NC Fuel Gas Code 2011
Attention:  Denotes a new question from the most current month!
 Denotes a revised/revisited question.
June 2011
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Administration
Chapter 3 General Regulations
Chapter 5 Chimneys & Vents
Chapter 7 Gaseous Hydrogen S.
POLICY
Chapter 2 Definitions
Chapter 4 Gas Piping Install.
Chapter 6 Specific Appliances.
Chapter 8 Ind./Special Waste
OTHER
Chapter 3General Regulations:
1) (Q) The installation instructions for an 80 percent furnace cautions against
providing combustion air from areas such as laundry rooms. The
manufacturer states that installation of a furnace adjacent to laundry
equipment can lead to premature corrosion from chemicals in laundry
detergents. Would it be acceptable to draw combustion air from an open
basement or garage, which by definition is not a confined space, even though
laundry equipment is also located in that space?
A) The unit must be installed according to manufacturer's specifications;
however, as long as it is not in a confined space and the area can provide
adequate combustion air, the installation described above would not be an
issue. The intent of the manufacturers' caution statement is to address a
small room specifically designated as a laundry room. 303.1 (FGC)
Chapter 4 Gas Piping Installation:
1)
(Q) When and where are sediment traps required?
A) Section 408 requires a sediment trap as close as practical to the inlet side
of the equipment. This would include gas regulators. Regulators for
individual appliances may utilize a single trap for both the regulator as
well as the appliance. Illuminating appliances, ranges, clothes dryers, gas
logs, log lighters and outdoor grills are exempt from traps. Ref: 408
(FGC)
2)
(Q) May a flexible gas connector run through the appliance housing?
A) No! Ref: 411.1.3.3 (FGC)
2nd Quarter
Land Use and Environmental Service Agency
(Code Enforcement)
NC Fuel Gas Code 2011
Attention:  Denotes a new question from the most current month!
 Denotes a revised/revisited question.
June 2011
2nd Quarter
Land Use and Environmental Service Agency
(Code Enforcement)
Chapter 5 Chimneys and Vents:
1) (Q) I am terminating a direct vent appliance on the exterior wall of a residential
building. The fireplace I am venting is on the same wall as the porch. The
porch is open on three sides and the termination cap provides adequate
protection for the vent opening. Am I allowed to install this per code?
A) Yes. A venting system shall be designed and constructed so as to develop a
positive flow adequate to convey flue or vent gases to the outdoor
atmosphere. Once a deck is completely covered and/or screened in, it now
could be an occupied space and would no longer be considered outdoors. We
have to depend on the field Inspector to make an informed judgment. There
are special circumstances where this would be allowed. If the manufacturer’s
instructions allow the installation on an open porch (3 sides)and the
termination vent is protected the installation may be allowed. Ref: 503.3
2) (Q) Screws in venting: Are they necessary? For example, in type B venting.
A) No. Some Manufacturer’s instructions actually allow screws at joints as long as 3
they do not penetrate past the outer wall of the B vent. Ref: 503.6
Chapter 6 Specific Appliances :
1) (Q) I want to install code approved unvented gas logs in a commercial restaurant
that seats 100 people. Can this appliance be installed in an assembly
occupancy?
A) No. Unvented room heaters shall not be installed within Groups A, E, and I
Occupancies. Ref: 621.4 (FGC)
2) (Q) A new 5 million BTUH instantaneous water heater is being installed in an
existing food processing plant. The water heater is located in an existing pump
room that also contains electrical panels. The pump room area is 1000 square
feet. Combustion and ventilation air openings are installed high and low and
meet code sizing requirements. Does the pump room have to comply with the
boiler room requirements of [B] 1015.3 for egress?
A) Yes. At 15.1 Boiler Horse Power it will require two remote exit doors per the
Building Code.
3) (Q) What is the BTUH conversion factor for BTUH to Boiler Horse Power?
A) One boiler horse power equal 330,000 BTUH.
4) (Q) Are there other factors or trade requirements that may be effected by the
installation of the boiler in the pump room?
A) Inspectors should be aware of clearance to combustibles. Ref: 631.3. (FGC)
NC Fuel Gas Code 2011
Attention:  Denotes a new question from the most current month!
 Denotes a revised/revisited question.
June 2011
4th
3rd
2nd
1st
Note: The questions above are color coded to identify the quarter
of the calendar year that questions were completed. Quarters
color coded L to R, 1st, 2nd,3rd, 4th.
2nd Quarter
Land Use and Environmental Service Agency
(Code Enforcement)