(a) Service restrictions and exceptions. This section is restricted to potable water heaters and water storage tanks for operation not exceeding one hundred sixty pounds per square inch (160 psi), and water temperatures not in excess of two hundred ten degrees Fahrenheit (210° F), except that water heaters and supply tanks are exempted when none of the following limitations is exceeded:

1. (1) Heat input less than two hundred thousand British thermal units per hour (200,000 Btu/hr);
2. (2) Water temperature two hundred ten degrees Fahrenheit (210° F); or
3. (3) Nominal water-containing capacity of one hundred twenty gallons (120 gals.), except that they shall be equipped with appropriate safety valves.

(b)

1. (1) “Boiler”, as defined by Arkansas Code § 20-23-101, means any boiler or like vessel or container in which water is heated and/or steam is generated by the application of heat.
2. (2) “Hot water heater/boiler” as defined above falls under the authority and responsibility of the Boiler Inspection Division.

(c) Minimum controls. All fired storage water heaters and most electric water heaters and supply vessels shall be equipped with the following controls and devices:

1. (1) Operating temperature control;
2. (2) High-limit temperature control;
3. (3) Positive flame failure cutoff; and
4. (4) Approved pressure temperature relief valve, set at or below the safe working pressure of the vessel, with such setting satisfactory for the application.

(d) Location.

1. (1) All fired/unfired vessels and heaters shall be so located as to provide access to the controls, safety relief valve, and drain.
2. (2) All vessels shall also be raised sufficiently above the floor level to reduce/prevent rust and corrosion of the bottom and reduce possible early gas ignition from combustible fumes.

(h) Vent pipes.

1. (1) All fired heaters shall be equipped with a vent pipe or flue conforming to the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association or manufacturer.
2. (2) The flue or vent shall terminate at any acceptable location outside the building.

(j) Openings.

1. (1) Water heaters, both potable and domestic type, are provided with drain valves and/or removable handhole covers.
2. (2) The drain should be used to drain the water heater on a regular schedule to keep it as clean internally as possible.
3. (3) The handhole covers should be removed and the unit cleaned internally on an as-needed schedule.

(k) Certificate inspections are required on hot water heaters located in:

1. (1) Schools;
2. (2) Hospitals;
3. (3) Daycare centers; and
4. (4) Nursing homes.