On a new furnace installation in my new home both the heating contractor and I are having fits with a oil shut-off valve. In the initial installation a “fire valve” (not sure what the proper name is for this type of valve) was installed next to the furnace, it leaked. The contractor came out and tried to tighten up things, still leaked. Contractor came back out and replaced valve with the same type, stilled leaked. He came back out today and replaced the fire valve with a regular ball valve (I really really hope no leaks). He told me that a regular valve is ok in this application. I also asked him if there was a fire valve within the furnace, he said there was not. I can’t find anything in the International Bld. code book about fire valves, but I have a bad feeling about this. Anybody care to comment?
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A few years ago Firematic changed the design of their valves. If you don't turn it ALL the way on until the handle is tight it will not seal around the stem. They did that because the packing nut would prevent the valve from closing in the case of an emergency. As apprentices we were taught to open a valve all the way to stop, then close it 1/4 turn and snug the packing nut. Can't do that with these valves. The stem needs to seat. I learned it the hard way once when I had one that kept sucking air. Oh and yes you should have a firematic valve. In the case of a fire the low temperature solder will melt causing the valve to close. It's code.
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