INVESTIGATION

Incident Summary (Reference #5605124)
was incorrectly installed into a 1/2” female black iron coupling. The coupling is designed to
accept 1/2 male iron pipe thread which is larger than the 1/2 brass fitting threads.
A tight fitting hole was cut in refrigerator above the heater and a 4 foot long 4” diameter
piece of double wall galvanized B-vent was placed on the flue outlet of the heater unsecured.
The hot water tap was turned on in the trailer for the shower and within a minute or two a
sound was heard and the occupant looked outside and saw smoke and flames coming from
the water heater.
Facts and evidence
Appliance installation instructions
- Unit designed for indoor installation
- Venting should be secured to appliance using a vent connector
Statement from the owner
- He purchased the heater online and installed it himself with help from his neighbor.
The fire incident report from the fire department
- The appliance venting was sticking out of the refrigerator at an approximately 45
degree angle when they arrived.
Photos indicate
- The most amount of wood charring was at the top of the wood frame installed in the
refrigerator indicating fire source location
- The fire pattern on the B-vent indicates the vent was on an angle when the fire was
burning
- The brass fitting on the gas line was incorrectly installed in the black iron coupling
Causes and
contributing factors
It is likely that the unsecured venting for the unit became dislodged allowing the high
temperature flue gasses to ignite the plastic and foam insulation of the refrigerator to. The
resulting fire may have melted the rubber gas hose allowing gas to escape contributing to the
fire damage.
It is also plausible that the incorrect connection of the brass flare gas fitting into the black iron
coupling leaked gas when the propane cylinder was turned. The gathering gas could have
ignited when the hot water to the shower was turned on and the heater lit the main burners
creating a source of ignition..
Photos or diagrams (if necessary)
BRITISH COLUMBIA SAFETY AUTHORITY
www.safetyauthority.ca