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Chapter 5 — WATER HEATERS

510.1 Single Appliance Vent Table 510.1.2(1) through

California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

Table 510.1.2(6). Venting Table 510.1.2(1) through Table

510.1.2(6) shall not be used where obstructions are installed in the venting system. The installation of vents serving listed appliances with vent dampers shall be in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions or in accordance with the following: (1) The maximum capacity of the vent system shall be deter mined using the “NAT Max” column. (2) The minimum capacity shall be determined as though the

appliance were a fan-assisted appliance, using the “FAN Min” column to determine the minimum capacity of the vent system. Where the corresponding “FAN Min” is “NA,” the vent configuration shall not be permitted and an alternative venting configuration shall be utilized.

[NFPA 54:13.1.1] 510.1.1 Vent Downsizing. Where the vent size determined from the tables is smaller than the appliance draft hood outlet or flue collar, the use of the smaller size shall be permitted, provided that the installation complies with all of the following requirements: (1) The total vent height ( H ) is at least 10 feet (3048

mm). (2) Vents for appliance draft hood outlets or flue collars

12 inches (300 mm) in diameter or smaller are not reduced more than one table size. (3) Vents for appliance draft hood outlets or flue collars

larger than 12 inches (300 mm) in diameter are not reduced more than two table sizes. (4) The maximum capacity listed in the tables for a fan assisted appliance is reduced by 10 percent (0.90 x maximum table capacity). (5) The draft hood outlet is greater than 4 inches (100

mm) in diameter. A 3 inch (80 mm) diameter vent shall not be connected to a 4 inch (100 mm) diameter draft hood outlet. This provision shall not apply to fanassisted appliances. [NFPA 54:13.1.2] 510.1.2 Elbows. Single-appliance venting configurations with zero (0) lateral lengths in Table 510.1.2(1), Table 510.1.2(2), and Table 510.1.2(5) shall not have elbows in the venting system. Single-appliance venting with lateral lengths include two 90 degree (1.57 rad) elbows. For each additional elbow up to and including 45 degrees (0.79 rad), the maximum capacity listed in the venting tables shall be reduced by 5 percent. For each additional elbow greater than 45 degrees (0.79 rad) up to and including 90 degrees (1.57 rad), the maximum capacity listed in the venting tables shall be reduced by 10 percent. Where multiple offsets occur in a vent, the total lateral length of all offsets combined shall not exceed that specified in Table 510.1.2(1) through Table 510.1.2(5). [NFPA 54:13.1.3] 510.1.3 Zero Lateral. Zero (0) lateral ( L ) shall apply only to a straight vertical vent attached to a top outlet draft hood or flue collar. [NFPA 54:13.1.4] 510.1.4 High-Altitude Installations. Sea level input ratings shall be used when determining maximum capacity for high-altitude installation. Actual input (derated for altitude) shall be used for determining minimum capacity for high-altitude installation. [NFPA 54:13.1.5]

104 2022 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

510.1.5 Multiple Input Ratings. For appliances with more than one input rate, the minimum vent capacity (FAN Min) determined from Table 510.1.2(1) through Table 510.2(9) shall be less than the lowest appliance input rating, and the maximum vent capacity (FAN Max/NAT Max) determined from the tables shall be greater than the highest appliance rating input. [NFPA 54:13.1.6] 510.1.6 Corrugated Chimney Liner Reduction. Listed corrugated metallic chimney liner systems in masonry chimneys shall be sized by using Table 510.1.2(1) or Table 510.1.2(2) for Type B vents with the maximum capacity reduced by 20 percent (0.80 x maximum capacity) and the minimum capacity as shown in Table 510.1.2(1) or Table 510.1.2(2).

Corrugated metallic liner systems installed with bends or offsets shall have their maximum capacity further reduced in accordance with Section 510.1.2. The 20 percent reduction for corrugated metallic chimney liner systems includes an allowance for one long radius 90 degree (1.57 rad) turn at the bottom of the liner. [NFPA 54:13.1.7] 510.1.7 Connection to Chimney Liners. Connections between chimney liners and listed double-wall connectors shall be made with listed adapters designed for such purpose. [NFPA 54:13.1.8] 510.1.8 Vertical Vent Upsizing Using 7 x Rule. Where the vertical vent has a larger diameter than the vent connector, the vertical vent diameter shall be used to determine the minimum vent capacity, and the connector diameter shall be used to determine the maximum vent capacity. The flow area of the vertical vent shall not exceed seven times the flow area of the listed appliance categorized vent area, flue collar area, or draft hood outlet area unless designed in accordance with approved engineering methods. [NFPA 54:13.1.9] 510.1.9 Draft Hood Conversion Accessories. Draft hood conversion accessories for use with masonry chimneys venting listed Category I fan-assisted appliances shall be listed and installed in accordance with the listed accessory manufacturer’s installation instructions.

[NFPA 54:13.1.10] 510.1.10 Chimney and Vent Locations. Table 510.1.2(1) through Table 510.1.2(5) shall be used only for chimneys and vents not exposed to the outdoors below the roof line. A Type B vent or listed chimney lining system passing through an unused masonry chimney flue shall not be considered to be exposed to the outdoors. Where vents extend outdoors above the roof more than 5 feet (1524 mm) higher than required by Table 509.6.1, and where vents terminate in accordance with Section 509.6.1(1)(b), the outdoor portion of the vent shall be enclosed as required by this paragraph for vents not considered to be exposed to the outdoors, or such venting system shall be engineered. A Type B vent passing through an unventilated enclosure or chase insulated to a value of not less than R-8 shall not be considered to be exposed to the outdoors. Table 510.1.2(3) in combination with Table 510.1.2(6) shall be used for claytilelined exterior masonry chimneys, provided all of the following requirements are met:

WATER HEATERS

(1) The vent connector is Type B double wall. (2) The vent connector length is limited to 18 inches per

inch (18 mm/mm) of vent connector diameter. (3) The appliance is draft hood equipped. (4) The input rating is less than the maximum capacity

given in Table 510.1.2(3). (5) For a water heater, the outdoor design temperature

shall not be less than 5°F (-15°C). (6) For a space-heating appliance, the input rating is

greater than the minimum capacity given by Table 510.1.2(6). [NFPA 54:13.1.11] 510.1.11 Corrugated Vent Connector Size. Corrugated vent connectors shall not be smaller than the listed appliance categorized vent diameter, flue collar diameter, or draft hood outlet diameter. [NFPA 54:13.1.12] 510.1.12 Upsizing. Vent connectors shall not be upsized more than two sizes greater than the listed appliance categorized vent diameter, flue collar diameter, or draft hood outlet diameter. [NFPA 54:13.1.13] 510.1.13 Single Run of Vent. In a single run of vent or vent connector, more than one diameter and type shall be permitted to be used, provided that all the sizes and types are permitted by the tables. [NFPA 54:13.1.14] 510.1.14 Interpolation. Interpolation shall be permitted in calculating capacities for vent dimensions that fall between table entries. [NFPA 54:13.1.15] 510.1.15 Extrapolation. Extrapolation beyond the table entries shall not be permitted. [NFPA 54:13.1.16] 510.1.16 Engineering Methods. For vent heights lower than 6 feet (1829 mm) and higher than shown in Table 510.1.2(1) through Table 510.2(9), engineering methods shall be used to calculate vent capacities.

[NFPA 54:13.1.17] 510.1.17 Height Entries. Where the actual height of a vent falls between entries in the height column of the applicable table in Table 510.1.2(1) through Table 510.1.2(6), either of the following shall be used: (1) Interpolation. (2) The lower appliance input rating shown in the table

entries for FAN Max and NAT Max column values; and the higher appliance input rating for the FAN Min column values. [NFPA 54:13.1.18]

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Contents — California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5)
California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5)
  1. Chapter 1 — GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
  2. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
  3. Chapter 3 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
  4. Chapter 4 — PLUMBING FIXTURES AND FIXTURE FITTINGS
  5. Chapter 5 — WATER HEATERS
    Overview
    1. 501.1 Applicability. The regulations of this chapter shall
    2. 501.2 California Energy Code Water Heating System
    3. 502.1 General. It shall be unlawful for a person to install,
    4. 503.1 Inspection of Chimneys or Vents. This inspection shall b…
    5. 503.2 Final Water Heater Inspection. This inspection
    6. 504.1 Location. Water heater installations in bedrooms and
    7. 504.2 Vent. Water heaters of other than the direct-vent type
    8. 504.3 Clearance. The clearance requirements for water
    9. 504.4 Pressure-Limiting Devices. A water heater installation s…
    10. 504.5 Temperature-Limiting Devices. A water heater
    11. 504.6 Temperature, Pressure, and Vacuum Relief
    12. 505.1 Water Heaters. Water heaters deriving heat from
    13. 505.2 Safety Devices. Storage-type water heaters and hot
    14. 505.3 Oil-Fired Water Heaters. Oil-fired water heaters
    15. 506.1 General. Air for combustion, ventilation, and dilution of
    16. 506.2 Indoor Combustion Air. The required volume of
    17. 505.4 Indirect-Fired Water Heaters. Indirect-fired water
    18. 506.4 Outdoor Combustion Air. Outdoor combustion air
    19. 506.3 Indoor Opening Size and Location. Openings
    20. 506.5 Combination Indoor and Outdoor Combustion
    21. 506.6 Engineered Installations. Engineered combustion
    22. 506.7 Mechanical Combustion Air Supply. Where all
    23. 506.8 Louvers, Grilles, and Screens. The required size
    24. 506.9 Combustion Air Ducts. Combustion air ducts shall
    25. 507.1 Dielectric Insulator. The Authority Having Jurisdiction …
    26. 507.2 Seismic Provisions. Water heaters shall be anchored
    27. 507.3 Appliance Support. Appliances and equipment shall
    28. 507.4 Ground Support. A water heater supported from the
    29. 507.5 Drainage Pan. Where a water heater is located in an
    30. 507.6 Added or Converted Equipment or Appliances.
    31. 507.7 Types of Gases. The appliance shall be connected to
    32. 507.8 Safety Shutoff Devices for Unlisted LP-Gas
    33. 507.9 Use of Air or Oxygen Under Pressure. Where air
    34. 507.10 Protection of Gas Appliances from Fumes or
    35. 507.11 Process Air. In addition to air needed for combustion i…
    36. 507.12 Flammable Vapors. Appliances shall not be
    37. 507.13 Installation in Residential Garages. Appliances
    38. 507.14 Installation in Commercial Garages. Appliances
    39. 507.15 Installation in Aircraft Hangars. Heaters in aircraft h…
    40. 507.16 Venting of Flue Gases. Appliances shall be vented
    41. 507.17 Extra Device or Attachment. No device or attachment sha…
    42. 507.18 Adequate Capacity of Piping. When additional
    43. 507.19 Avoiding Strain on Gas Piping. Appliances shall
    44. 507.20 Gas Appliance Pressure Regulators. Where the
    45. 507.21 Venting of Gas Appliance Pressure Regula-
    46. 507.22 Bleed Lines for Diaphragm-Type Valves. Bleed
    47. 507.23 Combination of Appliances and Equipment.
    48. 507.24 Installation Instructions. The installing agency
    49. 507.25 Protection of Outdoor Appliances. Appliances
    50. 507.26 Accessibility for Service. All appliances shall be
    51. 507.27 Clearance to Combustible Materials. Appliances and thei…
    52. 508.1 General. Appliances on roofs shall be designed or
    53. 508.2 Installation of Appliances on Roofs. Appliances
    54. 508.3 Appliances on Roofs. Appliances located on roofs or
    55. 508.4 Appliances in Attics and Under-Floor Spaces.
    56. 509.1 Listing. Type B and Type B-W gas vents shall comply
    57. 509.2 Connection to Venting Systems. Except as permitted in Se…
    58. 509.3 Minimum Safe Performance. Venting systems shall
    59. 509.4 Type of Venting System to be Used. The type of
    60. 509.5 Masonry, Metal, and Factory-Built Chimneys.
    61. 509.6 Gas Vents. The installation of gas vents shall meet
    62. 509.7 Single-Wall Metal Pipe. Single-wall metal pipe shall
    63. 509.8 Through-the-Wall Vent Termination. A mechanical draft ve…
    64. 509.9 Condensation Drain. Provision shall be made to
    65. 509.10 Vent Connectors for Category I Appliances.
    66. 509.11 Vent Connectors for Category II, Category III,
    67. 509.12 Draft Hoods and Draft Controls. Vented appliances shall…
    68. 509.13 Manually Operated Dampers. A manually operated damper s…
    69. 509.14 Automatically Operated Vent Dampers. An
    70. 509.15 Obstructions. Devices that retard the flow of vent
    71. 510.1 Single Appliance Vent Table 510.1.2(1) through
    72. 510.2 Multiple Appliance Vent Table 510.2(1) through
  6. Chapter 6 — WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION
  7. Chapter 7 — SANITARY DRAINAGE
  8. Chapter 8 — INDIRECT WASTES
  9. Chapter 9 — VENTS
  10. Chapter 10 — TRAPS AND INTERCEPTORS
  11. Chapter 11 — STORM DRAINAGE
  12. Chapter 12 — FUEL GAS PIPING
  13. Chapter 13 — HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND MEDICAL GAS AND MEDICA…
  14. Chapter 14 — FIRESTOP PROTECTION
  15. Chapter 15 — ALTERNATE WATER SOURCES FOR NONPOTABLE APPLICATIONS
  16. Chapter 16 — NONPOTABLE RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS
  17. Chapter 17 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  18. Appendix A — RECOMMENDED RULES FOR SIZING THE WATER SUPPLY SYS…
  19. Appendix B — EXPLANATORY NOTES ON COMBINATION WASTE AND VENT S…
  20. Appendix C — ALTERNATE PLUMBING SYSTEMS
  21. Appendix D — SIZING STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
  22. Appendix E — MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME PARKS AND RECREATIONAL V…
  23. Appendix F — FIREFIGHTER BREATHING AIR REPLENISHMENT SYSTEMS
  24. Appendix G — SIZING OF VENTING SYSTEMS
  25. Appendix H — PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
  26. Appendix I — INSTALLATION STANDARDS
  27. Appendix J — COMBINATION OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR COMBUSTION AND …
  28. Appendix K — POTABLE RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS
  29. Appendix L — SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
  30. Appendix M — PEAK WATER DEMAND CALCULATOR
  31. Appendix N — IMPACT OF WATER TEMPERATURE ON THE POTENTIAL FOR …

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