[TheForge] Shop heat - hot water heater

[Marc Godbout]

The National Fire Protection Code allows up to 5psi into a building or
10psi if the plumbing is black pipe with welded fittings. There are
other exceptions that pertain mostly to business or research
environments. You might be able to argue for those, but the gas
companies can do what they want. Some of the propane companies I
contacted only went up to 11 inches water column as a policy.

I'm running with my house tank at 5psi and had to go with a blown
forge. One thing to keep in mind going with low pressure is the drop
along the plumbing. There are tables out there, but you get some
pressure loss depending on the BTUs/hr and pipe/tubing size and
length. Losing 2 lbs when all you're starting out with is 5 will make
a difference in your burner requirements.

--Marc

On 9/1/06, Grover Richardson <grover.richardson at gtri.gatech.edu> wrote:
> If I remember correctly, the pressure into a residence is in inches of
> water.  I remember 5.  Also, as I remember it, it takes 27 inches of water
> to make one psi.
>
> Asking for a higher pressure regulator will likely place a residence in the
> "business" category, with the attendant tighter rules and higher prices.
> Like asking for 3 phase power<G>.