It is not necessary for electric water heaters or gas water heaters manufactured after mid-2003. The code states that appliances having an ignition source shall be elevated not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor in garages, and the purpose of this stipulation is fire safety.
How high off the ground should an electric water heater be?
18 inches
When installing your heater 18 inches off of the ground, it’s important to remember that the stand between your heater and the ground should be strong enough to hold up a full tank, not just an empty one. While the 18-inch rule is part of the Uniform Plumbing Code, regulations can change from city to city.
Do electric water heaters need to be elevated in a garage?
Water heaters having an ignition source shall be elevated so that the source of ignition is not less than 18 above the garage floor.Electric water heaters having all switching controls located above 18 from the bottom of the water heater are not required to be elevated.
What is the minimum clearance for a water heater?
Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible and noncombustible construction are 0 at the sides and rear, 4 at the front, and 6 from the vent pipe. Clearance from the top of the draft hood is 12. Refer to the label on the water heater located adjacent to the gas control valve for all clearances.
Why does a hot water heater have to be 18 inches off the ground?
Why does the water heater need to be 18 inches off the ground? It’s not to avoid impact by a garage or other items, as some people may think. The clearance is to prevent fires or explosions if a flammable liquid (such as gasoline or motor oil) spills on the garage floor.
Why should sources of ignition be raised 18 inches?
The code states that appliances having an ignition source shall be elevated not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor in garages, and the purpose of this stipulation is fire safety. Any gasoline leaking from a car parked in the garage creates flammable fumes that are heavier than air and settle near the floor.
Does electric water heater have to be elevated?
Water heaters only need to be raised (per code) if they are using an ignitable fuel source (gas, propane, etc). And even then, the code is that the ignition mechanism is what needs to be raised. If your water heater is electric or a heat pump, no need to raise it per code.
Do electric water heaters have to be on a stand?
If you own an electric tank-style water heater, you don’t need to place it on a stand.
Can you install a water heater in a garage?
Consequently, many water heaters in these areas are installed in garages.Appliances in residential garages and in adjacent spaces that open to the garage and are not part of the living space of a dwelling unit shall be installed so that all burners and burner ignition devices are located not less than 18 in.
Do electric water heaters need ventilation?
No. Unlike gas tankless water heaters and gas traditional tank style water heaters, electric tankless water heaters do not require any venting. This is often one of the deciding factors when choosing whether you should purchase a gas or electric tankless water heater.
Can water heater be in living space?
The water heater must be direct-vent type OR enclosed in a closet with a weather-stripped door and the combustion air must be drawn from the outside. Never from the living space.
Does a water heater have to be accessible?
Listed appliances shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
501.1 Applicability.
| TYPE | STANDARD |
|---|---|
| Oil Fired Storage Tank | UL 732 |
| Gas, 75000 Btu/h or less | CSA Z21.10.1 |
| Gas, Above 75000 Btu/h | CSA Z21.10.3 |
| Electric, Commercial | UL 1453 |
Why do I need an expansion tank for water heater?
Because water will expand when heated, the excess pressure inside the water heater tank needs to be released.The expansion tank is designed to handle the thermal expansion of water as it heats up in the water heater, preventing excessive water pressure.
Do FVIR water heaters need to be elevated?
jolson8: Most gas water heaters in the 30-50 gallon range sold/manufactured in America since 2003 are FVIR (flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant) By 2005, all sold are FVIR. If a water heater is FVIR, it does not have to be elevated when installed in the garage.
Why does a water heater need to be elevated?
The main reason you need to have your water heater placed on a hot water heater stands is to prevent fire incidents. Lifting your water heater prevents flammable fumes and vapors’ from spilled gasoline or any other combustible fluid from lying on the floor in the garage.
Does an electric water heater have an ignition source?
Electric does not need to raised because there is no ignition source. According to the above, it does need to be raised. The “ignition source” is required to be raised 18 inches above the garage floor.
Why is my water heater on a pedestal?
The reason is that gasoline vapors are denser than air and hover near ground level. Keeping the ignition source at least 18″ above the floor reduces the chances of igniting gasoline fumes. The 18″ requirement applies to electric water heaters as well.
Is an electrical outlet considered a source of ignition?
Sources include appliance burners, burner ignitors and electrical switching devices. Electrical outlets do not meet the definition of an ignition source. Combustion air Dryer vent terminations are not considered permanent openings.
Can electric hot water heater sit on floor?
Electric water heaters can sit directly on the concrete floor. There is no risk of accidental ignition of spilled flammable liquids with electric water heaters.The only reason why you would want to have them off the ground is to save energy or protect the water heater from flooding/rust damage.
Does an electric water heater need a pan?
In most cases, Yes. Whether you need a drain pan under a water heater is mostly determined by the location where it is installed. If your water heater is installed in an attic or ceiling space or inside the interior living space, a drain pan is required under your water heater.
How far does a water heater have to be from a wall?
Water heaters must be surrounded by a certain amount of clearance, or air space, to function properly and safely. A clearance area of 12 inches is required on all sides of a hot water heater.
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