On this page
Products the mandatory standard applies to
Decorative alcohol fuelled devices are designed for domestic use and produce a flame using alcohol as fuel. The devices are primarily used for decoration although larger models may also provide heating.
There are 3 common types of decorative alcohol fuelled devices.
- tabletop devices – small, inexpensive burners designed to sit on a table
- freestanding devices – larger, heavier and generally more expensive than tabletop burners. They are usually placed on the floor, against a wall, or in a prominent position as a feature
- fixed devices – are installed in a fixed position usually wall-mounted or recessed. These are often called fireplaces.
The fuel used is typically ethanol in a liquid form or, sometimes, gel form. The most common form is methylated spirits comprising ethanol and around 10% methanol. This may also be marketed as bio-ethanol or eco-fuel.
Decorative alcohol fuelled devices are also called:
- ethanol burners
- ethanol fireplaces
- bio-ethanol fireplaces.
Complying with the mandatory standard
The purpose of the mandatory standard is to prevent or reduce the risk of injury to consumers from uncontrolled fires associated with decorative alcohol fuelled devices.
This information is an overview of how to comply with the mandatory standard. Suppliers must not rely on this information as a complete guide to compliance. View the full detail of the standard.
The mandatory standard requires decorative alcohol fuelled devices to comply with these requirements. They must:
- be a permanent fixture or have a dry weight of at least 8 kilograms and a footprint of at least 900 square centimetres
- meet the stability test set out in the European standard EN 16647:2015
- come with a fuel container with a flame arrester or an automatic fuel pump system
- have the required permanent warning. The warnings provide information on safe use and refuelling.
Mandatory standard details
Consumer Goods (Decorative Alcohol Fuelled Devices) Safety Standard 2017 sets out the mandatory requirements for decorative alcohol fuelled devices.
The accompanying Explanatory Statement has further information.
The mandatory standard incorporates certain sections of the voluntary European Standard EN 16647:2015 Fireplaces for liquid fuels ‑ Decorative appliances producing a flame using alcohol based or gelatinous fuel ‑ Use in private households.
You can buy this European standard from Intertek Inform or Accuris.
We can make a copy of these standards available for viewing at one of our offices, subject to licensing conditions.
When a product does not comply
Fines and penalties may apply for failure to comply with a mandatory safety or information standard. For more information, see fines and penalties.
Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.