24
Gas
Q&A
gas
Your
questions
answered!
Compiled by ESV’s Gas Installations
and Appliance Safety team.
As per previous issues of Energysafe,
we are pleased to provide answers
for a varied range of frequently asked
questions received on ESV’s Gas
Technical Helpline, 1800 652 563.
Note The technical regulator may require notification before work commences and confirmation that completed work is in accordance with
this Standard (AS 5601—2013) and any other relevant requirements.
Question
Answer
Clause
What is the maximum temperature a
combustible surface is allowed to reach
from heat transmitted by a gas appliance?
The surface temperature of a combustible surface, from heat transmitted
by a gas appliance, shall not exceed 65° C.
AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
How are clearance distances between a
gas cooking appliance and the surrounding
combustible surfaces determined?
The required clearance distances between a gas cooking appliance and
a combustible surface is always in accordance with the requirements as
set by the cooking appliance manufacturer.
AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
If the manufacturer does not specify clearance distances then clearances
shall be as specified in the Standard AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 section 6.10
Additional requirements for installation of specific gas appliances.
What is the overhead clearance distance
above a cooking appliance for range hoods
and exhaust fans where the manufacturer
has not specified that distance?
Vertical clearance distance for a range hood is not less than 600mm;
measured from the top of the highest burner to the base of the rangehood.
Vertical clearance distance for an exhaust fan is not less than 750mm;
measured from the top of the highest burner to the base of the exhaust fan.
Should any other downward facing combustible surface be less than 600mm
above the top of the highest burner then the whole of the combustible surface
shall be protected for the full width and depth of the cooking surface as
described in AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 Appendix C Fire resistant material.
6.2.5 Temperature
limitation on nearby
combustible surface
6.10.1.1 Clearance
around a gas
cooking appliance
AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
6.10.1.1 Clearance
around a gas
cooking appliance
(a) Requirement
1—Overhead
clearances
The absolute minimum clearance height distance for any surface
above the highest part of the highest burner is 450mm.
What is the side clearance (horizontal)
distance from a cooking appliance to
a vertical combustible surface and the
height to which the combustible surface
must be protected?
The horizontal clearance distance from the edge of the nearest burner
to any vertical combustible surface shall not be less than 200mm.
The height to which the combustible surface must be protected shall not be
less than 150mm. This height is measured from the top of the highest burner.
Where the horizontal clearance distance cannot be achieved the
combustible surfaces shall be protected for its full width and height
as described in AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 Appendix C, Table C1.
AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
6.10.1.1 Clearance
around a gas
cooking appliance
(b) Requirement 2—
Measurements
If the gas cooking appliance is fitted with a splashback the protection of
the rear wall is not required so long as the splashback achieves the same
protection for any combustible surface less than 200mm from the edge of
the nearest burner to a height not less than 150mm above the top of the
edge of the nearest burner.
What clearance distances (horizontal and
vertical) are required for a freestanding and
elevated gas cooking appliance when that
appliance is situated next to a horizontal
combustible surface, such as a bench, that
(a) is below the hob or (b) above the trivet?
The horizontal clearance distance from the edge of the nearest burner to the
edge of any horizontal combustible surface should be 200mm or greater.
(a) here the horizontal clearance distance is less than 200mm then the
W
distance below the hob of the combustible surface shall be 10mm or
greater. A clearance of less than 10mm below the hob to the horizontal
combustible surface is not permitted without fully protecting the combustible
surface as described in AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 Appendix C, Table C1.
(b) here the horizontal clearance distance is less than 200mm and the
W
top of the horizontal combustible surface is above the top of the trivet
the exposed vertical combustible surface must be protected as
described in AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 Appendix C, Table C1.
AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
What are the clearance distances
for barbecues (approved for indoor
installation) that comply with the
requirements of domestic cookers
and are used in residential premises?
Minimum clearance distances from a cooking surface:
»» vertically to an overhead grease filter is 1200mm
»» vertically to a combustible surface is 1200mm
»» vertically to a non-combustible surface is 600mm
»» orizontally to a vertical combustible surface is 200mm.
h
(However for horizontal distances less than 200mm the
vertical combustible surface must be protected as described
in AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 Appendix C, Table C1.)
AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
6.10.1.1 Clearance
around a gas
cooking appliance
(c) Requirement
3—additional
requirements for
freestanding and
elevated cooking
appliances
6.10.1.7 Barbecues in
residential premises