Shutoff valve in plenum per 409.1.2 of IFGC

[jar546]

In accordance with the provisions of Section 409.1.2 of the International Fuel Gas Code, is a shutoff valve permitted to be located in a mechanical room that contains electric heating and/or air-handling equipment when the mechanical room serves as a plenum?

 

[Gregg Harris]

In accordance with the provisions of Section 409.1.2 of the International Fuel Gas Code, is a shutoff valve permitted to be located in a mechanical room that contains electric heating and/or air-handling equipment when the mechanical room serves as a plenum?

Yes nothing would prohibit it being installed in the room if it is a main or isolation valve, but if it serves another gas appliance it needs to be located in same room and within six feet of the appliance it serves.

 

[jar546]

409.1.2 Prohibited locations. Shutoff valves shall be prohibited in concealed locations and furnace plenums.

Does that change anyone's answer?

 

[Gregg Harris]

Does that change anyone's answer?

Since I am the only respondent, No it does not change my statement

 

[jar546]

Then I agree with you GH, although the room is acting as a plenum, it is not a furnace plenum. The ICC's official position is in line with ours.

 

[pyrguy]

Have a look at older ICC interpretations. IIRC a BO from Georgia asked the same question a few years back. That was the position taken.

 

[Gregg Harris]

Then I agree with you GH, although the room is acting as a plenum, it is not a furnace plenum. The ICC's official position is in line with ours.

Furnace Plenum has a specific definition and is stated best by NFPA 54

3.3.105

A compartment or chamber that is supplied with the furnace or constructed of duct work that is attached to the inlet or outlet of a furnace or air handler unit and has one or more circulating air ducts connected to it.

IFGC verbiage is similar.

 

[peach]

the shut off valve needs to be in the same room as the fuel burning equipment; how is it a plenum.. environmental air just wanders around without being ducted in/out?

 

[RJJ]

Good question Peach! On how does the Mechanical room become a plenum and if it has electric heat what type of mechanical equipment is located there?

 

[peach]

where do we normally find the gas shut off valve for a stove (usually behind the stove, right)?

 

[Gregg Harris]

Good question Peach! On how does the Mechanical room become a plenum and if it has electric heat what type of mechanical equipment is located there?

I am pretty sure he was looking for clarification of the verbiage "Furnace Plenum" as used in IFGC 409.1.2

 

[RJJ]

Peach yes, but it could be else where as long as it is within six feet!??

Greg! I agree

 

[peach]

The definition of furnace plenum given in IFGC kind of neutralizes the other requirements, however if the shutoff valve is not located in the ductwork (I belive ductwork is probably required), it still needs to be in the same room within 6'.

Just like disconnecting means, I think the valve needs to be in the same room/within sight.