chimney cao

JOHN C._2

We recently installed 5 new appliances consisting of 2 water heaters & 3 boilers (each with its own barometric damper) into a common 22" stainless steel stack. The existing chimney was not capable of handling the new load.
The base of the chimney stack has a 3/4" port for any acccumulation of condensation which would drain into a floor drain. The chimney was not capped by the chimney contractor. Does anyone know if the cap is mandatory? The
chimney contractor says it has to be open. I researched The
National Fuel Gas Code and found "7.6.2 Gas Vent Termination
a.A gas vent shall terminate above the roof surface with a listed cap or listed roof assembly in accordance with the terms of their respective listings and the manufacturer's
instructions, except as provided in 7.2.5,7.2.6,7.3.4,and 7.3.5." The fire inspector is questioning this subject.
The installation is located in N.J. Any info would be appreciated.

Dave_4

U need a cap!

The cool rain would chill the interior and reduce draft to compromised levels. Should all appliances be off and snow occur, it is unlikely but possible to have the chimney blocked!

I forget whether NJ still uses NFPA54 as the primary or referenced code - or BOCA Mechanical - or something newer since I left 2 years ago and retired to VT.

I suspect both codes demand a termination rain cap. The inspector should know, and if he doesn't, shame on him. The boss of NJ inspections in this regard is Tom Pitcherelli in Trenton. He polices inspectors (or did when I was in town) and is a wealth of code knowledge and very contractor/homeowner friendly.