Liquid fuel appliance classification

Previous articles have looked at what the various OFTEC scopes of registration cover, and the differences between domestic and non-domestic liquid fuel storage tank installations. This time we will be looking at appliance installations, and whether they would be classed as domestic or non-domestic.

Some key things to consider would be the kilowatt output of the appliance/s and the building which the appliance/s serve, but unfortunately, there’s a little more to it than that. So, let’s look into it further.

What’s classed as a domestic installation?

British Standards state that an appliance which does not exceed 70kW output serving a dwelling is classed as a domestic installation. If multiple appliances are required for the dwelling and are to be located in the same room, providing the combined output of the appliances does not exceed 70kW, the installation would fall within domestic requirements.

What’s classed as a non-domestic installation?

If the appliance is serving a building other than a dwelling, for example places of work, worship, public assembly, entertainment or hospitality etc., the installation would be classed as non-domestic. Therefore, the appliance should be installed in its own dedicated fire-rated boiler room, with the degree of fire resistance determined by the class of the building1 and the kilowatt output of the appliance.

Can I install two appliances in the same room with a combined output above 70kW serving a dwelling?

Yes, but as the combined output of the appliances exceeds 70kW, then the appliances should be located within a dedicated boiler room as they would fall under non-domestic requirements. The degree of fire resistance would be determined by the total output of the appliances.

Do smaller cased models no greater than 70kW output at a non-domestic premises need to be in a boiler room?

No, smaller-cased models (not boiler house) may be sited in another suitable part of the building in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. For example, the kitchen area of an office.

Class of building falls into two categories, being:

• place of public entertainment or assembly, or a large building.

Large building is defined as:

• a building with a height greater than 30 metres
• a building with a height greater than 24 metres that also has an area greater than 930m2 on any floor; or
• a building used for trade and manufacturer if it also has a capacity greater than 7,000m3
• all buildings other than those referenced above

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