ANSI Z21.88-2019/CSA 2.33-2019: Vented gas fireplace heaters is the standard for gas fireplaces. For the purposes of this document, a “vented gas fireplace heater” is a vented appliance that simulates a solid-fuel fireplace and furnishes radiant heat and warm air to the space in which it is installed. It may or may not utilize duct connections.
Fireplaces are features in more than 37 million American homes, and almost 1 million new fireplaces are installed in U.S. residences each year. Gas fireplaces are often a desired choice for new fireplaces. This is because they maintain indoor air quality, keep the home clean, and contribute to less outdoor pollution that the conventional wood-burning alternative.
The ANSI Z21.88-2019/CSA 2.33-2019 standard applies to newly produced vented gas fireplace heaters with input ratings up to and including 400,000 Btu/hr (117,228 W) for use with natural gas or propane.
Furthermore, ANSI Z21.88-2019/CSA 2.33-2019 applies to direct vent appliances for manufactured home (this is in the US only) or mobile home original equipment manufacturer (OEM) installation convertible for use with natural gas and propane or for natural gas and propane alone. It also can be used for direct vent appliances for recreational vehicle installation for use with propane only or convertible for use with propane or natural gas.
The ANSI Z21.88-2019/CSA 2.33-2019 document details the construction, performance, and production and manufacturing tests for vented gas fireplace heaters. It also includes clauses for particular vent types, as well as items specific to the United States and those specific to Canada.
The user base of ANSI Z21.88-2019/CSA 2.33-2019 is expansive. As with other gas-fired equipment safety standards, this American National Standard was originally drafted back when significant attention was given to harmonizing American and Canadian standards for the industry. This trend continues, and the Z21/CSA Joint Technical Subcommittee on Standards for Vented Gas-Fired Warm Air Heaters develops the document.
All changes made to the ANSI Z21.88-2019/CSA 2.33-2019 revision are marked by a delta (∆) symbol in the margin. An update from the February 2021 errata is marked by a two delta (∆∆) symbols in the margin.
ANSI Z21.88-2019/CSA 2.33-2019: Vented gas fireplace heaters is available on the ANSI Webstore.