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Electric Water heaters in Garage area

A

ajweaver

Bronze Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2009
Messages
41
Location
Austin, TX
1) Do electric units meet the definition of a potential ignition source . If so, which of the three below ?

Definition : IGNITION SOURCE. A flame, spark or hot surface capable of igniting flammable

vapors or fumes. Such sources include 1-appliance burners 2-burner ignitions 3-electrical switching devices.

Thanks

Aaron Weaver
 
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ajweaver,

Welcome to "The Codes Forum!" :)

fatboy & peach have answered you correctly with their responses.

If, however, the potential source of ignition is the electrodes in

the [ electric type ] water heater, ...some of the electric water

heaters have them in the top of the appliance itself, thereby

negating the requirement to be elevated. See Section P2801.6

& M2005.3 in the `06 IRC. Just saying... :cool:

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My experience with electric water heaters, I have not seen any elements that present a potential for arcs or sparks with the 18" floor zone. I do not believe that I would have an issue in the garage. Are we to say that receptacles are also required above this zone because of the potential, good idea, but is it a code requirement? Since I wear a code enforcement hat and a volunteer firefighter helmet, I looks at it as the minimum code compliance is job security.
 
The heating elements (electrodes) on an electric water heater are located in the tank and not a real concern. It is the location of the contacts that need to be elevated above 18 inches.
 
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