Gas burners with a BTU rating above what amount must receive prior approval from the building official?

In Minnesota, gas burners with a BTU rating exceeding 400,000 must receive prior approval from the building official. This requirement is in place to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes, as higher BTU levels can increase risks related to gas leaks, combustion, and overall system failure if not properly managed and installed.

By requiring approval for higher-capacity burners, authorities ensure that the installation adheres to safety standards, mitigates potential hazards, and evaluates the adequacy of the installation environment, including ventilation, exhaust, and the overall structural integrity of the building. This type of regulation is common in many jurisdictions, aiming to protect both the occupants of the building and the community at large from potential dangers associated with high-output gas appliances.

Lower BTU ratings typically do not carry such stringent requirements, as they are considered lower risk for typical residential or small commercial uses. Thus, the 400,000 BTU threshold is a critical juncture where the complexity and potential hazards of a gas-burning installation necessitate oversight.