Residential Building Inspector B1Public Safety and Special ConstructionHard
A homeowner is installing a wood-burning stove and its chimney connector. What is the minimum required clearance from the single-wall metal chimney connector to combustible materials?
- A6 inches
- B18 inches
- C12 inches
- D2 inches
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 6 inches
IRC R1005.7.1 specifies that a single-wall metal chimney connector shall be installed with a minimum clearance of 6 inches (152 mm) to combustible materials. This is a critical safety measure to prevent ignition.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This clearance is typically for unlisted stoves themselves, not the connector.
- C. While safer, this is not the minimum required clearance by code.
- D. This clearance is typically for masonry chimneys, not single-wall connectors.
Single-Wall Chimney Connector Clearance
Single-wall metal chimney connectors, used to connect solid-fuel appliances to a chimney, require a specific minimum clearance to combustible materials due to the high temperatures they can reach.
- Applies to single-wall metal connectors.
- Connects appliance to chimney.
- Minimum 6 inches clearance to combustibles.
Memory trick: Single-wall connector, six inches free, for safety, you see.