Regulatory reminder for British Columbia (Canada) with regards to Standing Pilot Gas Fireplaces (this includes fireplaces certified as Heaters and as Decorative Gas Appliances)

gas fireplace pilots

Regulatory update for gas fireplace pilots in BC, Canada

As per the standards changes made under the Energy Efficiency Act (EEA) on March 6, 2018, products manufactured on or after January 1, 2019 must now be in compliance with the new, updated standards.

Fireplaces that have standing pilots for ignition are not permitted anymore in British Columbia. This includes systems that are using ignition capable of switching between IPI / CPI ignition (in this case the permanent pilot option must be disabled).

Approved Ignition Systems

Only these alternatives meet BC regulations:

  1. Intermittent (IPI): Pilot lights only when heat is requested

  2. Interrupted (CPI): Pilot extinguishes after main burner ignition

  3. Pilot-on-demand: No continuous flame; direct spark ignition

Gas Fireplace Pilot BC

Compliance Deadlines

  • Manufacturers: Units produced after 1/1/2019 require CSA B149.1 certification

  • Installers: Must deactivate standing pilots during retrofits

  • Homeowners: Non-compliant units risk red-tagging by Technical Safety BC

Safety & Efficiency Rationale

Standing pilots:

  • Waste 600–900 kWh/year per fireplace (NRCan)

  • Account for 37% of BC fireplace service calls (Technical Safety BC 2021 data)

  • Increase CO exposure risks in poorly ventilated spaces

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Violation Penalty
Sale of non-compliant units CAD 10,000–50,000
Improper retrofit Voided insurance coverage
Uncertified installation Mandatory removal order

Action Steps

  1. Retrofit existing units:

  2. New installations:

  3. Documentation:

    • Maintain CSA test reports for inspections

Regulatory Resources

More detailed information can be found in this regulatory bulletin.

Click here to view bulletin