Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation MODULE 10 Spillage Test

Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation LESSON 1 Spillage Test 2

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Introduction Earlier in this course, we validated the venting system and verified that enough combustion, dilution, and ventilation air were provided. Now, we must ensure the appliance itself is venting correctly when in operation. This final step to placing an appliance into operation requires you to perform a spillage test. “Spillage” refers to improperly vented flue gases entering a room where an appliance is located. Natural draft vented appliances should be checked for spillage at the draft diverter or draft hood with the appliance operating. If these flue gases were to backflow, or spill, inside a structure, products of combustion could accumulate inside causing a dangerous situation. After completing this lesson, you will be able to:  Perform spillage tests to verify proper venting of flue gases from an appliance. 3

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Spillage Test Procedure: Steps 1 and 2 You should perform a spillage test on gas appliances equipped with draft hoods or diverters that rely on natural draft to vent the products of combustion to the outside. No spillage test is required for fan-assisted, draft-induced, power-vented, direct vent, or unvented appliances. Follow these steps to perform a spillage test: Step 1: If possible, close all exterior building doors and windows, fireplace dampers, and doors normally kept closed between where the appliance is located and the rest of the building. Turn on all clothes dryers. Turn on any exhaust fans, such as range hoods and bathroom exhausts, so they operate at their highest setting. 4

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Spillage Test Procedure: Steps 1 and 2 (cont.) You can determine air infiltration best by maximizing the capacity of all exhaust fans. If you find there is negative pressure, outside air may be pulled down a chimney or gas vent. This backflow may prevent products of combustion from being properly vented. Do not operate a whole house ventilation fan during this test. This will cause a backflow. Step 2: Start up the appliance you are testing for spillage following the manufacturer’s lighting instructions. Adjust the thermostat so the appliance operates continuously. 5

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Spillage Test Procedure: Steps 3-5 Step 3: After allowing the main burner to operate for several minutes, hold a lighted match or candle near the draft hood relief opening. Verify that the flame or smoke is drawn into the draft diverter opening, and that no spillage or backdraft is present. When the appliance is not drafting properly, the products of combustion tend to extinguish the flame or not draw smoke into the diverter. Step 4: Turn on all other appliances in the same room as the appliance you are testing so they can operate at full capacity. Follow all manufacturer’s lighting instructions for each appliance. 6

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Spillage Test Procedure: Steps 3-5 Step 5: With all appliances turned on, repeat step 3 on the appliance being tested. Open doors closed prior to the start of the test and return exhaust fans, fireplace dampers, and any other appliance to their original state. If you detect spillage, you must find the cause and correct the problem. If you cannot fix the problem on your own, shut the affected appliance off and take it out of service according to your company policy. There are many reasons an appliance may not draft properly. These can include an improperly-sized gas vent or chimney, a flue blockage, or a lack of combustion or dilution air. These conditions and how to resolve them are discussed in detail in a separate CETP course. 7

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Check for Understanding: Spillage Let’s take a moment to check how well you understand the information presented in this lesson. Natural draft vented appliances should be checked for spillage at the draft diverter or draft hood with the appliance operating. a)True b)False 8

Lesson 1 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation Module Summary We have now validated the interior and exterior portions of a piping system, as well as its venting combustible air supply. We have performed a leak check, purged the lines of air, lit the pilot, and have performed a system flow and lock-up test as well as a spillage test. We have also examined basic appliance controls and verified their proper operation. If an appliance passes all of these tests and is operating correctly, then it can be placed into operation safely. In the final section of this course, we will discuss gas appliance burner components, how a burner operates, and how to adjust and troubleshoot problems with a flame. 9