Preface
This is the fifth edition of CSA Standard B139 (now CAN/CSA-B139), Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment. It supersedes the previous editions issued in 1971 and 1976. It is written in SI (metric) units.
This new edition of the Standard includes a substantial number of changes. Major changes from the previous edition are summarized as follows:
(a) Chimney sizing – Results of research have shown that chimneys can be incorrectly sized to properly vent the products of combustion. The Standard has been revised to provide a more accurate method for sizing chimneys, with an emphasis on minimum flue gas entry temperatures.
(b) Unlined masonry chimneys -The Standard no longer allows the installation of a new burner or heating appliance to a system that includes an unlined masonry chimney. All new masonry chimneys must be lined.
(c) Combustion air – The Standard provides more guidance, and clearly defines when a combustion air supply must be provided.
(d) Through-the-wall venting – The CSA Standard B140.0 was recently amended to provide testing and certification requirements for through-the-wall venting systems. The CSA Standard B139 has also been revised so that it now includes installation requirements for such systems.
(e) Underground storage tanks – Requirements for the installation of underground storage tanks has been significantly revised to be compatible with guidelines produced by Environment Canada.
(f) Maintenance – A new clause has been added on maintenance which describes the activities recommended to be carried out a least once per year.
(g) Vent – The term “vent” has been used to replace “flue” and “smoke” (as in “smoke pipe”) to be consistent with terminology now common in the trade and used by the natural gas industry.
(h) Metric – The new Standard is in SI (metric) units for the first time, with approximate imperial equivalents shown in parenthesis for convenience.
This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment under the jurisdiction of the Steering Committee on Fire Safety and Fuel Burning Equipment, and was formally approved by these Committees. It has been approved as a National Standard of Canada by the Standards Council of Canada.
Scope
1.1
This Code covers minimum requirements for the installation of, alteration to, or addition to, oil burning equipment including: supply tanks, piping, pumps, control devices, and venting systems; as well as accessories and the heating distribution system insofar as these affect the proper operation of the oil burning equipment.
1.2
This Code applies to the installation of all stationary and portable oil burning equipment, including a fuel supply, piping, and tanks for diesel-engine- driven emergency generators but excluding equipment installed in refineries, appliances installed in mobile housing, recreational vehicles, and marine craft, internal combustion engines, lamps, and such portable devices as blowtorches, melting pots, and weed burners.
Note: For installation of oil burning equipment in mobile housing and recreational vehicles refer to CSA Standard Z240.5.1, Oil Requirements for Mobile Housing and Recreational Vehicles.
1.3
In the preparation of this Code, consideration has been given to the safe operation of oil burning equipment with respect to fire hazard damage to property and health and safety.
1.4
Users of this Code should satisfy themselves that their level of understanding of the Code and the installation of oil burning appliances is adequate to prevent errors that could result in hazards to persons or property.
1.5
Clause 14 also includes regular maintenance requirements.
1.6
The values given in SI (metric) units are to be considered the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
