When an Enclosed Balcony Legally Becomes Indoor Space
In Taipei and New Taipei City, many apartment owners enclose open balconies with aluminum or airtight windows to block rain and dust. Under Taiwan's Fire Services Act, an enclosed balcony is legally classified as an indoor or poorly ventilated area. Using standard outdoor RF-type gas water heaters in these enclosed spaces creates severe carbon monoxide poisoning risks when doors and windows are shut during chilly winters.
Water Heater Types: RF vs FE vs FF
Selecting the right water heater requires evaluating ventilation conditions:
- RF Type (Outdoor Natural Draft): Uses ambient air for combustion and natural buoyancy to vent exhaust. Strictly allowed only on fully open balconies without glazing or excessive laundry obstruction.
- FE Type (Mechanical Forced Exhaust): Draws balcony air and uses an internal DC blower fan to push exhaust gases outside through a stainless steel duct. Standard requirement for enclosed balconies.
- FF Type (Direct Vent / Balanced Flue): Uses a dual-wall coaxial pipe to pull outdoor air and vent exhaust, fully sealed from indoor air. Required for windowless indoor bathrooms or tight interior utility rooms.
Fire Services Act Article 15-1 & Certified Technicians
Under Article 15-1 of Taiwan's Fire Services Act, gas water heater installation and piping must be executed by technicians holding a national Gas Appliance Installation Technician Certificate. Technicians must affix a registered compliance sticker with their license number and date. Uncertified installations risk fines between NT$10,000 and NT$50,000.
Forced Exhaust Piping Rules: SUS304 & Drainage Slope
FE exhaust ducts must follow strict engineering rules: First, use SUS304 stainless steel ducts rather than flexible aluminum foils; second, maintain an outward downward slope of 0.5% to 1.0% to prevent condensation and rainwater backflow into the combustion chamber; third, keep duct length under 5 meters with at most three 90-degree elbows; fourth, ensure the exterior vent extends at least 10 cm beyond walls with a 60 cm clearance from openable windows.
Natural Gas Line Renovation: Public vs Private Piping
Gas pipes are divided into public service pipes (from street mains to the meter inlet, managed exclusively by licensed utilities like Great Taipei Gas or Shin Shin Natural Gas) and private customer pipes (from the meter outlet to indoor appliances, which can be modified by certified gas piping contractors). Indoor exposed piping typically costs NT$1,200 to NT$1,600 per meter in Greater Taipei. Ensure bubble leak tests and microcomputer gas meter safety checks are performed before handover.
