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Weights and Measures
Weights and Measures

Wood for fuel sales

Wood regulations

The Santa Clara County Department of Weights and Measures wishes to inform you of the business regulations pertaining to the sale of wood for fuel purposes.

Section 4502, California Code of Regulations, Title IV

Wood burning furnace

Wood, for fuel purposes, shall only be sold or offered for sale by cord measure, excepting as hereinafter provided. The cord is hereby established as a standard measure, and shall contain 128 cubic feet, well-stowed and packed: (Well stowed and packed means stacked in such a manner that air spaces are reduced to a minimum).

In all sales of wood for fuel, the cord of 128 cubic feet shall be the true and legal standard of measure, and usage, by law, ordinance, or custom of any person to the contrary notwithstanding.

Slab wood, mill wood, or cut lumber, for fuel purposes, shall only be sold or offered for sale by cord measure or subdivision of a cord, or by volumetric measure expressed in cubic feet.

All deliveries of wood for fuel purposes in quantities of one-eighth cord or more, shall be accompanied by a bill or voucher certifying to the amount of wood delivered, and shall state the name and address of the seller, the date of sale, and the price of the quantity purchased.

Wood for fuel purposes when sold in quantities less the one-eighth cord may be sold in containers provided that the container is labeled with the content in cubic feet or fraction of a cord. Wired or tied bundles, or individual logs, need not be labeled as to quantity when the count or content is accurately determined at time of, and for the immediate purpose of, sale.

The following are frames wherein wood is usually piled, and their dimensions are calculated to contain one-half cord, or 64 cubic feet. These frames are used for estimating only, actual measurement should be confirmed using a rigid rule.

  • 12 inch wood, dimension of frame, 4 feet high by 16 feet long.
  • 14 inch wood, dimension of frame, 4 feet high by 13-5/7 feet long.
  • 16 inch wood, dimension of frame, 4 feet high by 12 feet long.
  • 18 inch wood, dimension of frame, 4 feet high by 10-2/3 feet long.
  • 20 inch wood, dimension of frame, 4 feet high by 9-3/5 feet long.
  • 22 inch wood, dimension of frame, 4 feet high by 8-3/4 feet long.
  • 24 inch wood, dimension of frame, 4 feet high by 8 feet long.

NOTE: FOR ONE CORD, 128 CUBIC FEET, MULTIPLY THE LENGTH BY 2.

Volumetric test procedure for firewood

  • Equipment
    • Calibrated linear measure.
    • Calculator
    • Gloves (optional)
  • Special Note
    • The testing of firewood is most easily performed by two people.
    • Recording of measurements shall be made to the nearest 1/2-inch. For angle cut logs, measure from center to center.
    • The point of inspection shall be after the firewood is delivered and stacked. The stack may need some adjustment  
      before measuring.
    • Well stowed and packed means stacked in such a manner that air spaces are reduced to a minimum. If the depth  
      measurement between two or more stacks contains measurable air spaces, these air spaces shall be subtracted from the  
      overall measurement to obtain the actual depth measurement.
  • Procedure
    • Starting at the left rectangle end of the stack, measure the height at two foot intervals to the right end of the rectangle.
    • Calculate the average height of the stack.
    • Starting at the base of the rectangle, measure the length at one foot intervals to the top of the stack.
    • Calculate the average length of the stack.
    • Calculate the average depth of the stack.
    • Average height in inches x average length in inches x average depth in inches = volume of stack in cubic inches divided  
      by 1728" = total volume in cubic feet.  
       

For more information contact:   

Santa Clara County Department of Weights and Measures  
1553 Berger Drive  
Building 1  
San Jose, CA 95112  
Phone: 408-918-4601