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• <br /> ORSAT TEST SURVEY <br /> 8/8/97 <br /> 1. Performing The Test: A probe is inserted into the flue a short distance above the furnace. <br /> (It is not necessary to get on the roof.) The furnace is left running for a short time in <br /> order to allow the flue to warm up. A sample of the flue gas is then taken in order to <br /> measure: <br /> a. Flue Temperature. <br /> b. Carbon Monoxide (CO) <br /> c. Carbon Dioxide(CO2) <br /> d. Oxygen(02) <br /> This procedure normally takes 10 to 20 minutes. If the measurements of the above gases <br /> do not fall within the required parameters, the installer must make adjustments in order to <br /> correct them. <br /> 2. Reasons For This Test: The consensus between both contractors and city inspectors <br /> • surveyed is the Orsat test was a necessity with older style furnaces. Most of these <br /> furnaces needed some adjusting upon installation in order to operate efficiently and safely. <br /> With today's furnaces there is less to adjust and less need for adjusting. Instead the Orsat <br /> test allows one to verify the furnace is operating at the degree of efficiency the <br /> manufacturer claims, and as a safety feature in case the furnace may be defective or was <br /> damaged sometime between being assembled and arriving at the owner's residence. <br /> 3. What other Cities are doing: Because the Orsat test is required by the Uniformed <br /> Mechanical Code (UMC), most cities surveyed require it to be done. (Cities have not <br /> accepted an alternative test as a substitute because the mechanical code is specific to this <br /> type of test. None of these cities require the building official to be present to witness the <br /> test, but simply ask that the city be given a copy of the results and that a copy be left for <br /> the owner. In addition, the importance each of these cities places on this paperwork <br /> varied from refusing to sign off on the final inspection until they hadthe results to if they <br /> receive the test results great, and if not so be it. <br /> 4. Cost of Equipment: The companies performing Orsat tests said that the cost of the <br /> equipment can vary from$200-300 to $3000. <br /> Conclusions: <br /> • Given the information that we have collected, it appears that an Orsat test needs to be done to <br /> assure compliance with the Uniform Mechanical Code. We intend to continue requiring this test, <br /> unless directed otherwise. As part of our regular procedure, we will accept the report from the <br />