Water Heater access...

[Luc V. L.]

The 2003 IPC states:
501.4 Location. Water heaters and storage tanks shall be located and connected so as to provide access for observation, maintenance, servicing and replacement.

I had to unscrew 5 - 2.5" screws on a wall mounted panel to access an electric water heater. Besides being a pain in the butt, does anyone have reasons wrt safety or regulations for more convenient access to this heater configuration? Not trying to split hairs just want to understand what "provide access" means in the real world.

Thanks.

[Jim Luttrall]

Not sure of the exact definitions but I think the IRC and NEC does differentiate between access and "ready access". Sounds like you have access but not ready access. The plumbing part may be satisfied but maybe not the electric part.

[Rick Cantrell]

From the 2006 IRC definitions
ACCESSIBLE. Signifies access that requires the removal of
an access panel or similar removable obstruction.


ACCESSIBLE, READILY. Signifies access without the
necessity for removing a panel or similar obstruction.

It seems that the WH is accessible, which is whats required.