2009 IRC
"SECTION M1305
APPLIANCE ACCESS
M1305.1 Appliance access for inspection service, repair and
replacement. Appliances shall be accessible for inspection, service,
repair and replacement without removing permanent construction,
other appliances, or any other piping or ducts not
connected to the appliance being inspected, serviced, repaired
or replaced. A level working space at least 30 inches deep and 30
inches wide (762 mm by 762 mm) shall be provided in front of
the control side to service an appliance. Installation of room heaters
shall be permitted with at least an 18-inch (457 mm) working
space. A platform shall not be required for room heaters.
*Code commentary: *Because mechanical equipment and appliances require
routine maintenance, repair and possible replacement,
access is required. Additionally, manufacturer’s
installation instructions usually contain access
recommendations or requirements. As a result, the
provisions stated herein supplement the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
The provisions of this section specify that access
must be provided to components that require observation,
inspection, adjustment, servicing, repair or replacement.
Access is also necessary for operating
procedures such as startup or shutdown. The level
working space in front of the control side of the appliance
must be 30 inches (762 mm) wide and 30 inches
(762 mm) deep to provide adequate space for the
technician or inspector to safely perform the work.
The code states that “accessible” means “access
that might require the removal of an access panel or
similar removable obstruction.” An appliance or piece
of equipment is not accessible if any portion of the
structure’s permanent finish materials, such as drywall,
plaster, paneling, built-in furniture or cabinets or
any other similar permanently affixed building component,
must be removed before access is achieved. In
addition, removal of all or part of another appliance or
the piping or duct or serving other appliances must not
be necessary to perform the service, replacement or
inspection of an appliance. Such an installation could
result in unnecessarily high costs to the homeowner
and improper or unsafe reassembly of other appliance
and system components. This could also result in service
personnel having to perform disassembly and reassembly
of appliances and system components that
are not within the personnel’s area of expertise or licensed
work.
The intent is to provide access to all components
such as controls, gauges, burners, filters, blowers and
motors that require observation, inspection, adjustment,
servicing, repair or replacement."
“2009 IRC P2801.3 Location. Water heaters and storage tanks shall be
installed in accordance with Section M1305 and shall be
located and connected to provide access for observation, maintenance,
servicing and replacement.”