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Boiler Switch
- Thread starter Dexie123
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Is it a NEC requirement to have two single pole switches in tandem wired in series as shut off's for a gas boiler in a house? If so code reference?
Why are you raising the question? As a former applications engineer I have learned to be skeptical of open ended questions with out being provided with additional background.
Did you have a failure and are in the process of replacing the switch in the control and found the the switch actually consisted of 2 contacts in series? Or are you just curious?
From a sensible point of view the are advantages that the a manufacture may have included in designing the system with 2 contacts in series both for reliability and rating in mind.
The advantage of 2 contacts in series would help assure that the control circuit would open should one contact welded closed for some odd reason.
2 contacts in series also provide the advantage of sharing the interrupting capability of the control circuit. If the 2 contacts open at the exact same time, which may or may not happen because of the mechanical timing, the contact gap is essentially doubled when 2 contact operate in tandem or series resulting in the contacts sharing the interrupting requirements and extending the contact life.
I'm talking about the line voltage 120volts that feeds the transformers, etc... of a boiler. I know the boiler itself needs a switch (ie... kill switch or disconnect). I've always seen these boilers with a switch on the unit and another one at the top of the stairs of the basement that would kill the boiler from upstairs. Seems like a good idea. Was just wondering if it was a NEC mandate, town mandate, or something else.
Hendrix
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Can't remember the section right now but on gas boilers,you can only have service switch for the boiler. No firem-0-matic, no e- switch at top of stairs. It might be in the IRC.I'm talking about the line voltage 120volts that feeds the transformers, etc... of a boiler. I know the boiler itself needs a switch (ie... kill switch or disconnect). I've always seen these boilers with a switch on the unit and another one at the top of the stairs of the basement that would kill the boiler from upstairs. Seems like a good idea. Was just wondering if it was a NEC mandate, town mandate, or something else.
Gregg Harris
Senior Member
- Location
- Virginia
- Occupation
- Electrical,HVAC, Technical Trainer
Is it a NEC requirement to have two single pole switches in tandem wired in series as shut off's for a gas boiler in a house? If so code reference?
No requirements under NEC or any International Codes.
NFPA 31 for oil burners requires the "emergency shut off at the entrance to the room where the appliance is located. In an unfinished basement that would be at the top of the stairs. There use to be a requirement in the National Fuel Gas Code requireing it on gas fired appliances but has since been removed.
There are some jurisdictions that still require the safety shut off for gas fired appliances as a local requirement.
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