Oil Boiler to tan clearance

[Jon mackay]

This is a first for me.

I know there is a minimum clearance of 10' from the oil fired boiler to the tank but is this wall made of metal studs and fire rated wallboard (Fireshield Type X Gold bond 3/8") enough to dismiss the clearance? Does anyone have any info on this?

Also, even though the wallboard has a fire rating, is it still considered combustible material?

[Darren Miller]

NFPA-31

Condensed version

7.5.7- Tank within 5 feet of open flame or appliance requires a 1 hour fire resistant rating...floor to ceiling.

[Jon mackay]

OK, thank you Darren and if I am reading this correct there is one additional key requirement here if both (1) and (2).. The containment area??

This is what I found, not condensed:

7.5.7 A Tanks of a capacity between 10 gal and 330 gal (38 L and 1250 L) shall not be placed within 5 ft (1.5 m) horizontally from any open flame or fuel burning appliance, unless:

(1) The tank is installed on a containment device or equivalent means having the ability to hold a minimum of 15 percent of the aggregate tank capacity to prevent spilled heating fuel from migrating under barrier to the heat source, and

(2) Separated from the source of heat by a barrier having a 1-hour fire resistance rating extending horizontally at least 1 ft (0.3 m) past the liquid fuel or tank, which ever is greater, and extending vertically from floor to ceiling.

Substantiation: A serious fire hazard exists when a tank leaks fuel either by corrosion, connection failure, overfilling or by a filter leak, and finds its way under the heat source. There have been cases where the leaked fuel migrates under the heat source where it is heated beyond its flash point resulting in a flash serious fire. Statistically 1 in every 326 homes equipped with a heating oil system inside a home has a leak of some sort annually (0.306 percent).

[Darren Miller]

I think you're reading an older version.

Log onto NFPA and read the 2011 version.

[Jon mackay]

OK, I see.. So it has been changed to be a bit less strict.

[Bruce Ramsey]

Of course you noticed the paper vapor barrier on the insulation is exposed and it is printed on the paper that it must be covered with a fire resistent barrier.