Tank water heaters, FVIR, and garages

Rob Blair

With the newer FVIR tank water heaters are you still required to raise them 18" off if the garage floor?  I thought that I read that with the FVIR it was no longer required.

IN Pennsylvania.



Thanks,



Rob

Dave Yates (GrandPAH)

depends

Not all local codes allow the exception



http://www.inspectorsjournal.com/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2879



During the initial FVIR research & development, the manufacturers discovered, or uncovered, an interesting fact. Elevating the burners 18" off the floor (non-FVIR) caused the flammable vapors to explode, rather than ignite, which was far more devastating to the structure housing the test water heaters. So, while the elevation no doubt saved lives and property from flash-over fires, when the vapors did build up till they reached a source of ignition, the results were dramatic.



Given the fact that many FVIR safety measures are compromised by the sheer complexity (some - not all mfgrs built into the technology) of accessing the pilot/burner assy, it's understandible if the local codes inspector(s) still want that 18". However, given the results if vapors do build up to 18", then I'd push for placing any FVIR on the floor.

Rob Blair

Thanks Dave.

Rob