Chimney Inspection & Pressurized Smoke Test Requirements

Published: Mon, 07/30/18

E-NEWS

List of Services

• Licensed Professional Engineers

• RPZ Design & Filing Services

• NYC Department Of Building Filing Services For Boilers, Burners, Oil Tanks, Plumbing, HVAC and Other Mechanical Equipment

• NYC Department OF Environmental Protection (DEP) Filing Services

• Engineers Specifications For Boiler Room and HVAC Equipment

• Boiler Room and Heating System Engineering and Design

•Boiler Testing and DEP Performance Testing

• Special Inspections (Agency #851)

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To Our Valued Clients:

Special Inspections:

I. BC 1704.26 Chimneys:

New and altered chimneys shall be subject to special inspection. The chimney shall be inspected to verify compliance with the approved construction documents, and proper clearance or isolation from adjacent combustible construction. Testing of the chimney shall be performed in accordance with Section 810 of the New York City Mechanical Code an Section 503.5.6 of the New York City Fuel Gas Code.

Exception: A pressurized smoke test need not be performed on an existing negative pressure chimney if the lining of such chimney is not affected by alterations and the registered design professional specifies on the approved construction documents that such test does not need to be performed on such chimney.

Note: DOB OTCR Division Requires a Smoke Test for all new or modified linings.

II. MC 810.2 Requirement of a smoke test: A smoke test shall be made as outlined in Section 810.3. Any faults or leaks found shall be corrected. Such smoke test shall be witnessed by a representative of the commissioner. In lieu thereof, the commissioner may accept the test report of a registered design professional responsible for the test which shall be submitted in writing to the department.

MC 810.3 Smoke Test: To determine the tightness of chimney construction, a smoke test shall be made in accordance with the following conditions and requirements:

1. The equipment, materials, power and labor necessary for such test shall be furnished by, and at the expense of, the owner or holder of the work permits.

2. If the test shows any evidence of leakage or other defects, such defects shall be corrected in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, and the test shall be repeated until the results are satisfactory.

3. The chimney shall be filled with a thick penetrating smoke produced by one or more smoke machines, or smoke bombs, or other equivalent method. As the smoke appears at the stack opening on the roof, such opening shall be tightly closed and a pressure equivalent to ½ inch (13 mm) column of water measured at the base of the stack, shall be applied. The test shall be applied for a length of time sufficient to permit the inspection of the chimney.

III Recommended Test Procedures/Methods:

The following protocols have been used by NYEA in the past to run a smoke test:

1. A minimum of two people required with either 2-way radios or cell phones to communicate between roof and boiler room (chimney base).

2. Sufficient smoke bombs to be available which can be purchased from supply house to completely fill the volume of chimney with thick smoke.

3. Method to seal top of chimney required. Heavy plastic bags and heavy duct tape can be used to seal the outlet of the chimney.

4. Either breeching in boiler room to be disconnected from chimney base or all openings in breeching must be sealed which can also be accomplished by heavy plastic and duct tape. Typically the chimney clean-out is used as the “port” for pressurizing and measuring the chimney pressure.

5. Chimney can be pressurized at the base by a variety of methods. If the fuel supply is disconnected from a pressure burner and the burner fan is run without firing the burner, the chimney can be pressured once the top is sealed. A large leaf blower or large shop vac can also be used. A pressure gauge capable of measuring in the range of 0-5 inches w.c. must be connected to the breeching or base of the chimney. Dwyer Instruments, Inc. is a manufacturer of pressure gauges that can be used for this type of testing.

6. Test suggestions:

a. Once all openings are sealed including top of the chimney, test holes drain holes, etc, light one or more bombs and toss into clean-out of chimney or other means. Make sure bombs are ignited before tossing smoke bombs into the chimney. If smoke bomb dropped from top of chimney, top to be sealed immediately after.

b. Pressurize chimney until a ½" water column pressure is obtained.

c. Inspect the entire exterior wall of the chimney if possible while chimney is pressurized, if chimney is interior of building, inspect adjacent walls for smoke and sulfur “rotten egg” smell. Ensure pressure gauge has remained at or above ½” water column for the duration of the test.

d. Once witnessing the test is satisfied with the results of smoke test, release smoke out of chimney at the roof.

If the results of this test find that the chimney is leaking, then the chimney must be repaired accordingly to prevent smoke from escaping and then retested.

If you have any questions please contact our office and refer to E-News No. 2018-002, dated 4/9/18.

New York Engineering Associates, P.C. / [email protected] / http://www.nyeapc.com

Disclaimer: The services provided by New York Engineering Associates, P.C., its officers, managers or employees are non-legal services. As such, the protection of the attorney-client relationship does not exist with respect to the services provided. The information contained in the above Newsletter is the opinion of the writer and his/her interpretation of the various NYC Construction Codes, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and/or other Laws referenced therein. It is also based on information that we have been provided. Although every effort was made to provide for a complete and thorough analysis, neither New York Engineering Associates, P.C., nor any of its officers, managers or employees guarantees the accuracy of any information contained herein. Reliance upon the information contained herein is entirely at your own risk. As this opinion is only for advisory, the final decision is the responsibility of the designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of said codes.

New York Engineering Associates, P.C., 270 Spagnoli Road, Ste.204, Melville, NY 11747