Steam pipe clearances

Unknown

question concerning clearance from steam pipes from combustibles. Does anyone have a refence for requirements?

Jamie Hall

No reference handy

but -- assuming it's normal low pressure heating steam -- it's at about 212 F, same as boiling water, so it shouldn't be a problem. Leastways, I hope not... ! Now high pressure steam in a powerplant, that's another story.

Bob Harper

Timmie, no stated clearances I'm aware of but some friends in the fire investigation community, including John DeHaan, who wrote Kirk's Fire Investigation, which is probably the most respected text in that field, have anecdotal evidence that when moisture contacts wood at steam pipes, such as floors, it can cause enough pyrolysis to get ignition at about 240F or less. Wood decay is a similar process to pyrolysis then add a little heat and you lower the ignition temp. I would recommend a 1 inch clearance with a metallic escuteon plate whereever the Authority Having Jurisdiction will allow it. Some may not allow pass-throughs, esp. in units involving more than 4 stories or multi-family due to fire ratings. A lot depends upon the occupancy class and building codes.

Ed C., so you have anything on this?

HTH,
Bob

DanHolohan

Tim,

this might help. It's from 1897

Can steam pipes set wood on fire?

Jamie Hall

Where on earth

do you find these things, Dan? !

DanHolohan

It's in the HeatingHelp.com Library.

Lots of good stuff there.