Fusible Oil Cutoff Valves

Kenny

Does anyone know what the maximum (normal) temperature is inside a covered oil burner like the Beckett NX? Can a fusible oil cutoff valve (Firomatic) be directly attached to the pumped inside the burner cover and still have plenty of safety margin?

Firedragon_4

160F at the wheel!

There are higher wheel values, but must be signed off by the local authority. Others with covers have had problems, but it's really a matter of ambient temperature, no fixed rule here. Put it just outside the cover and forgitaboutit! Also, it will make the inspector find it much easier, FACT!

Rookie_3

165*F is code if your in MA.

Firedragon_4

Actually, 527CMR4.00 does not

state specifically what a valve will be set at, only a thermal switch, which is 165*F.

As long as the valve complies and is listed than it does in fact meet the standards and intent of the regulation. We all tend to use 165 as the standard, anything else being not standard, but in it's purest form those 200*F copper wheels are legal.

I've fought for a long time to get this changed but my fellows on the Sub-committee prefer to leave this area vague, go figure?!?!?!

psd_3

Fusible Oil Valves

Thx for the input -

It appears that other burner components are not rated as high as 165F. For instance, the 7184P primary control is rated only to 150F, and the Beckett/Suntec clean-cut fuel pump is rated only to 115F. Seems like the cover/burner design should maintain a comfortable margin below 165F or else other components would also be in jeapordy of failing??

In any case, I have found references to the copper (200F) Firomatic handwheel and will try to locate one. Any idea about the codes in the great "live free or die" state?

Firedragon_4

NFPA31-2001 is now the law-of-the land

in the Granite State, but until you guys get licensed (probably 2005) and have enforcement it's for only when you screw up. It's still best to follow something everywhere for the what-if's.

Experience doesn't count much with the insurance boys anymore and expect it to get a lot worse. Make sure you get documentation of seminars and personally I'd get on board with NATE or NORA or someone, JMO.

lchmb

Enforcement will be fun to watch..:) IMHO

Firedragon_4

I hope they go the way of MA and

not the others. Although nothing is purfuct, it's still the best I've seen.

As soon as tradesmen mix it up ya got problems, don't like that system. The other way is State Examiners, oh mama that's the worse, with egoes, BS up the wazoo and a whole flock of good stuff.

Nope, the local Fire Departments ain't the best way for some maybe, but I like the neutral third-party concept, the Marshal's Office for relief, etc. Pound-for-pound with more education it's still the best I've seen.

BTW, the DEP is now coming into MA State Fire Training classes, should be veeeery interesting!

Kenny

What about flexible fuel line connections

The next obvious question -

Many new boilers have hinged swing doors requiring flexible fuel lines for easy maintenance. Burner manufacturers like Beckett provide access to fuel pump connections through cutouts in the bottom of their covers. Are there any rules governing the usage of flexible fuel lines? Is it safe to make direct connections to components under covers using these flexible lines?

I haven't found many suppliers of flexible fuel lines. Are there any out there that are notably good/bad? This is definitely one of the components that you can't afford to have fail!

Firedragon_4

I think rather

than answering every question that pertains to the code may I suggest that you buy a copy and then go from there:
http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/product.asp?pid=3101&query=31&link_type=search&src=nfpa