WHAT IS THIS??

Tony Escamilla · 07-18-2011, 08:31 AM

Hi,

Can someone tell me what this is?? It looks like an old furnace, but has a large side door. It's in an early 1900's Pasadena home.

Any help would be great.

**Garry Sorrells** · 07-18-2011, 08:53 AM

Boiler / hot water heater.
Looks like a circulator mechanism on side.

Some more exterior pictures including the mechanicals.
Along with an interior shot. Would have been nice.

Still interesting.

**H.G. Watson, Sr.** · 07-18-2011, 08:54 AM

SWAG,

Ancient coal fired steam boiler previously converted to oil.

**John Arnold** · 07-18-2011, 09:33 AM

Looks like the world's heaviest floor lamp!

**Donald Bissex** · 07-18-2011, 11:43 AM

With a big door like that, could it me an home incinerator?

**Curt Downs** · 07-18-2011, 12:17 PM

It appears to be an alien from outer space, and the lamp shade would indicate it was partying recently. Good call HG, pretty fancy design!

Terry Scroggin · 07-18-2011, 01:07 PM

This item in question looks suspiciously like an old incinerator to me. I found a similar, but smaller unit back in 09.

Tony Escamilla · 07-18-2011, 01:19 PM

Thanks everyone. I happen to think it's an incinerator too. The pic was sent to me by one of our inspectors. I'll see if he has more.

Robert Alfred Moller · 07-18-2011, 03:01 PM

That is a combination wood and coal fired hydronic boiler. (Supply and return piping w/ circulator) and a sump pump in case it leaks.

Rodney Poynter · 07-18-2011, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by Tony Escamilla

Thanks everyone. I happen to think it's an incinerator too. The pic was sent to me by one of our inspectors. I'll see if he has more.

This an old water heater,gas fired. They had a standing pilot \, no thermocouple. When a hot water faucet was opened the water flow opened the gas valve and shut off the gas when the water flow was stopped. If the large top door were open you would be able to see the double or triple copper coil. It is an antique instantaneous water heater. I have one almost exactly like it sitting on my back sidewalk.

**Michael Choffin** · 07-19-2011, 05:08 AM

Looks like you have figured out what it is. I'm assuming you made a comment on the seismic strapping. I don't think the tie wire meet the seismic requirement. Looks very heavy, I would not want to be around that when they had a good shaking. Pasadena, California, right, not Texas.