306.2 Appliances in rooms.

[ADAguy]

Hmm, Code only defines: hard walls with a door, habitable rooms, unoccupied spaces (as in crawl & attic) but not closets?
"A room" for storage of what ever you choose, typically without windows but may have one, an enclosed (non-habitable) space.
See Mechanical code for additional info?

 

[ADAguy]

UMC: Appliance. A device that utilizes an energy source to produce light, heat, power, refrigeration, or air conditioning. This definition also shall include a vented decorative appliance (Heatilator FP?). ( Not a hot water heater?)

Here we have a word with multiple meanings: a generator or HVAC device vs household appliances (some of which generate heat as in a stove, range, BBQ, etc. which may or may not be built into a room or open area without a door)

Both of these definitions require an energy source: electric, gas, oil, other which require a minimal level of fire protection and access to the device for servicing/use.

 

[rgrace]

IPC definition is similar and includes "and for which this code provides specific requirements."

IMC 306.1, appliances shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement without removing permanent construction. A level working space of 30 x 30 shall be provided in front of the control side of the appliance. Everything else in Section 306 is not applicable to a tank-less water heater installed in a closet, or alcove, or what ever you wish to call this water heater storage compartment. IMC 1002.1, water heaters shall be listed and labeled (probably for alcove installation) and installed per manufacturer, IPC and IMC. Water heater shall be capable of being removed without first removing a permanent portion of the building structure.

 

[rgrace]

Last thought, gotta go ......

1996 IMC used the term "equipment" in all Sections in 306 (equipment in rooms, equipment in attics, equipment under floors ...). The 2000 IMC changed that to "appliance" and now access to "equipment" is only applicable if its on a roof or elevated structure. Equipment and appliance have always had different definitions.

 

[ADAguy]

"Semantics" there they ago again splitting hairs with the verbage.

 

[Glenn]

This thread is all over the place. All I can add is that "closet" is defined in the IRC as a small "room". Ha, ha! I think that means that you guys are way overthinking the closet/room distinction. Stop and just think about the intent and purpose for a moment...

 

[rgrace]

All I can add is that "closet" is defined in the IRC as a small "room". Ha, ha!

This isn't an IRC discussion Look at the opening post .....
Also, I concur, intent is everything, that's what keeps me in the job I'm in. If this could not be settled by interpretation, we do not ignore, we modify based on intent.

 

[ADAguy]

Not always seen that way in a court of law. Often they require specifity.
If an undercounter (point of use) water heater is not an appliance and serves a sink in another room is that allowed?
Are tank type WH's required/may be in a separate room(closet)?

 

[Mr. Inspector]

f an undercounter (point of use) water heater is not an appliance (it is an appliance per definition) and serves a sink in another room is that allowed? OK per code, manufacturers instructions may have a distance requirement
Are tank type WH's required/may be in a separate room(closet)? Can be anywhere

 

[Glenn]

This isn't an IRC discussion Look at the opening post .....
Also, I concur, intent is everything, that's what keeps me in the job I'm in. If this could not be settled by interpretation, we do not ignore, we modify based on intent.

I was going off the section in Chapter two that references defined terms in other codes. However, I stand corrected, the IRC isn't one of the codes listed in that reference in the IFGC. IBC does not define closet. I still stand by the overall point of my comment. Don't overthink the words.