Preface 

This is the fifth edition of CSA P.4.1, Testing method for measuring fireplace efficiency. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2021, 2015, 2009, and 2002 under the title Testing method for measuring annual fireplace efficiency. For the most part, the testing method specified in this Standard is consistent with the test method published in the United States Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10, Part 430, Appendix O to Subpart B; however, it is different. Accordingly, this Standard is intended to serve as a stand-alone document that can be referenced by Canadian and other jurisdictions. The main changes from the previous edition are as follows: a) corrections of errors identified in some calculations; and b) addition of a spreadsheet-based calculator to help ensure consistent results across different testing facilities. CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Standard was made possible, in part, by the financial support of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada, FortisBC, and Efficiency Manitoba. This Standard is considered suitable for use for conformity assessment within the stated scope of the Standard. This Standard was developed by the Subcommittee on Gas Fireplace Efficiency, under the jurisdiction of the Technical Committee on Energy Efficiency and Related Performance of Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment and the Strategic Steering Committee on Fuels and Appliances, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group. 

Scope 

1.1 Object 

This Standard provides a method for measuring fireplace, steady-state, and radiant efficiency. 

1.2 Appliances included in scope 

This Standard applies to vented gas fireplaces meeting the requirements of ANSI Z21.50 • CSA 2.22 and to vented gas fireplace heaters meeting the requirements of CSA/ANSI Z21.88 • CSA 2.33 that use natural gas or propane. 

1.3 Appliances excluded from scope 

This Standard does not apply to decorative fireplaces meeting the requirements of ANSI Z21.60 • CSA 2.26. 

1.4 Applicable test methods 

This Standard includes a) a test method for cyclic and part-load performance; b) methods for interpolating and extrapolating test data; c) calculation procedures for establishing steady-state and seasonal performance; and d) calculation procedures for establishing radiant efficiency. 

1.5 Terminology 

In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application. 

1.6 Units of measurement 

The values given in SI (metric) are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.