bill@usps06492
Member
- Location
- Connecticut
What NEC art will I find it required to install a thermal cutout in the branch circuit for an oil or gas boiler?
boiler thermal cutout
- Thread starter bill@usps06492
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Massachusetts
bill@usps06492 said:
None.
In MA and I bet CT as well it is in the 'oil burner' section of the fire codes.
nyerinfl
Senior Member
- Location
- Broward Co.
I could be wrong, but I don't think they do. 424.73 and 424.83 cover boiler thermals, but not for gas.
- Location
- Massachusetts
nyerinfl said:
Thats a good point, I have only seen a written requirement for oil burners.
In some areas the fire department has insisted on them for Gas as well and for me it has been more efficient to comply then fight it. You need to know when to pick your battles.
bill@usps06492
Member
- Location
- Connecticut
I did look at both art 424.73 & 424.883 but it was my impression that these articles where referring to the limiting of temp of liquid from the boiler, and overpressurized tanks. I should have been more clear in my description, this device looks like a sprinkler head, it mounts onto 4" square, and is adjusted by turning the knob on a threaded post to adjust it's thermal cut out minimum threshold. It has 2 terminals that the line and load side of the circuit is tied into. These units are sometimes referred to as a "fire eye", and their sole purpose is to cut out the power to the boiler incase of a fire onthe boiler or in the basement.
Bill.... (thanks for the help.....)
Bill.... (thanks for the help.....)
Last edited:
cschmid
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern cold country
That would be the wrong discription of a fire eye the fire eye is used to to tell if the pilot is lite and flame is on (the correct term is flame sensor). I believe what you are describing it is called a thermal interlock switch. In Mn that is governed by the DLI, in residencial it is a fire code and would be required by boiler size..
- Location
- Massachusetts
Bill I knew exactly what you meant, here we call it the 'Firematic' and the requirement for it is not in the NEC.
In MA the requirement is in the oil burner code.
527 CMR: BOARD OF FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS
527 CMR 4.00: OIL BURNING EQUIPMENT
In MA the requirement is in the oil burner code.
527 CMR: BOARD OF FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS
527 CMR 4.00: OIL BURNING EQUIPMENT
4.044)(e) An electrical thermal switch fused to break the ungrounded conductor in the main circuit at 165?F, shall be installed in the main power line within six feet over the top of the burner-boiler or burner-furnace. If the ceiling above the burner-boiler or burner-furnace exceeds 12 feet in height, an additional thermal switch shall be installed on the ceiling and connected in series with the lower switch.
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Ahhhh....the phantom Firomatic code strikes again. This has to be one of the most misused and misunderstood devices in New England. It doesn't help that most inspectors don't understand that this device is for OIL BURNERS ONLY! Yet they insist they get installed over all furnaces and boilers regardless of fuel type. But as Bob said, this is a battle not worth fighting most times...unless you have a brand new 50 unit condo development to deal with.
But what do I know? I'm sure that firomatic will prevent a home being turned into a pile of matchsticks from a gas burner explosion.
This has to be one of the most misused and misunderstood devices in New England. It doesn't help that most inspectors don't understand that this device is for OIL BURNERS ONLY! Yet they insist they get installed over all furnaces and boilers regardless of fuel type. But as Bob said, this is a battle not worth fighting most times...unless you have a brand new 50 unit condo development to deal with. But what do I know? I'm sure that firomatic will prevent a home being turned into a pile of matchsticks from a gas burner explosion.
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