Electric water heater?

[cevans (Chuck Evans, CMI)]

@jbushart

Are sparks ever generated through the use of an electrical recepticle?

You should probably write to the ICC and NFPA to alert them to their oversight in not addressing this potential risk to life and property.

The presence or absence of a similar code requirement for receptacle outlets has no bearing on whether the code exists or is enforceable for water heaters and other appliances in garages. I’m sure that you know that.

[jhugenroth (Joe Hugenroth)]

@jbushart

I suppose you could classify a water heater as “heating and cooling equipment” instead of plumbing, if you wanted to. A gas heater does fall under the “ventillation” section of HVAC.

Still, I disagree that electric water heaters fall under the same rule as gas water heaters, which has the open flame.

Jeff’s quote has to do with “heating and cooling equipment” …

IMO, if you guys were right…the code could clearly say that all water heaters should be elevated, and it doesn’t.

A different section of the California plumbing code under “Water heaters” says…

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 18" above the floor level.

[mgratton (Marcel Gratton, CMI)]

@mlarson

Yes they arc but that was not the issue that was stated incorrectly.

I am of the opinion that arcing and sparking parts should be above the 18" level where flammable vapors may be present but Jim is right about outlets not being required to be above 18" so it’s a bit of a paradox that is not clear in the codes.

As always it’s best to refer to the manufactures installation instructions and your local AHJ.

Come to think of it, the outlets in my attached garage are located same height as the switches and receptacle’s ground pins are positioned upward…

Perhaps we are one step ahead of the rest in safety;-):D.

[rcooke (Roy D. Cooke, Sr)]

@jbushart

Are sparks ever generated through the use of an electrical recepticle?

Yes every time I plug in an Electric heater or my compressor .

[belliott (Bob Elliott, 450.0002662)]

I will word my report in the future something like…

“Best practice would be to elevate the Water Heater to a minimum of 18 inches in order to avoid increased risk of sparking flammable gases.”

No need to differentiate type.

[sparksnmore]

The T-stat on a residential electric water heater are #1) sealed contacts and #2) more than 18" above the bottom of the water heater so there is no reason to elevate the tank.

[jjonas (Jeffrey Jonas)]

@mgratton

Come to think of it, the outlets in my attached garage are located same height as the switches and receptacle’s ground pins are positioned upward…

Perhaps we are one step ahead of the rest in safety;-):D.

Marcel,
This is pretty much standard practice here also. I can’t remember the last time I saw a outlet installed lower than 36-40 inches in a garage (whether attached or detached).
Jeff

[jhugenroth (Joe Hugenroth)]

@sparksnmore

The T-stat on a residential electric water heater are #1) sealed contacts and #2) more than 18" above the bottom of the water heater so there is no reason to elevate the tank.

EVERY one? Even older models?

[jfunderburk (Joe Funderburk, CMI)]

@mlarson

A spark is an ignition source period for any flammable vapors present at sufficient levels to ignite.

I’m 5 months late to the debate. But answer me this:

		  			Do electric wall outlets, extension cords, refrigerators, freezers  or any other electrical devices also need to be elevated 18 inches? Don't all those items have the same potential to create a spark as an electric water heater?