Code question...Robert O'Connor

Steve Paul

> I heard that some senators daughter was burned in

> a fire caused by FVI from a water heater, so he

> saw it fit to write a LAW requireing all the

> water heater manufacturers to make water heaters

> that had FVIR abilities. Yet, right next to the

> very expensive, P.I.T.A. to maintain water

> heaters sits good old open flame boilers and

> furnaces... I guess I should keep my moth shut,

> or "they" might catch on and start requiring the

> same FVIR capabilites on ALL heating appliances.

> Dave said that 6000 people or thereabouts are

> injured or killed by water heaters igniting

> flammable vapors every year. More people than

> that get poisoned or killed by carbon monoxide,

> but I don't see any legislation coming down the

> pike requiring automatic shut downs, or even a

> requirement that a CO detector be installed in

> any occupied space (ala smoke detectors).

> Wasamatta with that picture???

>

> Wacked if you

> ask me...

>

> ME



More people than that get poisoned or killed by carbon monoxide, but I don't see any legislation coming down the pike requiring automatic shut downs, or even a requirement that a CO detector be installed in any occupied space (ala smoke detectors).

Steve Paul

C.O. Detectors

More people than that get poisoned or killed by carbon monoxide, but I don't see any legislation coming down the pike requiring automatic shut downs, or even a requirement that a CO detector be installed in any occupied space (ala smoke detectors).

C.O. detectors ARE required in N.J. if there are ANY fuel burning appliances in the house. A detector is required in the bedroom area. If there are multiple areas, one must be installed in each area. The inspectors will fail a water heater , boiler or furnace if one is not present.

Paul Mitchell_2

Raise boiler

Robert
I know they can not make me. I assume the boiler was put in with permit..looks original. The inspector is a nice guy his name is Mark Hibbard...Another question. I was doing research ad came across a letter from a engineer Julius Ballanco PE. One thing he said was "Most plumbing inspectors will evaluate new technology and determine that the elevation of the water heater is unnecessary. Every code has a provision in the administrative section that permits an inspector to accept a new product that meets the intent of the code. A water heater with flammable vapor ignition resistance fits into this category." According to this our inspector could decide it is ok. We were going to send him a copy of this letter and see if he would allow us to leave the hwh in its position.
Paul

Robert O'Connor_7

Paul.

Julius is a good man I've know for ever, if he gives advice you can take that to the bank (the common sense bank that is). The letter is a good idea however it may not sway him (but you can try). As far as provisions within the NSPC, NJ adopted NSPC back in 1977, although the book was adopted WITH exceptions. The Administrative section as well as multible other subsections unfortunatly were NOT part of said adoption(s). Having said this, the Subcode Official is bound by the regulations and its administration set forth in NJAC 5:23 (the UCC). If by chance something were to happen the inspectors goose would be forever cooked and potentially could become PERSONALLY LIABLE especially when were talking fuel burning appliances. If the latter happened (meaning it blew up, but was installed to code)The inspector is in fact protected under the tort provisions applied to municipal appointees. I know this info is about as exciting as watching grass grow but being informed about how and why these things are what they are puts you in company of thee informed and less likly to get yourself (or the inspector)into an expensive nightmare or create and adversarial (not sure thats a real word) relationship with him. I unfortunatly don't know Mr. Hibbard, all you can ask of him is to just be fair with you, sounds like a resonable argument to me.
Robert O'Connor/NJ

Paul Mitchell_2

Thank you for

your time on this. We always do the right thing and I do not want to get him upset. He seems to be a decent guy so we will present this info we found and if he wants us to raise it we will. If we need to get a differant water heater then so be it. Things could be worse. I just cant stop kicking myself that I didnt catch the old garage deal, the separate room did me in.
Thanks again
Paul

Robert O'Connor_7

Paul..

I attempted to E-Mail you last night in response to you inquiry about raising that water heater. I'm not sure you got it but here are my findings. If the manufacturers installation instructions dictate that their product is listed, labled and approved for use in hazardous locations, then it can be installed in a garage or a room that directly communicates with the garage without raising it up to the old requirement of 18". The NEW codes having been adopted are the 2003 International Fuel Gas & Mechanical Codes and are in effect as of Jan 18, 2005 BUT, with a grace period for and by the individual municipalities until July 18, 2005. What does this mean? It means if a municipality chooses to delay enforcement they now have the requirement of informing potential applicants that they are still using the old code up until July 18. I hope this sheds some light and or a real strong argument about accepting your install as is. I hope this is of some assistance to you.....Robert O'Connor/NJ