Solid fuel burner – stove does not have seismic restraints

Causes

Restraints were not fitted during installation

Listed under: heating, solid fuel burners, earthquakes, Services

Cause

Restraints were not fitted during installation

Repair

  • to check if woodburner has been restrained, try rocking it – if it does not move then it is likely that it is fixed in place. For some burners, bolts are visible
  • an unrestrained woodburner is likely to be an old model – the woodburner standard requiring restraints has applied to all new woodburners installed in urban areas in New Zealand from September 2005
  • if possible, check whether anchor points are provided in the feet or base of the burner – it will be far easier to restrain the burner if anchor points are provided (woodburners are often bolted to a floor)
  • contact the manufacturer to ask if they have restraint instructions for the model you have – manufacturers usually develop installation instructions to ensure appliances achieve the requirements of the standard AS/NZS 2918:2018 Domestic solid fuel burning appliances – Installation. Some manufacturers hold spare parts for older models.
  • obtain a copy of the standard to ensure that the burner complies with safety clearance factors from nearby walls, flue requirements, that there is a floor protector, etc. The standard does not give specific details of seismic restraints, it just set out the seismic loading they must comply with
  • note that if a solid fuel burner is operated in a dangerous condition or when not properly installed, house insurance may not cover any resulting damage
  • manufacturers typically recommend that homeowners ask a supplier or installer to check older woodburners for safety. In some situations it will be better to have a new model installed than to try to repair or restrain an old model

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