without conviction and ordered to pay $ 1200 in costs .
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Mark Kelman , of Deer Park , LEIW , appeared at the Sunshine Magistrates ’ Court charged with installing unsafe equipment and failing to give electrical notification of a certificate of compliance . He was fined without conviction and ordered to pay $ 1000 in costs .
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Justin Waldie , unlicensed , appeared at Sunshine Magistrates ’ Court charged with carrying out electrical installation work when not a licensed electrician , and carrying out plumbing work when not licensed by the VBA . He was convicted and fined $ 7500 .
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David Berkovits , registration as a REC ( suspended with respect to 2015 charges ), appeared at Melbourne Magistrates ’ Court charged with carrying on electrical contracting work in 2016 when registration was suspended , giving misleading information to ESV in 2015 , failing to ensure that the prescribed electrical work carried out in 2015 was inspected , failing to give a COES for electrical installation work carried out in 2015 , and failing to give a COES for electrical installation work carried out in 2016 . He was released on an undertaking to be of good behaviour for one year and ordered to pay $ 2000 in costs .
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Tracy Rausch , of Kyneton , associate of Gower , appeared at the Seymour Magistrates ’ Court charged with carrying out electrical installation work when not a licensed electrician . She was convicted and fined $ 800 .