How to Determine Certification
Fireplace Listing Tag Information for Chimney Inspections
How To Determine Wood-Burning Appliance Certification For Chimney Inspection Service
A factory built (metal) wood-burning appliance sold for use in Canada should have a CSA \ ULC listing \ certification tag affixed to it. The listing tag will indicate what testing standards were used to certify the appliance. In the absence of clear requirements from manufacturers for label consistency, WETT recommends the following:
Establish Product Certification
Step 1.
Locate the Listing Tag Certification Label
The listing tag certification label can be hidden in a number of locations. For a factory built fireplace, look on the edges of the firebox spark screens, indisde the firebox or on the fireplace's metal frame above the opening, inside the bottom fireplace louver grills, on the back shell of the fireplace or sometimes hidden behind a refractory panel inside the firebox. If you can not locate the listing tag certification label, certification can't be established.
Step 2.
Read the Listing Tag Certification Label
The certification label will have some of the installation information, some clearance requirements and other information that is necessary to establish if it is listed for use in Canada.
Step 3.
Look for the Listing Standard it was Tested Under
Every certified appliance sold in Canada gets tested by a third party accredited lab. The appliance or equipment is tested under the specific standard it is seeking certification under. For more information on listing standards, please visit https://www.canadianchimney.com/solid-fuel-appliance-codes-and-standards.html
Step 4.
Locate ULC Mark or Accredited Lab Mark
The certification label must be recognized in Canada by the “SCC” (Standards Council of Canada). The following web page contains a list of some of the accredited labs.
https://www.canadianchimney.com/solid-fuel-appliance-codes-and-standards.html
https://www.canadianchimney.com/solid-fuel-appliance-codes-and-standards.html
Step 5.
Locate Manufacturers Information and Model Number
This information is often in a grey box with stamped letters and numbers. If the information is hard to read, try cleaning the surface, if you still can't read the information, place a piece of paper on top of the listing tag and use a pencil to shade the paper, the information will likely produce a carbon copy onto your piece of paper that is legible. If the label still can't be read, certification can not be established.
Step 6.
Locate the Serial Number
The serial number is important to establish certification and to ensure the manufacturer manual you will reference is for the serial number of your appliance or equipment.
Step 7.
Record Listing Tag Certification Label Information
I use to write the listing tag information down, but this creates the possibility of error. I now prefer to take pictures that illustrate the tag and information clearly, this also provides detailed documentation if it is ever needed again in the future.
Step 8.
Locate Original Manufacturers Manual
An original manufacturers manual has the installation requirements, limitations, service requirements, trouble shooting and other important information you will need. Only the original manufacturers manual that is specific the make, model and serial number may be used. Manuals are updated when design flaws, changes, or updates in information are needed and vary depending on the serial number. Some appliances with the exact same make and model numbers will have completely different installation requirements, as the information was changed and updated after your unit was manufactured.
Step 9.
Conduct Inspection to Determine Compliance
A comprehensive chimney inspection in combined with all the other information you obtained will assist you in determining system compliance. It's always best to hire a Qualified Chimney Professional, as there are many things the "untrained eye" may miss if you are not familiar with chimney codes, standards and requirements.
Step 10.
Consult with Manufacturer and AHJ
Confirm that the installation manual is consistent with the information on the certification label.
Where there is incomplete, confusing or contradictory information in the installation manual, contact the manufacturer or certification agency for official documentation.
Where there is incomplete, confusing or contradictory information in the installation manual, contact the manufacturer or certification agency for official documentation.
When Certification “Cannot” be Determined
Revert to the current version of CAN CSA-B365. Where there is incomplete, confusing or contradictory information in B365, refer to the “AHJ” (Authority Having Jurisdiction) or
Hire a Qualified Chimney Professional
Do some research and hire a qualified, reputable, knowledgeable, experienced and certified chimney professional to conduct chimney service for you.
