504.1 Location. Water heater installations in bedrooms and

bathrooms shall comply with one of the following [NFPA 54:10.27.1]: (1) Water heater shall be of the direct-vent type. [NFPA 54:

10.27.1(2)] (2) Fuel-burning water heaters shall be permitted to be

installed in a closet located in the bedroom or bathroom provided the closet is equipped with a listed, gasketed door assembly and a listed self-closing device. The selfclosing door assembly shall meet the requirements of Section 504.1.1. The door assembly shall be installed with a threshold and bottom door seal and shall meet the requirements of Section 504.1.2. Combustion air for such installations shall be obtained from the outdoors in accordance with Section 506.4. The closet shall be for the exclusive use of the water heater. 504.1.1 Self-Closing Doors. Self-closing doors shall swing easily and freely, and shall be equipped with a self-closing device to cause the door to close and latch each time it is opened. The closing mechanism shall not have a hold-open feature. 504.1.2 Gasketing. Gasketing on gasketed doors or frames shall be furnished in accordance with the published listings of the door, frame, or gasketing material manufacturer. Exception: Where acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, gasketing of non-combustible or limited-com

TABLE 501.1(2) FIRST HOUR RATING ¹

Number of Bathrooms	1 to 1.5			2 to 2.5				3 to 3.5
Number of Bedrooms	1	2	3	2	3	4	5	3	4	5	6
First Hour Rating,2 Gallons	38	49	49	49	62	62	74	62	74	74	74

For SI units: 1 gallon = 3.785 L Notes: 1 The first-hour rating is found on the “Energy Guide” label. 2 Solar water heaters shall be sized to meet the appropriate first-hour rating as shown in the table.

2022 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 83

WATER HEATERS

bustible material shall be permitted to be applied to the frame, provided closing and latching of the door are not inhibited.