CMC · California Mechanical Code
Outdoor cooking appliances — listing and installation
For homeowners: California’s Mechanical Code requires that any outdoor cooking appliance be officially listed to certain ANSI/CSA standards and installed exactly per the manufacturer’s installation instructions; the code (§ 922.1) defers numeric clearances and installation details to the appliance’s listing and manual, so verify the nameplate and follow the instructions before installation.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
Outdoor cooking appliances must be listed to recognized ANSI/CSA standards and installed following the appliance’s listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The controlling provision is § 922.1, which states the appliance listing standards required and that installations must follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The single most important rule: use only appliances listed for outdoor cooking to the standards named in § 922.1, and install them exactly as the manufacturer’s listing and installation instructions require.
Key defined terms (first mention)
- Listed — appliance has been tested and labeled to an industry standard (see the three ANSI/CSA standards named in § 922.1).
- Manufacturer’s installation instructions — the written installation requirements supplied by the appliance manufacturer that must be followed as required by § 922.1.
Requirements in detail
1) Which appliances are covered
- The CMC heading § 922.0 identifies the topic as Outdoor Cooking Appliances and § 922.1 sets the application requirements for those appliances.
2) Listing standards required
- Outdoor cooking appliances must be listed in accordance with one (or more) of these standards: ANSI Z83.11/CSA 1.8, ANSI Z21.58/CSA 1.6, or ANSI Z21.89/CSA 1.18. The CMC requires compliance with those specific standards in § 922.1.
3) Installation authority and instructions
- Per § 922.1, appliances must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The CMC defers to the listing and the manufacturer for the specific clearances, connections, and mounting details required for safe installation.
4) Interaction with other CMC provisions
- Appliances installed outdoors are also subject to the general outdoor-location rules in § 305.6 (appliances installed in outdoor locations must be listed for outdoor installation and be provided with approved protection from the elements). § 305.6 cross-references compliance with § 922.0 for outdoor cooking appliances.
Decision table — common decision factors for outdoor cooking appliances
| Decision dimension | Typical values / options | What to check | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required listing standard | ANSI Z83.11/CSA 1.8 / ANSI Z21.58/CSA 1.6 / ANSI Z21.89/CSA 1.18 | Confirm appliance label/listing agency and standard | § 922.1 |
| Outdoor suitability | Listed for outdoor installation / Not listed for outdoor | Appliance must be listed for outdoor use; if not, it is not compliant for outdoor installation under § 305.6 | § 305.6 and § 922.0 |
| Installation method | Per manufacturer’s instructions | Follow the specific manual for clearances, connections, anchoring, ventilation | § 922.1 |
| Built-in vs. portable | Built-in grill / Portable grill | Built-ins must be listed and installed per listing; check other CMC provisions for built-ins (see related sections) | § 922.1 and related sections |
Exceptions & special cases
- Section § 922.1 is short and prescriptive: it requires listing to the named standards and installation per the manufacturer; it does not list exceptions within that section.
- Separate CMC sections address other appliance types and built-in installations (for example, built-in household cooking appliances and their listing/installation requirements are covered elsewhere in Chapter 919). If an appliance is installed as a built-in, consult the built-in appliance rules and the appliance’s listing in addition to § 922.1.
- Additional jurisdictional rules may apply (Authority Having Jurisdiction — AHJ). If an appliance or a site condition is not clearly covered by § 922.1, the AHJ may require submittal of listing documentation, manufacturer instructions, or additional protection. The CMC text defers to listing and manufacturer instructions rather than prescribing alternative installation measurements in § 922.1.
If a reader wants to know clearances, mounts, gas connection details, weather protection, or anchorage for a particular outdoor appliance: the CMC requires that those specifics come from the appliance’s listing and the manufacturer’s instructions; § 922.1 itself does not spell out those numeric clearances.
Common mistakes
- Assuming any outdoor grill is code-compliant without checking the label: the appliance must be listed to one of the named standards — verification of the actual listing label is required under § 922.1.
- Ignoring the manufacturer’s installation instructions: § 922.1 explicitly requires installation in accordance with those instructions. Installing to “common practice” or a contractor’s rule-of-thumb instead of the listing/manual is a frequent cause of noncompliance.
- Treating indoor clearances or built-in appliance rules as interchangeable with outdoor appliance requirements. Outdoor appliances have the separate listing/installation requirement in § 922.1, and outdoor-location rules in § 305.6 apply as well.
Worked example — step-by-step scenario with numbers (applies the rule)
Scenario: You plan to install a new built-in gas barbecue on a patio.
Verify the appliance is listed. You find the nameplate showing ANSI Z21.58/CSA 1.6 listing and an approved agency mark — this satisfies the listing requirement of § 922.1.
Confirm outdoor suitability. The nameplate and manual explicitly read “For Outdoor Use Only” and the product is listed for outdoor installation, satisfying the outdoor-location requirement referenced in § 305.6.
Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions exactly. The manual specifies: maintain 12 inches clearance to the back wall and 24 inches to the overhead combustible structure (these numbers are the manufacturer’s requirements in this example manual — they are not CMC-prescribed distances). Because § 922.1 requires installing per the manufacturer’s instructions, you must use those numbers when setting the appliance in place.
Submit documentation if requested. Before or at inspection, provide the AHJ the product listing documentation (copy of the nameplate and the ANSI/CSA listing reference) and the installation instructions to demonstrate compliance with § 922.1.
Note: The numeric clearances in step (3) are drawn from the appliance manufacturer’s manual in this hypothetical example. § 922.1 itself requires using the manufacturer’s instructions rather than prescribing fixed clearance numbers for outdoor cooking appliances.
Related provisions (CMC and cross-references)
- § 922.1 — Application: outdoor cooking appliances must be listed to the named ANSI/CSA standards and installed per manufacturer’s instructions.
- § 922.0 — Outdoor Cooking Appliances (section heading and context).
- § 305.6 — Appliances in outdoor locations: appliance must be listed for outdoor installation and provided with protection from elements; cross-references compliance with § 922.0.
- § 919.5.1 — Built-in household cooking appliances: listed built-in household cooking appliances shall be installed in accordance with their listing and manufacturer’s installation instructions (relevant for built-in outdoor grills converted to built-in installations).
- § 920.0 — Cooking Appliance Listings (context for listing requirements of other appliance types).
- § 921.2 — Protection above domestic open-top broiler units (clearances and hoods for a specific appliance type — useful when an appliance includes an open-top broiler design).
If you need clearances, ventilation, or fire-safety distances for a particular appliance or scenario, consult the appliance’s listing/manual and coordinate with the local AHJ; where the CMC does not prescribe numeric values for outdoor appliances, the listing and manufacturer’s instructions govern.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Mechanical Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CMC § 6.4 High relevance — show source text
(1) The underside of the combustible material or metal cabinet above the cooking top is protected with not less than [1] ⁄ 4 of an inch (6.4 mm) insulating millboard covered with sheet metal not less than 0.0122 of an inch (0.3099 mm) thick.
(2) A metal ventilating hood of sheet metal not less than 0.0122 of an inch (0.3099 mm) thick is installed above the cooking top with a clearance of not less than [1] ⁄ 4 of an inch (6.4 mm) between the hood and the underside of the combustible material or metal
cabinet, and the hood is not less than the width of the appliance and is centered over the appliance.
(3) A listed cooking appliance or microwave oven installed over a listed cooking appliance shall be in accordance with the terms of the upper appliance’s listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. {NFPA 54:10.13.3.1} Microwave ovens shall comply with UL 923.
919.5 Built-In Units. Built-in units shall be installed in accor dance with Section 919.5.1 and Section 919.5.2.
919.5.1 Installation. Listed built-in household cooking appliances shall be installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The installation shall not interfere with combustion air, accessibility for operation, and servicing. Unlisted builtin household cooking appliances shall not be installed in or adjacent to combustible material.
919.5.2 Vertical Clearance Above Cooking Top. Built-in top (or surface) cooking appliances shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) to combustible material or metal cabinets. A clearance of not less than 24 inches (610 mm) is permitted where one of the following is installed:
(1) The underside of the combustible material or metal cabinet above the cooking top is protected with not less than [1] ⁄ 4 of an inch (6.4 mm) insulating millboard covered with sheet metal not less than 0.0122 of an inch (0.3099 mm) thick.
(2) A metal ventilating hood of sheet metal not less than 0.0122 of an inch (0.3099 mm) thick is installed above the cooking top with a clearance of not less
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than [1] ⁄ 4 of an inch (6.4 mm) between the hood and the underside of the combustible material or metal
cabinet, and the hood not less than the width of the appliance and is centered over the appliance.
(3) A listed cooking appliance or microwave oven installed over a listed cooking appliance shall be in accordance with the terms of the upper appliance’s listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Microwave ovens shall comply with UL 923.
919.6 Level Installation. Cooking appliances shall be installed so that the cooking top, broiler pan, or oven racks are level. [NFPA 54-2018:10.14.3]
920.0 Cooking Appliance Listings.
920.1 Commercial Electric Ranges. Commercial electric ranges shall comply with UL 197 and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
CMC § 922.0 High relevance — show source text
922.0 Outdoor Cooking Appliances.
922.1 Application. Outdoor cooking appliances shall be listed in accordance with ANSI Z83.11/CSA 1.8, ANSI Z21.58/CSA 1.6, or ANSI Z21.89/CSA 1.18, and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
[NFPA 54:10.18]
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INSTALLATION OF SPECIFIC APPLIANCES
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923.0 Illuminating Appliances.
923.1 Clearances for Listed Appliances. Listed illuminating appliances shall be installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. {NFPA 54:10.14.1}
923.2 Clearances for Unlisted Appliances. Clearances for unlisted illuminating appliances shall comply with the following:
(1) Unlisted enclosed illuminating appliances installed outdoors shall be installed with clearances in any direction from combustible material of not less than 12 inches (305 mm). [NFPA 54:10.14.2.1(1)]
(2) Unlisted enclosed illuminating appliances installed indoors shall be installed with clearances in any direction from combustible material of not less than 18 inches
(457 mm). [NFPA 54:10.14.2.1(2)]
923.2.1 Open-Flame Type. Clearance shall comply with the following:
(1) Unlisted open-flame illuminating appliances installed outdoors shall have clearances from com bustible material not less than that specified in Table 923.2.1. The distance from ground level to the base of the burner shall be a minimum of 7 feet (2134 mm) where installed within 2 feet (610 mm) of walkways. Lesser clearances shall be permitted to be used where acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
(2) Unlisted open-flame illuminating appliances installed outdoors shall be equipped with a limiting orifice or other limiting devices that maintain a flame height consistent with the clearance from combustible material, as given in Table 923.2.1.
(3) Appliances designed for flame heights in excess of 30 inches (762 mm) shall be approved. Such appliances shall be equipped with a safety shutoff device or automatic ignition.
(4) Clearances to combustible material from unlisted open-flame illuminating appliances shall be approved. [NFPA 54:10.14.2.2]
TABLE 923.2.1
CLEARANCES FOR UNLISTED OUTDOOR
OPEN-FLAME ILLUMINATING APPLIANCES
[NFPA 54:TABLE 10.14.2.2]
923.3 Mounting on Buildings. Illuminating appliances designed for installation on a wall or ceiling shall be securely attached to substantial structures in such a manner that they are not dependent on the gas piping for support. [NFPA 54:10.14.3]
CMC § 15.9.4.3.1 High relevance — show source text
** Site-built solid-fuel cooking appliances shall be submitted for approval to the Authority Having Jurisdiction before being considered for installation. All units submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the approved terms of the manufacturer’s instructions and any additional requirements set forth by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. [NFPA 96:15.9.4.3.1 – 15.9.4.3.2] 517.8.2 Additional Devices. Except for the spark arresters required in Section 517.1.6, there shall be no additional devices of any type in any portion of the appliance, flue pipe, and chimney of a natural draft solid-fuel operation. [NFPA 96:15.9.4.4] 517.8.3 Prohibited. No solid fuel cooking device of any type shall be permitted for deep fat frying involving more than 1 quart (qt) (1 L) of liquid shortening, nor shall any solid fuel cooking device be permitted within 3 feet (914 mm) of any deep fat frying unit. [NFPA 96:15.9.4.5]
518.0 Downdraft Appliances. 518.1 General. Downdraft appliance ventilation system containing or for use with appliances used in processes pro
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EXHAUST SYSTEMS
ducing smoke or grease-laden vapors shall be equipped with components complying with the following:
(1) The clearance requirements of Section 507.4 through Section 507.4.3.3.
(2) The primary collection means designed for collecting cooking vapors and residues complying with the requirements of Section 508.0.
(3) Grease removal devices complying with Section 509.0.
(4) Special-purpose filters as listed in accordance with UL 1046.
(5) Exhaust ducts complying with Section 510.0.
(6) The air movement requirements of Section 511.2.1 and Section 511.2.2.
(7) Auxiliary equipment (such as particulate and odor removal devices) complying with Section 512.0.
(8) Fire-extinguishing equipment complying with the requirements of Section 513.0, and as specified in Section 518.3.
(9) The use and maintenance requirements of Section 514.0.
(10)The minimum safety requirements of Section 515.0. {NFPA 96:16.1.1} 518.2 Ventilation System. The downdraft appliance ventilation system shall be capable of capturing and containing all the effluent discharge from the appliance(s) it is serving.
[NFPA 96:16.1.2]
518.3 Fire-Extinguishing Equipment. For fire-extinguishing equipment on downdraft appliance ventilation systems, the following shall apply:
(1) Cooking surface, duct, and plenum protection shall be provided.
(2) At least one fusible link or heat detector shall be installed within each exhaust duct opening in accordance with the manufacturer’s listing.
(3) A fusible link or heat detector shall be provided for each protected cooking appliance located in the plenum area of that appliance or in accordance with the extinguishing system manufacturer’s listing.
CMC § 10.11.4.1 High relevance — show source text
[NFPA 54:10.11.4.1, 10.11.4.2] 917.5 Combustible Material Adjacent to Cooking Top. Food service ranges shall be installed to provide clearance to combustible material of not less than 18 inches (457 mm) horizontally for a distance up to 2 feet (610 mm) above the surface of the cooking top where the combustible material is not completely shielded by high shelving, a warming closet, or other system. Reduced combustible material clearances are
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2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 209
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INSTALLATION OF SPECIFIC APPLIANCES
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919.4 Floor-Mounted Units. Floor mounted units shall be
installed in accordance with Section 919.4.1 and Section
919.4.2.
919.4.1 Clearances. Floor-mounted household cooking appliances, where installed on combustible floors, shall be set on their own bases or legs and shall not interfere with combustion air, accessibility for operation, and servicing. [NFPA 54:10.13.3]
919.4.2 Vertical Clearance Above Cooking Top. Household cooking appliances shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) to combustible material or metal cabinets. A minimum clearance of 24 inches (610 mm) shall be permitted where one of the following is installed:
(1) The underside of the combustible material or metal cabinet above the cooking top is protected with not less than [1] ⁄ 4 of an inch (6.4 mm) insulating millboard covered with sheet metal not less than 0.0122 of an inch (0.3099 mm) thick.
(2) A metal ventilating hood of sheet metal not less than 0.0122 of an inch (0.3099 mm) thick is installed above the cooking top with a clearance of not less than [1] ⁄ 4 of an inch (6.4 mm) between the hood and the underside of the combustible material or metal
cabinet, and the hood is not less than the width of the appliance and is centered over the appliance.
(3) A listed cooking appliance or microwave oven installed over a listed cooking appliance shall be in accordance with the terms of the upper appliance’s listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. {NFPA 54:10.13.3.1} Microwave ovens shall comply with UL 923.
919.5 Built-In Units. Built-in units shall be installed in accor dance with Section 919.5.1 and Section 919.5.2.
919.5.1 Installation. Listed built-in household cooking appliances shall be installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The installation shall not interfere with combustion air, accessibility for operation, and servicing. Unlisted builtin household cooking appliances shall not be installed in or adjacent to combustible material.
CMC § 920.3 High relevance — show source text
920.3 Oil-Burning Ranges. Oil-burning ranges shall comply with UL 896 and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
921.0 Open-Top Broiler Units.
921.1 Application. Open-top broiler units shall be listed in accordance with ANSI Z83.11/CSA 1.8 or ANSI/CSA
Z21.1/CSA 1.1 and installed in accordance with the manu facturer’s installation instructions. [NFPA 54:10.17.1]
921.2 Protection Above Domestic Units. Domestic opentop broiler units shall be provided with a metal ventilating hood not less than 0.0122 of an inch (0.3099 mm) thick with a clearance of not less than [1] ⁄ 4 of an inch (6.4 mm) between the hood and the underside of combustible material or metal cabinets. A
clearance of at least 24 inches (610 mm) shall be maintained between the cooking top and the combustible material or metal cabinet, and the hood shall be at least as wide as the open-top broiler unit and centered over the unit. Domestic open-top broiler units incorporating an integral exhaust system and listed for use without a ventilating hood shall not be required to be provided with a ventilating hood if installed in accordance with Section 919.4.2(1). [NFPA 54:10.17.2]
921.3 Commercial Units. Commercial open-top broiler units shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with Chapter 5, Part II. {NFPA 54:10.17.3}
922.0 Outdoor Cooking Appliances.
922.1 Application. Outdoor cooking appliances shall be listed in accordance with ANSI Z83.11/CSA 1.8, ANSI Z21.58/CSA 1.6, or ANSI Z21.89/CSA 1.18, and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
[NFPA 54:10.18]
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INSTALLATION OF SPECIFIC APPLIANCES
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923.0 Illuminating Appliances.
923.1 Clearances for Listed Appliances. Listed illuminating appliances shall be installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. {NFPA 54:10.14.1}
923.2 Clearances for Unlisted Appliances. Clearances for unlisted illuminating appliances shall comply with the following:
(1) Unlisted enclosed illuminating appliances installed outdoors shall be installed with clearances in any direction from combustible material of not less than 12 inches (305 mm). [NFPA 54:10.14.2.1(1)]
(2) Unlisted enclosed illuminating appliances installed indoors shall be installed with clearances in any direction from combustible material of not less than 18 inches
(457 mm). [NFPA 54:10.14.2.1(2)]
923.2.1 Open-Flame Type. Clearance shall comply with the following:
CMC § 420.6.2 High relevance — show source text
Exception: Spaces having a direct exit to a public way.
420.6.2 Refuge area. Refuge areas shall be provided within each smoke compartment. The size of the refuge area shall accommodate the occupants and care recipients from the adjoining smoke compartment. Where a smoke compartment is adjoined by two or more smoke compartments, the minimum area of the refuge area shall accommodate the largest occupant load of the adjoining compartments. The size of the refuge area shall provide the following:
- Not less than 15 net square feet (1.4 m [2] ) for each care recipient.
- Not less than 6 net square feet (0.56 m [2] ) for other occupants.
Areas or spaces permitted to be included in the calculation of the refuge area are corridors, lounge or dining areas and other low-hazard areas.
420.7 Reserved.
420.8 Reserved.
420.9 Domestic cooking appliances. In Group R-2.1 occupancies, installation of cooking appliance used in domestic cooking facilities shall comply with all of the following:
- The types of cooking appliances permitted shall be limited to ovens, cooktops, ranges, warmers and microwaves.
- Domestic cooking hoods installed and constructed in accordance with the California Mechanical Code shall be provided over cooktops or ranges.
- Cooktops and ranges shall be protected in accordance with Section 904.15.
- A shutoff for the fuel and electrical supply to the cooking equipment shall be provided in a location to which only staff has
access.
A timer shall be provided that automatically deactivates the cooking appliances within a period of not more than 120 minutes.
A portable fire extinguisher shall be provided. Installation shall be in accordance with Section 906 and the extinguisher shall be located within a 30-foot (9144 mm) distance of travel from each domestic cooking appliance.
Exceptions:
- Cooking facilities provided within care recipients’ individual dwelling units are not required to comply with this section.
- Cooktops and ranges used for care-recipient training or nutritional counseling are not required to comply with Item 3 of this section.
420.10 Group R cooking facilities. In Group R occupancies, cooking appliances used for domestic cooking operations shall be in accordance with the California Mechanical Code .
420.11 Group R-2 dormitory cooking facilities. Domestic cooking appliances for use by residents of Group R-2 college dormitories shall be in accordance with Sections 420.11.1 and 420.11.2.
420.11.1 Cooking appliances. Where located in Group R-2 college dormitories, domestic cooking appliances for use by residents shall be in compliance with all of the following:
The types of domestic cooking appliances shall be limited to ovens, cooktops, ranges, warmers, coffee makers and microwaves.
Domestic cooking appliances shall be limited to approved locations.
Cooktops and ranges shall be protected in accordance with Section 904.15.
Cooktops and ranges shall be provided with a domestic cooking hood installed and constructed in accordance with the California Mechanical Code . Kitchen range hoods shall also be rated for sound and meet field verification requirements in the California Energy Code for low-rise and high-rise residential buildings.
420.11.2 Cooking appliances in sleeping rooms. Cooktops, ranges and ovens shall not be installed or used in sleeping rooms.
CMC § 305.6 High relevance — show source text
(3) Where a drainage pan pipe is installed, the material of the piping shall be rated for the temperature rating of the water heater and shall be approved for use with the liquid being discharged.
(4) Discharge from a relief valve into a drainage pan shall be prohibited. 305.6 Outdoor Locations. Appliances installed in outdoor locations shall be in accordance with the following:
(1) Listed for outdoor installation.
(2) Provided with approved protection from the outdoor elements that can affect the operation, durability, or safety of such appliances and in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
(3) Outdoor cooking appliances shall comply with Section 922.0.
306.0 Automatic Control Devices.
306.1 General. Heating appliances shall be equipped with a listed device or devices that will shut off the fuel supply to the main burner or burners in the event of pilot or ignition failure. Liquefied petroleum gas-air-burning heating appli
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GENERAL REGULATIONS
ances shall be equipped with a listed automatic device or devices that will shut off the flow of gas to the pilot in the event of ignition failure.
Exception: The listed shutoff devices shall not be required on range or cooking tops, log lighters, lights, or other openburner manually operated appliances, or listed appliances not requiring such devices and specific industrial appliances as approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Heating appliances whose manual fuel controls are not readily accessible from the main portion of the building being heated shall be equipped with remote controls.
Forced-air and gravity-type warm air furnaces shall be equipped with a listed air outlet temperature limit control that cannot be set for temperatures exceeding 250°F (121°C). Such controls shall be located in the bonnet or plenum, within 2 feet (610 mm) of the discharge side of the heating element of gravity furnaces or in accordance with the conditions of listing.
Electric duct heaters shall be equipped with an approved automatic reset air outlet temperature limit control that will limit the outlet air temperature to not exceed 200°F (93°C). The electric elements of the heater shall be equipped with fusible links or a manual reset temperature limit control that will prevent outlet air temperature in excess of 250°F (121°C).
306.2 Building Automation Systems. [OSHPD 1] Building automation systems shall provide for localized con- trol in the event of network failure. This capability shall be specified in the construction documentation.
307.0 Labeling.
307.1 Fuel-Burning Appliances. Fuel-burning heating appliances shall bear a permanent and legible factory-applied nameplate on which shall appear:
(1) The name or trademark of the manufacturer.
(2) The approved fuel input rating of the appliance, expressed in Btu/h (kW).
(3) The model number or equivalent.
(4) The serial number.
(5) Instructions for the lighting, operation, and shutdown of the appliance.
(6) The type of fuel approved for use with the appliance.
(7) The symbol of an approved agency certifying compliance of the equipment with recognized standards.
(8) Required clearances from combustible surfaces on which or adjacent to which it is permitted to be mounted.
CMC § 305.3.1 High relevance — show source text
ing code for utilities and attendant equipment or the elevation of the lowest floor, whichever is higher, provided that the systems are designed and installed to prevent water from entering or accumulating within their components and the systems are constructed to resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of flooding to such elevation.
305.3.1 Coastal High Hazard Areas. Mechanical systems in buildings located in coastal high hazard areas shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 305.3, and mechanical systems, pipes, and appurtenances shall not be mounted on or penetrate through walls that are intended to breakaway under flood loads in accordance with the building code.
305.3.2 Air Exhaust and Intake Openings. Outside air exhaust openings and air intake openings shall be located at or above the elevation required by the building code for utilities and attendant equipment or the elevation of the lowest floor, whichever is higher.
305.4 Elevator Shaft. Unless required for the functionality and safety of the elevator system, mechanical systems shall not be located in an elevator shaft.
305.5 Drainage Pan. Where a water heater is located in an attic, in or on an attic ceiling assembly, floor-ceiling assembly, floor-subfloor assembly or where damage results from a leaking water heater, a watertight pan of corrosion-resistant materials shall be installed beneath the water heater in accordance with the following: (1) The drainage pan shall be provided with not less than [3] ⁄ 4 of an inch (20 mm) diameter drain to an approved location. The terminating end of the drainpipe shall be readily visible. (2) The drainage pan shall be not less than 1 [1] ⁄ 2 inches (38 mm) in depth.
(3) Where a drainage pan pipe is installed, the material of the piping shall be rated for the temperature rating of the water heater and shall be approved for use with the liquid being discharged.
(4) Discharge from a relief valve into a drainage pan shall be prohibited. 305.6 Outdoor Locations. Appliances installed in outdoor locations shall be in accordance with the following:
(1) Listed for outdoor installation.
(2) Provided with approved protection from the outdoor elements that can affect the operation, durability, or safety of such appliances and in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
(3) Outdoor cooking appliances shall comply with Section 922.0.
306.0 Automatic Control Devices.
306.1 General. Heating appliances shall be equipped with a listed device or devices that will shut off the fuel supply to the main burner or burners in the event of pilot or ignition failure. Liquefied petroleum gas-air-burning heating appli
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GENERAL REGULATIONS
ances shall be equipped with a listed automatic device or devices that will shut off the flow of gas to the pilot in the event of ignition failure.
Exception: The listed shutoff devices shall not be required on range or cooking tops, log lighters, lights, or other openburner manually operated appliances, or listed appliances not requiring such devices and specific industrial appliances as approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Heating appliances whose manual fuel controls are not readily accessible from the main portion of the building being heated shall be equipped with remote controls.
California Mechanical Code High relevance — show source text
; 2′ C.R.S. with 1″ cover on
both top and bottom flanges; 13′1″ span
restrained.|60 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-6-RC-34|61/4″|61/4″ thick; 43/4″ (5120 psi) concrete core;
1″ T&G board flooring;1/2″ plaster under-
coat; 4″ × 3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush
with top surface concrete; 12′ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|100 psf|4 hrs|||7|1, 7|4| |F/C-6-RC-35|61/4″|43/4″ (3600 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat; 4″ ×
3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush with top
surface concrete; 12′ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|100 psf|2 hrs
30 min|||7|1, 5|21/2| |F/C-6-RC-36|61/4″|43/4″ (2800 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat; 4″ ×
3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush with top
surface concrete; 12″ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|80 psf|4 hrs|||7|1, 7|4| |F/C-7-RC-37|7″|(3640 psi) concrete deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 6″ pitch with 11/2″ cover;1/4″
reinforcement bars at 5″ pitch perpendic-
ular with 11/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|169 psf|6 hrs|||7|1, 14|6| |F/C-7-RC-38|7″|(4060 psi) concrete deck; 4″ × 3″ × 10 lbs
R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S. with 11/2″ cover on both
top and bottom flanges; 4″ × 6″ × 13 SWG
mesh reinforcement 11/2″ from bottom of
slab; 13′1″ span restrained.|175 psf|6 hrs|||7|1, 14|6| |F/C-7-RC-39|71/4″|53/4″ (4010 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat;
4″ × 3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.California Mechanical Code High relevance — show source text
; 2′6″ C.R.S. with 1″ cover on
both top and bottom flanges; 12′ span
simply supported.|115 psf|29 min|||7|1, 5,
13|1/4| |F/C-6-RC-31|6″|6″ deep (3450 psi) concrete deck; 4″ ×
13/4″ × 5 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S. with 1″ cover
on both top and bottom flanges; 12′ span
simply supported.|25 psf|3 hrs
35 min|||7|1, 2|31/2| |F/C-6-RC-32|6″|6″ deep (4460 psi) concrete deck; 4″ ×
13/4″ × 5 lbs R.S.J.; 2′ C.R.S. with 1″ cover
on both top and bottom flanges; 12′ span
simply supported.|60 psf|4 hrs
30 min|||7|1, 10|41/2| |F/C-6-RC-33|6″|6″ deep (4360 psi) concrete deck; 4″ × 13/4″
× 5 lbs R.S.J.; 2′ C.R.S. with 1″ cover on
both top and bottom flanges; 13′1″ span
restrained.|60 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-6-RC-34|61/4″|61/4″ thick; 43/4″ (5120 psi) concrete core;
1″ T&G board flooring;1/2″ plaster under-
coat; 4″ × 3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush
with top surface concrete; 12′ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|100 psf|4 hrs|||7|1, 7|4| |F/C-6-RC-35|61/4″|43/4″ (3600 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat; 4″ ×
3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S. flush with top
surface concrete; 12′ span simply
supported; 2″ × 1′3″ clinker concrete
insert.|100 psf|2 hrs
30 min|||7|1, 5|21/2| |F/C-6-RC-36|61/4″|43/4″ (2800 psi) concrete core; 1″ T&G
board flooring;1/2″ plaster undercoat; 4″ ×
3″ × 10 lbs R.S.J.; 3′ C.R.S.California Mechanical Code High relevance — show source text
|100 psf|1 hr
23 min|||7|1, 2|11/3| |F/C-4-RC-9|4″|4″ deep (4370 psi);1/4″ reinforcement bars
at 6″ pitch with3/4″ cover;1/4″ main rein-
forcement bars at 4″ pitch perpendicular
with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span restrained.|150 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-10|4″|4″ thick (5140 psi) deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 71/2″ pitch with7/8″ cover;3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|140 psf|1 hr
16 min|||7|1, 5|11/4| |F/C-4-RC-11|4″|4″ thick (4000 psi) concrete deck;
3″ × 11/2″ × 4 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.; flush
with top surface; 4″ × 6″ x 13 SWG mesh
reinforcement 1″ from bottom of slab; 6′6″
span restrained.|150 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-12|4″|4″ deep (2380 psi) concrete deck;
3″ × 11/2″ × 4 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.; flush
with top surface; 4″ × 6″ x 13 SWG mesh
reinforcement 1″ from bottom surface;
6′6″ span restrained.|150 psf|1 hr
3 min|||7|1, 2|1| |F/C-4-RC-13|41/2″|41/2″ thick (5200 psi) deck;1/4″ reinforce-
ment bars at 71/4″ pitch with7/8″ cover;3/8″
main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
restrained.|140 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-14|41/2″|41/2″ deep (2525 psi) concrete deck;1/4″
reinforcement bars at 71/2″ pitch with7/8″
cover;3/8″ main reinforcement bars at
33/8″ pitch perpendicular with1/2″ cover;
13′1″ span restrained.|150 psf|42 min|||7|1, 5|2/3| |F/C-4-RC-15|41/2″|41/2″ deep (4830 psi) concrete deck;
11/2″ × No.
Frequently asked questions
Do all outdoor grills have to be listed?
Yes. § 922.1 requires outdoor cooking appliances to be listed to one of the named ANSI/CSA standards; unlisted appliances do not meet § 922.1.
Where do I find the proof of listing?
Look on the appliance nameplate and in the manufacturer’s documentation for the listing mark and the specific ANSI/CSA standard (for example, ANSI Z21.58/CSA 1.6). The CMC requires that listing per § 922.1.
If the manufacturer manual says one clearance and local custom says another, which controls?
Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions as required by § 922.1. The AHJ can require additional measures, but the first step is to comply with the listed appliance’s manual.
Does the CMC give fixed distances for outdoor grill clearances?
No. § 922.1 mandates listing and adherence to manufacturer instructions rather than prescribing numeric clearances for outdoor cooking appliances. For outdoor-location rules in general, see § 305.6.
Can I use an indoor-rated appliance outdoors if I weatherproof it?
No. § 305.6 and § 922.1 require appliances installed outdoors to be listed for outdoor installation and to be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions; an indoor-only listing does not satisfy those requirements.
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