APPENDIX C
INSTALLATION AND TESTING OF OIL (LIQUID) FUEL-FIRED EQUIPMENT
C.1.0 General. Appendix C governs the installation,
testing, or repair of oil or liquid fuel burners, oil-or
liquid-fuel burning systems, oil-or liquid-fuel-
burning equipment, and the oil-or-liquid fuel piping
systems used in connection with buildings or
structures and equipment within the property lines
of the premises.
Definitions.
ANTI-FLOODING DEVICE – A primary safety
control that causes the flow of oil or fuel to be shut
off after a rise in oil or fuel level, or after receiving
excess oil or fuel, and that operates before the
hazardous discharge of oil or fuel can occur.
BURNER, AUTOMATICALLY IGNITED – A burner
equipped so that main burner fuel may be turned on
and ignited automatically.
BURNER, MANUALLY IGNITED – A burner
equipped so that main burner fuel is turned on only
by hand and ignited under supervision.
BURNER, MECHANICAL DRAFT TYPE – A burner
that includes a power-driven fan, blower, or other
mechanism as the primary means for supplying the
air for combustion.
BURNER, NATURAL DRAFT TYPE – A burner that
depends primarily on the natural draft created in the
chimney or venting system to induce air required for
combustion into the burner.
CONSTANT LEVEL VALVE – A device for
maintaining within a reservoir a constant level of oil
or fuel for delivery to a burner.
CONTROL LIMIT – An automatic safety control that
is responsive to changes in fluid flow or level,
pressure, or temperature, and that is normally set
beyond the operating range for limiting the
operation of the controlled equipment by shutting
off the energy supply.
CONTROL SAFETY – Automatic interlock controls,
including relays, switches, and other auxiliary
equipment used in conjunction with them, to form a
safety control system that is intended to prevent
unsafe operation of the controlled equipment.
DRAFT BOOSTER – A power-operated fan, blower,
or other device installed in the chimney connector to
increase the natural draft developed in the
connected chimney.
DRAFT REGULATOR, BAROMETRIC – A device
built into a fuel-burning appliance or made part of a
chimney connector or vent connector that functions
to reduce excessive draft through an appliance to a
desired value by admitting ambient air into the
appliance chimney, chimney connector, vent, or vent
connector.
FUEL – Natural, manufactured, or liquefied
petroleum gas, or a mixture of these gases; all grades
of fuel oil; wood; or any other combustible or
flammable material or any mixture of combustible or
flammable materials.
FUEL BURNER – A device used to convey the
appropriate fuel into the combustion chamber zone
in close proximity to its primary and secondary air
supply to permit a stable controlled heat release
compatible with the burner design, listing, and
applicable approvals in a boiler, furnace, device or
appliance. It includes, but is not limited to, burning
oil or liquid fuel.
FUEL BURNER SYSTEM – The fuel burner and any
conveyance system or piping system for the purpose
of introducing the appropriate fuel into the
combustion chamber zone.
FUEL-BURNING EQUIPMENT/APPLIANCE – An
oil or fuel burner of any type including all oil or
liquid fuel burners, oil, or liquid-fuel-fired-units,
dual, or multifuel burners and heating and cooking
appliances with their fuel burner system and with
their tank or fuel storage system, piping system, vent
connectors, vent flues, fans, blowers, valves, control
devices, combustion air, wiring, controls, and related
devices including all accessories and appurtenances
for safe and proper operation of the appliance.
FUEL OIL – Any hydrocarbon oil as specified by
ASTM D396, or the Canadian Government
Specification Board, 3-GP-28, and having a
flashpoint of not less than 100°F (38°C).
FUEL-PIPING SYSTEM – Any method of conveying
liquid, vapor, steam, gases, or slurry from one point
to another, including accessories, appurtenances,
and equipment necessary for its proper operation.
INDIRECT-FIRED APPLIANCE – An oil- or fuel-
burning appliance in which products of combustion
(flue gasses) are not mixed in the appliance with the
air or other medium being heated.
LABELED – Having attached a label, symbol, or
other identifying mark of an organization acceptable
to the Building Official and concerned with product
329
C.1.0 – C.6.0
evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of
production of labeled equipment or materials and by
whose labeling the manufacturer indicates
compliance with appropriate standards or
performance in a specified manner.
PREMIXING – A power burner in which all or nearly
all of the air for combustion is mixed with the gas as
primary air.
PUMP, OIL OR FUEL TRANSFER – An oil or fuel
pump, automatically or manually operated, that
transfers oil or fuel through continuous piping from
a supply tank to an oil or fuel-burning appliance or
to an auxiliary tank, and that is not designed to stop
pumping automatically in case of total breakage of
the oil or fuel supply line between the pump and the
appliance.
TANK, AUXILIARY – A tank having a capacity of
not over sixty (60) gallons listed for installation in the
supply piping between a burner and its main fuel
supply tank. It may be included as an integral part of
an automatic pump or a transfer pump, or it may be
a separate tank.
TANK, GRAVITY – A supply tank from which the oil
or fuel is delivered directly to the burner by gravity.
TANK, INTEGRAL – A tank that is furnished by the
manufacturer as an integral part of an oil- or fuel-
burning appliance.
TANK STORAGE – A separate tank that is not
connected to the oil- or fuel-burning appliance.
TANK SUPPLY – A separate tank connected directly
or by a pump to the oil- or fuel-burning appliance.
TANK, VACUUM OR BAROMETRIC – A tank not
exceeding five (5) gallons capacity that maintains a
definite level of oil or fuel in a sump or similar
receptacle by barometric feed. Fuel is delivered from
the sump to the burner by gravity.
VALVE, MANUAL OIL, GAS, OR FUEL SHUTOFF
– A manually operated valve in a fuel line for the
purpose of turning on or completely shutting off the
fuel supply to the burner.
VALVE, OIL, GAS, OR FUEL CONTROL – An
automatically or manually operated device
consisting essentially of a fuel valve for controlling
the fuel supply to a burner.
C.2.0 Standards and Accepted Practices. The
installation, testing, and repair of oil- or liquid-fuel-
burning equipment systems must comply with this
section, the appropriate standards listed in Chapter
17, and other information outlined in the UMC such
as, but not limited to, combustion air, flue and
breeching requirements, room clearances and
dimensions, and control requirements.
330
UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE
C.3.0 Approval of Equipment. Oil-or liquid-fuel-
burning equipment must be approved.
C.4.0 Placing Equipment in Operation. After
completion of all installations, the installer shall test
all safety and operating controls and venting before
placing the burner in service. The correct input of
liquid fuel must be determined and the fuel-to-air
ratio set. Each oil or liquid fuel burner must be
adjusted to its proper input according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Overrating the burners
or the appliance is prohibited. The input range must
be appropriate to the appliance.
(1) For conversion burners installed in hot
water (liquid) boilers or warm-air furnaces,
the rate of flow of the oil or liquid fuel in
btu/h must be adjusted to within plus or
minus 5 percent of the design load, not to
exceed the design rate of the appliance.
(2) For conversion burners installed in steam
boilers, the oil or liquid fuel hourly input
demand must be adjusted to meet the steam
load requirements. The oil or liquid fuel
input demand necessitated by an oversized
boiler must be established and added to
total input demand.
C.5.0 Pilot Operation. Igniter or pilot flames
must be effective to ignite the oil or liquid fuel at the
main burner or burners and must be adequately
protected from drafts. Pilot flames must not become
extinguished during the pilot cycle when the main
burner or burners are turned on or off in a normal
manner either manually or by automatic controls.
C.6.0 Burner Operation. In making tests to
determine compliance with the requirements of this
section, care must be exercised to prevent the
accumulation of unburned liquid fuel in the
appliance that might result in an explosion or fire.
(1) The flames from the burner must freely
ignite the liquid fuel when operating at the
lowest firing position.
(2) Burner flames must not flash back when the
liquid fuel is turned on or off by an
automatic control mechanism.
(3) Main burner flames must ignite freely from
the pilot when the pilot flame is reduced to
a minimum point that will actuate the pilot
safety device.
(4) When ignition is made in a normal manner,
the flame will not flash outside the appliance.
INSTALLATION AND TESTING OF OIL (LIQUID)
FUEL- FIRED EQUIPMENT
(5) Burners must not expel liquid fuel through
air openings when operating at prevailing
pressure.
(6) Burners must have a proper liquid fuel air
mixture to ensure smooth ignition of the
main burner.
C.7.0 Method of Test.
(1) The flue gas, venting, safety, and operating
controls of the appliance must be checked
by the installer to ensure their proper and
safe operation.
(2) Method of test – atmospheric, induced draft,
or fan assisted types.
The appliance must be allowed to operate
until the stack temperature becomes
stabilized, after which a sample of the
undiluted flue products must be taken from
the appliance flue outlet. The sample taken
must be analyzed for carbon monoxide,
carbon dioxide, and oxygen. Stack
temperature must be noted.
Note:
Appliance designs incorporating induced-draft
assemblies may require a flue gas sample to be taken
ahead of the draft regulator or induced draft fan.
(3) Performance standards for atmospheric
type must meet:
(a) Minimum of 75 percent efficiency as
determined by flue gas analysis method
at appliance flue outlet.
(b) Carbon monoxide concentration in flue
gas not greater than 0.04 percent.
(c) Stack temperature not greater than
700°F (371°C), plus ambient.
(d) Carbon dioxide concentration between
8 percent and 13 percent.
(e) Oxygen concentration between 4 percent
and 10 percent.
(f) Smoke test no higher than #2 for light
oils or #4 for oils heavier than #4.
(g) Draft must be in accordance with the
burner manufacturer's specifications.
(4) Performance standards for induced-draft or
fan-assisted types:
(a) Minimum of 75 percent efficiency, as
determined by flue gas analysis method
at appliance flue outlet.
(b) Carbon monoxide concentration in flue
gas not greater than 0.04 percent.
(c) Stack temperature not greater than
700°F (371°C), plus ambient
C.6.0 – C.7.0
(d) Carbon dioxide concentration between
8 percent and 13 percent.
(e) Oxygen concentration between 4 percent
and 10 percent.
(f) Smoke test no higher than #2 for light
oils, or #4 for oils heavier than #4.
(g) Draft must be in accordance with
the burner manufacturer's specifications.
Note:
Induced draft- and fan-assisted types of
appliances may require a sample be taken after
the induced-draft fan that may cause oxygen
figures in excess of the limits stated. In such
cases, safe liquid fuel combustion ratios must be
maintained and be consistent with approvals and
listings of the appliance.
(5) Method of test––power type
The appliance must be allowed to operate
until the stack temperature becomes
stabilized; after that, a sample of the
undiluted flue products must be taken from
the appliance flue outlet. The sample must
be analyzed for carbon monoxide, carbon
dioxide, and oxygen. Stack temperature
must be noted.
(6) Performance standards for power type
(a) Minimum of 80 percent efficiency as
determined by flue gas analysis method
at the appliance flue outlet.
(b) Carbon monoxide concentration in the
flue gas not greater than 0.04 percent.
(c) Stack temperature not greater than
700°F (371°C) plus ambient.
(d) Carbon dioxide concentration between
8 percent and 13 percent.
(e) Oxygen concentration between 4 percent
and 10 percent.
(f) Smoke test no higher than #2 for light
oils or #4 for oils heavier than #4.
(g) Draft must be in accordance with the
burner manufacturer's specifications.
(7) After completion of the test of newly
installed oil- or liquid-fuel-burner equipment
as provided in this section, the installer shall
file with the Authority Having Jurisdiction
complete records of the test on a form
approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
The tag stating the date of the test and the
name of the installer must be attached to the
appliance at the main valve.
331
C.7.0 – C.9.0
(8) (a) The concentration of oxygen in the
undiluted flue products of oil or liquid-
fuel burners must in no case be less than 3
percent nor more than 10 percent and shall
be in conformance with applicable
performance standards and shall be
consistent with the listing and approval of
the equipment.
(b) The allowable limit of carbon monoxide
must not exceed 0.04 percent.
(c) The flue gas temperature of an oil
appliance, as taken on the appliance
side of the draft regulator, must not exceed
applicable performance standards and
shall be consistent with the listing and
approvals of the equipment.
(9) The oxygen figures may not apply when
there is an approved oxygen trim system on
the burner that is designed for that use,
including a low oxygen interlock when
approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
(10) (a) Supervised startup may be required to
verify the safe operation of an oil or liquid- fuel
burner and to provide documentation that
operation is consistent with this code,
listing, and approval. Supervised startup
shall be required for all liquid fuel burners
in categories 9(B), 9(C), and 9(D).
Supervised startup requires that the liquid
fuel burner must be tested in the presence of
the mechanical official in a manner set forth
by the Authority Having Jurisdiction before
the installation is approved. Testing must
include safety and operating controls, input,
flue gas analysis, and venting. Flue gas must
be tested at high, medium, and low fires.
Provisions must be made in the system to
allow a firing test in warm weather. After
completion of the test of newly installed oil-
or liquid-fuel burner equipment, as
provided in this section, the installer shall
file with the Authority Having Jurisdiction
complete records of the test on a form
approved by the Authority Having
Jurisdiction. The tag stating the date of the
test and the name of the tester must be
attached to the appliance at the main valve.
(b) Oil and liquid fuel burners of 1,000,000
Btu/h input or more require a
supervised startup as in 10(A).
(c) Installation of oxygen trim systems,
modulating dampers, or other draft
control or combustion devices require a
supervised startup as in 10(A).
(d) All direct-fired heaters require a
supervised startup as in 10(A).
332
UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE
(11) The complete control diagram of the
installation and suitable operating
instructions must be supplied and posted by
the installer of the appliance.
C.8.0 (Reserved)
C.9.0 Special Requirements Based on Btu/h
Input.
(A) Zero to 400,000 Btu/h per burner (0 to 2.8
gallons per hour):
(1) One (1) approved manual shutoff valve
lever handle.
(2) One (1) approved fuel oil filter, installed
on the supply piping.
(3) Approved automatic safety shutoff
valve to provide 100 percent shutoff of
all oil.
(4) A flame safeguard control capable of
providing 100 percent shutoff in the
event of flame failure. Flame failure
response timing shall not exceed the
control manufacturer's specifications.
(5) Two (2) controls, one operating and one
high limit, activated by temperature or
pressure, as appropriate.
(6) All burners relying on mechanical
means to provide air for combustion must
have actual proof-of-air interlock
device.
(7) Installations with dampered com-
bustion air openings must prove
damper open position before trial for
burner ignition.
(8) Vent dampers and flue dampers must
be properly interlocked to prevent
burner ignition unless safely open.
(B) 400,001 to 999,999 Btu/h per burner
(more than 2.8 to 7.0 gallons per hour)
(1) One (1) approved manual shutoff valve
lever handle.
(2) One (1) approved fuel-oil filter, installed
on the supply piping.
(3) Two (2) safety shutoff valves in series,
maximum five seconds closing time.
(4) One (1) electronic flame safeguard pilot
control providing a separately
supervised and proven pilot, 100
percent shutoff manual reset. Flame
failure response time shall not exceed
the control manufacturer's specifications.
INSTALLATION AND TESTING OF OIL (LIQUID)
FUEL- FIRED EQUIPMENT
Direct-spark ignition is allowed only
when approved by the Authority
Having Jurisdiction and then only when
used on number 2 or lighter oil.
(5) Two (2) controls, one operating and one
high limit, activated by temperature or
pressure, as appropriate.
(6) All burners relying on mechanical
means to provide air for combustion
must have actual proof-of-air interlock
device.
(7) Power burners must include proven
prepurge of at least sixty (60) seconds at
high-fire damper settings. This prepurge
must occur before every burner cycle,
regard- less of reason.
(8) Installations with dampered combustion
air openings must prove damper open
position before trial for burner ignition.
(9) Vent dampers and flue dampers must
be properly interlocked to prevent
burner ignition unless safely open.
(10) One (1) high-oil or liquid-fuel pressure
interlock, reset from flame safeguard or
manually.
(11) If hot water or steam, one (1) low water
cutoff.
(12) An atomizing medium proving switch.
(13) A low-oil-temperature switch for oil or
liquid fuel requiring preheating.
(14) A high-oil-temperature interlock for oil
or liquid fuel requiring preheating.
(15) The burner oil pump must
automatically not operate or rotate
while the alternate fuel is firing.
(16) A pressure-relief valve must be
provided between safety shutoff valves
and between pump and safety valves if
an integral valve is used with a pump.
(17) A separate relief device is required on
each transfer pump.
(C) 1,000,000 to 2,499,999 Btu/h input per burner
(more than 7.0 to 17.5 gallons per hour)
(1) One (1) approved manual shutoff
valve lever handle.
(2) One (1) approved fuel oil filter,
installed on the supply piping.
(3) Two (2) safety shutoff valves in series
with a combined flame failure response
and valve closing time not to exceed five
(5) seconds with strainer directly before
the valves.
(4) Programmed electronic flame safeguard
including proven low fire start, manual
C.9.0
reset lockout, 100 percent shutoff (both
pilot and main burner), and a separately
supervised and proven pilot.
Note:
Flame-sensing systems utilizing a UV scanner must
prove pilot and interrupt ignition spark prior to
main burner valves being energized.
(5) Two (2) controls, one operating and one
high limit, activated by temperature or
pressure, as appropriate.
(6) All burners relying on mechanical
means to provide air for combustion
must have actual proof-of-air interlock
device.
(7) Power burners must include proven
prepurge of at least sixty (60) seconds at
high fire damper settings. This
prepurge must occur before every
burner cycle, regardless of reason.
(8) Installations with dampered
combustion air openings must prove
damper open position before trial for
burner ignition.
(9) Vent dampers and flue dampers must
be properly interlocked to prevent
burner ignition unless safely open.
(10) One (1) high-oil or liquid-fuel pressure
interlock, reset from flame safeguard or
manually.
(11) If hot water or steam, two (2) low water
cutoffs.
(12) An atomizing medium proving switch.
(13) A low-oil-temperature switch for oil or
liquid fuel requiring preheating.
(14) A high-oil-temperature interlock for oil
or liquid fuel requiring preheating.
(15) The burner oil pump must auto-
matically not operate or rotate while the
alternate fuel is firing.
(16) A pressure-relief valve must be
provided between safety shutoff valves
and between pump and safety valves if
an integral valve is used with a pump.
(17) A separate relief device is required
on each transfer pump.
(18) One (1) low-oil or liquid-fuel pressure
interlock, reset from flame safeguard or
manually.
(19) Burners with automatic controls,
prepurge, proof-of-closure, modulation,
or postpurge shall not use relays
external to the flame safeguard to
accomplish these functions.
333
C.9.0
(D) 2,500,000 to 12,499,999 Btu/h per burner
(17.5 to 87.5 gallons per hour)
(1) One (1) approved manual shut-off valve
lever handle.
(2) One (1) approved fuel oil filter,
installed on the supply piping.
(3) Two (2) safety shutoff valves in
series, with a combined flame
failure response and valve closing
time not to exceed five (5) seconds
with strainer directly before the
valves.
(4) Programmed electronic flame
safeguard including proven low
fire start, manual reset lockout, 100
percent shutoff (both pilot and main
burner), and a separately supervised and
proven pilot.
Note:
Flame-sensing systems utilizing a UV scanner must
prove pilot and interrupt ignition spark prior to
main burner valves being energized.
(5) Two (2) controls, one (1) operating and
one (1) high limit, activated by
temperature or pressure, as appropriate.
(6) All burners relying on mechanical
means to provide air for combustion
must have actual proof-of-air interlock
device.
(7) Power burners must include proven
prepurge of at least sixty (60) seconds at
high fire damper settings. This
prepurge must occur before every burner
cycle, regardless of reason.
(8) Installations with dampered com-
bustion air openings must prove
damper open position before trial for
burner ignition.
(9) Vent dampers and flue dampers must
be properly interlocked to prevent
burner ignition unless safely open.
(10) One (1) high oil or liquid fuel pressure
interlock, reset from flame safeguard or
manually.
(11) If hot water or steam, two (2) low water
cutoffs.
(12) An atomizing medium proving switch.
(13) A low-oil-temperature switch for oil or
liquid fuel requiring preheating.
(14) A high-oil-temperature interlock for oil
or liquid fuel requiring preheating.
(15) A separate firing rate control valve.
334
UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE
(16) The burner oil pump must
automatically not operate or rotate
while the alternate fuel is firing.
(17) A pressure-relief valve must be
provided between safety shutoff valves
and between pump and safety valves if
an integral valve is used with a pump.
(18) A separate relief device is required on
each transfer pump.
(19) One (1) low-oil or liquid-fuel pressure
interlock reset from flame safeguard or
manually.
(20) Burners with automatic controls,
prepurge, proof-of-closure, modulation,
or postpurge shall not use relays
external to the flame safeguard to
accomplish these functions.
(E) 12,500,000 and greater Btu/h per burner
inputs – these burners must conform with
the requirements of the appropriate
standards listed in Chapter 17 and the
following (greater than 87.5 gallons per
hour):
(1) One (1) approved manual shut-off
valve lever handle.
(2) One (1) approved fuel oil filter,
installed on the supply piping.
(3) Two safety shutoff valves in series, one
with proof of closure, with a combined
flame failure response and valve closing
time not to exceed two (2) seconds with
strainer directly before the valves.
(4) Programmed electronic flame safeguard
including proven low fire start, manual
reset lockout, 100 percent shutoff (both
pilot and main burner), and a separately
supervised and proven pilot.
Note:
Flame-sensing systems utilizing a UV scanner must
prove pilot and interrupt ignition spark prior to
main burner valves being energized.
(5) Two (2) controls, one (1) operating and
one (1) high limit, activated by
temperature or pressure, as appropriate.
(6) All burners relying on mechanical
means to provide air for combustion
must have actual proof-of-air interlock
device.
(7) Power burners must include proven
prepurge of at least sixty (60) seconds at
high fire damper settings. This
prepurge must occur before every
burner cycle, regardless of reason.
INSTALLATION AND TESTING OF OIL (LIQUID) C.9.0
FUEL- FIRED EQUIPMENT
(8) Installations with dampered com-
bustion air openings must prove
damper open position before trial for
burner ignition.
(9) Vent dampers and flue dampers must
be properly interlocked to prevent
burner ignition unless safely open.
(10) One (1) high-oil or liquid-fuel pressure
interlock; reset from flame safeguard or
manually.
(11) A manual firing cock.
(12) If hot water or steam, two (2) low water
cut-offs.
(13) An atomizing medium proving switch.
(14) A low-oil-temperature switch for oil or
liquid fuel requiring preheating.
(15) A high-oil-temperature interlock for oil
or liquid fuel requiring pre-heating.
(16) A separate firing rate control valve.
(17) The burner oil pump must automatically
not operate or rotate while the alternate
fuel is firing.
(18) A pressure-relief valve must be
provided between safety shutoff valves
and between pump and safety valves if
an integral valve is used with a pump.
(19) A separate relief device is required on
each transfer pump.
(20) One (1) low-oil or liquid-fuel pressure
interlock, reset from flame safeguard or
manually.
(21) Burners with automatic controls,
prepurge, proof-of-closure, modulation,
or postpurge shall not use relays
external to the flame safeguard to
accomplish these functions.
(F) Shutoff Valve. All oil or liquid-fuel burner
installations must include a non-electric
shutoff valve that is held open by a fusible
link designed to close at 165°F (79°C),
installed near the burner in the same room
as the burner. This must prevent the flow of
oil or liquid fuel to the burner through the
supply pipe. A check valve is required in the
return line if the tank is higher than the
burner.

335
 UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE

336