California Energy Code

Buckley Rumford Fireplaces
California Energy Code
As it applys to Masonry Fireplaces and Chimneys
5/8/14

Office of the State Fire Marshal
Fireplace Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . (916) 445-8200
SECTION 101
DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

DECORATIVE GAS APPLIANCE is a gas appliance that is designed or installed for visual effect only, cannot burn solid wood, and simulates a fire in a fireplace.
FIREPLACE is a hearth and firechamber or similar prepared place in which a fire may be made and which is built in conjunction with a flue or chimney, including but not limited to factory-built fireplaces, masonry fireplaces and masonry heaters as further clarified in the CBC.
GAS LOG is a self-contained, free-standing, open-flame, gas-burning appliance consisting of a metal frame or base supporting simulated logs, and designed for installation only in a vented fireplace.

SUBCHAPTER 7
SECTION 150
MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES
(e) Installation of fireplaces, decorative gas appliances and gas logs.
1. If a masonry or factory-built fireplace is installed, it shall have the following:

A. Closable metal or glass doors covering the entire opening of the firebox;
B. A combustion air intake to draw air from the outside of the building, which is at least 6 square inches in area and is equipped with a readily accessible, operable and tight-fitting damper or combustion-air control device; and
Exception to Section 150(e)1B: An outside combustion- air intake is not required if the fireplace will be installed over concrete slab flooring and the fireplace will not be located on an exterior wall.

C. A flue damper with a readily accessible control.

Exception to Section 150(e)1C: When a gas log, log lighter or decorative gas appliance is installed in a fireplace, the flue damper shall be blocked open if required by the CMC or the manufacturer's installation instructions.

2. Continuous burning pilot lights and the use of indoor air for cooling a firebox jacket, when that indoor air is vented to the outside of the building, are prohibited.