Heating safely with gas-fired infrared heaters - AHRI

CLEARANCES TO COMBUSTIBLESRESPONSIBILITY OF THE INSTALLERS AND USERSEnsure that building materials with a low heat toleranceare protected to prevent degradation.“...in locations used for storage of combustible materials, signs shall beposted to specify the maximum permissible stacking height tomaintain the required clearances from the heater to the combustibles.”This is quoted from the Standard for Gas-Fired Low-Intensity Infrared Heaters (ANSIZ83.20/CSA 2.34) and the National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54).ANSI Z83.20/CSA 2.34 further states ”and that such signs must either beposted adjacent to the heater thermostats or in the absence of suchthermostat in a conspicuous location.”4.

PROPER VENTILATIONHeaters must be vented per all applicable codes.All infrared heating manufacturers provide aROOFTOP VENTING REQUIREMENTSvariety of vent terminations and piping. Forspecific ventilation requirements, reference theVent Capmanufacturer’s Installation, Operation andService manual.24 in.Min.*Where unvented infrared heaters are used,natural or mechanical means shall be providedto supply and exhaust air at the following rate,as applicable: at least 4 cfm/1000 Btu/h ofinput for heaters installed in the U.S. and atleast 3 cfm/1000 Btu/h of input for heatersinstalled in Canada.Storm CollarAdjustable Roof FlashingB to C AdapterRoof*Double-wall B VentFirestop SpacerHeaterCAREFULLY FOLLOW ALLVENTILATION INSTRUCTIONS!*Consult the NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1 or CAN/CSA-B149.1 Gas Vent Termination criteria if roof pitch exceeds 9:12and refer to manufacturer's installation instructions for vent size and length.Provide proper fire guarding (thimbles,flashing, etc.) when venting through acombustible wall.SIDEWALL VENTING REQUIREMENTSProvide mechanical or naturalventilation when operating unvented.Building OverhangSidewallProvide fresh air for combustion whenoperating in harsh environments.Sidewall Vent Cap6 in.min.**Flue adapter**HeaterUse a single control when commonWall ThimbleFlue as permanufacturer‘s instructions**venting.Provide adequate separation from**Refer to manufacturer's installation instructions for vent size and length.heater exhaust to air intake.Verify vent lines(s) are free ofobstructions and debris.Consult manual for specific installationguidelines as each application may vary.7.

SAFETY INSPECTION CHECKLISTFor optimum performance and safety, the IRSC recommends that all installation, service andannual inspection be done by a qualified person or agency. This is not a comprehensive list.For a complete checklist, reference the Installation, Operation and Service Manual.Make sure that:8.Clearances to combustibles warning signsare posted as indicated on page 4.The manufacturer’s Installation, Operationand Service Manual is legible. Keepmanual in a clean, dry place. Contact themanufacturer for replacement labels ormanuals.All warning labels are attached and legible.The area around the heater is free ofcombustibles.Reflector is in good condition and free ofdust and debris. Clean outside surface witha damp cloth, if needed. Reflector must beproperly resting on mounting brackets andnot the tube itself.Vent pipe and outside air inlet are free ofdirt, obstructions, cracks, gaps in thesealed areas or corrosion. Look for bird orinsect nests. Remove any carbon deposits.Tubes are connected and suspendedsecurely. There should be no holes, cracksor distortion on any part of the tube,especially the top.Gas line has no gas leaks. Check gasconnection; See Proper Gas Connectionin this brochure and refer to themanufacturer’s Installation, Operationand Service Manual.Combustion chamber and burnerobservation windows are clean and free ofcracks or holes.Blower scroll wheel and motor are clean.Burner and orifice are clean.Igniter and electrode are not cracked,broken, eroded or showing signs of wear.Replace as needed.Thermostats, sensors and control deviceshave no exposed wire nor damage to thedevice or its wiring. Verify that clearance tocombustible placards are posted and inaccordance with manufacturer'srequirements.Suspension of the heater is secureand in accordance with manufacturer'srequirements. Look for signs of wear onthe chain or ceiling.Pump and blower inlets and outlets arefree of blockage or soot.Ceramic tiles in burner assembly are notoperating in a flashback condition (burningbehind grids).Ceramic tiles are not cracked. Ceramicburner assembly gaskets must be in place.Do not clean with high pressure air.

APPLICABLE STANDARDS AND CODESInstallation must comply with national and localcodes and requirements of the local gas company.GAS CODESUnited States: Refer to National Fuel Gas Code,ANSI Z223.1 – latest revision (same as NFPA54). Canada: Refer to CAN/CSA-B149.1 NaturalGas and Propane Installation Code.AIRCRAFT HANGARSUnited States: Refer to Standard for AircraftHangars, ANSI/NFPA 409 – latest revision.Canada: Refer to CAN/CSA-B149.1 Natural Gasand Propane Installation Code.PUBLIC GARAGESUnited States: Standard for Parking StructuresNFPA 88A – latest revision or the Code forMotor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and RepairGarages, NFPA 30A – latest revision. Canada:Refer to CAN/CSA-B149.1 Natural Gas andPropane Installation Code.ELECTRICALUnited States: Refer to National ElectricalCode ® , ANSI/NFPA 70 – latest revision. Canada:Refer to Canadian Electrical Code, CSA C22.1Part 1 – latest revision.VENTINGThe venting must be installed in accordancewith the unit’s Installation, Operation andService Manual and the following codes. UnitedStates: Refer to NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1 – latestrevision, National Fuel Gas Code. Canada: Referto CAN/CSA-B149.1 Natural Gas and PropaneInstallation Code.ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONSSIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS●●In locations used for storing combustiblematerials, signs must be posted to specify themaximum permissible stacking height tomaintain the required clearances from theheater to the combustibles.Signs must be posted adjacent to the heaterthermostat. In the absence of a thermostat,signs must be posted in a conspicuouslocation.LOCATION OF EQUIPMENTInfrared heaters must be installed by a qualifiedperson or agency per applicable codes and themanufacturer’s Installation, Operation andService manuals. Installers are also responsiblefor the following:●●●●●To install the heater in accordance with theclearances to combustibles.To provide access for servicing.To give a copy of the manufacturer’sInstallation, Operation and Service manualto the owner.To ensure there is adequate air circulationaround the heater.To ensure the heater is placed in an approvedapplication.TYPE OF FUELThe type of gas appearing on the heater’snameplate must be the type of gas used.9.

INFRARED HEATER TYPESPatio Heaters:Sometimes referred to as – suspended, radiant, mushroomstyle, free standing or decorative patio heaters.Patio Heaters●●●Ceramic or stainless steel radiant emitters.Designed to heat a concentrated outdoor area.Permanent or portable products that may be deck mountedor suspended.High Intensity Ceramic Heaters:Sometimes referred to as – box heaters, unvented heaters, spotheaters, luminous heaters, radiant heaters or plaque heaters.High Intensity Ceramic Heaters●●●Combustion takes place on a ceramic tile surface with surfacetemperatures of approximately 1800°F. Higher temperatures(hence, “high-intensity”) result in higher clearance tocombustibles.Direct fired operation releases products of combustion into aproperly ventilated heated space.Often used in high bay or high air change applications.Low Intensity Tube HeatersLow Intensity Tube Heaters:Sometimes referred to as – positive/negative pressure heaters,tube heaters, radiant heaters, stick heaters, tube brooders orpipe heaters.●●●Hot exhaust gases travel through the inside of the tuberesulting in tube surface temperatures commonly in the800-1100°F temperature range (hence, “low-intensity”).Can be vented and commonly has the capability to use freshair for combustion.The most popular choice for total building heat.Construction Heaters:Sometimes referred to as – salamanders, spot heaters, portableconstruction heaters and tank top heaters.10.Construction Heaters●●●Heat turns a ceramic or stainless steel emitter red hot.Used in spot heat applications and/or as warm up stations.While commonly used in outdoor applications, units may alsobe used in industrial applications or temporarily used insidebuildings under construction or repair. At no time shallconstruction heaters be used in residential applications.

Ambi-Rad Limited12910 Ford Dr.Fishers, IN 46038Phone: 888.330.4878www.ambirad.comCombustion Research Corp.2516 Leach Rd.Rochester Hills, MI 48309-3555Phone: 888.852.3611www.combustionresearch.comDetroit Radiant Products Company21400 Hoover Rd.Warren, MI 48089 USAPhone: 586.756.0950www.detroitradiant.comEnerco Technical Products4560 W. 160th St.Cleveland, OH 44135Phone: 800.251.0001www.enerco.comGas Fired Products, Inc.P.O. Box 36485Charlotte, NC 28236-6485Phone: 800.830.3983www.gasfiredproducts.comInfrared Dynamics, Inc.3830 Prospect Ave.Yorba Linda, CA 92886Phone: 888.317.5255www.infradyne.comRoberts-Gordon, LLC1250 William St., P.O. Box 44Buffalo, NY 14240-0044Phone: 800.828.7450www.rg-inc.comSchwank North America5285 Bradco Blvd.Mississauga, ON L4W 2A6 CanadaPhone 905.712.4766 (Canada)Phone 706.554.6191 (U.S.A.)www.schwankgroup.comSolarflo Corporation22901 Aurora Rd., P.O. Box 46391Bedford Heights, OH 44146Phone: 800.626.9572www.solarflo.comSuperior Radiant Products Ltd.428 Millen Road, Unit 23Stoney Creek, ON L8E 3N9 CanadaPhone: 800.527.HEAT (4328)www.superiorradiant.com©2010 Infrared Heater Safety CouncilThis brochure is issued by the Infrared Heater Safety Council and does not constitute a warranty orguaranty from any of the manufacturers listed, nor are such manufacturers responsible for thecontents of this brochure. For product information on specific products, you should contact thespecific manufacturer whose documentation governs each respective manufacturer’s product.11.

PRESORTEDFIRST CLASSU.S. POSTAGEPAIDMAILED FROMZIP CODE 60477PERMIT #222An AHRI InitiativeInfrared Heater Safety Council2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 500,Arlington, VA 22201irsafetycouncil.orgAre you usinginfrared heaters safely?©2010 Infrared Heater Safety CouncilHeating safely with gas-firedinfrared heatersF RO M TH E I N F R AR E D H EATE R SAF ET Y CO U N C I LAn AHRI Initiativeirsafetycouncil.org