Disaster
Preparedness > Strapping Requirements for Water Heaters
Since the City of
Los Angeles is in Seismic Zone 4, perforated iron strap
(plumber’s tape) will not be an acceptable method for
strapping or bracing water heaters over 40 gallons. Water
heaters over 40 gallons shall have Office of the State
Architect approved straps, and shall be installed
according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
The State of
California requires that all water heaters be strapped to
resist motion during an earthquake. This may be accomplished
by installing an over-the-counter "water heater
restraint" kit which has been designed specifically for
this purpose, and which has been accepted by the California
Division of the State Architect (DSA). Such kits are available
from plumbing hardware supplier. An Alternative method is
shown below in Example 2, using heavy-duty metal strap
material and hardware.
As per 1996 LAPC,
Section 94.510.5, water heaters must be strapped in at least
two locations, one being in the upper one-third of the unit,
and the other in the lower one-third. The lower strap must be
a minimum of 4" above the water heater control unit.
Example 1
(side-to-side straps).
Drill pilot holes
on centerline of stud (both sides of heater), insert screws
through punched holes in strap. Use washers.
Stand required in
garage locations as per sec. 94.510.1 LARC..
Example 2
(wrap-around straps):
Drill pilot holes
on centerline of stud (both sides of heater), insert screws
through punched holes in strap. Use washers.
Use minimum 22
Gauge X 3/4" wide metal strap.
Stand required in
garage locations as per sec. 94.510.1 LA.P.C.
The installation
must satisfy the water heater manufacturer’s minimum
clearance requirements, as stated on the unit nameplate.
Lag screws not
less than 1/4" in diameter must be used to anchor the
restraints to the wall, and each lag screw must have at least
1-1/2" thread penetration into a wall stud. A large flat
washer must be installed between each lag screw and the strap
for reinforcement.
Water heaters
generating a glow, spark or flame capable of igniting
flammable vapors may be installed in a garage, provided the
pilots, burner or heating elements and switches are at least
eighteen inches above the floor level.
All
over-the-counter kits must be installed according to the
manufacturer’s instruction, and must also meet the
conditions above.
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