Can i install a wood pellet stove myself in New Brunswick or does TIS require a licensed installer and inspection?

Installing a wood pellet stove in New Brunswick sits in a grey zone — you can do some of the work yourself, but critical parts of the installation legally require licensed trades and mandatory inspections.

Here's how it breaks down in practice.

The stove itself and hearth pad — positioning the unit, installing the non-combustible hearth pad, maintaining proper clearances to combustibles — is work a capable homeowner can do. The National Building Code 2020 (now in effect for NB as of May 1, 2025) specifies minimum clearances, and the manufacturer's installation manual is your bible here. Always follow whichever is more restrictive: the NBC or the manufacturer specs.

The venting system is where it gets more complicated. Pellet stoves use a pressurized exhaust system (typically 3" or 4" stainless liner through an existing chimney, or direct-vent through an exterior wall). This is not the same as a traditional wood stove's natural-draft chimney. The installation must comply with CSA B365 (Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment) and NBC requirements. While TIS does not license "pellet stove installers" as a specific trade category, if your installation involves any gas components (some pellet stoves have gas ignition assists), that portion absolutely requires a licensed gas fitter and TIS inspection.

The electrical connection is non-negotiable. Pellet stoves require a dedicated electrical circuit — they have augers, fans, and control boards that draw continuous power. In New Brunswick, all electrical work beyond basic plug-in connections must be done by a TIS-licensed electrical contractor, with a wiring permit obtained from NB Power (1-800-615-0522) before work begins. A TIS inspection follows. This is not optional — homeowners cannot legally do their own electrical rough-in work in NB regardless of skill level.

Your building permit requirement depends on your location. Most municipalities and Regional Service Commissions require a building permit for solid-fuel appliance installations because it's a change to your home's heating system. If you're in Fredericton, contact Development Services at (506) 460-2020. In Moncton, call Planning & Development at (506) 856-4375. Rural homeowners should contact their Regional Service Commission. The inspector will verify clearances, hearth protection, and venting before signing off.

Your home insurance is the other major factor here. Most NB insurers require that solid-fuel appliances be installed to WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) standards and inspected by a WETT-certified technician. A DIY install without WETT certification can void your coverage — and your insurer will ask about it at renewal. Call your broker before you start, not after.

Realistically, the smartest path for most homeowners is to hire a contractor experienced with solid-fuel appliances to handle the venting and hearth work, have your electrician pull the wiring permit and run the dedicated circuit, and get a WETT inspection at completion. That combination keeps your permit, your insurance, and your TIS inspection all in order.

You can find experienced installers and licensed electricians in the New Brunswick Construction Network directory — browse by trade to find professionals serving your area.