Chimney Pots/gas terminals

[jrtrrror]

Hi All.
Does anyone know of a 'one stop' source of information that details the requirements regarding chimney pots/gas terminals and their uses. For example, can clay chimney pots be used on gas fires. I know there is plenty of stuff on the web, but I can't seem to find one single source.
There is a gap in my understanding of the requirements concerning the installation of chimney pots and gas terminals. Assuming proper draw and correctly sized aperture of the pot/terminal, can any clay chimney pot be used with a gas fire. Thanks. D

 

[townfanjon]

There are approved terminals , why do you ask ?

 

[JohnnyM]

Depends on size, what type of fire, does it need a cage? Got to take this into account.

 

[Riley]

OP are you Gas Safe as if you are looking at getting something like this rectified you’d be best off getting a gas safe engineer who can obviously test everything correctly once the new pot is installed

 

[Darren Jackson]

All the information you need is in the gas safety installation and use regulations, available to any gas safe registered engineer.

 

[Allgoode]

If in doubt refer to the regs or you could contact your center where you gained your gas quals from.

They should be fully up to date with the regs and also maybe be able to explain them in a more simple way if you are struggling with them,

Hope this helps,

Andy

 

[jrtrrror]

Hi All.
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I completely understand the reluctance to fully answer my questions. So, please allow me to go be you a little background to my query.
Recently, I was working up a roof and a neighbour asked if I would be willing to remove a very dangerous square clay chimney pot from their chimney stack. At that particular moment I wasn't in a position to leave the job to take a look, but did gleam a little information. I asked if the flue was in use. Apparently it was not, but they were considering installing a gas fire at sometime in the future. Because they originally asked me to remove it, I wondered if it could be left in place, obviously uprighted and made safe, ready for use with a future gas fire. If indeed this type of chimney pot is safe to use with a gas fire of any type, it would be wiser to leave it in place, instead of removing it and recapping the crown of the stack with a 5" gas terminal incorporated to allow a little ventilation. If the owners decided they wished to install a gas fire at sometime in the future, they wouldn't have the extra cost of installing an appliance suitable for their new fire.
So there you go, I simply want to save them any unnecessary extra costs, by removing the clay pot, if it is actually safe for use with a gas fire.
Thanks all
D

 

[firemant]

Fitted vertically ( ) it is suitable for a gas fire. Be very wary of replacing it as there are many terminals not suitable. If you really wanted to change it, you should visit a specialist such as Specflu who have many branches. The only benefit (unless there are downdraught issues) would be to remove the possibility of bird entry, but nothing would look as good as the original, IMO.

 

[jrtrrror]

Thanks Firemant
So, do I understand correctly, this existing chimney pot is safe to use with any gas fire that they may wish to install in the future.
I was wary of replacing it for your stated reason, that any replacement may not be suitable for the new appliance. I also considered suggested installing a birdgage ontop to limit rain water dropping down the flue and obviously keep the birds out. Is it correct it would need a mesh of 2.5cm X 2.5cm?
Many thanks again for taking the time to answer my query

 

[firemant]

Oddly, I am not 100% sure that I remember the correction and max dimension of the mesh. I won’t say what is in my head, to avoid confusion and I am not in a position to check. Anyway, DO NOT fit mesh across the terminal flatly. Birds may just use it as a nest base, and it is it impossible to imagine a great fat pigeon dying there. Use a proprietary guard, but, again, NOT the nice type that is pyramidical in shape, often with a metal ring on top. A gas fire does not REQUIRE a bird guard, but if you fit one it must be of the right type. Those pyramid ones have too wide an opening towards the base, and birds still get in. They are suitable only for solid fuel.
Your pot, I believe, will be a min diameter of 175mm , making it suitable for any fire, but adding anything other than a basic bird guard can affect that.

 

[jrtrrror]

Hi Firemant.
Sorry,I didn't think the other messages posted, so typed something up again.
Thank you very much.

Thanks again
D

Actually, whilst here...out if curiosity can clay pots, with an opening greater than 175mm be used on any appliance whether it be gas, wood or solid fuel?
Thanks again
D

 

[firemant]

Hi Firemant.
Sorry,I didn't think the other messages posted, so typed something up again.
Thank you very much.

Thanks again
D

Actually, whilst here...out if curiosity can clay pots, with an opening greater than 175mm be used on any appliance whether it be gas, wood or solid fuel?
Thanks again


D

There other considerations such as flue length and whether the flue is eternal or internal but, generally, 175mm is sufficient for any gas fire. 99% sure that is true for woodd/SF. It should aslo be noted that a flue cross sectional area can be TOO big.