Minnesota Fuel-Oil Furnace Installation Codes

Flood-Proofing

• The fuel-supply line must have a float-operated automatic control valve installed. This control must be set to operate when flood waters reach the floor level where the furnace has been installed. There should also be a manually operated gate valve that can be used to cut off the supply of fuel. The furnace must be anchored to a foundation pad that would be immovable during a flood.

Installer-Testing

• The individual installing the equipment must test all operating controls and safety controls before allowing general use of the equipment. The installer should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fuel-to-air ratio. During the test, the furnace must be turned on until the stack temperature becomes stabilized.

Acceptable Gases in Flue

• During testing, flue products must be measured and tested for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and oxygen. There must be no carbon monoxide greater than 0.04 percent. The carbon dioxide levels must be between 8 and 13 percent, inclusive, and the oxygen concentration must be between 4 and 10 percent. The stack temperature must not exceed 700 degrees Fahrenheit, plus ambient.

Burner Ignition and Pilot Light

• The burner must be able to ignite the fuel even at the lowest setting. Flames must not flash outside the furnace during normal ignition. When set at appropriate levels, the burners must not expel fuel through air openings. The pilot flame must ignite the oil at the main burners. The pilot flames must be protected from drafts to the point that they will not become extinguished when the burners are turned on or off.

Recording Installation

• Upon completion of testing the newly installed equipment, records of the tests must be filed with the building official. There must also be a tag recording the date of the test and the installer’s name placed on the appliance at the main valve.