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ANSI Z21.103-2017 • CSA 6.7-2017: Portable Type Gas Campfire Rings – Technical Requirements and Compliance
Understanding the Safety and Performance Standards for Portable Gas Campfire Rings in North America
Introduction
ANSI Z21.103-2017 • CSA 6.7-2017 (Portable Type Gas Campfire Rings) establishes uniform safety and performance criteria for self-contained, portable gas-fired appliances designed to simulate a campfire. Developed jointly by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), this standard applies to appliances intended for outdoor use with natural gas or propane. This article provides an in-depth look at the scope, technical requirements, implementation considerations, and compliance notes for manufacturers, certifiers, and regulatory authorities.
Scope of the Standard
ANSI Z21.103-2017 covers portable type gas campfire rings that are factory-built and equipped with integral gas burners, a decorative media (e.g., faux logs, lava rock, or ceramic fiber logs), and a flame safeguard system. The standard applies to:
- Appliances rated at 150,000 Btu/h (44 kW) input or less.
- Units intended for outdoor installation only (not for indoor or enclosed spaces).
- Systems using either natural gas or propane (LP-gas) at supply pressures not exceeding ½ psig (3.5 kPa).
- Portable (not permanently fixed) constructions that are shipped as a complete assembly or in subassemblies that can be field-assembled.
Important: This standard does not cover permanently installed outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, or cooking appliances. Refer to ANSI Z21.97 (outdoor decorative gas appliances) for permanent installations.
Technical Requirements
Construction and Materials
All materials in contact with the gas stream or combustion products must be corrosion-resistant and suitable for outdoor weather exposure. The burner housing, control compartment, and decorative media must maintain structural integrity at temperatures up to 500°F (260°C) during normal operation. The standard mandates the use of non-combustible support components for the burner and controls.
Burner and Controls
Each gas campfire ring must include:
- A primary burner with a fixed orifice sized for the rated input and gas type.
- A redundant gas valve (two independent shut-off mechanisms) that meets ANSI Z21.78 / CSA 6.28 requirements.
- An ignition system that provides reliable ignition within 4 seconds when the gas valve is opened.
- A flame supervision device (thermocouple or flame rod) that interrupts gas flow within 30 seconds of flame loss.
Safety Features
The flame safeguard system must be tested to confirm that any failure (e.g., cracked thermocouple, displaced flame rod) results in closure of the gas valve. A manual reset feature is required after a safety shutdown. Additionally, the control compartment must be sealed to prevent entry of insects or debris that could interfere with valve operation.
Performance Testing
Every portable gas campfire ring must pass a series of operational tests under controlled conditions. Table 1 summarizes the key test parameters and acceptance criteria extracted from the standard.
| Test | Condition | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Input Verification | Measured at rated manifold pressure ±0.1 in. w.c. for natural gas; ±0.2 in. w.c. for propane | ±10% of rated Btu/h input |
| Flame Stability | Wind speed 8 mph (3.6 m/s) from any direction; unit at floor level | Flame does not lift off or extinguish |
| Ignition Reliability | 100 cycles at minimum gas pressure | Ignition within 4 seconds per cycle |
| Safety Shutdown | Simulated flame failure | Gas valve closes within 30 seconds |
| Surface Temperature | All accessible surfaces after 30 min operation at maximum input | ≤ 150°F (66°C) for walls, ≤ 200°F (93°C) for decorative media (if accessible) |
| Gas Connection | Leak test at 15 psi (103 kPa) air or nitrogen | No drop in pressure over 5 minutes |
Tip: When evaluating a portable gas campfire ring, always use the test gases specified in Annex B of the standard—typically methane (for natural gas) and propane (for LP-gas)—to verify published input ratings and flame appearance.
Implementation Highlights
Manufacturers aiming for certification under ANSI Z21.103-2017 should pay special attention to the following during design and production:
- Decorative Media Compatibility: The fire ring’s decorative material (e.g., ceramic logs, glass nuggets, or lava rock) must not obstruct burner ports or cause sooting. The standard requires that any replacement media be listed by the manufacturer and labeled accordingly.
- Outdoor Weather Resistance: Control compartments must be weatherproof (IPX4 minimum) and include drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. All electrical connections (if any) must be rated for outdoor use.
- Labeling and Marking: A permanent rating plate must be attached, showing manufacturer name, model, gas type, input rating (Btu/h), fuel supply pressure, and the certification mark (e.g., CSA). Additionally, a warning label must be placed near the control panel stating: “FOR OUTDOOR USE ONLY – CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD.”
- Field Conversion: If the appliance can be converted between natural gas and propane, the conversion kit must be supplied and instructions must detail the orifice change and valve adjustment. The converted configuration must also comply with all requirements of this standard.
Best Practice: Engage a recognized testing laboratory (e.g., CSA, UL, ITS) early in the development phase to identify potential non‑conformities before formal certification testing.
Compliance Notes
To demonstrate compliance with ANSI Z21.103-2017, manufacturers must submit samples for third‑party testing by an accredited laboratory. The certification process typically involves:
- Documentation Review: Technical manual, installation instructions, parts list, and labeling.
- Construction Inspection: Verification of materials, welding, and assembly against the design specification.
- Performance Testing: Execution of all tests listed in Table 1 plus additional aging and endurance tests.
- Production Surveillance: Periodic factory inspections (typically twice per year) to ensure continued conformity.
During surveillance, any design or material change must be documented and may trigger retesting. The standard also requires that the manufacturer maintain a quality control program in accordance with ISO 9001 or equivalent.
Warning: Installing a portable gas campfire ring under a covered patio, awning, or overhang is a violation of the standard’s outdoor-only designation and can lead to carbon monoxide accumulation. Always adhere to the minimum clearance requirements in the installation manual (typically 36 in. / 91 cm from any combustible structure).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does ANSI Z21.103-2017 apply to gas fire pits that are built into a permanent structure?
A: No. Permanent outdoor gas fire pits fall under ANSI Z21.97 (outdoor decorative gas appliances). ANSI Z21.103 is strictly for portable, self-contained units that are not anchored or built into a structure.
A: No. Permanent outdoor gas fire pits fall under ANSI Z21.97 (outdoor decorative gas appliances). ANSI Z21.103 is strictly for portable, self-contained units that are not anchored or built into a structure.
Q: Can a portable gas campfire ring be used with a standard 20 lb propane cylinder?
A: Yes, provided the appliance is listed for propane and the cylinder connection complies with the standard’s pressure and leak‑testing requirements. The cylinder must be located outside the fire ring’s heat envelope, typically at least 4 ft (1.2 m) away.
A: Yes, provided the appliance is listed for propane and the cylinder connection complies with the standard’s pressure and leak‑testing requirements. The cylinder must be located outside the fire ring’s heat envelope, typically at least 4 ft (1.2 m) away.
Q: What is the maximum wind speed at which the appliance must maintain a stable flame?
A: The standard requires stable flame performance at a wind speed of 8 mph (3.6 m/s) from any horizontal direction. Units intended for high‑wind areas should be tested at higher speeds at the manufacturer’s discretion.
A: The standard requires stable flame performance at a wind speed of 8 mph (3.6 m/s) from any horizontal direction. Units intended for high‑wind areas should be tested at higher speeds at the manufacturer’s discretion.
Q: Is annual recertification required after initial listing?
A: The certification does not expire on a fixed schedule, but the manufacturer must participate in ongoing follow‑up inspections (typically twice per year) to maintain the listing. If the standard is revised, recertification may be required within a transition period set by the certifying body.
A: The certification does not expire on a fixed schedule, but the manufacturer must participate in ongoing follow‑up inspections (typically twice per year) to maintain the listing. If the standard is revised, recertification may be required within a transition period set by the certifying body.