engineering letter?

Paul Mitchell_2

Hello all
Had a customer call today and ask if we can get a engineering letter. Wants us to give a price on a couple boilers. Anyone know what these letters are and how do I get one....here in NJ.
Thanks

Paul Mitchell_2

Where are you guys?

Gotta have one of you guys here that know this answer. I figure it means that I need an engineer to check design etc and sign off on it to make this town happy.
Any answers appreciated

Ken_8

Say What?

There is no basis for an engineer to do a boiler unless required by the building department in the municipality you are working in.

I too am in NJ and been at this for 30+ years. I am no engineer but have one "in the wings" for such purposes as you may be encountering. If the client is asking for an engineer to provide designs, or calculations - and suspects you are inept at such things, they should go get one on their own - or, you may suggest one you know. Perhaps even include an engineering fee along with a formal proposal??

It would seem you and I design/build, install and service heating systems? Just as builders build homes; if they are doing a large structure, they need a licensed architect to do plans. Likewise, if I have a complicated heating system designed with all sorts of intricate, high tech designs in a commercial or large public facility, like a school, office building or housing project - then an engineer may be required by virtue of the nature of the project.

Without more specifics, it is impossible to provide further comment.

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Brad White_2

Engineering Letter

What I think the AHJ is asking for is, if not design calculations, an affidavit (usually notarized) whereby a registered professional engineer (PE) stamps, signs and attests that the design and application meets code. It is a way for the building departments to indemnify themselves and is most often pro-forma due diligence. We are seeing this more and more in small towns, not to mention big cities, even for houses. (Here in MA there is what is known as the "30,000 cubic foot rule" whereby a PE is not needed for work under that volume. This enables those in the trades to do their work without PE designs.

Paul Mitchell_2

Thanks

You are correct...The person who runs the complex says the town reguires an engineering letter. I contacted one of my suppliers and they directed me on who to call. As the post after yours states. This is for the town not the guy. I am going to check it out and give an estimate. I just wanted to know how much of a project it would be to get the letter needed. I should have a contact number and info on my fax in the office in the am. This way I can give my estimate with the extra engineering fees and know what I am talking about. Thanks for the info.
Paul

Paul Mitchell_2

Yes

My in laws are building in N.C. and all the homes are normal size and they need an engineers seal on all the HVAC work. What I don't like is that if you are a proffessional like us and do our designs correct..We still need an engineer to sign off. I guess it is cover your **** for the towns. But it makes it look like we in the trade need help to figure things out..........If I did a stint in college I coulded been a PE. But that doesnt mean I would know the deal without time in the trade.
Thanks
Paul

gerry gill

isn't that the kind of thing

that ''siggy'' does for a living?

Ken_8

Ohhhhhhhhhhh Paul,

> My in laws are building in N.C. and all the homes

> are normal size and they need an engineers seal

> on all the HVAC work. What I don't like is that

> if you are a proffessional like us and do our

> designs correct..We still need an engineer to

> sign off. I guess it is cover your **** for the

> towns. But it makes it look like we in the trade

> need help to figure things out..........If I did

> a stint in college I coulded been a PE. But that

> doesnt mean I would know the deal without time in

> the trade. Thanks Paul



Now we can see what the problem is!

NC? want engineers to sign off on a design in a residnece.

Now I'm convinced. Other than Kitty Hawk and NASCAR, tell me one good thing about North Carolina.

Come on. Be real. We're talking about folks who just got running water 50 years ago there.

An engineer's "sanction" to put in F/H/A furnace?

I gotta get out of this business. Bad thing is, it's not getting any better. I feel sorry for my son, the heir apparent. Thankfully, he's a bit more tolerant of such insanity than I.

But he is good with a gun.

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Doug Wagoner

I live in the heart of NC and

am not aware of such requirements for "normal" size homes. Please give me more details before I am written up for non compliance.

Brad White_2

John Siegethaler

I presume you mean. John is indeed a P.E., but this goes by state. I do not know what states beyond NY John has registrations. If you are a P.E. in NY state, chances are that one can get reciprocity by application in other states. (NY, PA and CA for a few require in-state exams last time I checked). I could be wrong.

Where this all gets sticky is a recent ruling here in MA which states that a PE should only stamp work done under his or her direct and regular supervision, which puts a crimp in a practice of knowing an engineer and having them stamp work not actually designed under their roofs. But this local work may not be affected. My two-cents.
Brad

Paul Mitchell_2

This is in Saint James

Which is close to Southport. Maybe it is only for this area or maybe the builder I was talking to was giving me a line. I assume you wouldnt be able to file permits without it if it was required in your area.

Paul Mitchell_2

Good point

Tough business especially in my area of NJ. I had seen some jobs done down in NC that were pretty scary. But you do get what you pay for and I have seen some pricing. Sending my boys to school.....Good to be in the trade but some college might open better and differant doors.

S Ebels

Here in Michigan

It goes by the size of the structure. 3,500 sq ft of habitable space. The habitable part you can really play games with. I've seen 8-9,000 sq ft structures go up without engineering. BTU input above 400,000 also requires the stamp of approval. All commercial/institutional stuff has to go through and engineer/architect type guy.

S Ebels

And while we're on the subject.........

Does anyone know an engineer here in Michigan that is not stuck in the Stone Age hydronically speaking? I have one that is willing to learn and is great to work with but nearly all I've seen prints from are firmly mired in the 1950's. Convincing them that you can actually heat a building with 90-100* water is akin to re-inventing physics.