Proposed Addition To The WETT SOP (Standard Of Practice) related to Uncertified Appliance Inspection & Installation

*This is intended for incorporation into professional Standards of Practice, training manuals,

and defensible reporting frameworks within Canadian solid fuel inspection practice.

By Ian Myers

Unlisted (Uncertified) Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances Installation & Inspection

1. Authority Hierarchy

Solid fuel installations in Canada operate under a defined hierarchy of authority. Where an

appliance is unlisted (uncertified), manufacturer installation instructions do not exist. In such cases,

prescriptive provisions of CSA B365 may be referenced, but only where permitted and accepted by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

• Manufacturer’s certified installation instructions (where applicable)

• Adopted CSA standards (e.g., CSA B365)

• Provincial or territorial building legislation

• Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

2. Technical Compliance vs. Jurisdictional Compliance

Technical compliance refers to the application of prescriptive requirements contained within CSA

B365, including clearances to combustibles, hearth protection, connector pipe construction,

chimney sizing, and approved clearance reduction systems.

Jurisdictional compliance refers to formal acceptance, permit issuance, inspection, and approval by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction. Technical compliance alone does not constitute legal approval.

3. Limitation of Inspector Authority

• The Inspector does not possess statutory authority to approve unlisted appliances.

• The Inspector does not grant legal compliance.

• The Inspector does not substitute for building official review.

• Unlisted installations cannot be considered compliant absent documented AHJ approval.

4. Required Reporting Language

Where an unlisted appliance is observed, the inspection report shall:

• Identify the appliance as unlisted.

• State that prescriptive CSA B365 provisions apply.

• State that AHJ approval is required.

• Avoid language implying automatic compliance.

5. Professional Risk Statement

The Inspector’s findings represent a technical assessment within the defined scope of inspection.

Jurisdictional approval or legality of installation remains the responsibility of the Authority Having Jurisdiction and is outside the Inspector’s authority.