Water Heaters in garage

[waksell]

I'm not disagreeing with anyone here because I truly don't know the correct answer, but every electric water heater I have ever seen has been installed directly on concrete. Usually on the 4" step up in the garage.

[waksell]

I think I remember hearing somewhere that in electric water heaters the ignition source is raised inside the unit itself. Kinda like a dryer.

And I am not sure that the element would be considered the ignition source. Wouldn't the ignition source be in the thermostat where the contact and arching occurs?

I'm probably wrong. But I have faith that someone will tell me that.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by waksell

every electric water heater I have ever seen has been installed directly on concrete. Usually on the 4" step up in the garage.

That would seem to indicate that (1) the AHJ approves it there, or (2) the plumbers don't follow the codes.

I've known both to occur in my areas here.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by waksell

I think I remember hearing somewhere that in electric water heaters the ignition source is raised inside the unit itself. Kinda like a dryer.

Same thing with the burners on a gas unit, though. It's not the bottom of the water heater that needs to be raised 18", it's the "source of ignition" that needs to be raised 18". However, since all units are different, it's easier for contractors to simply install 18" platforms everywhere and site the water heater on them. That way they don't have to get into measuring the distance from the floor to the "source of ignition."

Originally Posted by waksell

And I am not sure that the element would be considered the ignition source. Wouldn't the ignition source be in the thermostat where the contact and arching occurs?

That is, indeed, another "source of ignition," so whichever is lowest is what needs to be raised 18".

That's also why everyone simply puts the water heater on an 18" platform. Make it easy and consistent and be done with it.

And the only reason why the "source of ignition" in dryers is not required to be raised 18" is because they are considered "attended appliances." I hate to tell the code people, but when I use the dryer, I turn it on and leave. The only time I'm attending it is before I turn it on (loading clothes) and after it has turned itself off (clothes are finished drying).

[waksell]

From RR,
"That's also why everyone simply puts the water heater on an 18" platform. Make it easy and consistent and be done with it."

Makes sense. I have just never seen it.

By the way, how do I bring another post's quotes into my post?

[Russel Ray]

Look at your post #20, very last word. See the blue box with "Quote" in it right below your last word? Just click on that whenever you want to quote someone else's post. Delete text as desired.

[Brian E. Kelly]

UPC 510.1 Water heaters generating a glow, spark or flame capable of igniting flammable vapors may be installed in a garage, provided the pilots, burners or heating elements and switches are at least eighteen 18 inches above the floor level.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by bkelly2

UPC 510.1 Water heaters generating a glow, spark or flame capable of igniting flammable vapors may be installed in a garage, provided the pilots, burners or heating elements and switches are at least eighteen 18 inches above the floor level.

That sounds pretty definitive to me.

[jhugenroth]

Originally Posted by waksell

Per Florida Building Code


P2801.6 Water heaters installed in garages.

Water heaters shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions which shall be available on the job site at the time of inspection

True, however most manufacturers throw it right back into the lap of the local AHJ. This is from AO Smith's electric water heater manual:

"The installation must conform to these instructions and the local code authority having juridiction and the requirements of the power company."

[waksell]

Originally Posted by rray

Look at your post #20, very last word. See the blue box with "Quote" in it right below your last word? Just click on that whenever you want to quote someone else's post. Delete text as desired.

Thanks RR.

[Brian E. Kelly]

G2408.2

Exception: Elevation of the ignition source is not required for appliances labeled flammable vapor resistant and for installation without elevation.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

It's all been discussed before. And seems to have been unresolved.

http://www.nachi.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5545

[Thomas J. Brady]

Electric water heaters are powered by electricity which can have a spark occurrance or possible short that could possibly ignite gas vapors - Just a thought