safety systems and codes

[nufan]

So i've heard that some municipalities (counties, states, etc) have laws that make it illegal to operate a stove without some sort of safety system to prevent gas leaks.

Here are some of the 'rumors' i've heard:
* factory chambers ranges don't meet code
* safety systems like the one TOAC sells (for ~400?) make it meet the code
* it is illegeal to alter stoves from their original specs (ie adding pilot lights or electric starters)

anyone know if any of these are true? I'm trying to find a way to use my stove without dropping 4 bills (which is 4x what i paid for the stove) on a gas regulator.

A co-worker had an interesting suggestion: get a gas timer valve - say you're planning on cooking for 2 hours. Set the timer for 2 hours and when that time is up, it will shut the gas off. Granted, the pilots would have to be re-lit each time (unless the pilot source bypassed the valve). Has anyone ever heard of such a device? it sounds good to me.

Other than the obvious (just call the city), does anyone know of anywhere on the net that lists the laws and codes pertaining to stoves?

[Todd W. White]

I think you would have to (anonymously - you don't want them poking around you house) ask you local gas company where to read what the codes say. Then, you could check them for yourself, rather than rely on them to tell you - after all, they may only be relaying what they have "heard" others say is "up to code."

Read the code for yourself. There may or may not be specific reference to vintage appliances.

Secondly, it couldn't possibly, in my mind, be illegal to alter a stove from it's original state by adding electric starters or safety systems. That would just be insane beyond the wildest imaginings...

There are safety systems out there, BUT BEWARE! One fellow I heard from recently went through this with his local gas company - some $800.00 later, he has a Chambers with a safety system, a HUGE pilot light for his oven (designed for a home HVAC system), and an oven thermostat that no longer works! In other words, they rendered the insulated cooking features of his oven useless! He's still trying to get this worked out (they even installed the safety valve in backwards!).

I am working with a fellow to try to get a simple safety/pilot system developed for the Chambers ovens and broiler that uses modern parts (for longer-term serviceability: the ones sold elsewhere use rebuilt older parts - one day, they won't be fixable), and is SIMPLE, but won't alter the value or cosmetics of the stove itself. It could be made into a kit that would be easily installed by anyone with good mechanical abilities.

Our real dilemma is: how much of a market might there be for it? Parts inventories are expensive to maintain if you only sell a few units a year...

What do ya'll think?

[redstove]

I would buy one-That's 2!

[taheckler]

Well, I would buy one, so that's 1 so far. :-)

[nufan]

i'd probably buy one, but how much are we talking about ($$?)

also, how many chambers stoves will there be that need one? gotta take that into account too.

[stoveman]

I sure wish someone could please answer the original question about the code. I have done may searches, but have come to a dead end. Perhaps one of you who live in a big city (Uncertain,TX population 150) could ask an inspecter? Thanks, Sam

[redstove]

We just had our stove hooked up last week-no safety system. The plumber was freaked that the oven has to be lit each time. I asked if it would pass
code and I got a big DUH. He suggested that I get the safety system, but had no clue how to install it.
We told him that we could get one, and he was ok with that as long as we had profesional advice to help him (us). We're in Ma. which has strick codes. We'll let you know how we do!

[tplumeri]

hi, my 61c has a saftey system. i turn it on, light it and turn it off when im done. seems safe to me.
my lp supplier doesnt seem too concerned. of course, living in the boonies probably makes a difference!
i suppose one could retro fit an electric system for the oven (i did this with a gas smoker i have) but doing the same for the burners w/b tough w/o altering the stove to unacceptable degrees.
im interested, tom

[tplumeri]

me again, i just visited the old appliance club site. they talk about saftey systems for the chambers. might want to check with them. they have been helpful in the past.
tom

[sixtyspecial56]

Regarding codes, pilot lights and the like...My Chambers is one of the last to be built. It was made in the 1960's after Kitchenaid acquired Chambers. It's just like a Model C except for some questionable attempts at "modernization" through the use of add-on extruded aluminum architecture. This was supposed to give the cabinet a more squarish appearance.

My stove features a standing pilot w/thermocouple for the oven, as well as a pilot for the broiler. From all indications, this is the way it came from the factory. I'm sure by the 1960's all stove manufacturers were required by law to include pilot lights. The oven has a working damper, and the pilot is designed to keep burning when the damper is closed to "cook with the gas off."

On top, the pilot for the two left burners also serves the griddle/broiler by means of a flash tube. The Thermowell has its own pilot just like all other Chambers. The thermostatically controlled right front burner has a separate pilot. Unlike 1950's Model C's, my stove does not have the central top pilot with the little round cover - a trade-off of a very useful feature.

The point is automatic ignition is possible, because it WAS done. But I'll bet John Chambers would have found a way to do it better!

Jerry