La. Admin. Code tit. 51 § XIV-501

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section XIV-501 - General

A. Scope. The provisions of this Chapter shall govern the materials, design, and installation of water heaters.

B. Working Pressure Identification. All storage tanks and water heaters shall be clearly and indelibly marked showing the allowable safe working pressure.

C. Water Heater as Space Heater. A water heater may be used as a part of a space heating system if the outlet water temperature of the water heater does not exceed 160°F (71°C) and the potability of the water is maintained throughout the system.

D. Sediment Drains. A suitable water valve or cock, through which sediment may be drawn off or the heater or tank emptied, shall be installed at the bottom of the heater or tank.

E. Location. The following applies to the location of water heaters and/or associated storage tanks.

1. Water heaters and storage tanks shall be so located and connected that they will be accessible for observation, maintenance, servicing and replacement.

2. Gas water heaters in residential garages shall be installed so that all burners and burner ignition devices are located not less than 18 inches above the floor.

3. Gas water heaters shall be located, or reasonably protected, so that they are not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.

4. Every attic or furred space in which water heaters and/or storage tanks are installed shall be readily accessible by an opening and passageway as large as the largest piece of equipment and in no case less than 22 x 36 inches (559 x 914 mm) continuous from the opening to the equipment and its controls. The opening to the passageway should be located not more than 20 ft (6096 mm) from the equipment measured along the center line of such passageway. Every passageway shall be unobstructed and shall have solid continuous flooring not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide from the entrance opening to the equipment. On the control side and on other sides where access is necessary for servicing of equipment, a level working platform extending a minimum 30 inches (762 mm) from the edge of the equipment with a 36 inch (914 mm) high clear working space shall be provided.

F. Marking. All water heaters and associated storage tanks shall comply with the following marking requirements.

1. Water Heaters. All water heaters shall bear the following, or equal wording on a visible decal or label by the manufacturer:

There shall be installed at time of heater installation a combination temperature and pressure relief valve, selected and located in conformance with the requirements of ANSI Z21.22 or CSA 4.4M.

2. Pressure Marking of Storage Tanks. Any storage tank installed for domestic hot water shall have clearly and indelibly stamped in the metal, or so marked upon a plate welded thereto or otherwise permanently attached, the maximum allowable working pressure. Such markings shall be in an accessible position outside of the tank so as to make inspection or reinspection readily possible. All unlisted storage tanks for domestic hot water shall meet the applicable ASME standards.

La. Admin. Code tit. 51, § XIV-501

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, LR 38:2827 (November 2012).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 40:4(A)(7) and R.S. 40:5(2)(3)(7)(9)(16)(17)(20).