Originally Posted by
Jim Luttrall
Note that Jerry's reference is from the 2006 IRC and the platform and guard rail are not mentioned in the 2003.
Jim,
From the 2003 IRC. (underlining is mine)
- SECTION M1305
- - APPLIANCE ACCESS
- - - M1305.1 Appliance access for inspection service, repair and replacement. Appliances shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement without removing permanent construction. Thirty inches (762 mm) of working space shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance. Room heaters shall be permitted to be installed with at least an 18-inch (457 mm) working space. A platform shall not be required for room heaters.
Compare that to the 2006 IRC reference.
From the 2006 IRC. (underlining is mine)
- SECTION M1305
- - APPLIANCE ACCESS
- - - M1305.1 Appliance access for inspection service, repair and replacement. Appliances shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement without removing permanent construction, other appliances, or any other piping or ducts not connected to the appliance being inspected, serviced, repaired or replaced. A level working space at least 30 inches deep and 30 inches wide (762 mm by 762 mm) shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance. Installation of room heaters shall be permitted with at least an 18-inch (457 mm) working space. A platform shall not be required for room heaters.
2003 - "Thirty inches (762 mm) of working space shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance."
2006 - "A level working space at least 30 inches deep and 30 inches wide (762 mm by 762 mm) shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance."
Okay, so they added the word "level" and explained the size better (30"x30" instead of just 30") ...
But ... it was IN THERE.