Appliance gas shutoff valve accessibility

Users who are viewing this thread

mdr

New Member
Messages
21
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
CA
Hope I'm not violating forum protocol. I tried this in the UPC code forum, but I don't think there's much traffic there, so I'm asking this here.

I'm rearranging a laundry room configuration and don't want to move a gas line fitting. CA code, based on the UPC, requires an appliance gas shutoff valve be "accessible":

1212.5 Appliance Shutoff Valves and Connections. Gas utilization appliance connected to a piping system shall have an accessible, approved manual shutoff valve with a nondisplaceable valve member, or a listed gas convenience outlet installed within six (6) feet (1.8 m) of the appliance it serves. ...

What does accessible mean? Is an appliance gas shutoff valve adjacent to the appliance (stacked w/d) but within a sink cabinet considered accessible?

Thanks,
Murray
 

Shacko

Master Plumber-Gas Fitter
Messages
559
Reaction score
1
Points
0
Location
Rosedale, Md
>>>What does accessible mean? Is an appliance gas shutoff valve adjacent to the appliance (stacked w/d) but within a sink cabinet considered accessible?<<<

It should be o.k., it's done offen in kitchens where the appliance needs a remote shut-off.
 

Gary Swart

In the Trades
Messages
8,101
Reaction score
84
Points
48
Location
Yakima, WA
Only potential problem is this is in California which is known for having laws found nowhere else in the Universe! Better check with His Royal Highness, the Inspector to be on the legal side. The safe side does not necessarily compute to legal in CA.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,600
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
Accessible means that you can "get to it" without having to move the appliance it is connected to, or any other,, since you do not want to have to move a burning appliance to shut the gas off in case of a fire.
 

mdr

New Member
Messages
21
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
CA
Thank you all. It seemed reasonable, but I wanted to have the perspective of someone with greater experience. As shacko says, it's often done in kitchen installs, say a gas cooktop. However hj's comment concerns me as my gas range's shutoff is stubbed from the floor and hidden behind the range.

In any case, I'll check with the AHJ.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,600
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
Wolf and Viking ranges, for example are IMPOSSIBLE for a single person to move so a valve behind them would normally NOT be accessible, although they might look like it to an inspector who doesn't know what kind of range is going into the space.
 
Messages
152
Reaction score
15
Points
18
Location
Berkeley, CA
The relevant California code is as follows. Gas shutoff valves may be behind the appliance, as long as the appliance can be removed:

CPC 2019
1212.5
Appliance Shutoff Valves and Connections

Appliances connected to a piping system shall have an accessible, approved manual shutoff valve ... Appliance shutoff valves and convenience outlets shall serve a single appliance and shall be installed within 6 feet (1829 mm) of the appliance it serves.

1) Shutoff valves shall be permitted to be accessibly located inside or under an appliance where such appliance is removed without removal of the shutoff valve.
2) Shutoff valves shall be permitted to be accessibly located inside wall heaters and wall furnaces listed for recessed installation where necessary maintenance is performed without removal of the shutoff valve.

In a fire you'll want to shut the gas off from the outside. If you're servicing an appliance, you want a shutoff so you can isolate only the appliance under repair: that seems to be the intent. Putting the valve behind the range meets that test. (It is "accessible" in that you can remove the appliance and shut the valve, without needing to shut off the main).
 
Last edited:
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks