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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Washington
    Posts
    70

    Default No automatic shutoff switch at furnace service panel.

    Is an automatic shutoff button/ sensor required to be installed to shut off a furnace when the service panel/ cover is removed or is this just a bonus safety feature? I inspected a modern Carrier gas furnace in an attic space today that did not have this feature.

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    Crawl Space Creeper

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Chicago IL
    Posts
    2,048

    Default Re: No automatic shutoff switch at furnace service panel.

    A couple of notes on this question. A modern Carrier without a cut-off switch is very suspicious.
    Which cover did you take off, the burner cover or the blower compartment cover? The burner compartment cover does not have a cut-off switch. However I have yet to see a blower compartment that doesn't come with a factory cut-off switch.
    If you you are talking about the blower compartment, write it up as an issue. Did you see non-standard wiring connections?

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Washington
    Posts
    70

    Default Re: No automatic shutoff switch at furnace service panel.

    I was referring to the burner compartment door. Why do some gas furnaces install auto shutoffs for the burner compartment and others not?
    The wiring looked appropriate.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    St Paul, MN
    Posts
    1,630

    Default Re: No automatic shutoff switch at furnace service panel.

    Here in MN the blower door switch is required on all furnaces. However, a certified HVAC technician can remove them if they deem it is necessary.

    MinnesotaHomeInspectors.com
    Minnesota Home Inspectors LLC
    ASHI #242887 mnradontesting.com

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    928

    Default Re: No automatic shutoff switch at furnace service panel.

    It also depends on the style.
    The carriers with that top knurled hand screw have the one long cover and then you need to go down and unscrew the inside sheet metal cover for the blower at bottom.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Charlotte NC
    Posts
    2,304

    Default Re: No automatic shutoff switch at furnace service panel.

    Just a side note that could save you $79.

    I was in the attic when the furnace was running and the thermostat satisfied. When I put the burner cover back on the fan cover jiggled and the switch opened. A lot of the switch brackets are bent and are on the edge of not working.

    The owner had to call HVAC that evening because she had no heat. $79 service call that I had to swallow.

    Now I run the fan before I leave if I have any doubt about the switch!

    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

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