Boiler Emergency Off Switch Removal

Beefboi99

New homeowner here. Have an older home with an oil fired boiler. Currently there’s an Emergency off Switch above the boiler and another Switch at the top of the basement stairs.

People keep mistaking it for the basement light switch and I would really like to remove it and just use the one Switch above the boiler. Don’t really see a need for it.

Is there any kind of Code in PA that I need to have 2 switches? Can I just add a firematic above the boiler? 

ethicalpaul

Here's your answer: https://www.supplyhouse.com/DiversiTech-PI393-Red-Emergency-Oil-Burner-Cover-Plate-w-white-text-4-5-x-2-75

Imagine your boiler is on fire and the blower is running spewing flame everywhere. Do you want to go downstairs to turn it off?

STEAM DOCTOR

bburd

When I sold my house in Haverford Township, Pennsylvania, I was required by the local code official to install an oil burner emergency switch at the top of the basement stairs. The boiler dated to 1947 and originally the only switch was on the unit itself.

Pennsylvania adopted a statewide building code 15 or 20 years ago if I recall correctly. Local jurisdictions may be stricter.

Beefboi99

bburd said:

When I sold my house in Haverford Township, Pennsylvania, I was required by the local code official to install an oil burner emergency switch at the top of the basement stairs. The boiler dated to 1947 and originally the only switch was on the unit itself.

Pennsylvania adopted a statewide building code 15 or 20 years ago if I recall correctly. Local jurisdictions may be stricter.

Lol I grew up in Havertown. Thanks for info I’ll just go with the red wall plate then. 

PC7060

I’d do both the reds plate and the clear cover to prevent nuisance shutoffs. 

STEAM DOCTOR

That switch is there in case of emergency. Definitely go red plate. Every second counts sometimes 

Dave Carpentier

Considering everything is already in place for this step of extra safety, I'd agree to at least put the switch cover to remove the nuisance. A red plate (paint it red yourself even) is a well recognized tag for firemen and repairmen alike. (or -persons)

retiredguy

On commercial jobs they usually use a "break glass station" that has a small hammer attached with a small chain. In case of an emergency you just break the glass to activate the switch under the glass.

HVACNUT

Not sure what code is for height from the floor the emergency switch should be, but at the top of the stairs, it should be considerably higher than the light switch. It should definitely have a RED plate. BLUE for gas.

I've had numerous calls over the years for this, even when you ask over the phone if someone mistakenly shut the switch off. "Yeah yeah, it's on. Whaddaya think I am, an idiot?"
"No, sir. That'll be $$$. Should I charge the card on file?"

Carrying the laundry basket down seems to be a popular one. Raise up the basket to see the first step, bring the basket back down and whoops.

How hard would it be to wire in a door switch? Open the door and no need to fumble for switches.

pecmsg

HVACNUT said:

Not sure what code is for height from the floor the emergency switch should be, but at the top of the stairs, it should be considerably higher than the light switch. It should definitely have a RED plate. BLUE for gas.

I've had numerous calls over the years for this, even when you ask over the phone if someone mistakenly shut the switch off. "Yeah yeah, it's on. Whaddaya think I am, an idiot?"
"No, sir. That'll be $$$. Should I charge the card on file?"

Carrying the laundry basket down seems to be a popular one. Raise up the basket to see the first step, bring the basket back down and whoops.

How hard would it be to wire in a door switch? Open the door and no need to fumble for switches.

Than they leave the door open and NO HEAT!

mattmia2

pecmsg said:

HVACNUT said:

Not sure what code is for height from the floor the emergency switch should be, but at the top of the stairs, it should be considerably higher than the light switch. It should definitely have a RED plate. BLUE for gas.

I've had numerous calls over the years for this, even when you ask over the phone if someone mistakenly shut the switch off. "Yeah yeah, it's on. Whaddaya think I am, an idiot?"
"No, sir. That'll be $$$. Should I charge the card on file?"

Carrying the laundry basket down seems to be a popular one. Raise up the basket to see the first step, bring the basket back down and whoops.

How hard would it be to wire in a door switch? Open the door and no need to fumble for switches.

Than they leave the door open and NO HEAT!

Or shut the door to keep the noise in the basement and walk down the stairs in the dark.

HVACNUT

pecmsg said:

HVACNUT said:

Not sure what code is for height from the floor the emergency switch should be, but at the top of the stairs, it should be considerably higher than the light switch. It should definitely have a RED plate. BLUE for gas.

I've had numerous calls over the years for this, even when you ask over the phone if someone mistakenly shut the switch off. "Yeah yeah, it's on. Whaddaya think I am, an idiot?"
"No, sir. That'll be $$$. Should I charge the card on file?"

Carrying the laundry basket down seems to be a popular one. Raise up the basket to see the first step, bring the basket back down and whoops.

How hard would it be to wire in a door switch? Open the door and no need to fumble for switches.

Than they leave the door open and NO HEAT!

For the stairway light, silly, not the boiler.