Chimney distance to walls, sockets & Co: this is to be considered

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author
Home editorial office
5 minutes

Table of contents

  • chimneys
  • walls
  • Cover
  • Furniture
  • sockets and cables
  • Window
  • Home textiles and Co.

A fireplace can be a wonderful addition to the living space, and not just because it spreads pleasant warmth. It is also visually decorative - but potentially dangerous.

video tip

chimneys

Modern models can be installed in almost any room and spread a cozy flair. On cold winter days, they provide warmth and a pleasant light. However, the suitability for the respective room depends on various factors.

  • type of operation
  • need for an exhaust duct
  • heat development

Not every fireplace requires a vent, which means it can also be installed in a rented apartment without a chimney. Ethanol and electric models, for example, are suitable for this.
When firing with wood, briquettes or coal, on the other hand, the smoke must be able to escape. This is only possible if there is a chimney nearby.

Tip:

It is best to ask a chimney sweep, who can give you comprehensive advice on the situation on site. He can also give suitable individual recommendations for the type of chimney.

walls

For walls, the distance to the stove depends on whether they are combustible or not. If there is no risk of fire, 20 centimeters are sufficient. The situation is different with combustible wall design.

Note the chimney distances in the floor plan

These include, among others:

  • Pictures
  • wood paneling
  • plastics
  • wallpapers
  • textiles

Caution must also be exercised with decorations such as wall tattoos or picture frames. If these are present, at least 70 centimeters are required between the walls and the stove.

Cover

Most wood-burning stoves on the market are compact, so there is usually no risk for ceilings. An exception are sloping ceilings. Here the space between the chimney and the sloping roof may not be sufficient. In the worst case, this poses a risk of fire. Even if it doesn't, discoloration can occur. That also applies to:

  • plaster
  • disguises
  • Wall paint

For this reason, care should be taken to ensure that there is at least one meter between the stove and the ceiling.

Furniture

While furniture made of metal, such as filing cabinets, can withstand heat comparatively well, plastic, wood, glass and upholstery are much more sensitive. Therefore, the necessary distances also vary. For this reason, you should keep a distance of 80 to 100 centimeters to ensure appropriate safety. Otherwise, you must expect the following problems:

  • splintering
  • fire hazard
  • color changes
  • Burst
  • brittle spots
  • shortened lifespan
  • forgiven

A notice:

Plastic elements can also melt or change shape. Handles or inserts are therefore exposed to an increased risk.

sockets and cables

Sufficient space must also be left for electrical devices and the socket on the wall so that the heat from the fireplace is not a hindrance. For ovens with appropriate insulation, 20 to 40 centimeters are usually sufficient.

Power outlet

If there is no insulation, another 80 to 100 centimeters should be maintained. This not only applies to the socket itself, but also and above all to the cables leading from it.

Window

The distance to windows is generally 80 centimetres. This is to ensure that the glass is not damaged by the heat and cracks or even bursts. This can be the case with double windows in particular, when one pane of glass heats up significantly more than the other, causing tension.

In addition, on the one hand, there are often flammable objects on windows. For example:

  • curtains
  • rolls
  • curtains

These are also a reason why a greater distance must be maintained. On the other hand, if you are too close to the window, the running costs for the fireplace can increase because the heat is lost more quickly.

Home textiles and Co.

Textile surfaces are often found in large numbers in the rooms in which fireplaces are also installed. These include, among others:

  • decorations
  • Pillow
  • toys such as stuffed animals
  • carpets and rugs
  • dried flowers
  • curtains
  • blankets

Curtains and curtains in particular can pose a problem if the fireplace is near a window or balcony door. Because even slight movements can get them dangerously close to the stove. Therefore, make sure that the distances are as large as possible and that direct contact is not possible.

A notice:

Also consider possible flying sparks. This can even set fire to objects that are further away. Therefore, only open the door if it is safe and you will be in the room for a long period of time afterwards. A spot that initially smolders unnoticed cannot develop into a fire.

author Home editorial office

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