Section 27-856
§ 27-856 General requirements. (a) Equipment requiring chimneys. All
gas-burning equipment that produces flue gas temperatures in excess of
five hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or four hundred eighty degrees
Fahrenheit above room temperature, and all solid and liquid fuel-burning
equipment, shall be connected to chimneys that conform to the
requirements of this subchapter.
(b) Chimney construction. Unlisted chimneys shall be constructed of
steel, brick, masonry units, concrete, concrete units, or equivalent
materials. Chimneys shall be of adequate structural strength, with
resistance suitable for the temperatures to which they may be subjected
and resistive to the corrosive action of gases. For structural
requirements, see subchapters ten and eleven of this chapter.
(c) Separation of flues. Whenever more than one flue is installed
within a chimney, the lining of each flue shall be separated, one from
the other, as follows:
(1) In low temperature chimneys with fire clay flue linings: by a
wythe of cement grout at least one inch thick or other equivalent
method.
(2) In medium temperature and high temperature chimneys: by a division
wall of brick or concrete at least three and three-quarters inches thick
or other equivalent method. The separation between flue linings thus
established shall in all cases be adequate to give stability for the
chimney construction as required by subchapter ten of this chapter.
(d) Test run. All new chimneys shall be test run by the applicant
under operating conditions to demonstrate fire safety and the complete
exhausting of smoke and the products of combustion to the outer air. The
results of such test run shall be certified as correct by the applicant
and shall be submitted in writing to the department.
(e) Requirement of a smoke test. Whenever required by the commissioner
after an inspection has been made of the chimney, a smoke test shall be
made as outlined in section 27-868 of this article. Any faults or leaks
found shall be corrected. Such smoke test shall be witnessed by a
representative of the commissioner. In lieu thereof, the commissioner
may accept the test report of an architect or engineer in which case the
test shall be subject to the provisions for controller inspection except
that the architect or engineer may be retained by the contractor.
Section 27-857
§ 27-857 Classification of chimneys. Chimneys shall be classified as
follows:
(a) Low temperature chimneys. Chimneys designed and constructed to
exhaust the products of combustion from low temperature equipment as
defined in subchapter fourteen of this chapter.
(b) Medium temperature chimneys. Chimneys designed and constructed to
exhaust the products of combustion from medium temperature equipment as
defined in subchapter fourteen of this chapter.
(c) High temperature chimneys. Chimneys designed and constructed to
exhaust the products of combustion from high temperature equipment as
defined in subchapter fourteen of this chapter.
Section 27-858
§ 27-858 Cleanouts and maintenance. Whenever a new chimney is
completed or an existing chimney is altered, it shall be cleaned and
left smooth on the inside. Cleanouts with a gas tight door shall be
provided at the base of all chimneys.
Section 27-859
§ 27-859 Chimney heights and locations. (a) Low temperature chimneys.
Low temperature chimneys shall extend at least three feet above the
highest construction, such as a roof ridge, parapet wall, or penthouse,
within ten feet of the chimney outlet, whether the construction is on
the same building as the chimney or on another building. However, such
constructions do not include other chimneys, vents, or open structural
framing. Any chimney located beyond ten feet from such construction, but
not more than the distance determined in subdivision (d) of this
section, shall be at least as high as the construction.
(b) Medium temperature chimneys. Medium temperature chimneys shall
extend at least ten feet above the highest construction, such as a roof
ridge, or parapet wall or penthouse within twenty feet of the chimney
outlet, whether the construction is on the same building as the chimney
or on another building. However, such constructions do not include other
chimneys, and vents. Any chimney located beyond twenty-feet from such
constructions but not more than the distance determined in subdivision
(d) of this section, shall be at least as high as the construction.
(c) High temperature chimneys. High temperature chimneys shall extend
at least twenty feet above the highest construction, such as roof ridge,
parapet wall, penthouse, or other obstruction within fifty feet of the
chimney outlet, whether the construction is on the same building as the
chimney or in another building. However, such constructions do not
include other chimneys, vents, or open structural framing. Any chimney
located beyond fifty feet from such construction but not more than the
distance determined in subdivision (d) of this section, shall be at
least as high as the construction.
(d) Formula. The following formula shall be used for determining the
distances referred to in subdivisions (a), (b) and (c) of this section:
D = F (sq.rt.) A
where: D = Distance, in ft., measured from the center of the chimney
outlet to the nearest edge of the construction.
F = Value determined from table 15-1.
A = Free area, in sq. in., of chimney flue space.
Table 15-1 "F" Factor for Determining Chimney Distances
========================================================================
--------------"F" Factor--------------
Low Temp. Medium Temp. High Temp.
Type of Fuel Chimney Chimney Chimney
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gas .......................... 2 2 3
No. 2 Fuel Oils .............. 2.5 2.5 3
No. 3, No. 6 Fuel Oils, Solid
Fuels and Incinerators........ 3 3 3
========================================================================
Section 27-860
§ 27-860 Adjoining chimneys. (a) Responsibility of owner of taller
building. Whenever a building is erected, enlarged, or increased in
height so that any portion of such building, except chimneys or vents,
extends higher than the top of any previously constructed chimneys
within one hundred feet, the owner of such new or altered building shall
have the responsibility of altering such chimneys to make them conform
with the requirements of section 27-859 of this article. A chimney that
is no longer connected with a fireplace or combustion or other equipment
for which a chimney was required, shall be exempt from this requirement.
Such alterations shall be accomplished by one of the following means or
a combination thereof:
(1) Carry up the previously constructed chimneys to the height
required in section 27-859 of this article.
(2) Offset such chimneys to a distance beyond that required in section
27-859 of this article from the new or altered building, provided that
the new location of the outlet of the offset chimney shall otherwise
comply with the requirements of this subchapter.
(b) Protection of draft. After the alteration of a chimney as required
by subdivision (a) of this section, it shall be the responsibility of
the owner of the new or altered building to provide any mechanical
equipment or devices necessary to maintain the proper draft in the
equipment.
(c) Written notification. The owner of the new or altered building
shall notify the owner of the building affected in writing at least
forty-five days before starting the work required and request written
consent to do such work. Such notice shall be accompanied by plans
indicating the manner in which the proposed alterations are to be made.
(d) Approval. The plans and method of alteration shall be subject to
the approval of the commissioner.
(e) Refusal of consent. If consent is not granted by the owner of the
previously constructed building to do the alteration work required by
subdivisions (a) and (b) of this section such owner shall signify his or
her refusal in writing to the owner of the new or altered building and
to the commissioner; and the owner of the new or altered building has
submitted plans that conform to the requirements of this section, he or
she shall thereupon be released from any responsibility for the proper
operation of the equipment due to loss of draft and for any health
hazard or nuisance that may occur as a result of the new or altered
building. Such responsibilities shall then be assumed by the owner of
the previously constructed building. Likewise, should such owner neglect
to grant consent within forty-five days from the date of written request
or fail to signify his or her refusal, he or she shall then assume all
responsibilities as prescribed above.
(f) Procedure. It shall be the obligation of the owner of the new or
altered building to:
(1) Schedule this work so as to create a minimum of disturbance to the
occupants of the affected building.
(2) Provide such essential services as are normally supplied by the
equipment while it is out of service.
(3) Where necessary, support such extended chimneys and equipment from
this building or to carry up such chimneys within his or her building.
(4) Provide for the maintenance, repair, and/or replacement of such
extensions and added equipment.
(5) Make such alterations of the same material as the original chimney
so as to maintain the same quality and appearance, except where the
owner of the chimney affected shall give his or her consent to do
otherwise. All work shall be done in such fashion as to maintain the
architectural esthetics of the existing building.
(g) Existing violations. Any existing violations on the previously
constructed equipment shall be corrected by the owner of the equipment
before any equipment is added or alterations made at the expense of the
owner of the new or altered building.
(h) The commissioner may grant a variance in accordance with the
provisions of section 27-107 of article one of subchapter one of this
chapter.
Section 27-861
§ 27-861 Metal chimneys. (a) Exterior metal chimneys. Exterior metal
chimneys constructed of steel shall be of adequate thickness to resist
all applied loads specified in subchapter nine of this chapter, but
shall not be less than the thickness required in table 15-4.
(b) Clearances for exterior metal chimneys. Metal chimneys erected on
the exterior of a building shall have sufficient clearance from a wall
or frame of combustible construction to satisfy the requirements of
table 15-2 and to permit inspection and maintenance operations on the
chimney, and shall comply with the following minimum requirements:
(1) Exterior metal chimneys over eighteen inches in diameter, for
equipment of any operating temperature, shall have a clearance of at
least four inches, and those eighteen inches or less in diameter shall
have a clearance of at least two inches from a building wall of any
combustible construction.
(2) No portion of an exterior metal chimney shall be nearer than
twenty-four inches to any door or window or to any exit, or located
where it would be readily accessible to the public, unless it is
insulated or shielded to avoid injury to any person coming in contact
with the chimney.
Table 15-2 Minimum Clearances Required from any Combustible Materials
========================================================================
----------Classification of Equipment----------
Low Medium High
Temperature Temperature Temperature
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6" 24" 24"
========================================================================
(c) Enclosure of interior metal chimneys:
(1) Every interior metal chimney or part thereof erected within
buildings shall be enclosed with noncombustible construction having a
fire resistance rating of not less than that prescribed in table 15-3 in
all stories above the one in which the equipment served thereby is
located. Where the metal chimney passes through a combustible roof, it
shall be guarded by a noncombustible ventilating thimble of galvanized
metal or equivalent noncombustible material that extends at least nine
inches below and above the roof construction. The thimbles shall be of a
size to provide clearances on all sides of the metal chimney of at least
six inches for low temperature equipment and at least eighteen inches
for medium and high temperature equipment as defined in subchapter
fourteen of this chapter. However, if the metal chimney is insulated and
protected to prevent a temperature of more than two hundred fifty
degrees Fahrenheit on its exterior surface, the thimble clearance may be
reduced by fifty percent.
(2) The enclosure around a metal chimney shall provide a space on all
sides of the chimney to permit inspection and repair for the entire
chimney height. When metal chimneys have a minimum dimension of
twenty-four inches in diameter and are completely jacketed with
noncombustible insulating material within the required enclosure, access
to permit inspection and repair shall not be required.
(3) The enclosing construction shall be of noncombustible materials
and shall have a fire resistance rating as required in table 15-3 and
shall be without openings, except access openings equipped with opening
protectives constructed in accordance with the requirements of
subchapter five of this chapter, at floor levels where necessary for
complete inspection purposes.
(4) The required fire resistance ratings of table 15-3 for the
enclosure of a medium or high temperature metal chimney may be reduced
by one hour if the chimney is insulated with an insulation adequate for
the temperature of the chimney and having at least a one hour fire
resistance rating at all sections of the insulation.
Table 15-3 Required Fire Resistance Ratings of Enclosures
for Metal Chimneys
========================================================================
Required Fire Resistance
Chimney Classification Rating of Enclosure
________________________________________________________________________
Low temperature 1 Hr. for buildings under 5 stories
2 Hr. for buildings 5 stories or more
Medium temperature 2 Hr.
High temperature 3 Hr.
========================================================================
Note: Table 3-4 of section 27-271 shall also be complied with in the
construction of enclosures for metal chimneys.
(d) Prohibited location. No interior metal chimney shall be carried up
inside a ventilating duct unless such duct is constructed as required by
this subchapter for metal chimneys, and only when such duct is used
solely for exhaust venting the room or space in which the equipment
served by the metal chimney is located. Metal chimneys shall not be
installed in air supply ducts.
(e) Unlisted metal chimneys serving residential type or low heat
appliances and producing flue gas having a temperature below 350°F at
the entrance to the chimney at full load or partial load shall be lined
with acid and condensate resistant refractory material, or constructed
of suitable stainless steel, or otherwise protected so as to minimize or
prevent condensation or corrosion damage as required in reference
standard RS 15-14.
(f) Steel chimneys for exterior use shall be insulated and weather
sheathed to maintain flue surface temperatures above the acid dew point
in all parts of the system in accordance with subdivision (b) of section
27-854.
(g) Steel chimneys for interior use shall be insulated to ensure
enclosure temperatures not in excess of 160°F on combustible materials
in accordance with subdivision (a) of section 27-854.
Section 27-862
§ 27-862 Materials other than metal for construction of chimneys.
Materials other than metal for the construction of chimneys shall
include the following:
(a) Clay, concrete, or shale bricks, laid in a full bed of mortar.
(b) One hundred per cent solid masonry units, or hollow masonry units
having the cores filled with mortar or grout, laid in spread mortar
covering the entire cross-sectional area of the unit.
(c) Concrete cast in place and adequately reinforced where required.
(d) Natural stones that have been sawed, dressed, or have a tooled
finish, laid in spread mortar.
(e) Perforated radial brick. Such brick shall be laid in spread mortar
equal to type M, of reference standard RS 15-3, and shall be shaped to
the circular and radial lines of the various sections so as to form even
joints.
(f) Other equivalent materials or combination of materials.
Section 27-863
§ 27-863 Chimney construction for low, medium, and high temperature
equipment. (a) Unlisted chimneys for low temperature equipment shall be
constructed in accordance with table 15-4.
(b) Unlisted chimneys for medium temperature equipment shall be
constructed in accordance with table 15-5.
(c) Unlisted chimneys for high temperature equipment shall be
constructed in accordance with table 15-6.
(For table 15-4 see chapter 839 of the laws of 1986)
Notes:
a Metal chimneys shall be of riveted, bolted or welded construction
and made gas tight.
b Exterior metal chimneys shall be galvanized, or painted on the
exterior surface with a heat resisting paint or be constructed of equal
corrosion resistive alloys.
c In buildings in residential occupancy group J-3, of four stories or
less, and in other buildings not over two stories high and not in high
hazard occupancy group A, providing the flue areas are not more than 200
sq. in. the walls of masonry or concrete chimneys may be reduced to 4
in. with fire clay flue lining. Flue linings shall be set ahead of
chimney walls, and carefully bedded in fire clay mortar or in cement
mortar. Chimney walls shall be provided with mortar spacer ties every 10
ft. of height. Mortar ties shall not be continuous around the flue
linings.
(For tables 15-5 & 15-6 see chapter 839 of the laws of 1986)
Section 27-863.01
§ 27-863.01 Chimney limitations and tests. No solid fuel fireplace,
fireplace stove or room heater shall be installed or altered unless
connected to a chimney which complies with the limitations and testing
requirements set forth in table 15-6.1.
TABLE 15--6.1 CHIMNEY LIMITATIONS AND TESTS
FOR SOLID FUEL FIREPLACES, FIREPLACE STOVES AND ROOM HEATERS
REFERENCE TEST NUMBER
OCCUPANCY STANDARD STANDARD TEMPERATURE OF TESTS
________________________________________________________________________
J-2 & J-3 limited RS 15-15 UL 127, as 1700°F 1 test
to 40 feet and Modified
three stories
------------------------------------------------------------------------
J-2 & J-3 limited RS 15-9 UL 103HT 2100°F--10 min. 3 tests
to 75 feet RS 15-12 ULC 629M 2100°F--30 min. 3 tests
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All other RS 15-10 UL 959 2000°F to 1 test
occupancies and Equilibrium and
all buildings 2300°F--30 min. 3 tests
greater than 75 Table 15-6 of No Standard Unlisted High No test
feet in height Subdivision Temp. Chimney
(c) of Section with Required
27-863 and Thickness Listed
Section 27-861 in Table 15-6
Note:
Chimneys accepted pursuant to reference standard RS 15-10 or Table 15-6
may be used in lieu of chimneys accepted pursuant to reference standards
RS 15-9, RS 15-12 and RS 15-15.
Chimneys accepted pursuant to reference standards RS 15-9 or RS 15-12
may be used in lieu of chimneys accepted pursuant to reference standard
RS 15-15.
Section 27-864
§ 27-864 Chimney supports. (a) Chimneys shall not be supported by the
equipment they serve unless such equipment has been specifically
designed for such loads.
(b) An exterior metal chimney shall be supported on an independent
substantial masonry or concrete foundation designed in accordance with
the provisions of subchapters ten and eleven of this chapter. Interior
metal chimneys may be supported on noncombustible construction at
intermediate levels.
(c) Masonry and concrete chimneys may be designed and constructed as
free standing, or as constituting an integral part of a wall, or may be
enclosed within a structure without constituting a component part
thereof.
(d) Masonry and concrete chimneys shall be wholly supported on
noncombustible construction that shall conform to the requirements of
subchapters ten and eleven of this chapter, and shall not be required to
support any direct load other than the weight of the chimney. No
supports shall project into the chimney flue or flue lining.
(e) Supports for listed chimneys shall be listed and installed in
accordance with the listing and acceptance.
Section 27-865
§ 27-865 Chimney caps. All masonry chimneys shall be capped with
concrete, cement wash, terra cotta tile, or other equivalent material.
Section 27-866
§ 27-866 Corbelling of chimneys. Walls less than twelve inches thick
shall not be corbelled. The maximum horizontal projection in any corbel
shall be one inch for each two inches of vertical projection and in all
cases the total projection shall not be greater than one-third of the
minimum thickness of the wall to be corbelled. In no case shall the
total projection be more than six inches. No masonry chimney shall be
corbelled from hollow or cavity wall masonry units.
Section 27-867
§ 27-867 Clearances from masonry and concrete chimneys. (a) All wood
beams, joists, and studs shall be framed away from chimneys. Headers,
beams, joists, and studs shall be at least two inches from the outside
face of a chimney or from masonry enclosing a flue. Trimmers shall be
not less than five inches from the inside face of the concrete or
masonry chimney wall. Finished flooring shall have at least one-half
inch clearance from chimney walls.
(b) A clearance of at least four inches shall be provided between the
exterior surfaces of masonry or concrete chimneys for commercial and
industrial type incinerators and combustible material.
(c) A clearance of at least two inches shall be provided between the
exterior surfaces of interior masonry or concrete chimneys for all wood
burning appliances.
(d) No combustible lathing, furring, or plaster grounds shall be
placed against a chimney at any point more than one and one-half inches
from the corner of the chimney; but this shall not prevent plastering
directly on masonry or on metal lath and metal furring nor shall it
prevent placing chimneys for low temperature equipment entirely on the
exterior of a building against the sheathing.
(e) All spaces between chimneys and wood joists, beams, or headers
shall be firestopped in accordance with the provisions of subchapter
five of this chapter.
(f) No change in the size or shape of a chimney shall be made within
six inches of the roof framing through which it passes.
Section 27-868
§ 27-868 Smoke test. (a) General. When required by the commissioner to
determine the tightness of chimney construction, a smoke test shall be
made in accordance with the following conditions and requirements:
(1) The equipment, materials, power and labor necessary for such test
shall be furnished by, and at the expense of, the owner or holder of the
work permit.
(2) If the test shows any evidence of leakage or other defects, such
defects shall be corrected in accordance with the requirement of this
subchapter and the test shall be repeated until the results are
satisfactory.
(b) Method of test. The chimney shall be filled with a thick
penetrating smoke produced by one or more smoke machines, or smoke
bombs, or other equivalent method. As the smoke appears at the stack
opening on the roof, such opening shall be tightly closed and a pressure
equivalent to one-half inch column of water measured at the base of the
stack, shall be applied. The test shall be applied for a length of time
sufficient to permit the inspection of the chimney.
Section 27-869
§ 27-869 Exhaust gases from internal combustion engines. (a) Exhaust
pipe construction. The exhaust pipe from internal combustion engines
shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements for metal
chimneys based on the temperature of the gases entering the exhaust
pipe, and in accordance with the following:
(1) The requirements for at least a medium temperature chimney shall
apply.
(2) The exhaust pipe shall be constructed of at least three-sixteenths
inch steel, or of other equivalent metal of similar strength and
resistance to the temperature and corrosive action of the exhaust gases.
(3) No lining shall be required.
(4) Where the exhaust pipe runs inside a building, it shall be
insulated with an insulation adequate for the temperature of the pipe,
so that the surface temperature shall be not more than two hundred
degrees Fahrenheit.
(5) All joints shall be constructed so as to be gastight under all
operating conditions. No threaded joints shall be permitted in pipe
sizes over four inches or in pipe of a thickness less than that of
schedule 40 steel pipe.
(b) Location of discharge opening. The location of the discharge
opening of the exhaust pipe shall comply with the requirements of
subdivision (d) of section 27-776 of article one of subchapter thirteen
of this chapter, and, in addition, the opening shall be located or
arranged so that it cannot cause condensate leaving the outlet to come
in contact with people. The exhaust pipe may be connected to a chimney
used for other equipment, provided that the operation of the engine does
not adversely affect the operation of the other equipment so as to cause
a fire or health hazard, or to cause the emissions from the chimney to
be in violation of the air pollution control code.
Section 27-869.01
§ 27-869.01 Factory-built chimneys. (a) Residential occupancy. In
residential occupancy groups J-2 and J-3:
(1) Factory-built chimneys servicing liquid or gas fueled appliances
shall be listed and accepted in accordance with reference standard RS
15-8.
(2) Factory-built chimneys servicing wood burning fireplaces or stoves
and inserts shall be listed and accepted in accordance with reference
standards RS 15-9, RS 15-10, RS 15-12 or RS 15-15.
(3) Factory-built chimneys servicing factory-built fireplaces shall be
listed and accepted in accordance with reference standard RS 15-15.
(b) Other occupancies. In all other occupancy groups:
(1) Factory-built chimneys servicing liquid or gas fueled appliances
shall be listed and accepted in accordance with reference standard RS
15-10 or RS 15-11.
(2) Factory-built chimneys servicing wood burning appliances of any
type shall be listed and accepted in accordance with reference standard
RS 15-10.
(c) Enclosures. All factory-built chimneys shall be enclosed in
accordance with the requirements of table 15-3.
(d) Height limitation: Every chimney servicing a factory-built
fireplace or wood burning stove in a building of more than seventy-five
feet in height shall be listed and accepted in accordance with reference
standard RS 15-10, unless such chimney is an unlisted high temperature
chimney constructed in accordance with the requirements of section
27-861 and of table 15-6 of subdivision (c) of section 27-863, and is
installed to serve the appliance.
Section 27-869.02
§ 27-869.02 Changes in appliance fuels. (a) Conversion from gas to
fuel oil or wood for heating appliances shall be made only if:
(1) the chimney design meets the requirements of this subchapter for
the conversion fuel; and
(2) the chimney size is adequate to vent the combustion products from
the new fuel.
(b) Conversion from solid or liquid fuels to natural gas fuels for
heating appliances shall be made only if:
(1) the chimney design meets the requirements of this subchapter for
the conversion fuel;
(2) the chimney is thoroughly cleaned prior to the conversion to
remove collected flue deposits, which can spall off when gas is used as
a fuel;
(3) the chimney size is recalculated for the new fuel;
(4) drains are installed to remove condensed water; and
(5) gas vents are installed within the chimney for venting purposes if
required by the appliance listing.
Section 27-869.03
§ 27-869.03 Reduction in flue size. Conversion from one fuel to
another or the use of an existing chimney to service a fireplace or wood
burning appliance may require a flue size change for proper operation.
This may be done if the redesigned flue meets the criteria for the fuel
and chimney type to be used as set forth in this subchapter.
(a) Individual fireclay flue linings, in conformance with reference
standard RS 15-14 or the equivalent not less than five-eighths inch
thick, may be used but shall be carefully bedded one on the other in
medium-duty fireclay refractory mortar in conformance with reference
standard RS 15-6 or the equivalent as determined by the commissioner,
with close fitting joints left smooth on the inside. Linings shall be
separate from the chimney wall and the space between the liner and
masonry shall not be filled; only enough mortar shall be used to make a
good joint and hold the liners in position.
(b) Cast in place chimney linings.
(1) Cast in place linings shall be installed in accordance with
reference standard RS 15-16 and with their listing and acceptance.
(2) The applicant prior to the installation of the lining shall verify
that the chimney meets the requirements of reference standard RS 15-4
and is in a sound and uncracked condition, that spalling has been
removed and that there are no carbon or creosote deposits.
To the extent possible under law, Friends of Devin Balkind for Public Advocate has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to New York City Administrative Code. This work is published from: United States.
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