Question about pull down attic stairs

[jhugenroth]

Originally Posted by bking

I used to think the electric ones had an ignition source but the intent and location of the code relates to gas fired appliances.

The contactors in the electric water heaters are adequately sealed to not allow any sparks. The elements do not spark unless a wire is loose on one.

The gas water heaters also need to be protected by a steel post.

What about the element itself, not just the potential for sparks? Gasoline vapors ignite at 280 degrees. I don't know how hot the element gets, but it would have to get pretty warm to heat 40-50 gallons of water fairly quickly.

According to Rheem's installation instructions for electric water heaters, it specifically states that water heater should not be installed where flammable vapors are present. (on page 11)

That's good enough for me to recommend raising the unit.

http://waterheating.rheem.com/Docume...lec/AP9029.pdf

[William M. Corbett]

If memory serves me, the location of the bottom element in most electric water heaters is above 18"s from the floor already.

[jhugenroth]

Originally Posted by wcorbett

If memory serves me, the location of the bottom element in most electric water heaters is above 18"s from the floor already.

Key word here is "most". Which ones are above 18" and which ones aren't? I don't have time to research EVERY water heater's data.

Hey, for those out there that don't worry about the electrics being able to ignite flammables, OK.

In the meantime, I'm going to CMA and write up the ones that are on the garage floor.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by bking

The gas water heaters also need to be protected by a steel post.

Bruce, the code doesn't specify a steel post. It says they must be "protected from impact by automobiles". There are alternatives to a steel post.