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Emergency Cutoff switch necessary for gas furnace...

Matt_66
Matt_66 Member Posts: 15
in Gas Heating
I just got my oil to gas conversion done and was wondering if a gas cut off switch is necessary.  My oil burner had one at the top of the stairs as well as one on the burner.  The plumber that did the conversion said i did not need one for the new gas furnace and that I only need the service switch attached to the burner now.



I just want to know before I close up the walls and remove the old switch at the top of the stairs....



Thanks!

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,387
    Good idea to keep the switch

    but I'd get a new plate that says "Gas Burner Emergency Switch". 
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • kcopp
    kcopp Member Posts: 4,472
    I was under the...

    impression and inspectors (mechanical and fire) here in NH are making us take out that switch. kcopp
  • JeffM
    JeffM Member Posts: 182
    NH

    When I had the conversion done to my boiler last year, the Manchester NH inspector did mention that I wasn't supposed to have the cutoff switch upstairs with the gas, but went on to say that it's still good safety to have it and he wouldn't make me take it out (though I did anyway, as it was in the kitchen and the wife didn't want to see it).
  • Aaron_in_Maine
    Aaron_in_Maine Member Posts: 315
    No

    I was told it is against code to have a stair switch on gas equipment. Think about it you have a gas leak in basement come home after being away for weekend flip the switch at the top of the stairs and boom. I take them out and put a cover over the box.

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,387
    We've dealt with some inspectors

    who want a switch installed if one does not exist. We've never dealt with one who wanted one taken out. 
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • BobC
    BobC Member Posts: 5,502
    gas detector?

    I'm surprised the code does not require a gas detector to be installed so a home owner could be alerted to the danger of a gas leak. Smoke detectors are required, why not gas detectors?



    Bob
    Smith G8-3 with EZ Gas @ 90,000 BTU, Single pipe steam
    Vaporstat with a 12oz cut-out and 4oz cut-in
    3PSI gauge
  • Bob Harper
    Bob Harper Member Posts: 1,091
    emergency disconnect switch at CAZ entrance

    Required for liquid fuels but not gas. Good idea but not in IRC. Local codes may vary. Always ask the code official for a reference whether in model building codes or local ordinance. If not in any code, ordinance or standard then unenforceable.



    Combustible gas alarms not required by IRC. The typical action level is 20% of LEL, which is about 44,000ppm methane or 21,500 propane. Most humans can smell levels of a few ppm. However, to smell an LP leak, your nose would need to be on the floor like my beagle. Also, about 15% of the population are not sensitive to the odorants used with combustible gases. Then again is the phenomenon of "odor fade".
  • kcopp
    kcopp Member Posts: 4,472
    I believe...

    NFPA54... 9.7.4 is what they are referring to.....

    http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/firesafety/bulletins/documents/07_05_nfpa54.pdf
  • Gastech40
    Gastech40 Member Posts: 2
    Natural gas detectors

    You will smell the gas long before the detector will go off
  • gennady
    gennady Member Posts: 839
    Switch

    Emergency switch should be installed on each entrance to the basement and at the door next to boiler.
    Gennady Tsakh
    Absolute Mechanical Co. Inc.
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