22
Gas
Q&A
Your gas
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
Why is ventilation needed for
gas appliances?
Ventilation is required for gas appliances to ensure their safe and correct operation.
AS/NZS 5601.2:2013
The process of burning gas consumes oxygen, and adequate ventilation ensures
that gas appliances operate as intended, including:
»» correct operation
»» proper flueing
»» maintaining safe ambient conditions.
2.9.6 Ventilation of the gas
appliance space and air
supply to gas appliances
The minimum free area of the total permanent ventilation for any space in which
a gas appliance is installed shall be at least 4000mm2 or the value obtained from
the following formula (whichever is the greater):
AS/NZS 5601.2:2013
What are the requirements
of air supply to gas appliances?
V = (610 x U) + (650 x P)
Where,
Section 7 Means of
compliance – Ventilation
2.9.6 Ventilation of the gas
appliance space and air
supply to gas appliances
7.3 Ventilation Openings
V = minimum free area in mm
2
U = input rating for all gas appliances (other than room sealed) in the space,
including cookers, in MJ/h. (Refer to the appliance rating plate)
P = number of sleeping spaces in the caravan or boat
When is an interlock needed
for a gas appliance?
Where the air supply for a gas appliance relies on a mechanical system,
the gas installation shall include a suitable interlock to prevent the operation
of the gas appliance if the mechanical air supply system fails.
AS/NZS 5601.2:2013
List three reasons for having
adequate ventilation in all
compartments in caravans
and boats?
Adequate ventilation will prevent:
»» excessive condensation
»» build-up of combustion products
»» toxic or hazardous conditions.
AS/NZS 5601.2:2013
How do you provide adequate
airflow for ventilation of
compartments in caravans
and boats?
Adequate ventilation is achieved by providing high and low ventilation.
AS/NZS 5601.2:2013
Such ventilation is usually provided by fixed vents but may be assisted by
wind-actuated self-trimming cowls, rotary exhauster heads, or an interlocked,
fan-assisted ventilation system.
7.2 Appropriate ventilation
systems
What consideration do you
need to give for ventilation
of pop-up recreational
vehicles and boats?
On pop-up type recreational vehicles and boats, ventilation shall be effective
whether the top is up or down.
AS/NZS 5601.2:2013
Where on an RV (motorised
caravan) is it wrong to install
a vent?
In RVs vents shall not be installed in the rear wall, regardless of the location
of the vehicle exhaust.
AS/NZS 5601.2:2013
How should ventilation
openings be arranged
for caravans?
Ventilation shall be provided by at least two openings fitted at opposite ends
or sides of the compartment.
AS/NZS 5601.2:2013
What is the maximum distance
below the ceiling that a
permanent opening can
be installed in a caravan?
The maximum distance below the ceiling is 150mm. However, where ventilation
is provided by an externally vented stove range hood/extractor this maximum
distance is increased and the vent shall be not lower than 400mm below the ceiling.
AS/NZS 5601.2:2013
What is the maximum
distance above the floor that
a permanent opening can be
installed in a caravan?
The maximum distance above the floor is 150mm.
AS/NZS 5601.1:2013
Note: Providing ventilation through the floor of the caravan may contravene
VicRoads requirements.
7.4.3 Distance from floor
Note: On camper-trailers and boats of the fully collapsible type, ventilation
need only be effective when the structure is erected.
2.9.6 Ventilation of the gas
appliance space and air
supply to gas appliances
7.1 General
7.3.2 Special requirements
for camper trailers and
boats
7.3.3 Special requirements
for RVs (motorised caravans)
7.4.1 Cross ventilation
7.4.2 Distance from ceiling