Ethanol fireplaces

The popularity of ethanol fireplaces is a growing concern for fire safety authorities. When such equipment is not approved, or when it is used without due regard for safety, it can pollute the ambient air and cause serious burns, fires and, in some cases, carbon monoxide poisoning.

Installing an ethanol fireplace is straightforward, since all you have to do is assemble a few parts and anchor the unit. But carefully follow all the manufacturer’s instructions:

• Install the fireplace in an adequately sized, well-ventilated room. The more powerful the fireplace, the larger the room needed to avoid the risk of poisoning.
• Avoid installing built-in units in bathrooms and bedrooms.
• Locate the fireplace in an unobstructed area, away from anything combustible and out of the path of moving persons or objects. Pay particular attention to any loose objects like curtains and newspapers in its immediate vicinity that could catch fire.
• Secure the appliance so that it cannot be moved or tipped over. Instability can cause the fireplace to tip over, resulting in ethanol spillage and fire.
• Use only fuel and accessories recommended by the manufacturer (stones, logs, glass, etc.) in or around the fireplace.

Important! Ethanol fireplaces are decorative objects. They must not be used as heaters. Improper use of ethanol fireplaces can result in burns and fires.

To avoid accidents:

• Extinguish the fireplace and empty it of fuel before moving it.
• Do not point a fan at it, as drafts can cause the flame to grow and shift.
• Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and keep the unit clean to ensure cleaner combustion.

In theory, ethanol is a clean-burning fuel. In reality, certain conditions in a fireplace—such as overly high or low combustion temperatures—can result in incomplete combustion, producing carbon monoxide (CO) and other harmful gases.

Although ethanol is similar to the fuel used in fondue burners, the risk is higher due to the larger volumes. Since no chimney is required, toxic substances can build up, especially in higher-power units. That’s why having a CO detector is essential.

Also known as bioethanol and ethyl alcohol, ethanol gives off flammable vapour at room temperature.

When filling or if spilled, liquid ethanol can evaporate, producing dangerous vapours. Since they are heavier than air, they can settle. In high enough concentrations, these vapours can ignite upon contact with a flame.

That’s why when you own an ethanol fireplace, it’s important to have a fully operational portable fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.

Take care when filling:

• Only use the manufacturer’s recommended type of ethanol. Never use gasoline or gasoline-ethanol blends.
• Never fill a lit or hot burner. You could cause a splash of flaming liquid.
• Allow the fireplace to cool for at least 15 minutes before refilling for its next use. Depending on the unit, you may have to wait longer.
• Never smoke nearby, and keep open flames (e.g., candles) away.
• In the event of an ethanol spill, keep away ignition sources such as cigarettes and matches, and avoid plugging in or unplugging electrical appliances.

It’s recommended to never store more than 5 litres of ethanol, and avoid keeping any fuel in a room with a fireplace or near a heat source.

Also store it at room temperature and out of reach of children.

No matter the model you choose or where you buy it, your fireplace must meet the Canadian standard, ULC/ORD-C627.1-2008, Unvented Ethyl Alcohol Fuel Burning Decorative Appliances.

Here are some examples of certification seals or labels on ethanol fireplaces that attest to their compliance with the Canadian standard:

Beware of cheap, uncertified equipment. It’s possible that:

• The walls may get too hot and ignite nearby materials
• A draft or ethanol overheating could cause flames to spread outside the appliance
• Tank corrosion or poor sealing could lead to vapour leaks or ethanol spills.