780 CMR, ch. 51, ch. R14, M1401.6

Current through Register 1538, January 3, 2025

Subsection M1401.6 - Used Solid Fuel-burning Appliances

Add sections M1401.6 Used Solid Fuel-burning Appliances and M1401.6.1 Clearances to Combustibles as follows:

Used solid fuel-burning appliances that predate the listing requirements set forth in 780 CMR 51.00: Massachusetts Residential Code may be utilized but the installation of such appliances shall otherwise conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 51.00: Massachusetts Residential Code, as applicable and such installations shall be inspected by the building official (or fire official in such towns that utilize the fire official for such inspection purposes).

M1401.6.1Clearances to Combustibles. In the absence of listed clearances and floor protection requirements, used solid fuel-burning appliances shall be installed in accordance with the clearances of 780 CMR 51.00: Massachusetts Residential Code.

Add sections M1401.6.2 Floor Protection General and M1401.6.2.1 Floor Protection Requirements as follows:

M1401.6.2Floor Protection General. Floor protection listing requirements for a used appliance shall be met. In the absence of listing requirements, solid fuel-burning appliances shall have floor protection that is noncombustible material applied to the combustible or noncombustible floor area underneath and extending in front, to the sides and to the rear of a heat producing appliance and have the necessary thermal conductivity to satisfy the floor protection requirements of the appliance. Various "hearth rugs," "mats," "tile board," "hearth board" and similar products sold as floor protectors may be noncombustible but may not satisfy thermal conductivity requirements of this section.

M1401.6.2.1Floor Protection Requirements. Floor protection requirements shall be:

1. four inches (102 mm) of millboard having a thermal conductivity k = 0.84 (Btu) (inch)/(ft²) (hour) (°F);

2. a noncombustible floor protector of the same overall thermal conductivity in (1.); or,

3. approved by a registered design professional.

EXCEPTION: If existing floor protection can be demonstrated to have been adequate for a previous installation of a used solid fuel-burning appliance, then such floor protection shall be allowed. If calculations demonstrate that the existing floor protection has a thermal conductivity lower than that set by this section, then the existing floor protection may be maintained.

780 CMR, ch. 51, ch. R14, M1401.6

Amended by Mass Register Issue 1532, eff. 10/11/2024.