What is BS 1251 - Open-fireplace components about?

BS 1251 discusses open-fireplace components. A fireplace is typically made up of four parts: the firebox, the masonry chimney, the smoke chamber, and the roof. The firebox is where you put the logs and light them on fire.

The masonry chimney is what vents the smoke out of your house. BS 1251 specifies requirements for components which, when assembled in accordance with BS 8303, form the setting for inset open fires of nominal sizes 400 mm and 450 mm.

Who is BS 1251 - Open-fireplace components for?

BS 1251 on open-fireplace components is useful for:

Fireplace manufacturers
Quality control personnel

Why should you use BS 1251 - Open-fireplace components?

The firebox, the interior of the fireplace, contains the fire and collects the smoke. The flue is the passageway at the top through which the smoke and gases travel for the exit. Flues are often made of baked clay but can also be stainless steel.

BS 1251 guides you with the design, dimensions, heat resistance, and installation of firebacks. BS 1251 guides you with the prefabricated fireplace surrounds and hearths, throat forming lintels, and marking. BS 1251 helps you to manufacture high-quality open-fireplace components.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS 1251:2015 supersedes BS 1251:1987 which is withdrawn. BS 1251:2015 includes some technical changes with respect to BS 1251:1987. These include:

Mention of different materials currently used in the construction of fireplaces and their suitability
The minimum projection of the hearth of inset open fires has been decreased in accordance with the Building Regulations [1], [2], and [3]
Requirements are specified for mechanical fixings for cut stone and boxed section fireplace surrounds to secure them to chimney breasts

BS 1251:2015

Open-fireplace components

Current

Published:

31 Mar 2015