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

    Default Water Heater access...

    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.

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    Crawl Space Creeper

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: Water Heater access...

    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.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Columbus GA
    Posts
    3,747

    Default Re: Water Heater access...

    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.


    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

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