W:\ELECTRICAL\INSTRUCT\FURNACE\FURNACE GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 2011.DOC
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01/2014
3 INSTALLATION
3-1 LOCATION
3-1.1
Furnaces shall be located to protect them from damage by external heat, vibration
and mechanical hazards.
3-1.2
Furnaces shall be located to make maximum use of natural ventilation, to minimize
restrictions to adequate explosion relief, and to provide sufficient air supply for
personnel. Room volume should be at least 10 times the furnace volume.
3-1.3
Furnaces shall be located to minimize exposure to power equipment, process
equipment and sprinkler risers. Unrelated stock and combustible materials shall be
maintained at a fire-safe distance but not less than 10 feet from a furnace, a
furnace heater or ductwork.
3-1.4
Furnaces shall be located to minimize exposure to people from the possibility of injury
from fire, explosion, asphyxiation, and hazardous materials and shall not obstruct
personnel travel to exit ways.
3-1.5
If the furnace control panel is located away from the furnace, operators must be
allowed access to the control panel and/or main disconnect to allow them to shut
down the furnace in an emergency.
3-1.6
Furnaces shall be located to prevent an ignition source to flammable coating dip
tanks, spray booths and storage and mixing rooms for flammable liquids and to
prevent exposure to flammable vapor or combustible dust clouds. Furnaces should
not be located in hazardous (classified) locations unless they are designed to
comply with the applicable requirements of NFPA 70 ANational Electric Code@
(see Appendix B).
3-1.7
Equipment shall be protected from corrosive external processes and environments,
including fumes or materials from adjacent processes or equipment that produces
corrosive conditions when introduced into the furnace environment.
3-1.8
The furnace is not intended for outdoor installation and must be sheltered from
weather. Unheated shelters may result in non-uniform temperatures or insufficient
heat to attain maximum operating temperature. Condensation may also occur
which would be detrimental to the steel structure and electrical components.
3-1.9
Suitable portable fire extinguishers should be available and operators trained in their
use. All such fire protection equipment should be inspected periodically in
accordance with appropriate standards. Reference NFPA 10 AStandard for
Portable Fire Extinguishers@ (see Appendix B).
3-2
BUILDING CONSIDERATIONS
3-2.1
When selecting the location for a furnace, consideration must be given to the
possibility of fire, building damage and personal injury. Hazards to be considered
include overheating of material in the furnace and escape of fuel gas or exhaust
into the work place.
3-2.2
Furnaces shall be located and erected so that the building structural members are
not affected adversely by the maximum anticipated temperature or by the additional
loading caused by the furnace and load.
3-2.3
Furnaces should be placed on noncombustible floors or on structures approved for
use over combustible floors such as concrete floor slabs or hollow tiles.
