Check out some similar questions!

smc · May 10, 2009, 04:24 PM

Hello!
We have a 375 gallon fuel oil tank in basement (its an old tank) and burner. We are looking to finish basement. What can be done as far as enclosing, partioning, concealing, etc. the fuel tank and the oil burner? We live in Massachusetts!

Thanks!

21boat · May 10, 2009, 04:40 PM

The fuel tank its not a big deal but the heat plant with a burner is. You need to check on your local codes and also what the clearance specks for clearance for the burner itself.

My are they require 5/8 fire rated drywall in burner side of room. Also don't forget the burner needs air flow to work properly

creahands · May 10, 2009, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by 21boat

The fuel tank its not a big deal but the heat plant with a burner is. You need to check on your local codes and also what the clearance specks for clearance for the burner itself.

My are they require 5/8 fire rated drywall in burner side of room. Also don't forget the burner needs air flow to work properly

I agree with boat21. In may area they also require louver doors for air flow. Also u will need room to service heating plant.

Good luck

Chuck

ballengerb1 · May 10, 2009, 08:15 PM

I sit on an architectural control board and sometimes laugh at the codes. I think 21boat is right for most states wanting the furnace room to have 5/8" drywall but here's the rub. Fire goes up and they do not require 5/8" on the ceiling, what safety does 5/8" walls do for you.

creahands · May 10, 2009, 08:51 PM

Don't know about now but parts of Ct. required fire code s/r over heating plant and extending out at least 2' from each edge.

Chuck

smc · May 11, 2009, 03:06 AM

Thanks everyone for your replies!

21boat · May 12, 2009, 06:26 PM

AS Bal1 pointed out the goof on the code. In answer to the ceiling part there are to many mechanicals that would come through the heat plants ceiling. Fire tape etc. Code for directly above the plant is same as Creahands and the louver doors. Another goof not fire rated.

How about this kicker in fire. I'm working on fit outs on a hospital " Health Campus" And I mean bigger then the average strip mall in Sq Ft. Had a problem with a "safety" meeting, walked out. I laughed and said this is a death trap for fire. All the "Fire Exit" signs are inches from the ceiling and that's a heck of a conversation to crawl out of a building on fire and the Exit sign is where all the smoke gets trapped. CAVE MAN intelligance...

How about rubber cope base, DC current with light and sound to direct a person crawling out of a building to an exit. Get the people out including the blind or deaf

That was in the 90s and not much improved since then