12 Energiforsyningsanlæg i tilknytning til bygninger – Danish Building Regulations Guidance
The official guidance document Bygningsreglementets vejledning om energiforsyningsanlæg i tilknytning til bygninger provides the regulatory framework for energy supply systems connected to buildings in Denmark. It elaborates on the provisions set forth in the Danish Building Regulations (BR18), specifically within the range of § 299 to § 328. This guidance is issued by the Danish Authority of Social Services and Housing (Trafik-, Bygge- og Boligstyrelsen) and was last updated on July 1, 2023.
The document governs faste installationer (fixed installations), which are defined as systems built into, attached to, or connected to the building's piping. The regulatory scope includes boilers, wood-burning stoves, solar cells, heat pumps, and flue systems. It explicitly excludes portable units such as electric heaters or bio-fireplaces connected via standard sockets or manual fuel supply. The guidance details technical requirements for product efficiency, installation functionality, and compliance with harmonized standards under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).
The following sections detail the technical specifications for flue systems, combustion plants, and safety measures required to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and ensure environmental protection through proper chimney placement.
Definition and Scope of Fixed Installations
The Danish Building Regulations apply to energy supply systems defined as faste installationer. These systems are characterized by being integrated into the building structure or its mechanical systems.
- Fixed Installations: Includes kedler (boilers), brændeovne (wood stoves), solceller (solar cells), and varmepumper (heat pumps).
- Non-fixed Installations: Includes oil radiators, electric fan heaters, and petroleum stoves that are plugged into wall sockets or lack external flues.
- Energy Requirements: The term fixed installation is used to determine if a specific heating system triggers building-wide energy performance requirements.
Flue Systems and Chimneys (Aftrækssystemer)
Specific tightness classes and structural requirements are mandated for flue systems based on pressure levels and fuel types.
- Negative Pressure Systems: Must meet at least tightness class N1; chimney liners must meet class N2.
- Positive Pressure Systems: Must meet at least tightness class P1.
- Safety Clearance: Chimneys must be located at least 2.5 meters from property boundaries.
- Height Requirements: Flues for solid fuel systems should generally terminate above the highest point of the building to ensure proper smoke dispersion.
Efficiency and Documentation Requirements
The regulation mandates that efficiency and environmental performance be documented for the specific installation at the time of setup.
- Installation-Specific Documentation: Efficiency ratings must be documented for the current installation; documentation from a previous building or a five-year-old test cannot be reused.
- Combustion Performance: Proper burner and boiler combinations must be tested together; independent burners cannot be substituted without validation.
- Gas and Oil Temperatures: Guide values for return temperatures are 45 °C for gas firing and 40 °C for oil firing when utilizing flue gas coolers.
Other Energy Systems: Solar and Heat Pumps
Additional energy systems including solar thermal, solar PV, and heat pumps are subject to specific safety and operational standards.
- Solar Thermal: Pipes may reach temperatures of 85 – 100 °C and must not contact combustible materials like wood structures.
- Heat Pumps and Cooling: Systems are regulated under the DS/EN 378 series regarding safety and environmental requirements.
- Explosive Atmospheres: Equipment in potentially explosive areas must comply with specific executive orders on technical aids and classification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a fixed energy installation under Danish building law?
A fixed installation is one that is attached to the building, built into it, or connected to a piping system, such as boilers, wood stoves, solar cells, and heat pumps.
Can I reuse a boiler's efficiency documentation in a new building?
No, documentation of efficiency must be established for the specific installation in its current building; previous documentation from other locations is not valid.
What is the minimum safety distance for a chimney from the property line?
Chimneys must be placed at a distance of at least 2.5 meters from the boundary (skel).
What are the tightness classes for flue systems?
Systems for negative pressure should be class N1 (N2 for liners), while positive pressure systems must meet class P1.
Are there specific temperature limits for solar thermal piping?
Solar thermal pipes can reach 85 – 100 °C and must be kept away from combustible materials to prevent fire hazards.
Who regulates gas and electrical installations in Denmark?
Gas and electrical installations in buildings are regulated by the Danish Safety Technology Authority (Sikkerhedsstyrelsen).
What are the return temperature guidelines for gas firing?
For gas firing with flue gas coolers, the return temperature should be a maximum of 45 °C at -12 °C outside temperature.
What measures prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in flue systems?
Prevention includes the use of chimney caps, bird screens (allikerist), flue gas limiters, and carbon monoxide alarms.
