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Prepiping a boiler

jackchips_2
jackchips_2 Member Posts: 1,337
in THE MAIN WALL
certainley sending mixed messages, James.

It is either allowable or not. For him to say "this time I approve it----" is not his call.

Pin him down.

Jack

Comments

  • Jim_47
    Jim_47 Member Posts: 244
    PrePiping

    Gents and Ladies,
    We are excited about advancing to the point of prepiping our boiler jobs on a nice piece of 3/4" plywood prior to the installation day. All the zone valves and purge valves as well as fill, backflow and Aquamix, all all mounted and prepipped on a nice 4x6' piece of plywood. Until ....
    An inspector told me that I just bought combustable plywood near the boiler.
    I am more than the 12" side clearance that the MFG specs in the manual! I cannot believe he cited me on this.
    I was told,"this time I'll approve it but don't do it on plywood next time." I can think of only two other materials that I could use. Aluminum and Cardboard. :)
    Your comments please.
  • ScottMP
    ScottMP Member Posts: 5,882
    Distance to combustibles

    is regulated by the boiler manufacturer. If you are with the specs., I am confused by what he's asking for.

    I would contact him and clear it up. I mean, how far do you go for combustibles ? Sounds like another inspector who dos'nt like something different.
    Scott

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  • pitman9
    pitman9 Member Posts: 74
    I agree. Ask what the allowable clearance to combustibles is.

    I'd go with an installation manual in hand.
  • Paul Rohrs_4
    Paul Rohrs_4 Member Posts: 466
    Uh....

    And the difference between the plywood and the 2x4's it is nailed to is what?

    I have the MSDS for wood. Currently, I do not have aseparate MSDS sheet for 2x4's or a separate MSDS for plywood.

    Regards,

    PR

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  • Steamhead (in transit)
    Steamhead (in transit) Member Posts: 6,688
    Get in touch with his boss

    If the Code approves it and the manufacturer does too, then he is jerking your chain. You need to get his superiors involved.
  • Tundra
    Tundra Member Posts: 93


    The standard response to an inspector is to ask him to show you in the code. If it isn't in the book he can't require it.
  • bob young
    bob young Member Posts: 2,177


    next plateau ----diamond plate.
  • grindog
    grindog Member Posts: 121
    fire rated plywood

    Even if you are right and know you did nothing wrong, in the future use fire rated plywood. It is a little more money but you will make the inspectors happy
  • Ken_8
    Ken_8 Member Posts: 1,640
    Frank's right.

    I believe this is S.O.P. in all states and municipalities...

    If an inspector tells you of a violation, unsafe condition he sees, or finds something he does not understand, the "notice" of that violation must be in writing! That written notice, must cite the statute, applicable building code, or manufacturer's recommendation that is being compromised.

    In New Jersey, a strange rule is also in effect, I doubt this is the case on any other planet (or state); but if the code says things must be done a particular way, you must obey state code, EVEN IF IT IS AT ODDS WITH THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS! If however, the state adopted code is silent, with regard to any specific, improper installation detail or issue, then the manufacturer's installation instructions becomes "code," and is just as enforceable as if written and adopted by the State.

    In NJ, an inspector who merely offers an opinion, alluding to a "possible" code violation, is in fact violating his oath of office, and can be disciplined for improper behaviour.

    Because these rules are widely known, very, very few inspectors fail in this regard. Most of them can cite chapter and verse! It is also code in NJ that all boiler installation manuals be left within arms reach and in plain view of the boiler.

    In the 35 years I've been at this, only two inspectors had no clue.

    I made sure the State knew about both of them. We are treated with utmost respect in those two municipalities. Word gets around.

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  • Robert O'Connor_12
    Robert O'Connor_12 Member Posts: 728
    Your both right.

    Must be in writing with the code and section. Other wise he better be real good at convincing me of "His"(or her) way. What state is this in? Just to let know NEW JERSEY is listening.

    scroll to the bottom. http://www.njpia.org/

    Robert O'Connor/NJ
  • Weezbo
    Weezbo Member Posts: 6,231
    What state and what muni code?

    we have overt code writers in our burgs also..i say, 'well the manufactures spent millions of dollars to ensure that they met and or exceeded any objections...lets get into this century and follow the manufacturers recommendations on this one ...perhaps we can call them and determine precisely why they spent so much time effort and money to make sure their claims were true and validated ....'
  • Eugene Silberstein 3
    Eugene Silberstein 3 Member Posts: 1,380
    Met with a Supervisor

    A couple of weeks ago, I, along with other HVAC educators, met at Ferris State University for a regional educators conference. At the conference, we met an individual who is a supervisor of inspectors in the state of Michigan.

    When he deals with his inspectors, he tells them, "If you can't right it, you can't cite it". The inspectors need to be specific about what it is you are violating. He tells his people that if you can't nail it down to a specific, don't issue a citation.

    Sounds like we need more individuals like him.
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