oil burner/gas burner switch location

jfplumr

OK-every good heating contractor knows that there should be a safety switch for oil or gas burner in remote location, normally at the top of the stairs or at least in another room adjacent to boiler or furnace area. I went to my local code authority to ask which code requires this and he could not find reference to it in any of the codes. Another contractor in my town replaced an existing boiler and when the owner told him he was required to install a safety switch with a red cover at the top of the stairs, he refused. I do know that some insurance companies have required this.I am located in New York state. I would like to know if this is actually required and if so, what code requires it? Thanks for any help.

heatboy

IBC Code

Oil - Switcch at the top of the stairs.  Gas - No switch at the top of the stairs.  Both need a service switch within arms reach of the burner.

Alan R. Mercurio_3

Re:oil burner/gas burner switch location

That information can be found in NFPA – 31 section 10.5 Operating Controls



 

10.5.1.1 For electrically powered appliances, the requirement of 10.5.1 shall be accomplished by an indentified switch in the burner circuit, placed near the entrance to the room where the appliance is located.

This is with regard to oil burning equipent.

icesailor

Switches:

Maybe I learned wrongly but in Massachusetts, it is my understanding that the safety switch in question must be located OUTSIDE the room that the oil burning equipment is located. If the appliance is located in a cellar/basement and it is not partitioned off, and there is no walls and door at the bottom of the stairs, the switch at the top of the stairs would not be code compliant. It would need to be outside the door into the basement. The reason given to me was that if there were a fire, opening the door would allow air and allow air in and possibly help combustion.

It's handy to have the switch located in a location that makes it easy for someone to find. Like outside the door to the basement.