RPPSOA   Strapping Requirements for Water Heaters Water heaters over 40 gallons shall have Office of the State Architect approved straps, and shall be installed according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The State of California requires that all water heaters be strapped to resist motion during an earthquake. This may be accomplished by installing an over-the-counter "water heater restraint" kit which has been designed specifically for this purpose, and which has been accepted by the California Division of the State Architect (DSA). Such kits are available from plumbing hardware supplier. An Alternative method is shown below in Example 2, using heavy-duty metal strap material and hardware. Water heaters must be strapped in at least two locations, one being in the upper one-third of the unit, and the other in the lower one-third. The lower strap must be a minimum of 4" above the water heater control unit. Example 1 (side-to-side straps). Drill pilot holes on centerline of stud (both sides of heater), insert screws through punched holes in strap. Use washers. Stand required in garage locations. Example 2 (wrap-around straps): Drill pilot holes on centerline of stud (both sides of heater), insert screws through punched holes in strap. Use washers. Use minimum 22 Gauge X 3/4" wide metal strap. Stand required in garage locations. The installation must satisfy the water heater manufacturer’s minimum clearance requirements, as stated on the unit nameplate. Lag screws not less than 1/4" in diameter must be used to anchor the restraints to the wall, and each lag screw must have at least 1-1/2" thread penetration into a wall stud. A large flat washer must be installed between each lag screw and the strap for reinforcement. Water heaters generating a glow, spark or flame capable of igniting flammable vapors may be installed in a garage, provided the pilots, burner or heating elements and switches are at least eighteen inches above the floor level. All over-the-counter kits must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instruction, and must also meet the conditions above. RPPSOA Welcome to the Rohnert Park Public Safety Association's website. Use this site to inform yourself to the event, goals and views of the association and its members.