Special Fuel-burning Equipment

This chapter outlines installation requirements and safety standards for specific fuel-burning equipment, including ranges, sauna heaters, fuel cell power plants, and gaseous hydrogen systems.

M1901 — Ranges and Ovens

M1901.1 Clearances. Freestanding or built-in ranges shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) to unprotected combustible material. Reduced clearances are permitted in accordance with the listing and labeling of the range hoods or appliances.

M1901.2 Cooking appliances. Household cooking appliances shall be listedand labeledand shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. The installation shall not interfere with combustion airor access for operation and servicing.

Worked example

Scenario: A homeowner is installing a new freestanding electric range in their kitchen. They plan to install a custom wooden shelf for spices directly above the cooking surface.

Explanation: According to M1901.1, the bottom of the wooden shelf, considered unprotected combustible material, must be installed at least 30 inches (762 mm) above the range's cooking top. If a listed range hood with specific clearance allowances is used, a reduced clearance might be permitted.

M1902 — Sauna Heaters

M1902.1 Locations and protection. Sauna heaters shall be protected from accidental contact by persons with a guard of material having a low thermal conductivity, such as wood. The guard shall have no substantial effect on the transfer of heat from the heater to the room.

M1902.2 Installation. Sauna heaters shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

M1902.3 Combustion air. Combustion air and venting for a nondirect vent-type heater shall be provided in accordance with Chapters 17 and 18, respectively.

M1902.4 Controls. Sauna heaters shall be equipped with a thermostat that will limit room temperature to not greater than 194of (90°C). Where the thermostat is not an integral part of the heater, the heat-sensing element shall be located within 6 inches (152 mm) of the ceiling.

Worked example

Scenario: A builder is constructing a new sauna room and is preparing to install an electric sauna heater.

Explanation: Per M1902.1, the sauna heater must be protected from accidental contact by installing a guard made of a material with low thermal conductivity, such as wood. This guard must be designed so it does not significantly obstruct the transfer of heat from the heater into the sauna room.

M1903 — Stationary Fuel Cell Power Plants

M1903.1 General. Stationary fuel cell power plants having a power output not exceeding 1,000 kW, shall be tested in accordance with ANSI Z21.83 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and NFPA 853.

M1904 — Gaseous Hydrogen Systems

M1904.1 Installation. Gaseous hydrogen systems shall be installed in accordance with the applicable requirements of Sections M1307.4 and M1903.1 and the International Fuel Gas Code, the International Fire Code and the International BUilding Code.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum vertical clearance required above a range cooking top to combustible materials?

A minimum vertical clearance of 30 inches (762 mm) is required above the cooking top to unprotected combustible material, unless reduced clearances are permitted by listed and labeled range hoods or appliances.

How should sauna heaters be protected from accidental contact?

Sauna heaters must be protected by a guard made of a low thermal conductivity material, such as wood, which does not substantially impede heat transfer to the room.

What standards apply to stationary fuel cell power plants?

Stationary fuel cell power plants with an output not exceeding 1,000 kW must be tested according to ANSI Z21.83 and installed per the manufacturer's instructions and NFPA 853.