AbstractAn experimental investigation has been performed into the venting of methane‐air explosions in heating plants. The investigation was performed on a realistic scale in a 38.5 m3 enclosure. The first part of the experimental program concerns the influence of the “usual” parameters such as the vent opening area, the vent opening pressure, the ignition location and the vent opening configuration. The second part of the investigation concerns the influence of factors related to heating plants. Thus the effect of introducing a large obstacle, that is the central heating apparatus, and the effect of venting through a dormer window (heating plants are often located in the cellar of a building allowing explosion venting via a dormer window only) are investigated.