Rothenberger Box of Smoke Matches

A Rothenberger Box of Smoke Matches holds matches that produce a small, steady trail of smoke instead of a flame. Gas engineers use them to see which way air is moving, which tells them whether a flue is drawing and whether fumes are spilling back into the room.

What smoke matches are used for

The classic job is a spillage test on an open-flued gas appliance, such as a back boiler or a gas fire. The smoke should be pulled into the flue; if it drifts back into the room, there is a problem to investigate. Smoke matches are also handy for finding draughts round windows and doors, and for checking that ventilation grilles are working.

Specification

• Brand: Rothenberger
• Suitable for: Flue spillage checks and tracing air movement

Common Questions

What is a spillage test?

It checks that the products of combustion from an open-flued appliance go up the flue and not back into the room. It is part of the commissioning and service checks done by a Gas Safe engineer.

Can smoke matches find draughts in a house?

Yes. Hold a lit match near a window frame, door or vent, and the smoke shows which way air is moving.

How should smoke matches be stored?

Keep the box dry and away from heat. Damp matches give a weak, patchy trail that is hard to read.

Advice for Glasgow gas engineers

Spillage testing on gas appliances is a job only a Gas Safe registered engineer should do, following the appliance instructions and the current procedures. Close doors and windows as the test requires, and run the appliance for the set time first. Hold the match where the procedure says and watch the smoke closely. Keep the box dry in the van, as damp matches give poor smoke.

The ROTHENBERGER Box of Smoke Matches is part of our accessories category.

Buy them from Plumb Parts at 555 South Street, Glasgow G14 0QX. Drop in Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or Sat-Sun 8am-1pm, or order online.