DonTx Posted August 23, 2004 Report Share Posted August 23, 2004 I'm curious as to how many inspectors call out the gas shut off valve as being inaccessible when it is located behind the range? Donald Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottpat Posted August 23, 2004 Report Share Posted August 23, 2004 Not me. As long as it is within three feet of the appliance it is OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crusty Posted August 23, 2004 Report Share Posted August 23, 2004 As long as it can be accessed when the appliance is pulled out my opinion is that this is within the spirit of the code. I believe that is why the code allows the longer flex sections for stoves and dryers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted August 23, 2004 Report Share Posted August 23, 2004 Originally posted by Donald Lawson I'm curious as to how many inspectors call out the gas shut off valve as being inaccessible when it is located behind the range? Donald I've never seen one anywhere else. Why would I call it out? - Jim Katen, Oregon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonTx Posted August 24, 2004 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2004 Some builders are putting the gas shut off valves in the cabinets to either side of the range. Since someone mentioned the "spirit" of the code, here is the IRC's definition of "ready access". READY ACCESS (TO). That which enables a device, appliance or equipment to be directly reached, without requiring the removal or movement of any panel, door or similar obstruction. Wouldn't the range be considered an obstruction? Donald Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian G Posted August 24, 2004 Report Share Posted August 24, 2004 Originally posted by Donald Lawson READY ACCESS (TO). That which enables a device, appliance or equipment to be directly reached, without requiring the removal or movement of any panel, door or similar obstruction. Wouldn't the range be considered an obstruction? Interesting. Speaking as the Devils advocate, I would say that the range is not a "similar obstruction" to a door or a panel. It's actually a much greater one. Brian G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crusty Posted August 24, 2004 Report Share Posted August 24, 2004 IMO, the range, not being built in or attached to the building is a portable appliance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Keady Posted August 24, 2004 Report Share Posted August 24, 2004 What about a gas clothes dryer? Another portable gas appliance? Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crusty Posted August 24, 2004 Report Share Posted August 24, 2004 Originally posted by Mike Keady What about a gas clothes dryer? Another portable gas appliance? Mike Absolutely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul MacLean Posted August 25, 2004 Report Share Posted August 25, 2004 Donald, FWIW I don't call out gas valves behind ranges, dryers, etc. I do call'em out if they are out of reach and the appliances can't be moved for access (i.e. a water heater). Besides, unloading the cabinet beside the range to get to the gas valve is more trouble than moving the range... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonTx Posted August 25, 2004 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2004 What got me to thinking about this was a question the other day from a client. She said that they'd had a gas leak once with a range. She was there with her kids and could not figure out where in the range the leaks was. She knew the shut off was behind the range but could not slide it out to shut it off nor could she reach it when she tilted it forward. She ended up calling the gas company who told her to leave the home and wait for a gas tech to arrive. Her question to me was...."What should I have done?". "Exactly what you did" I told her. She said if the shut off vavle would have been where she could have reached it, then she could have shut it off. True enough I guess. Donald Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crusty Posted August 25, 2004 Report Share Posted August 25, 2004 An interesting point Donald. I am wondering why the gas company didn't instruct her to go outside and shut off the main though. Part of my post inspection recap is always to show the clients where the main shutoffs are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gadget Posted November 12, 2004 Report Share Posted November 12, 2004 they are saying is it readly available not behind a stove which is against a wall would you have your mom turn it off just state where its located and not readaly aval Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted November 12, 2004 Report Share Posted November 12, 2004 In my neck of the woods, the gas main block valve, takes two men and a boy and a 14" cresent or similiar device to operate. Some builders have received "special dispensation" to install ball valves beyond the block valve, but are hesitant due to accidental closure and frozen house. By the way, I don't mention gas valves behind ranges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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