FAQ: What is NFPA86?

If you work in combustion, then you’ve almost certainly heard the term NFPA86 before. Many people seem unsure about what exactly NFPA86 is. So, we’ve put together a handy overview to clarify this commonly heard phrase.

NFPA

NFPA is an organization (NFPA= National Fire Protection Association). Their goal is to reduce the threat of injury and property damage, provide safe work environments, and reduce the economic impact of a loss. They do this by creating and distributing national safety standards. They are NOT a legal entity, however their standards ARE sometimes written into local law as building codes, fire codes, etc. Even when their codes are not written into local law, their safety standards are used by insurance underwriters and corporate entities.

When modifications are made to an existing furnace, the entire system must conform to the latest standard. NFPA standards call for most combustion equipment to be certified for their use. CSA, FM, and UL are examples of companies that test and list units according to NFPA requirements.

Enforcement

NFPA does not act to police or enforce their own standards. Nor does the NFPA list, certify, test, or inspect products, designs, or installations for compliance. Instead, NFPA refers to “Authorities Having Jurisdiction” (AHJ). AHJ can be the local government, fire marshall, building inspector, courts, among others.

Given this, it is important to remember that YOU are responsible for the safety of your application. While the codes are up to individual discretion to be interpreted, it is advised you seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances.

Equipment Testing and Approvals

NFPA requires the use of approved components in combustion applications. These include safety shut-off valves, pressure switches, limit controllers, and more. In North America, there are three main testing and certification bodies; FMRC, UL, and CSA).

NFPA requires components to be certified for specific uses. For example, this means you cannot use sprinkler system valves for gas shut-off, etc.

NFPA86

NFPA86 is a code which covers certain types of furnaces, ovens, and dryers. We recommend you read the code yourself and become acquainted with it. Again, it is your responsibility to be familiar with the code, and know what the expectations are. If you’re struggling to understand the code, or are still unsure, you can always give us a call!

Every combustion system we design is compliant with current NFPA86 standards. The parts we sell are compliant with NFPA86. Part of our field service is auditing for NFPA86, and even if that isn’t the reason for our visit we will call out anything that isn’t compliant.

We work hard to help our customers are buying equipment with the capabilities to maintain compliance.