New Jersey Building Codes for a Pellet Stove

ASTM Standards -- Liners

• According to the American Society for Testing and Materials standards, the stove's flue must include a clay flue liner, made from fired clay, shale or surface clay, which is very effective for the absorption of heat. A flue liner is essentially a layering of the flue that either leads out of the chimney or a similar opening atop the structure. These tiled liners are recommended for older structures where cleaning of the chimney is often neglected. If the flue liner does not comply with ASTM's clay-based standard of material, a special label should be attached to the wall beside the stove with a warning that the flue in question should be used only for the stove and the specific material burned inside it, and it should not be used for any other sort of appliance.

Proper Ventilation

• You must create a proper venting system from your pellet stove to the outdoors, either through a wall or an existing masonry chimney. Venting includes minimum rise and run configurations of elbows and pipes; a pipe adapter that ensures proper vent connections to the stove; a single or double "T" pipe with cap that is easy to open and clean; and a minimum 1-inch clearance between the vent and the combustible materials. If venting through the chimney, you need to have it thoroughly inspected and cleaned before attaching the stove.

Possible Permits

• While permits may vary from city to city, before you install a pellet stove, you must contact the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs office to determine if a special permit is required for solid-burning appliances that use the fireplace. In the township of West Milford, for example, the annual fee is $80.

Trust the Experts

• Remember that an improperly installed combustion heating appliance of any kind, including a pellet stove, can present a definite health and fire hazard. Unless you have significant experience in and knowledge of fire safety, hire a licensed technician, certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, for the installation and initial operation of your pellet stove. He can offer helpful advice on heating procedures, fire safety, proper cleaning of vents and other issues. If you purchase your pellet stove, you typically can find a qualified person at the store to help you.