Solid Fuel-Fired Water Heating Appliances

Purpose

The intent of this brochure is to educate and provide direction to Wisconsin owners, operators, installing contractors and dealers about the installation and operation of solid fuel-fired water- heating appliances that are not constructed to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers - ASME code.

Compliance per section SPS 341.49 is required in both commercial and residential applications. Registration SPS 341.41(4) and Inspection SPS 341.16(3) are required for appliances installed in any commercial application. Prior to installation in one or two- family dwellings, the owner or installer shall contact local building inspection authorities for procedures and requirements in their area.

Note: Commercial Inspection requirements can be found within the Wisconsin Administrative

Definitions

Approved

Approved means acceptable to the Department.

Certified Inspector

Person who holds a valid credential issued by the department under SPS 305 as a “certified” boiler-pressure vessel or UDC inspector.

Department

Means the department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Dwelling

Means any building that contains one- or 2-family dwelling units used as a home/residence per s.101.61, (1) stats.

Owner or User

This refers to any person, firm or corporation legally responsible for the safe operation of a boiler or appliance.

Testing Laboratories

Examples of acceptable testing laboratories include but not limited to UL and Factory Mutual.

Solid Fuel-Fired Water-Heating Appliance

Solid fuel equipment used for space heating and that is not constructed and installed in accordance with the ASME code.

General Requirements

1. Registration

   1. All solid fuel fired water-heating appliances installed in “commercial” applications shall be registered by the installer before operation on form SBD-6314-E and shall be submitted to the department. Do not submit form SBD-6314-E for appliances serving one- or two-family dwellings.

   2. For solid fuel-fired water-heating appliances serving one- or two-family dwellings per SPS 323.04(4), an owner/installer shall contact their area building inspection office for permitting and inspection per local ordinances and SPS 341.16(1)(b)(2). 

2. Design: Solid fuel-fired water-heating appliances shall: 

   1. Have a self-contained weather proofing or other weather protection acceptable to the department. 

   2. Be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory acceptable to the department.

   3. Be designed, constructed and operated at atmospheric pressure. Be vented to prevent a positive pressure condition on the fluid. 

3. Installation: Solid fuel-fired water heating appliances must be: 

   1. Located away from other structures in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

   2. Enclosed by fencing or other barriers to prevent access or tampering by unauthorized persons.

   3. Provided with a fuel feed system designed, accepted and approved by the original manufacturer.

   4. Provided with a means to prevent freezing of the water supply and return lines. 

   5. Installed with piping materials and fittings suitable for temperatures of the distribution system.

4. Inspection: Inspection of installation is required. 

   1. Solid fuel-fired water-heating appliances shall be inspected by the department or, for one- or two-family dwellings, in accordance with local ordinance for compliance with SPS 341.49 before the appliance is placed in operation. 

   2. Fees for inspection in commercial applications shall be in accordance with SPS 302.04.

5. Repairs: Repairs must be made in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.