FAQs on Oil Supply Pipes
Is it likely for kerosene oil to freeze during the winter months?
No, the Cloud Point of Class C2 Kerosene to BS 2869 is minus 39 degrees C. Therefore, unless the location of an oil pipe is extremely exposed to wind chill, it is very unlikely for temperatures to plummet low enough within the British Isles to cause Class C2 Kerosene to freeze.
If a blocked oil supply pipe is encountered during the winter months, a more likely cause is that the oil line contains beads of water that have frozen, expanded and blocked the pipe.
Our best advice would be for an OFTEC Registered Technician to inspect the oil storage tank for the presence of water. If water is found, methods of extracting the water to prevent a reoccurrence can be looked into.
For details of OFTEC Registered Technicians that operate local in your area, please see Locate a Registered Company.
Water extraction pumps are available through OFTEC Direct
Can oil supply pipes be buried?
Yes, oil supply pipes can be buried with caution, your local OFTEC Registered Technician would be able to advise on the most suitable method of installation for the site conditions.
For details of OFTEC Registered Technicians that operate local in your area, please see Locate a Registered Company.
Can plastic oil supply pipe be used above ground at my home?
No, approved types of plastic oil supply pipe should only be installed below ground.
For manufacturers of approved plastic oil supply pipes please see the OFTEC Equipment Directory,
Can galvanised pipe be used as an oil supply pipe material?
No, because this increases the risk of electrolytic corrosion of dissimilar metals.
Are soft soldered joints permitted on copper oil supply pipes?
No, joints in copper oil supply pipes should be made with compression fittings, either Type A nut and olive with inserts or Type B flared as required by British Standard EN 1254: Part 2.
Can PTFE tape be used for joints in oil supply pipes?
Yes, however PTFE tape should only be used to ‘pack’ the thread out to ensure a firm joint is made. PTFE tape should always be used in conjunction with an oil resistant soft setting jointing compound.
Is it ok to have flexible oil pipes exposed outside of the appliance casing?
No, British Standard 5410: Part 1: 1997 requires oil supply pipes within a building or above ground externally to be constructed of steel or copper. Unless the flexible oil pipes have an equal degree of fire rated resistance to that of steel or copper (to be declared by the manufacturer) it should remain concealed within the appliance casing where it is protected by a remote fire valve.
Is there a maximum length that the oil supply pipe must not exceed?
Generally, there is no limitation as to the maximum length of oil supply pipe between an oil storage tank and an appliance as long as the supply pipe is correctly sized and designed for the application. Limitations may be encountered during the design process.
Are de-aerators of Perspex construction permitted to be installed internally?
No, oil de-aerators of Perspex construction should be installed externally to a property as they are not deemed fire rated. Furthermore, they may vent vapours to atmosphere and can promote an explosive environment if sited within a confined space.
Oil de-aerators are available for internal installation. These are manufactured from fire resistant material and should be provided with a means of taking vented air to the outside via a fireproof vent pipe or releasing vapours via the burner.
Where and how should a remote acting fire valve be installed?
A remote acting fire valve should be installed with the sensor inside the appliance casing and the valve body external to the building as per British Standard 5410: Part 1: 1997 (see OFTEC Technical Book 3 2010) so that in the event of a fire or an over heat situation at the appliance, the oil is isolated external to the building.
For externally installed appliances, the fire valve cut off point should be located a minimum of 1m from the appliance.
OFTEC Technical book 3 can be purchased from OFTEC Direct
Is an additional fire valve required for an oil fired vaporising range cooker?
Yes, two fire valves are generally required for an oil fired vaporising range cooker installations. One for the protection of the cooker and one for the protection of the oil float control valve.
Cooker installations that also incorporate an oil lifter would require a third remote acting fire valve. (see OFTEC Technical Book 3 2010)
Your local OFTEC Registered Technician would be able to advise on the most appropriate protection methods for the installation. For details of OFTEC Registered Technicians that operate local in your area, please see Locate a Registered Company.
OFTEC Technical book 3 can be purchased from OFTEC Direct
Further help
We also produce a series of FREE downloadable Easy Guides. You may find one of these is helpful.
If you can’t find the answers you are looking for here you can contact the OFTEC Technical Helpline on 0905 757 0135 (calls are charged at 95p a minute, but some service providers may vary) and speak to a member of the OFTEC Technical Team.
Alternatively, you can send in a technical enquiry form. We aim to respond to technical enquiry e-mails within 3 working days.