Protection from car hitting water heater - InspectionNews

Robert Alexander · #1 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 01:45 PM

Is there code that requires a balun or some kind of protection to prevent a car from striking a water heater, especially a gas water heater?

On a recent inspection, the gas water heater was at the front part of the garage and had nor protection to prevent a car from hitting it. I am thinking this is an accident (explosion) waiting to happen.

Thanks!

Dom D'Agostino · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 02:25 PM

Yes, protection from vehicle damage in a garage is required.

Gunnar Alquist · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 02:35 PM

Robert,

A bollard is required, but it is to protect the gas piping from vehicle damage. This would be true for any gas piping if it is in a location that it could be hit by a vehicle. This might also mean the furnace or gas meter as well. Unfortunately, I am unable to locate the specific code. Maybe someone else will chime in.

Scott Patterson · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Alexander

Is there code that requires a balun or some kind of protection to prevent a car from striking a water heater, especially a gas water heater?

On a recent inspection, the gas water heater was at the front part of the garage and had nor protection to prevent a car from hitting it. I am thinking this is an accident (explosion) waiting to happen.

Thanks!

As others have said, Yes you need protection.

Now I have a question? What is a 'balun", I have not heard that term.

Robert Alexander · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 04:07 PM

I meant to say bollard - that is the correct term. A balun is used in video for changing from one type of cable to another. Sorry about the confusion.

Gunnar Alquist · #6 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 05:05 PM

Found it (I think)

2000 IRC: 1307.3.1

Rick Hurst · #7 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 05:23 PM

Can someone post a picture of a water heater that actually has a bollard in front of it?

I've never seen one. I understand its need but it is something that is not enforced here the any AHJ I know of.

The picture could be a reference for us to show clients.

Thanks in advance.

rick

Nolan Kienitz · #8 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

Can someone post a picture of a water heater that actually has a bollard in front of it?

I've never seen one. I understand its need but it is something that is not enforced here the any AHJ I know of.

The picture could be a reference for us to show clients.

Thanks in advance. rick

Rick,

Someone will likely have to "Photoshop" the image. I've been looking, but have never seen one ... even though required. Like you say the AHJ just does not enforce that.

Gunnar Alquist · #9 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 07:08 PM

Rick,

I will look, but no guarantees. I generally do not take pics of things that are correct.

Jim Luttrall · #10 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 07:17 PM

Rick is found this diagram that Jerry M. posted a while back on this thread:
bollard protection for water heater?

Not a picture of a correct one, but a couple of diagrams and an incorrect installation.

Jerry Peck · #11 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist

Robert,

A bollard is required, but it is to protect the gas piping from vehicle damage. This would be true for any gas piping if it is in a location that it could be hit by a vehicle.

Actually, gas piping be damned!

, it is to protect the water heater, and any appliance.

And it does not need a "bollard", just "vehicle protection".

From the 2006 IRC. (underlining is mine)
- P2801.4 Prohibited locations.

Water heaters shall be located in accordance with Chapter 20.

- M2005.1 General.

Water heaters shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the requirements of this code.Water heaters installed in an attic shall conform to the requirements of Section M1305.1.3. Gas-fired water heaters shall conform to the requirements in Chapter 24. Domestic electric water heaters shall conform to UL 174 or UL 1453. Commercial electric water heaters shall conform to UL 1453. Oiled-fired water heaters shall conform to UL 732.

- M2005.3 Electric water heaters. Electric water heaters shall
also be installed in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapters 33 through 42.

"manufacturer’s installation instructions" will tell you to protect it from vehicle damage if installed in a garage.

Matt Fellman · #12 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 08:23 PM

My area has them now and pretty much has for the last 10 years or so. On construction prior to that they were pretty scarce.

In a cont. ed class once I was taught that they are supposed to also be in front of electric meters. Enforcement on that one is totally unheard of around here.

Rick Hurst · #13 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist

Rick,

I will look, but no guarantees. I generally do not take pics of things that are correct.

Gunnar,

If you don't have one don't worry. Next one you come across if you can remember to take me a picture and email it to me or post it to this thread.

I would appreciate it.

Rick

Billy Stephens · #14 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 08:44 PM

From Jerry M's Post

Bollard Protection today.

Gunnar Alquist · #15 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 09:01 PM

Rick,

Here you go. The last one is the best of the lot. Actually, pretty good. I will email it too.

Jerry Peck · #16 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 09:27 PM

Gunnar,

The 3rd photo is not filled with concrete. That pipe will just bend like a pretzel.

Rick Hurst · #17 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 09:37 PM

Gunnar,

Thanks for posting those.

rick

Gunnar Alquist · #18 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 10:53 PM

Jerry,

Not if you tap it very lightly with a "SmartCar".

Rick,

You are welcome.

Chris Roust · #19 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 11:28 PM

To carry this a little further, how about "water heaters" used only as water storage tanks, the heating being done with a tankless coil in a boiler? Do these need vehicle protection? Also, do they need TPR's?