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Ipc 502.5

Mr. Inspector

Mr. Inspector

SAWHORSE
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
4,107
Location
Poconos/eastern PA
This new section in the 2009 IPC says that a level working space at least 30x30 is needed in front of a waterheater. Does this mean that you can't put a small 5 gal. waterheater on a high shelf anymore? I see this all the time in store fit-outs to save space where you need a ladder to get to it. Or does the clear space for the ladder ok?
 
It is for access to the appliance ( water heater ) so that maintenance, inspections, replacement can take

place. It is similar to the requirement in the 2006 IPC, Section 502.3.

"Water heaters installed in attics.

Attics containing a water heater shall be provided with an opening and unobstructed passageway large

enough to allow removal of the water heater. The passageway shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm)

high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide and not more than 20 feet (6096 mm) in length when measured along

the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the water heater.The passageway shall have

continuous solid flooring not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide. A level service space at least 30 inches

(762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be present at the front or service side of the water

heater. The clear access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm by

762 mm) where such dimensions are large enough to allow removal of the water heater, unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the water heater."

.
 
It does not specify the elevation of the working space. Obviously saying the same elevation would not work for water heaters on stands in garages.

"502.5 Clearances for maintenance and replacement. Appliances shall be provided with access for inspection, service, repair and replacement without disabling the function of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or removing permanent construction, other appliances or any other piping or ducts not connected to the appliance being inspected, serviced, repaired or replaced. A level working space at least 30 inches deep and 30 inches wide (762 mm by 762 mm) shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance. "
 
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