Flue flow and spillage test

[Billy Bob Bob]

before i put in a smoke bomb in i waft a spillage match around to see if it pulling. cant beat filling a front room up with smoke.

and you also stick the gas lamp in for 10 mins to warm it up a cold flue wont pull

 

[Reg Man]

I'm just reading the manual for a flue flow and spillage test for a focal point fire lulworth DFE that i'll doing next weekend. the MI does not specify that a flue flow test needs to be done but does state a spillage test is to be carried during annual servicing.

as far as i know that flue flow test is equally as important as a spillage test...is this correct?

That's why you should never rely on reading the Mi's in isolation, as other normative documents need to be considered as well.

 

[kirkgas]

I can't imagine MI's don't mention flue flow test in accordance with BS5400-1, are you sure nothing is mentioned about checking/confirming flue?

 

[AWheating]

I can't imagine MI's don't mention flue flow test in accordance with BS5400-1, are you sure nothing is mentioned about checking/confirming flue?

they probably assume the installer is competent and registerd, but if i was selling my fires in B and Q id be giving free coffins with every fire LOL.

 

[GrahamM]

I can't imagine MI's don't mention flue flow test in accordance with BS5400-1, are you sure nothing is mentioned about checking/confirming flue?

The MI's mention the installer must be qualified and fire installed in line with GSIUR.
Enough said!

 

[Ermintrude]

I can't imagine MI's don't mention flue flow test in accordance with BS5400-1, are you sure nothing is mentioned about checking/confirming flue?

Lots of mi have a page at start with list of all the standards required. Some of the mi are written by the china man that made the fire tho!

 

[Whyme]

Tbh i cant remember any fire mi's telling me do a flow test. its just normally is flue compatible and sound. suppose that test is a given..

 

[Reg Man]

I can't imagine MI's don't mention flue flow test in accordance with BS5400-1, are you sure nothing is mentioned about checking/confirming flue?

I think you mean BS5440 part 1, BS5400 refers to steel and concrete bridges. Its all very well the MI's referring you to British Standards, but unlike the old old Gas scheme most engineers don't have BS's to refer too. So they are all reliant on other trade literature and ACS.

 

[kirkgas]

I think you mean BS5440 part 1, BS5400 refers to steel and concrete bridges. Its all very well the MI's referring you to British Standards, but unlike the old old Gas scheme most engineers don't have BS's to refer too. So they are all reliant on other trade literature and ACS.

Yes just a typo,
MI's have a list of BS's at the front that should be complied with so I'm sure BS5440-1 & 2 will be listed, anyone competent to fit a fire must know a flue flow test must be done to confirm flue integrity, so doesn't really matter if it doesn't specifically Tell us to do it

 

[GrahamM]

Tbh i cant remember any fire mi's telling me do a flow test. its just normally is flue compatible and sound. suppose that test is a given..

As I mentioned above:
At start of MI's it will state must be installed by a competent installer in line with the GSIUR and building regs etc.
Read MI's people!

 

[AlexGas]

the MI does not specify that a flue flow test needs to be done but does state a spillage test is to be carried during annual servicing.

as far as i know that flue flow test is equally as important as a spillage test...is this correct?

Have another look:

SERVICING
...
9. Check the flue with smoke pellet for correct operation.

 

[Chris F]

That smoke pen looks really good im gonna have to get me one

 

[Reg Man]

From memory; a smoke pellet must give off 5m3 of smoke for at least 30 seconds, therefore giving off enough to let you make a decision on the integrity of the flue.

 

[buckley plumb]

From memory; a smoke pellet must give off 5m3 of smoke for at least 30 seconds, therefore giving off enough to let you make a decision on the integrity of the flue.[/QUOTE

I get the 45 sec ones now i am getting old and t takes me longer to put my boots onand run outside

 

[GrahamM]

3rd floor flats are a nightmare.
2 bombs in, dive down 3 flights stairs & run about half a mile out past building to be able to get a line of sight of the termination.:lol:

 

[Andyswad]

I agree I like the 45sec ones, especially against a blue/grey sky it takes me that long to focus now

 

[kirkgas]

You can also get orange smoke pellets

 

[PhoenixServices]

You can also get orange smoke pellets

They stain things like curtains though if it fills the room with smoke.

 

[kirkgas]

They stain things like curtains though if it fills the room with smoke.

I would always use a smoke match first to see if there was some pull then generally if it fails the smoke stays in the chimney, but I suppose on smaller chimneys it could get back into the room, they are great for really dull grey days

 

[lame plumber]

I would always use a smoke match first to see if there was some pull then generally if it fails the smoke stays in the chimney, but I suppose on smaller chimneys it could get back into the room, they are great for really dull grey days

average day up you way is dull and grey fm what I hear

 

[Reg Man]

Sometimes a correctly carried out flue flow test is a two man job by two qualified engineers, due to the distance and time it takes to get from the chimney (flue) opening to a view point outside. That does not go down well with some employers, so doubt if its always carried out correctly. Have never used coloured died pellets, because of the risk of staining furnishings; but can see the merits when you have white smoke on a cloudy sky background.

 

[AWheating]

i will use an orange pellet if my normal one has gone up ok but its hard to see.

sometimes filling the room is not a bad idea when you have a customer standing over your shoulder nagging at ya.