ASTM E1602-03(2017)

Standard Guide for Construction of Solid Fuel Burning Masonry Heaters

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide can be used by code officials, architects, and other interested parties to evaluate the design and construction of masonry heaters. It is not restricted to a specific method of construction, nor does it provide all specific details of construction of a masonry heater. This guide does provide the principles to be followed for the safe construction of masonry heaters.  
4.2 This guide is not intended as a complete set of directions for construction of masonry heaters.  
4.3 Construction of masonry heaters is complex, and in order to ensure their safety and performance, construction shall be done by or under the supervision of a skilled and experienced masonry heater builder.5
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the design and construction of solid fuel burning masonry heaters. It provides dimensions for site constructed masonry heater components and clearances that have been derived by experience and found to be consistent with the safe installation of those masonry heaters.  
1.2 Values given in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Inch/pound units may be rounded (see IEEE/ASTM SI-10). All dimensions are nominal unless specifically stated otherwise. All clearances listed in this guide are actual dimensions.  
1.3 This guide applies to the design and construction of masonry heaters built on-site with the components and materials specified herein. It does not apply to the construction/installation requirements for component systems that have been safety tested and listed. The requirements for listed masonry heater systems are specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions.  
1.4 The design and construction of solid fuel burning masonry heaters shall comply with applicable building codes.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2017
• ICS: 25.180.20 - Fuel furnaces
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.54 - Solid Fuel Burning Appliances

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1602-03(2010)e1 - Standard Guide for Construction of Solid Fuel Burning Masonry Heaters
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM E136-24a - Standard Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 °C
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM E136-24 - Standard Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 °C
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C270-19a - Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM C270-19ae1 - Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM E136-19 - Standard Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM C270-19 - Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM C11-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C71-12(2018) - Standard Terminology Relating to Refractories
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C11-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM C11-17a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM C11-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 15-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM E136-16a - Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM C11-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 15-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM E136-16 - Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016

Overview

ASTM E1602-03(2017), titled Standard Guide for Construction of Solid Fuel Burning Masonry Heaters, establishes essential guidelines for the design and construction of masonry heaters that burn solid fuels. Developed and maintained by ASTM International, this standard offers a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety, durability, and efficient performance of site-built masonry heaters. The guide provides recommended component dimensions and minimum clearances derived from field experience, focusing on best practices that promote safe installation and use by complying with local building codes.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application: The guide addresses site-constructed masonry heaters specifically, detailing requirements for materials, clearances, and components. It does not apply to prefabricated heaters or systems that are safety tested and listed.
• Design Principles: Emphasizes the need for compliance with local building codes and adherence to principles proven effective in masonry heater construction.
• Clearance and Safety: Specifies minimum safe distances between masonry heaters, their components, and combustible materials. Outlines the importance of noncombustible hearth extensions and details the use of engineered protection systems where clearances are reduced.
• Materials and Components: References recognized ASTM material standards for fire clay, masonry, refractory mortars, and soapstone. Proper selection and use of these materials are crucial for safe and efficient heater operation.
• Supervised Construction: Stresses that due to complexity, masonry heaters should be built or supervised by experienced professionals to achieve intended safety and performance outcomes.

Applications

ASTM E1602-03(2017) is highly relevant to several groups involved in the construction, installation, and inspection of masonry heaters:

• Code Officials and Inspectors: Provides a benchmark for evaluating proposed or completed masonry heater projects, ensuring code compliance and public safety.
• Architects and Designers: Assists in integrating safe, efficient masonry heater designs into residential or commercial buildings.
• Construction Professionals: Offers guidance on proper methods and techniques for constructing solid fuel burning masonry heaters according to international best practices.
• Homeowners and Builders: Serves as a reference for understanding the essential requirements and safety considerations when installing heating appliances using solid fuels.

Key practical benefits include:

• Promoting Safe Installations: The guide's clearances, material requirements, and construction practices help reduce fire hazards and improve system longevity.
• Supporting Efficient Heating: Focus on the proper design and installation of internal heat exchange channels and fireboxes ensures optimal heat storage and reduced emissions.
• Facilitating Regulatory Approval: Aligns construction practices with local and international building codes, aiding in the permitting process.

Related Standards

For comprehensive compliance and best results, ASTM E1602-03(2017) is best used in conjunction with the following standards and resources:

• ASTM C270: Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
• ASTM C71: Terminology Relating to Refractories
• ASTM C401: Classification of Alumina and Alumina-Silicate Castable Refractories
• UL 103: Chimneys, Factory Built Residential Type and Building Heating Appliances
• IEEE/ASTM SI-10: Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI)
• Local Building Codes: Always ensure compliance with municipal or regional requirements in addition to the standard.

Keywords: masonry heater, ASTM E1602, solid fuel burning, construction guide, masonry heater safety, clearance requirements, refractory materials, solid fuel appliance standards, building codes compliance.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1602 − 03 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Guide for
Construction of Solid Fuel Burning Masonry Heaters
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1602; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope C43 Terminology of Structural Clay Products (Withdrawn
2009)
1.1 This guide covers the design and construction of solid
C71 Terminology Relating to Refractories
fuel burning masonry heaters. It provides dimensions for site
C270 Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
constructed masonry heater components and clearances that
C401 Classification of Alumina and Alumina-Silicate
have been derived by experience and found to be consistent
Castable Refractories
with the safe installation of those masonry heaters.
E136 Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical
Tube Furnace at 750°C
1.2 Values given in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 Standard for Use of the International
Inch/poundunitsmayberounded(seeIEEE/ASTMSI-10).All
System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
dimensions are nominal unless specifically stated otherwise.
2.2 UL Standard:
All clearances listed in this guide are actual dimensions.
UL 103 Chimneys, Factory Built Residential Type and
1.3 This guide applies to the design and construction of
Building Heating Appliances
masonry heaters built on-site with the components and mate-
rials specified herein. It does not apply to the construction/
3. Terminology
installation requirements for component systems that have
3.1 Terms used in this guide are as defined in Terminology
been safety tested and listed. The requirements for listed
C11, Definitions C43, Terminology C71, and Classification
masonry heater systems are specified in the manufacturer’s
C401.
installation instructions.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 The design and construction of solid fuel burning
3.2.1 approved—acceptable to the authority having jurisdic-
masonry heaters shall comply with applicable building codes.
tion.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.2.2 authority having jurisdiction—theorganization,office,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- individual, or agent thereof, who is responsible for approving
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the construction, materials, equipment, installation, procedure, and
so forth. In most cases in which a building permit is required,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the authority is typically the building official or his agent.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Where a building permit is not required, the authority is
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
typically the owner or his agent.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.3 bypass damper—a valve or plate that provides a direct
path to the chimney flue for the flue gases or portion thereof.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.4 capping slab—a horizontal refractory barrier covering
C11 Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building
the top of the masonry heater.
Materials and Systems
3.2.5 cleanout opening—an access opening in a flue pas-
sageway of the masonry heater or chimney that is designed to
allow access to the flue for purposes of inspecting for and
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance
removal of ash, soot, and other extraneous matter that may
of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.54 on Solid Fuel
Burning Appliances.
become trapped.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2017. Published September 2017. Originally
ɛ1
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as E1602 – 03(2010) .
DOI: 10.1520/E1602-03R17.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM www.astm.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd.,
the ASTM website. Northbrook, IL 60062, http://www.ul.com.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1602 − 03 (2017)
3.2.6 damper—an adjustable valve or plate for controlling 3.2.17 mortar,soapstonerefractory—amixtureofpowdered
draft or the flow of gases, including air. soapstone and sodium silicate.
3.2.7 firebox (firechamber)—that portion of the masonry 3.2.18 noncombustible material—a material that, in the
heater that is designed for containing and burning the fuel form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated,
charge. does not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flam-
mable vapors when subjected to fire or heat. Materials reported
3.2.8 gas slot—a small fixed opening that provides a bypass
as passing the requirements of Test Method E136 are, for the
for unburned flue gases, and is a critical safety feature in
purpose of this guide, considered noncombustible.
certainmasonryheaterdesigns(namelythoseoftheGrundofen
3.2.19 soapstone—a variety of natural stone (hydrated silica
type with vertical flue runs) (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig.
6). of magnesium) that is suitable for high-temperature applica-
tions in masonry heaters.
3.2.9 hearth extension—the noncombustible surfacing ap-
plied to the floor area extending in front of and beyond each 3.2.20 wing wall—a noncombustible lateral projection from
the exterior wall of a masonry heater for use in bridging the
sideofthefuelloadingdoorofthemasonryheater;alsoapplies
space between a masonry heater and a combustible partition
to the floor beneath a masonry heater or beneath an elevated
wall.
overhanging masonry heater hearth.
3.2.10 heat-exchange flue channel—a chamber or passage-
4. Significance and Use
way between the firebox and the chimney flue in which heat
4.1 This guide can be used by code officials, architects, and
resulting directly from combustion of fuel is transferred to the
other interested parties to evaluate the design and construction
surrounding masonry.
of masonry heaters. It is not restricted to a specific method of
3.2.11 kachel—a European term used to describe a masonry
construction, nor does it provide all specific details of con-
heater tile; a refractory ceramic tile intended for the outer wall
struction of a masonry heater. This guide does provide the
of a masonry heater that is designed specifically to store and
principles to be followed for the safe construction of masonry
transfer heat.
heaters.
3.2.12 listed—equipment or materials included in a list
4.2 Thisguideisnotintendedasacompletesetofdirections
published by an organization concerned with product evalua-
for construction of masonry heaters.
tion acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction to conduct
4.3 Construction of masonry heaters is complex, and in
periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or
ordertoensuretheirsafetyandperformance,constructionshall
materials and whole listing states either that the equipment or
be done by or under the supervision of a skilled and experi-
materials meet appropriate standards or have been tested and
enced masonry heater builder.
found suitable for use in a specified manner.
5. Requirements
3.2.13 masonry heater—a vented heating system of pre-
dominantly masonry construction having a mass of at least
5.1 Foundation—Masonry heater foundations and founda-
800 kg (1760 lb), excluding the chimney and masonry heater
tionwallsshallmeetlocalbuildingcodesforstandardmasonry
base. In particular, a masonry heater is designed specifically to
fireplacesandshallbedesignedwithconsiderationgiventothe
capture and store a substantial portion of the heat energy from
mass and size of the masonry heater.
a solid fuel fire in the mass of the masonry heater through
5.2 Clearance from Combustibles—Clearances shall be in
internal heat exchange flue channels, enable a charge of solid
conformance with this section, as illustrated in Fig. 4.
fuel mixed with an adequate amount of air to burn rapidly and
5.2.1 Clearance from Foundation—All combustible struc-
more completely at high temperatures in order to reduce
tural framing members shall have a clearance of not less than
emission of unburned hydrocarbons, and be constructed of
50 mm (2 in.) from the masonry heater foundation.
sufficient mass and surface area such that under normal
5.2.2 Clearance from Fuel-Loading Door—Maintain a
operating conditions, the external surface temperature of the
minimum clearance of 1200 mm (48 in.) from combustible
masonry heater (except in the region immediately surrounding
materials to fuel-loading doors, unless an engineered protec-
the fuel loading door(s)), does not exceed 110 °C (230 °F).
tion system as specified in 5.2.2.1 is provided, except for
3.2.14 masonry heater base—that portion of the support for
clearance directly in front of fuel-loading doors. A minimum
the masonry heater, between the masonry heater and the
clearance of 1200 mm (48 in.) shall be maintained in front of
foundation, that is below the firebox or the heat exchange
fuel-loadingdoors.Thisdimensionshallnotbereducedforany
areas.
reason.
3.2.15 mortar, fire clay—mortar consisting of fine aggregate
and fire clay as a binding agent. Organizations that represent a body of knowledge on masonry heater construc-
tion and qualified builders include: The Masonry Heater Association of North
3.2.16 mortar, masonry—a mixture of cementitious materi-
America, 2180 S. Flying Q Lane Tucson, AZ 85731, Richard (Dick) Smith,
als (consisting of Portland or blended cement and hydrated
Executive Director, [e-mail] or [e-mail] (e-mail),
520-883-0191 (phone), www.mha-net,org; The Alliance of Masonry Heater and
lime, masonry cement, masonry cement and Portland cement,
Oven Professionals, www.masonryheaters.org, Ken Matesz, Secretary,
or masonry cement and blended cement), fine aggregate, and
[e-mail] (e-mail); and Masonry Heater Caucus, Hearth, Patio and
sufficient water to produce a workable consistency (see Speci-
Barbecue Association, 1901 North Moore Street, Suite 600, Arlington, Va. 22209,
fication C270). 703-522-0086 (phone), 703-522-0548 (fax).
E1602 − 03 (2017)
FIG. 1 Vertical Channel Masonry Heater (Russian)
E1602 − 03 (2017)
FIG. 2 Horizontal Channel Masonry Heater (Russian)
E1602 − 03 (2017)
FIG. 3 Combination Vertical and Horizontal Channel Masonry Heater (German)
5.2.2.1 Clearance from fuel-loading doors to combustible the heater to combustible material, and the length of the
m
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