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Tamper free switches

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Tom_133
Tom_133 Member Posts: 933
in THE MAIN WALL

Hey Wallies!

I did a job recently that got inspected by the insurance company they wanted three switches outside of the boiler room for safety. I get it, but this building has many tenants who like to play with switches. Does anyone know of a tamper free switch that would pass an insurance inspection? Technically he approved it but we want to send proof it’s done.

Thanks


tom

Tom
Montpelier Vt

Comments

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,216

    Good question. I mean the switches are for safety to shut the boilers down so if they are tamper resistant they can't be shut down. This is part of the ASME CSD-1 (i think it is called) for boiler controls. Switches must be outside all boiler room entrances for commercial boilers.

    The only thing I could suggest is to make a box to mount the switches in with a glass front (like the old fire alarms) so they have to break the glass to shut down the boilers.

    But then the person that breaks the glass will sue if they get cut.

  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 4,061

    Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-20-Amp-Toggle-Switch-1221-2IL/dp/B003AU7VAY

    Kinda defeats the purpose of a safety switch…

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 13,446

    and no one is replacing the glass after the first time.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,216

    After inspection no one will care.

    Hang a fake camera next to the switches with a sign " When switches are opened your on candid camera"

    or "switches monitored by alarm company"

  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,674

    Never mind the fake camera. Put in a real camera and let the games begin.

    EdTheHeaterMan
  • Tom_133
    Tom_133 Member Posts: 933

    I appreciate the points, and we understand the possibilities. It's a bummer we have to even think about this.

    Thanks for ideas

    Tom
    Montpelier Vt
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 6,283
    IMG_8559.jpeg

    an auditable local alarm

    mattmia2
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 13,446

    I don't know if you're allowed to have 2 disconnects in series but if you are, you could put a dpdt switch outside the door with an alarm on the second pole in the off position so that it would be sufficiently annoying to leave it in the off position in a non-emergency and put a second switch at the boiler for service work.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,216

    maybe if you explain the situation to the inspector, he will allow the switches immediately inside the door. Doubtful but worth a try.

    EdTheHeaterMan
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 10,755

    How much room is there inside the boiler room? Is there enough room to place a one foot vestibule just inside the boiler room, or just outside the boiler room in order to make the switch pass inspection outside of the boiler room door but still out of public area?

    Screenshot 2025-07-15 at 4.56.59 PM.png

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    EBEBRATT-Edrick in Alaska
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,216

    That's a good idea @EdTheHeaterMan if you can get the various inspectors to agree on what a boiler room is and what the fire rating of the vestibule should be. That may be the best option

    EdTheHeaterMan
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 13,446
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1860277#Comment_1860277

    apparently we had the same idea at the same time

    pecmsg
  • Tom_133
    Tom_133 Member Posts: 933

    I think the in case of fire cover may be ok. It stops a lot of people from pulling the fire alarm!

    The boiler room is big but the customer is tapped out. Lets start with simple covers, and see how it goes.


    Thanks All

    Tom
    Montpelier Vt

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