New Standard Increases Safety of Gas Water Heaters

Advisory Report - August 2003

New Standard Increases Safety of Gas Water Heaters

The manufacturers of water and space heating appliances, along with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have instituted a voluntary standard requiring all tank-type gas water heaters be equipped with new safety technology. This technology (commonly known as a flame arrestor trap) is designed to prevent fires caused by gas vapors entering the appliance combustion area. If gas vapors were ignited in the burner chamber, these traps prevent the possible ignition of any gas vapors in the surrounding area or enclosure.

The standard also addresses another fire risk related to water heaters. Newer water heaters must be resistant to the build-up of dust, oil, and lint. There have been many fires, injuries, and even several deaths related to fires involving gas water heaters. Many of these fires were related to the storage or use of flammable liquids near the water heater. Although both halves of the standard were approved at separate times, the standard was implemented, in full, on the same date, July 1, 2003.

Contributed by Shelly Raabe
Senior Account Specialist
U.S. Inspect, LLC