Electric Water Heater Installation & Piping Connection

This article is about Electric Water Heater Installation & Piping Connection in commercial buildings, plants and refinery projects related to Plumbing Engineering System as per international codes and standards.

Electric Water Heater Installation & Piping Connection

Water Heater Installation

1. Water Heaters shall not be installed in Hammams, toilets, offices, public places and outside buildings
2. A water heater supported from the ground shall rest on level concrete or other approved (Acceptable to AHJ) base extending not less than three (3) inches (76mm) above the adjoining ground level. (UPC Para 510.6)
3. When a water heater is located in an attic, attic-ceiling assembly, or floor-sub floor assembly, a watertight pan of corrosion resistant materials shall be installed beneath the water heater with a minimum 3/4 inch diameter drain to an approved (acceptable to the AHJ) location (UPC Para 510.7).
4. Discharge from a relief vale into water heater pan is not allowed (UPC Para 510.8).
5. The appliance space shall be provided with an opening or doorway of sufficient size to remove water heater. In no case shall such opening or doorway be less than twenty-four (24) inches in width. Such access shall be continuous and shall be one or any combination of the following means: (UPC Para 511.0).
   a) By an opening or door, and passageway of 2 feet in width and large enough to permit removal of water heater, but not less than 30 inches in height
   b) Every attic, roof, or platform more than 8 feet above ground floor shall be made accessible by a stairway or ladder permanently fastened to the building
   Exception: A portable ladder may be used for access for water heater in attics on single story portion of a Group U, Division 1 or R Occupancy*
   c) By trap door or opening and passageway not less than 30 inches by 30 inches , but in no case smaller than the water heater. The trap door or opening shall be located not more than 20 feet from water heater.
   d) By an unobstructed a catwalk not less than 24 inches in width. Access to the catwalk shall be by ladder or stairs
   *Occupancy classification is as defined in Uniform Mechanical Code”
6. Attic and under floor water heater locations shall be provided with an electric outlet and lighting fixture at or near water heater. The lighting fixture shall be controlled by a switch located adjacent to the opening or trap door. (UPC Para 511.15)

Valve, Supply Piping and Drainage Piping Connection Inspection

1. Hot Water supply system in the building shall be of the return circulation type where the developed length of hot water piping from the hot water source (Water Heater) to the furthest fixtures exceeds 100 ft (30 m)
2. Connection between dissimilar metals shall be by means of a dielectric or insulating union.
3. Water heaters shall be connected in a manner to permit observation, maintenance and servicing.
4. combination temperature and pressure relief valve shall be installed on the water heating device in an approved (acceptable to AHJ) location based on its listing requirements and the manufacturers instructions. (UPC Para 608.3)
   Note: Listed non-storage instantaneous heaters having an inside diameter of not more than three (3) inches do not require to be provided with combination valve “
5. The pressure relief elements of combination pressure and temperature relief valves shall be set to open at not less than 25 psig(172 kPa) in excess of available working pressure. The setting shall not exceed the water heater tank rated maximum allowable working pressure.
6. The temperature relief element of combination pressure and temperature relief valves shall be of adequate relief rating, expressed in BTU/hr (watts), for the equipment served. The valve shall be set to open when the stored water temperature is 210°F (100°C), or other lower temperature as selected. (UPC Para 608.3)
7. Each pressure relief valve shall be an approved (acceptable to the AHJ) automatic type with drain, and each such relief valve shall be set the settings outlined in Item B6 above. (UPC Para 608.4)
8. No shut off valve shall be installed between the relief valve and the system or in the drain line. (UPC Para 608.4)
9. Relief valves located inside a building shall be provided with a drain, not smaller than the relief valve outlet, of galvanized steel, hard drawn copper piping and fittings, with fittings which will not reduce the internal bore of the pipe or tubing (straight lengths as opposed to coils) . (UPC Para 608.5).
10. Drain shall extend from the valve to the outside of the building with the end of the pipe not more than two (2) feet (610 mm) above the ground or the flood level of the area receiving the discharge and pointing downwards.
    Note: Drain may terminate at other approved (acceptable to the AHJ) location. “
11. The terminal end of the drain pipe shall not be threaded.
12. Inlet and out let piping shall be equipped with all the required unions, shutoff valve, relief valve and all other devices as shown in the Construction Drawings and Specifications or as required.

International Codes and Standard References for Electric Water Heater Installation

1- SAES-S-060 — Saudi Aramco Plumbing Code.
2- Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
3- Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC).

5-SAES-S-050 – Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems in Building.
6-NFPA 14 – Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems.
7-NFPA 13 – Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

Sanitary Sewer Pipe LayOut and Design Guidelines

Electric Water Heater Material Selection Criteria & Standards

Water Distribution System Design Guidelines Within Building