Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Don Murphy's Avatar
    Don Murphy Guest

    Default PVC flue reduction fitting

    Hello all.
    I'm Murph in the Charlotte area of North Carolina.

    I saw a PVC flue yesterday from a high efficiency furnace in a crawl space that was reduced down from 2" to 1 1/2 ". A reduction fitting was used just inside the foundation wall as it exited the crawl space. So far I hadn't had a chance to look at code or the manufacturer's instructions. Does anyone know of a code compliance problem? It seems to me that the induced fan may have a problem and CO could build up. This is new construction and of course the builder quickly informed me "it passed the code inspection so there is no problem!"

    Similar Threads:
    Crawl Space Creeper

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
    Posts
    5,851

    Default Re: PVC flue reduction fitting

    Reduction in size is usually not good and I doubt that the manufacturer would approve it, but with a HE system you never know for sure. They are all a little different depending on the manufacturer. You need to look up the install guidelines at the manufacturers website or call their technical desk.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Memphis TN.
    Posts
    4,311

    Default Re: PVC flue reduction fitting

    Don,

    I was at a South Face Seminar on High Performance Homes and HVAC Systems yesterday.In attendance was Building,Fire Code inspectors,Architects,Engineers,AIA
    Members and RESNET certified raters. HI's and HVAC installers,Locale utility, TVA
    officials and counterparts from another state.

    I asked your question and was told not Allowed. No reduction is ever allowed.

    Doesn't mean something New might come along and be allowed.

    Styrofoam is not allowed as supports for furnace.

    If anyone has different info please advise.

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  4. #4
    Jon Randolph's Avatar
    Jon Randolph Guest

    Default Re: PVC flue reduction fitting

    The high efficiency furnaces must activate several limit switches prior to allowing the furnace to operate (unless they have been bypassed). Too much back pressure and the furnace will not allow the gas valve to open as it assumes that the vent is plugged.

    The manufacturer states in the installation manual the proper size of the vent pipe (verticle run, horizontal run, reductions for 90's, 45's, etc.)

    Could be that the furnace could be installed with 1 1/2", but around here they are usually 2". I would at least refer the buyer to the installation guide and most likely a HVAC tech eval.


  5. #5
    Don Murphy's Avatar
    Don Murphy Guest

    Default Re: PVC flue reduction fitting

    Thanks to all who responded.

    I did some research as well. The Furnace is a Lennox G51MP-70 series. I pulled the installation manual and found that on this furnace it is supposed to be reduced from 2" to 1 1/2 " at the point of exit to the exterior. I also spoke with a HVAC tech who said that this is typical for this model of Lennox. Evidently the pressure is required for proper operation of the unit. Lots of techy talk involved here. Thanks again!


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Memphis TN.
    Posts
    4,311

    Default Re: PVC flue reduction fitting

    Don,

    Thanks. Looks like as Scott was saying Manufacturing Install Instructions always not
    blanket Statements.

    Now if I could get this Styrofoam as furnace supports allowed or not clear in my wee brain.

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •