BCAB #1788 - Application of Sentence 9.36.4.4.(1) ...

July 21, 2016

BCAB #1788

Re: Application of Sentence 9.36.4.4.(1), Piping Insulation to a Tankless Water Heater

Project Description

A tankless water heater is installed in a building that is within the scope of Part 9 of the BC Building Code.

Reason for Appeal

The local authority has decided that the outlet and inlet piping for the tankless water heater requires pipe insulation in accordance with Sentence 9.36.4.4.(1).

Appellant's Position

The appellant considers the requirements of Sentence 9.36.4.4.(1)do not apply as the tankless water heater is not a “storage tank” or a “heating vessel” as referred to in that Sentence.

Local Authority’s Position

The building official maintains that the tankless water heater is a “heating vessel” as referred to in Sentence 9.36.4.4.(1) because it provides a supply of heated water.

Appeal Board Decision #1788

It is the determination of the Board that a tankless water heater is a heating vessel as described and the requirements of Sentence 9.36.4.4.(1) are applicable.

Reason for Decision

The common definition of vessel is a container that holds liquid. The tankless hot water heater holds water and acts as a heating vessel.

Lyle Kuhnert
Chair, Building Code Appeal Board