Ethanol fireplaces: don’t play with fire!

Fire departments are becoming increasingly concerned about the popularity of ethanol fireplaces. In fact, when such appliances are not certified or when they are used without bearing in mind the necessary safety measures, they can pollute the ambient air, cause serious burns, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

While the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) still does not regulate ethanol fireplaces, it would like to offer advice that will enable you to use your appliance in complete safety.

Make sure that the ethanol fireplace is certified.

Regardless of the model that you choose or where you purchase it, your appliance must satisfy Canadian standard ULC/ORD-C627.1-2008 Unvented Ethyl Alcohol Fuel Burning Decorative Appliances.

This standard is not compulsory for the time being but your insurer or municipal by-laws may demand it.

Certification labels

Examples of labels placed on ethanol fireplace that attest to their compliance with the Canadian standard.

Risks stemming from uncertified appliances

Beware of cheap, uncertified appliances.

It is possible that:

• the walls may become too hot and set fire to materials nearby;
• flames may be drawn outside the appliance by a draft or overheating of the ethanol;
• corrosion of the reservoir or a lack of watertightness may allow escaping vapours or ethanol spills.

Follow the installation instructions

An ethanol fireplace is easy to install since it entails assembling certain parts and anchoring the appliance. However, be vigilant.

Read and follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions:

• Put the appliance in a sufficiently big room because of the risk of poisoning inherent in the combustion of ethanol. The more powerful the appliance, the bigger the room’s dimensions must be. It is highly inadvisable to install a permanent appliance in a bathroom or a bedroom.
• Install the appliance in an open area far from anything that can burn and in such a way that individuals or objects cannot bump into it.
• Pay specific attention to mobile items near the appliance. The appliance can set fire to nearby items such as curtains, newspapers, and so on.
• Solidly anchor and place the appliance to ensure that it cannot be moved or overturned. An unstable appliance can tip over, which would cause the ethanol to spill and start a fire.
• Use only the accessories that the manufacturer recommends such as stones, logs, glass, and so on, inside or around the appliance.

Be vigilant when using the appliance

Improper use of an ethanol fireplace risks causing burns and fires.

To avoid accidents:

• use the appliance for decorative purposes and not as a heating appliance;
• move the appliance only when it is off and there is no fuel in it;
• do not point a fan at the appliance since drafts can amplify and move the flame;
• follow the manufacturer’s instructions concerning the use of the appliance and keep it clean to ensure cleaner combustion.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Ethanol is, in principle, a clean-burning fuel. In actual fact, its combustion in an ethanol fireplace is incomplete and can produce carbon monoxide and other noxious gases, e.g. when the combustion temperature is too high or too low.

Even if ethanol is similar to the fuel used in fondue warmers, the hazard is greater because of the volumes in question.

Since a chimney is unnecessary, toxic substances can accumulate, especially in certain more powerful appliances.
Be sure that you have a carbon monoxide detector.

Always fill the appliance carefully

Ethanol, which is also called ethyl alcohol, bioethanol or grain alcohol, releases flammable vapours at room temperature.

During filling or in the event of a spill, liquid ethanol can evaporate and produce dangerous vapours, which can settle since they are heavier than air. In sufficient concentrations, the vapours can be ignited through contact with a flame.

It is very important for the owners of ethanol fireplace to also own a properly functioning portable fire extinguisher. A smoke detector is also appropriate.

Be careful when filling the appliance:

• use only the ethanol that the manufacturer recommends. Never use gasoline;
• do not fill the burner when it is operating or when it is hot (pouring ethanol into a lit or hot appliance can cause the burning liquid to spurt);
• let the appliance cool for at least 15 minutes before filling it for future use. It may be necessary to let certain appliances cool for a longer period of time;
• never smoke and move away any open flame such as a candle;
• in the event of an ethanol spill, move away sources of fire such as cigarettes or matches and avoid plugging in or unplugging any electrical appliance.

Never store more than 5 L of ethanol

It is recommended that you not store more than 5 L of ethanol per household and that you not store fuel in a room where an ethanol is operating and near a source of heat.

You are also advised to store ethanol at room temperature. Keep the fuel out of the reach of children.