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7.4 In airing cupboard installations, the part used as the air heater compartment must comply with the relevant
section of BS 5864 and must be completely separated by either a non-combustible partition or a perforated
metal partition with the perforations not exceeding 13mm (½”). The secondary flue must be a tight fit where
it passes through the partition and must be suitably protected. See BS 5440: Part 1.
7.5 In under-stairs installations, the compartment must comply with the relevant section of BS 5864, provided
that in addition all internal surfaces (including the base) are non-combustible or lined with non-combustible
material. This requirement is applicable only to dwellings of more than two storeys.
7.6 In free-standing installations, (Refer to the instructions packed with top closure kit), only one or two walls will
be in close proximity to the air heater. These must be non-combustible.
7.7 Where the air heater is to be installed onto a combustible surface and under-floor ducting used, a suitable
base tray MUST be used in order to provide insulation.
NB: Where a base plenum is used no base tray is required!
7.8 Although two permanent ventilation openings are not required, consideration should be given to the amount
of heat emitted by any ductwork present in the compartment, otherwise the compartment temperature could
increase and will affect the safe operation of the appliance and its controls.
8. DUCT SYSTEM
(See British Design Manual - Gas fired Warm Air Heating)
8.1 RETURN AIR
8.1.1 Room-sealed appliances may be installed without return air ducting, provided that the path
between the return air grille and the appliance return air inlet is protected in such a manner that
the required air-flow will be maintained at all times. The return air grille MUST have a free area of
not less than 900cm2 (140in2). It is recommended that the return air duct not be routed directly from
the main living area, but from a convenient central area serving the remainder of the dwelling.
8.1.2 The return air system should be constructed of fire-resistant material. The flue shall not be run
through an area serving as a return air plenum. It is extremely important that the correct size of
return air grilles and ducting is used. The return air duct area should not be less than 450cm²
(70in²). If flexible duct is used the duct diameter should not be less than 300mm (12”) diameter.
8.1.3 An adequate and unobstructed return air path is essential from areas not served by a directly
ducted return and to which warm air is delivered. All such rooms should be fitted with relief grilles
which have a free area of 0.0088m2/kW (1in2/250Btu/h) of heat supplied to the room. The only
exceptions are kitchens, bathrooms and WC.’s.
8.1.4 The return air duct should allow for ease of removal for access to the flue.
8.1.5 All duct work in the room or internal space in which the heater is installed shall be mechanically
secured and sealed with ducting tape.
8.2 WARM DELIVERED AIR
8.2.1 All duct work, including riser ducts, should be fully insulated with 50mm (2”) fibre-glass or similar.
If short extended duct runs are taken below floor level these should be similarly insulated and in
addition wrapped with a sound vapour proof barrier. They must also be protected from crushing.
8.2.2 The duct system should be carefully designed (as given in the guidelines in the British System
Design Manual) to suit the needs of specific heating requirements and building layout. The type of
duct system (e.g. radial/extended plenum stepped) should be installed using the least number of
fittings to minimise airflow resistance. The base duct, which equalises the air pressure to supply
ducts, must be constructed to support the weight of the heater, which must be sealed using self-
adhesive foam strip, ducting tape or sealing compound. All ducting and blanking plates must be
mechanically secured and sealed.