Help with building codes Electricians/Plumbers help...

[in_cognito]

Hi All,

I am setting up to install a FMQ2-36 at my home on the corner of my garage.

I am hoping to reduce my costs by only involving the electrician & plumber where needed.

The questions I have is

1. Do I have to have a bollard to protect the FMQ
2. I was hoping to build up the brick platform you see and add to it to raise it up to 18" height to protect the FMQ instead. Will this pacify the codes associated with the installation.

3. Does anyone have a listing of the codes that apply.

4. You see in the picture the main panel is right near the FMQ installation do I still need to have a separate ectrical disconnect ?

Thanks in advance

[Timon]

Re: Help with building codes Electricians/Plumbers help...

I'm guessing yes as it could still be hit by a larger vehicle. I think you'll might need two one on each side but check with your local building officials.

Same for the disconnect since I believe they want one over 6 feet away from the unit. If it was me I'd put one on the other side of the garage door. You can run a conduit through the wall and up and over the door. True it's a PIA to install but it keep the disconnect far away from the fueling point.

I'd also make a lattice cover so the unit does not show. I'd attach it to the two bollards then around the sides allowing the fueling hoses to be reached when the cover is raised.

[Curtis]

Re: Help with building codes Electricians/Plumbers help...

Hi All,

I am setting up to install a FMQ2-36 at my home on the corner of my garage.

I am hoping to reduce my costs by only involving the electrician & plumber where needed.

The questions I have is

1. Do I have to have a bollard to protect the FMQ
2. I was hoping to build up the brick platform you see and add to it to raise it up to 18" height to protect the FMQ instead. Will this pacify the codes associated with the installation.

3. Does anyone have a listing of the codes that apply.

4. You see in the picture the main panel is right near the FMQ installation do I still need to have a separate ectrical disconnect ?

Thanks in advance

The bollards are dictated by fire codes in your area, but my guess is yes, anytime you are where a vehicle could hit the unit... one on each side. They can tell you whether the wall will suffice. Fire is usually located in the same bld where you go for permits and there's usually one guy that deals with fuel issues. He'll want to see the elevations and sign off on them.

You'll need a dedicated line for the unit. I believe it has to be on it's own 15 amp circuit. Mine had a plug that went to a waterproof box behind the unit.

[Johnlaroux]

Re: Help with building codes Electricians/Plumbers help...

I think you may also find that if it isnt next to a masonry structure , as yours is next to flamable wood surface you might need to build a masonry structure between fuelmaker and wall. It looks like a stucco wall where the electric panel is. maybe put it in the back yard behind that wood gate and install a remote auxilary fueling panel out front, then you dont need the bollards. I would think if gasoline prices keep going up that these fuelmakers might become a high theft item like copper is, so hidden in the back yard might be good. John

[cnguser]

Re: Help with building codes Electricians/Plumbers help...

I would agree with John - put the fueler behind the gated area out of sight, out of mind of thieves. You can get a 25 foot fueler hose thru FuelMaker for the unit - if that will reach. That is how I set mine up - works great. If that won't reach, go for the remote station - but try to hide it from view.
Be sure to read all the installtion manual - there is a clearance required between the fueler and the house. I believe approximately 12 inches.
Nothing lost on your brickwork already done - use it for a planter.
Good luck!

[Johnlaroux]

Re: Help with building codes Electricians/Plumbers help...

Here is how I did mine with an auxilary fueling panel. You can see the Emergency off switch under my electirical panel. I ran 1/8" stainless tubing from fuelmaker to auxilary panel. The 1" gas line to the fuelmaker is kind of ugly because I had a 20' section of pipe and didnt want to buy a pipe threader to make just one connection, so I had to go past the fuelmaker some and then turn around and come back some.

[in_cognito]

Re: Help with building codes Electricians/Plumbers help...

Thanks all for all your replies.

The planning dept. has already agreed to allow installation against the garage wall.

I don't have room on this side of the house for the unit and the other side would be expensive.

Where did you geth the 12" from structure ? The installation guide says there must be 4 inches of space behind.

"The FuelMaker must be mounted on a firm, level, noncombustible
base." I don't see any other mention.

I was basing building of the raised brick platform on building codes that require gas water heaters in garages to be 18" of the ground.

If you see the picture of the gas meter you will see the Earthquake shutoff valve installed. If any one hits the corner of the house there will be enough impact to shut off the valve. Trust me, my kids have hit it on trash day and the gas has gotten turned off.


There is no vehicle access from the other side so only one bollard would be needed if any.

I was thinking of putting the electrical shut off next to or under the electrical panel.

My city does not have a fire.. its done by county and the county guy has said he does not require a permit for the Phill or FMQ.

I live in a pretty safe area with no traffic (cul-de-sac) so I am going to take my chance with the location. Insurance should cover the theft home/business since this is a business item.

Im going to go look up the following codes

"In theUnited States, the FuelMaker shall be installed in accordance with
NFPA 52 CNG Vehicular Fuel Systems,
NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code,
NFPA 70 National Electrical
Code and the requirements of the authorities having jurisdiction"


If any of you have the above code docs please share them.