Replacement in kind of a direct discharge nat. gas heater

[Rio]

We're involved in the renovation of an old 4 unit apartment building. The contractor is doing 'replacement in kind' of a bunch of stuff. One of the items being replaced are the ground floor natural gas space heaters. They are direct discharge through the wall.

The problem I see is that they are within 3' of a window and I think the life safety aspects of the building code trump the 'replacement in kind' provision. The contractor thinks we can go forward and I don't think we should, that we should route the flue up through the roof, even if it gets by the plan checker (the city is involved and there are plans).

Opinions are appreciated and thanks in advance,

Rio

 

[steveray]

i IMAGINE THAT WOULD ALSO BE CONTRARY TO THE LISTING OF THE APPLIANCE......? I don't think replacement in kind would fly here....(Sorry bout the caps)

 

[Gregg Harris]

We're involved in the renovation of an old 4 unit apartment building. The contractor is doing 'replacement in kind' of a bunch of stuff. One of the items being replaced are the ground floor natural gas space heaters. They are direct discharge through the wall. The problem I see is that they are within 3' of a window and I think the life safety aspects of the building code trump the 'replacement in kind' provision. The contractor thinks we can go forward and I don't think we should, that we should route the flue up through the roof, even if it gets by the plan checker (the city is involved and there are plans).

Opinions are appreciated and thanks in advance,

Rio

What state and btu of appliance?

 

[Mac]

New heaters should be installed in compliance with the current codes.

 

[Gregg Harris]

We're involved in the renovation of an old 4 unit apartment building. The contractor is doing 'replacement in kind' of a bunch of stuff. One of the items being replaced are the ground floor natural gas space heaters. They are direct discharge through the wall. The problem I see is that they are within 3' of a window and I think the life safety aspects of the building code trump the 'replacement in kind' provision. The contractor thinks we can go forward and I don't think we should, that we should route the flue up through the roof, even if it gets by the plan checker (the city is involved and there are plans).

Opinions are appreciated and thanks in advance,

Rio

IFGC 503.8 exception # 3

Nfpa 54 10.8.3

 

[north star]

$ $

Rio,

What does the manufacturer' installation instructions require

for the new appliance?



& &

 

[Rio]

Thanks for all the input. After going over the installation requirements it says that they're okay with it being 18" from center of flue to edge of window and if we relocate the appliance we'll have 20" so we're going to go with that.

 

[Alias]

Thanks for all the input. After going over the installation requirements it says that they're okay with it being 18" from center of flue to edge of window and if we relocate the appliance we'll have 20" so we're going to go with that.

So, are these direct-vent heaters? If yes, we have a lot in my jurisdiction. The brand that is installed here is Rinnai and yes, they are allowed within 18" of an operable window. The other important thing with any direct vent heater is proximity to an outlet - no extension cords allowed.

Sue :cowboy

 

[pyrguy]

New heaters should be installed in compliance with the current codes.

What section is 'replacement in kind'? I keep getting that as an excuse and I can't find it in the code.

 

[Gregg Harris]

What section is 'replacement in kind'? I keep getting that as an excuse and I can't find it in the code.

Some jurisdictions have a remodel renovation code that allows partial work without complete code requirements.

 

[klarenbeek]

If your jurisdiction has adopted the Existing Building Code, that's where replacements are covered. Without looking it up, I think replacements are considered a level 1 alteration. There are some sections of the IMC and IFGC that do not apply to appliance replacements then, mainly dealing with service access. All other requirements would still apply to the work being done, but only to parts of the system they are actually working on-- for example, existing duct would not have to be brought up to current codes. ANy vent system does need to be upgraded though, either to meet manufacturer's requirements of IFGC section 501.15. Manufacturer's requirements don't go away.

If the renovation of the building is more extensive, that might bump it up to a higher alteration level taking away those exceptions.