Clearance requirements for the installation of gas cookers and rangehoods
One of the most common failures found by VBA Plumbing Auditors is the installation of gas cooking appliances and the required clearances to rangehoods. This issue was discussed at the recent VBA and ESV Plumbing Industry Seminars and is a matter that is causing confusion for many plumbing practitioners.
Complying with clearance rates – what do practitioners need to know
When installing a domestic gas cooking appliance, AS/NZS 5601.1: 2013 Gas installations Part 1: General installations explains that the required clearance distance between a gas cooking appliance and a rangehood or exhaust fan must be in accordance with the manufacturer's relevant instruction.
Where clearances are not specified by the manufacturer, then clearance distances must be as described in AS/NZS 5601.1: 2013.
Scenario 1 – Overhead clearance rates specified on installation instructions
Where the manufacturer of the gas cooking appliance and the rangehood both specify a minimum overhead clearance rate, then the practitioner must use the greater of the two clearance rates, as shown in the example below:
Product | Minimum clearance rate specified by manufacturer | Clearance rate to be used by practitioner |
---|---|---|
Gas cooking appliance | 600mm | 650mm |
Rangehood | 650mm |
Scenario 2 – Overhead clearance rates not specified on installation instructions
Where the manufacturers of the gas cooking appliance and the rangehood / exhaust fan do not specify a minimum clearance rate, then the practitioner must provide a clearance rate of no less than 600mm for a rangehood and no less than 750mm for an exhaust fan, in accordance with AS/NZS 5601.1 Clause 6.10.1.1 (a). All measurements are to be taken from the highest part of the highest burner of the gas cooking appliance.