furnace air supply/moisture exhast duct separation

Started by dph77, February 27, 2020, 02:35:07 PM

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dph77

Union Gas recently came by to replace my gas meter. Instead of doing the replacement we were left with a violation notice stating that:

"an air supply shall not be located within 3ft of a moisture exhaust duct" - clause reference 8.3.7

The violation notice states that they will shut off my gas by March 31st if this is not corrected.

My understanding from reading other posts is that this clause is part of B149.1-10 which was adopted in Ontario in December 2012. My home was built in 2004 and the furnace has not been replaced since so my furnace installation obviously pre-dates this code.

I am wondering if it is worthwhile to push back on this or not? I am thinking my furnace will need replacing soon anyway and that everything will be brought up to code at that time.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave
Waterloo, ON

Admin

Definitely call Union Gas and dispute the warning tag.  It's invalid because Clause 8.3.7 was added to our Gas Code on Dec 31, 2012, well after your furnace was installed.  Therefore your installation is grandfathered and does not need to be corrected until it's replaced.

Had they used Clause 7.5.2 you would have to comply as that Clause has existed since at least 2000.  It used to be Clause 6.5.2 but then changed to Clause 7.5.2 in the 2005 Code.  For whatever reason the gas distributors never enforced this rule until Clause 8.3.7 was added.  Regardless their warning tag is invalid because they used a Clause that did not exist when your furnace was installed, and you don't have to tell them about Clause 7.5.2.

QuoteClause 7.5.2 - A moisture-exhaust duct shall not terminate within 3 ft (1 m) in any direction of any pressure regulator vent termination or fresh-air intake.

Clause 8.3.7 - An air-supply opening shall not be located within 3 ft (1 m) of a moisture exhaust duct.
Note: A moisture-exhaust duct (e.g., a gas or electric clothes dryer discharge; spa exhaust) is considered to interfere with the combustion air intake when located within 3 ft (1 m) of the air intake.

NoDIY

I would suggest complying.

Both codes say the same thing. They could remove one apply the other.