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Homeowner Forum / Construction / April 2006residential building codes
All, The specific issue.. I'd like to move my spa heater closer to the house, which would place it closer to a window, which according to the pool builder must be 10' away. Are the documents that detail this restriction freely available on the internet? Can anyone tell me why this restriction is in place? If I move it without understanding the consequences, and disaster strikes (I don't even understand the reason behind the code!), is my insurance company likely to say "sorry, you were 9.99999 feet from the window, instead of the code-mandated 10 feet, so you're on your own" ? Even without disaster, if someone comes to work on the equipment at a later date, will they say "hey, you're in violation of code, I'm not touching your equipment!" for fear of somehow being liable since they knew stuff was out of code but didn't report it or went ahead and serviced the equipment anyway? cj > All, > > The specific issue.. I'd like to move my spa heater > closer to the house, which would place it closer to > a window, which according to the pool builder must be > 10' away. What is your "spa" heater? Is it electric? Gas? Wood? For instance, if it's a combustion heater, there may be some codes that prohibit it from being within 10' of a window. If it's all electric, I can't imagine why. Local codes might be different. >> All, >> [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > from being within 10' of a window. If it's all electric, I can't > imagine why. Local codes might be different. Yes, it's gas. There will be a propane tank hooked up to it. That's why I want to move it. Propane co. won't put tank any closer than 10' from anything with electricity hooked to it (which the heater has, for ignition purposes). The AC unit is also in the vicinity, and there isn't enough clearance between the AC and heater for the propane tank. I've also looked into burying the tank which is possible but expensive. I just hate being told "that will violate code". I get the feeling it's more like "we don't want to hassle with your special request, we'd like to do it like every other job we do". I want the codes to say "yes, you can do this" with confidence. cj Put the tank away from everything and run a gas line to the heater.  SignatureJerryD(upstateNY) Yes, it's gas. There will be a propane tank hooked up to it. That's why I want to move it. Propane co. won't put tank any closer than 10' from anything with electricity hooked to it (which the heater has, for ignition purposes). The AC unit is also in the vicinity, and there isn't enough clearance between the AC and heater for the propane tank. I've also looked into burying the tank which is possible but expensive. I just hate being told "that will violate code". I get the feeling it's more like "we don't want to hassle with your special request, we'd like to do it like every other job we do". I want the codes to say "yes, you can do this" with confidence. cj The propane tank regulator & safety valve vents excess gas (esp. on hot days). The electrical devices often produce a spark as part of normal operation (switches and relays will produce a spark during a make/brake operation unless "ignition protected" components are used. Even then there still is a spark, just contained however.) The gas company are just following national codes by keeping a source of ignition away from a highly flammable substance. Like it or not, it's for your own safety. (BTW, even if you own the tank, the AHJ probably will not allow you to place it any closer.) > Put the tank away from everything and run a gas line to the heater. > The propane tank regulator & safety valve vents excess gas (esp. on hot Sorry, regulator doesn't, just the safety pop-off. Andy writes: Verizon's answer is a good one. If your installation of propane gas starts to leak (age, materials, kids with baseballs) for any reason, you do not want it near a window or a place where an electric spark can occur.... That is the basis for the "CODE".... They are trying to save your a.s....... Sure, it's a nuisance from an installation standpoint, and the chance of an accident happening are very very very small..... But the death on only one kid in an explosion that could have been avoided can save you from despair OR being sued and remaining poor for the rest of your life.... The codes have substance. They are not sacrosanct and Moses probably never heard of them... But , if you decide to violate them, you should fully understand WHY they were legislated..... If you are willing to take the risk , then you are making a responsible decision. Mostly, I follow the "CODE" myself. Sometimes I figure the risk is too low and blow it off.. But I'll stand behind my mistakes....... ....... like buying insurance..... Andy in Eureka, Texas ( If you upgraded the electrical in your barn from fence wire to aluminum, you might live in Eureka, Texas ) > I just hate being told "that will violate code". I get the feeling > it's more like "we don't want to hassle with your special request, > we'd like to do it like every other job we do". I want the codes > to say "yes, you can do this" with confidence. > > cj First, check the code for your town. Even the code allows you to be closer, maybe get another installer to take a look. You might even need a permit for what you're doing. Second, anything that makes it into the code is there because "yes, you can do it this way with confidence." An inspector told me once, if its against code, then probably somebody, somewhere, died because it wasn't done this way. S Depending on which codes are in effect for your local area, this may or may-not be correct information. The most widely referenced code is now the 2003 IRC. In chapter 19 of the IRC, Sauna Heaters, references Chapter 18; which states that the requirements for *direct vent terminations* shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. For Type L systems, you must stay away from the building at least 10'. (Doubt you have a Type L type of vent). For *mechanical draft systems*, it must discharge away from the building, must not be located less than 4' from a window, and if it has a *power discharger*, not less than 10' from lot lines or buildings. (M1804.2.6 (6). If it were me, I would the installer to show me the code that they are referencing. Also ask to see the manufacturer's instructions. Often these will govern. Dennis > All, > > The specific issue.. I'd like to move my spa heater > closer to the house, which would place it closer to > a window, which according to the pool builder must be > 10' away. So, I could use any material? I have to clarify. There is already a pipe to the outside, with a flapper right flat to the block. There is a fan already. It is mounted in the ceiling. It has been a finished washroom for years. I am talking about taking over where the pipe already goes outside, placed horizontal. All this work/materials is outside. The extension away from the current location is either straight up 4.5' or 8.5', either way, leaving a pipe open to the elements pointing straight up. But a 4" pipe on the outside of siding is going to be very obnoxious. Is there something maybe shaped more like downspout, and how to install it? whoops, sorry, lost my place > All, > [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > cj Building code is legislated by the municipality you live or build in. These are freely available for viewing at the municipality. You have to inquire/ask for it. SignatureJonny |
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