Yes, Thanks for that info but the topic is
fireproofing a water heater stand. I can't find code that talks about fireproofing a WH stand. Is that just for gas water heaters or does that apply to all water Heaters that are on a stand? I'm starting to think that it applies only to gas WH's installed in a garage (except FVIR- equipped) because of their proximity to potential flammable vapors from things stored in a garage.
Terry Love made this
comment...
"New metal stand is now code for water heaters. Wood is no good. New code wants to see metal stands now for water heaters."
Why did Terry say, "New code wants to see metal stands"? Is it because of fireproofing or earthquake proofing? Terry's next comment was . . .
"On the West coast they like to see earthquake strapping and flex connectors for gas and water. It shakes a bit out here on the coast."
I'd ask him why he said that but he's dead.
My thinking is this...An attached garage has to have a fire barrier between it and the house. A WH installed in a garage has to be on a stand because of all the potential flammable vapors found in a garage. It appears there may be code requiring a WH stand installed in a garage or room adjacent to a garage to be fireproof as well. Makes sense.
It seems the fireproof WH stand is a requirement of "Residential Code G2408" clearances of heat producing equipment to combustible materials.
They leave it up to the manufacture to determine this."
Heat-producing
equipment and
appliances shall be installed to maintain the required clearances to combustible construction as specified in the
listing and manufacturer's instructions."
I checked on Home Depot's website. The Reem gas fired WH manual says this, "The water heater may be installed on combustible floors, but not directly on carpeting. If the water heater must be installed on carpeting, place a metal or wood panel beneath the water heater, extending beyond its full width and depth at least 5” in all directions."
My electric AO Smith WH makes no mention of clearances to combustible materials.