Regulations for fireplaces

In Finland, all factory-made fireplaces manufactured must be CE marked according to EN-standards. This regulation will be legal from the beginning of 2012. These fireplace standards are product standards, which mean that they can be affixed to equipment on the basis of the CE mark. These standards must be followed all the big European manufacturers like Uunisepät.

All fireplaces must pass standardization tests in future. In the test, concentration of carbon monoxide or carbon monoxide emissions is being measured. The level of carbon monoxide emissions must be under 0.3% and the efficiency of the fireplace must be over 70%. The fireplace according to the CE standards cannot cool down too quickly from the surface. In Finland, this threshold is set at 6 hours, ie the surface of the fireplace must not be less than 6 hours, which means that the fireplace cannot cool to 50% of the surface temperature at this peak.

Factory-made chimneys have their own EN standards and CE marking, depending on the type of chimney. Chimneys have been divided according to the categories of heat, from which T600 is the highest. Safety distances are changing longer when the temperature class grows. For example for fireplaces from Uunisepät the T400-class chimney is recommended for at least. Sauna fireplaces are prescribed T600-class chimney. It is the task of the fireplace manufacturer to determine which temperature and size the chimney is compatible with the fireplace.

The chimney is designed and dimensioned being suitable for the fireplace and so that it will achieve a sufficient traction, fire safety (safety distances), life and strength. Chimney sizing information and selection criteria will be based on the chimney CE marking. Chimney and fireplace from the same manufacturer is usually the best option, as they are tested and working together flawlessly. Uunisepät gives their fireplaces 3-year warranty, and for the fireplaces’ frame the warranty of 10 years.

As demand grows, and the customer requirements and preferences change, it is important that the manufacturer of the fireplace is closely involved in the product development. Safety, functionality and suitability must be kept at the days’ level. Product design and full service are important factors in choosing the fireplace, but CE markings and extensive testing should be valued the most. Reliable testing is, above all, necessity for the environment, and also became a place in the user's interests.