Heat Exchangers & TSSA

[Admin]

Holes in the Furnace Compartment: TSSA has received a number of reports where contractors cut holes in the furnace compartment and then simply replace the cut out piece of metal with another. This is usually done to visually inspect a heat exchanger or to have easier access to a part. This activity voids the certification of the unit, and could reduce the clearance to combustibles as identified in the certified instructions. A fire hazard may result.

The above quote was taken from the TSSA 2002 Heating Fuels Update.

Clause 4.2.1 from the CAN/CSA-B149.1-05 Natural gas and propane installation code states;

4.2.1 - An appliance, component, equipment, or material used in an installation shall be of a type and rating approved for the specific purpose for which it is employed.

If the furnace casing is found to be altered, we would have to issue a warning tag for a Clause 4.2.1 infraction.  Replacing the furnace would be the only option.

[Admin]

Clause 4.21.2
The heat exchanger referred to in Clause 4.21.1 may be temporarily repaired if necessary, and the repair shall be in accordance with procedures acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

Clause 4.21.3
Where the heat exchanger of a commercial or industrial appliance is found to be defective, it may be repaired, and the repair shall be in accordance with procedures acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

I'm still waiting for a response from TSSA regarding what procedures, if any, are acceptable for repairing a heat exchanger.

[Admin]

The acceptable procedure referred to in section 4.21.2 and 4.21.3 must be provided by the appliance manufacturer and approved through a variance submitted to the TSSA.  If  the variance is approved the repair can be completed.

Regards
David LeVasseur
Technical Service Advisor
TSSA, Fuels Safety Program, Technical Services
tel. 416 734-3351  |  fax. 416 231-7366  |  fuels_technical_services@tssa.org  |  www.tssa.org

[Admin]

Download the application for a variance/deviation - Here
*Update* December 12, 2012 - Download the updated TSSA Application for a Variance - Here

[Admin]

Download Director's Advisory FS-117-07 -Replacement Heat Exchangers for Industrial and Commercial Boilers - Here

Replacement heat exchangers for commercial or industrial boilers are required to be approved as per Ontario Regulation 212/01 Gaseous Fuels, clause 4. (1), as amended on June 27, 2001:
"No person shall offer for sale, sell, lease, rent or install an appliance, equipment, or thing unless it is approved or will be approved prior to being put in use"
There may be situations where approved replacement heat exchangers are not available. For those situations, TSSA will consider a variance to allow the manufacturer, sale and use of unapproved heat exchangers provided the following conditions are met:
1. Completed variance application form with deposit.
2. Confirmation the replacement heat exchanger is suitable for the specific boiler model(s) by
a) the boiler manufacturer; or
b) a Professional Engineer licensed in the province of Ontario.
3. The manufacture of the replacement heat exchangers is supervised under a quality control process to ensure compliance with item 2.
4. The replacement heat exchangers are approved (registered and inspected) by TSSA's Pressure Vessels Program.