Originally Posted by
John Steinke
This stricture does not apply to a place where you simply park your car.
The plumbing codes have a similar stricture that does apply, but only to open flames.
It does, and that is why "ignition source" has been defined.
For many years 'electrical arcing, switching, etc.' had been left up to the AHJ, some thought it through and said 'Yes, those things *are* "ignition sources".' while other AHJ said 'No, that only applies to "open flames".'
The definition of "ignition source" now includes ... SPECIFICALLY INCLUDES ...
(bold and underlining are mine)
IGNITION SOURCE. A flame, spark or hot surface capable of igniting flammable vapors or fumes. Such sources include appliance burners, burner ignitions and electrical switching devices.
Not a figment of my imagination, John, it's there, and spelled out, and, best of all, that definition states "Such sources include", and does not say 'Such sources are limited to'. That definition is giving you ideas and suggestions as to what is considered an ignition source, but is not limiting you from including other ignition sources which are not specifically stated.
This is from the 2003 IRC Commentary. (bold and underlining are mine)
- IGNITION SOURCE.
A flame, spark or hot surface capable of igniting flammable vapors or fumes. Such sources include appliance burners, burner ignitions and electrical switching devices.
- - Any energized portion of an electrical system that can generate a spark or that can produce significant heat (often referred to as "glow", as in a heating element) is an ignition source should it come in contact with flammable gasses or liquids. Understandably, any open flame (such as a pilot light) is also an ignition source.
It then goes on to state the obvious: "Understandably, any open flame (such as a pilot light) is also an ignition source."