Required Partition Rating for Gas Water Heater & Air Handler?

[jms54]

I have a multi-family apartment project where inside each unit will be a mechanical closet to house a gas water heater and gas air handler. Where in the code do I need to look to determine the required fire rating of the walls, floor, and ceiling of the mechanical closet?

 

[RLGA]

There is no requirement for fire ratings. However, there are requirements for clearances when adjacent to combustible construction, that typically require compliance with the manufacturer's instructions.

 

[jms54]

There is no requirement for fire ratings. However, there are requirements for clearances when adjacent to combustible construction, that typically require compliance with the manufacturer's instructions.

I don't think the mechanical closet would fall under incidental uses, but if it did, then that is where the required wall rating would be found, correct?

 

[RLGA]

I don't think the mechanical closet would fall under incidental uses, but if it did, then that is where the required wall rating would be found, correct?

You would need about a 10,000 sq. ft. apartment to require a furnace that would need protection per the incidental use requirements. But even then, since a Group R requires sprinkler protection, the sprinkler system would negate the need for fire-resistive construction.

 

[jms54]

You would need about a 10,000 sq. ft. apartment to require a furnace that would need protection per the incidental use requirements. But even then, since a Group R requires sprinkler protection, the sprinkler system would negate the need for fire-resistive construction.

Thanks!