Scorched Outlet and Plug from Furnace Blower Motor

[SMS]

In a rental I own the tenants called because they smelled something burning in the closet where the natural gas furnace is located.

I went there last night and saw that the standard AC plug that comes out of the furnace and plugs into an outlet in the closet was scorched and they likely smelled the burning plastic.

This was not an over-current issue as the blower motor has a fuse in the line inside the furnace (something I put in about 1987 and it has never blown). I think it was just a crappy outlet that was making poor contact on the hot and neutral and it was arcing every time the blower motor turned on.

I thought it rather strange that the AC for the furnace was using a regular cord rather than being directly connected to the AC supply with wires inside flexible conduit, but I replaced the AC socket put in a new cord from the junction box inside the furnace (rather than attaching a new plug to the existing wire).

I'm thinking of going back and directly wiring it into the outlet box, though the current plug/socket arrangement has worked since it was built about 30 years ago.

Is it normal for the AC power for a gas furnace to be connected with a plug/socket? It's not like that in my own house.

 

[gregz]

In a rental I own the tenants called because they smelled something burning in the closet where the natural gas furnace is located.

I went there last night and saw that the standard AC plug that comes out of the furnace and plugs into an outlet in the closet was scorched and they likely smelled the burning plastic.

This was not an over-current issue as the blower motor has a fuse in the line inside the furnace (something I put in about 1987 and it has never blown). I think it was just a crappy outlet that was making poor contact on the hot and neutral and it was arcing every time the blower motor turned on.

I thought it rather strange that the AC for the furnace was using a regular cord rather than being directly connected to the AC supply with wires inside flexible conduit, but I replaced the AC socket put in a new cord from the junction box inside the furnace (rather than attaching a new plug to the existing wire).

I'm thinking of going back and directly wiring it into the outlet box, though the current plug/socket arrangement has worked since it was built about 30 years ago.

Is it normal for the AC power for a gas furnace to be connected with a plug/socket? It's not like that in my own house.

Not normal, but saves putting in a switch. A switch is normal.

Greg

 

[Twayne]

In

In a rental I own the tenants called because they smelled something burning in the closet where the natural gas furnace is located. I went there last night and saw that the standard AC plug that comes out of the furnace and plugs into an outlet in the closet was scorched and they likely smelled the burning plastic. This was not an over-current issue as the blower motor has a fuse in the line inside the furnace (something I put in about 1987 and it has never blown). I think it was just a crappy outlet that was making poor contact on the hot and neutral and it was arcing every time the blower motor turned on. I thought it rather strange that the AC for the furnace was using a regular cord rather than being directly connected to the AC supply with wires inside flexible conduit, but I replaced the AC socket put in a new cord from the junction box inside the furnace (rather than attaching a new plug to the existing wire). I'm thinking of going back and directly wiring it into the outlet box, though the current plug/socket arrangement has worked since it was built about 30 years ago. Is it normal for the AC power for a gas furnace to be connected with a plug/socket? It's not like that in my own house.

I can pretty much agree with your analysis but what it may have been was a poor connection at the plug/socket resulting in the arccing that was smelled and visible. I've seen it twice in my lifetime but was forwarned of it by my mentor so wasn't terribly surprised when it arose.

As for removing the plug: Check with your local code envorcement office. Around here, there is a rule that there must be a quiick disconnect on a furnace so it can be turned off without getting near it. Around here (upstate NY), most are located in the stairwell to the basement. Your local enforcement people can tell you right off the top of their heads I bet if it's required.

HTH,

Twayne`

 

[ransley]

In a rental I own the tenants called because they smelled something burning in the closet where the natural gas furnace is located.

I went there last night and saw that the standard AC plug that comes out of the furnace and plugs into an outlet in the closet was scorched and they likely smelled the burning plastic.

This was not an over-current issue as the blower motor has a fuse in the line inside the furnace (something I put in about 1987 and it has never blown). I think it was just a crappy outlet that was making poor contact on the hot and neutral and it was arcing every time the blower motor turned on.

I thought it rather strange that the AC for the furnace was using a regular cord rather than being directly connected to the AC supply with wires inside flexible conduit, but I replaced the AC socket put in a new cord from the junction box inside the furnace (rather than attaching a new plug to the existing wire).

I'm thinking of going back and directly wiring it into the outlet box, though the current plug/socket arrangement has worked since it was built about 30 years ago.

Is it normal for the AC power for a gas furnace to be connected with a plug/socket? It's not like that in my own house.

Your lucky he called you and not the city inspector or fire dept, you would be fined, in court, and making everything to code. Fix it properly

 

[Bob F]

In a rental I own the tenants called because they smelled something burning in the closet where the natural gas furnace is located.

I went there last night and saw that the standard AC plug that comes out of the furnace and plugs into an outlet in the closet was scorched and they likely smelled the burning plastic.

This was not an over-current issue as the blower motor has a fuse in the line inside the furnace (something I put in about 1987 and it has never blown). I think it was just a crappy outlet that was making poor contact on the hot and neutral and it was arcing every time the blower motor turned on.

I thought it rather strange that the AC for the furnace was using a regular cord rather than being directly connected to the AC supply with wires inside flexible conduit, but I replaced the AC socket put in a new cord from the junction box inside the furnace (rather than attaching a new plug to the existing wire).

I'm thinking of going back and directly wiring it into the outlet box, though the current plug/socket arrangement has worked since it was built about 30 years ago.

Is it normal for the AC power for a gas furnace to be connected with a plug/socket? It's not like that in my own house.

Hopefully you replaced the socket with a spec grade unit, not the el-cheapo ones from the borg.

 

[clare]

In a rental I own the tenants called because they smelled something burning in the closet where the natural gas furnace is located.

I went there last night and saw that the standard AC plug that comes out of the furnace and plugs into an outlet in the closet was scorched and they likely smelled the burning plastic.

This was not an over-current issue as the blower motor has a fuse in the line inside the furnace (something I put in about 1987 and it has never blown). I think it was just a crappy outlet that was making poor contact on the hot and neutral and it was arcing every time the blower motor turned on.

I thought it rather strange that the AC for the furnace was using a regular cord rather than being directly connected to the AC supply with wires inside flexible conduit, but I replaced the AC socket put in a new cord from the junction box inside the furnace (rather than attaching a new plug to the existing wire).

I'm thinking of going back and directly wiring it into the outlet box, though the current plug/socket arrangement has worked since it was built about 30 years ago.

Is it normal for the AC power for a gas furnace to be connected with a plug/socket? It's not like that in my own house.

There is another thread about that going on samewhere where the arguement is "does it or does it not meet code"

A good plug and outlet should be fine for another 30 years or so.

 

[clare]

In

I can pretty much agree with your analysis but what it may have been was a poor connection at the plug/socket resulting in the arccing that was smelled and visible. I've seen it twice in my lifetime but was forwarned of it by my mentor so wasn't terribly surprised when it arose.

As for removing the plug: Check with your local code envorcement office. Around here, there is a rule that there must be a quiick disconnect on a furnace so it can be turned off without getting near it. Around here (upstate NY), most are located in the stairwell to the basement. Your local enforcement people can tell you right off the top of their heads I bet if it's required.

HTH,

Twayne`

In MOST cases, the plug passes as the disconnect if it is reachable from the door

 

[Stormin Mormon]

As I understand, that's a violation of the National Electrical Code. But, of course, you should consult with your own town's code officer. If you're really concerned.

Socket and plug makes it a lot more convenient during power cuts, to power the furnace from a generaor. Maybe just easier to leave it be.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

"SMS" wrote:

In a rental I own the tenants called because they smelled something burning in the closet where the natural gas furnace is located.

I went there last night and saw that the standard AC plug that comes out of the furnace and plugs into an outlet in the closet was scorched and they likely smelled the burning plastic.

This was not an over-current issue as the blower motor has a fuse in the line inside the furnace (something I put in about 1987 and it has never blown). I think it was just a crappy outlet that was making poor contact on the hot and neutral and it was arcing every time the blower motor turned on.

I thought it rather strange that the AC for the furnace was using a regular cord rather than being directly connected to the AC supply with wires inside flexible conduit, but I replaced the AC socket put in a new cord from the junction box inside the furnace (rather than attaching a new plug to the existing wire).

I'm thinking of going back and directly wiring it into the outlet box, though the current plug/socket arrangement has worked since it was built about 30 years ago.

Is it normal for the AC power for a gas furnace to be connected with a plug/socket? It's not like that in my own house.

 

[Harry Johnson]

I'm thinking of going back and directly wiring it into the outlet box, though the current plug/socket arrangement has worked since it was built about 30 years ago.

Is it normal for the AC power for a gas furnace to be connected with a plug/socket? It's not like that in my own house.

Personally, I'd put in a new receptacle and plug but it would be best to check with your local electrical inspector.

 

[Tony Hwang]

n(rather than attaching a
new
I'm thinking of going back and directly wiring it into the outl

Hi,
That may be against code or it is possibly risk factor. All the houses I had built and lived in, furnaces had a cut off switch(like a wall plate sw.) near the furnace. Back at the main house panel there is also breaker dedicated to the furnace. After all major current drawer in the furnace is blower motor.

 

[RBM]

In MOST cases, the plug passes as the disconnect if it is reachable from the door

MOST?? Got a cite for that, or is this just more of the nonsense you pull out of thin air?

 

[trader4]

MOST??   Got a cite for that, or is this just more of the nonsense you pull out of thin air?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Apparently connecting a gas furnace with a cord and plug is specifically prohibited by ANSI Z21.47.

 

[Ashton Crusher]

In a rental I own the tenants called because they smelled something burning in the closet where the natural gas furnace is located.

I went there last night and saw that the standard AC plug that comes out of the furnace and plugs into an outlet in the closet was scorched and they likely smelled the burning plastic.

This was not an over-current issue as the blower motor has a fuse in the line inside the furnace (something I put in about 1987 and it has never blown). I think it was just a crappy outlet that was making poor contact on the hot and neutral and it was arcing every time the blower motor turned on.

I thought it rather strange that the AC for the furnace was using a regular cord rather than being directly connected to the AC supply with wires inside flexible conduit, but I replaced the AC socket put in a new cord from the junction box inside the furnace (rather than attaching a new plug to the existing wire).

I'm thinking of going back and directly wiring it into the outlet box, though the current plug/socket arrangement has worked since it was built about 30 years ago.

Is it normal for the AC power for a gas furnace to be connected with a plug/socket? It's not like that in my own house.

In a house I have that was built in 1971 it has a wall receptacle in the gas furnace closet and the furnace has a cord and plug on it just like yours.

 

[gregz]

In a house I have that was built in 1971 it has a wall receptacle in the gas furnace closet and the furnace has a cord and plug on it just like yours.

Not sure if it's in all cases. Any device using a plug and cord is your own stuff, to do whatever. But, a furnace might be classed differently.

Greg

 

[Nate Nagel]

In MOST cases, the plug passes as the disconnect if it is reachable from the door

but if you want to hardwire, a toggle switch outside the door is usually acceptable. They even make special red cover plates for just this purpose.

nate

 

[clare]

MOST?? Got a cite for that, or is this just more of the nonsense you pull out of thin air?

In MOST CASES WHERE IT IS ALLOWED. It is OBVIOUSLY allowed some places, as there are numerous reports of it being "common" in certain areas.

Code requires a way of disconnecting the furnace within sight or reach of the furnace. In most cases a switch is used - BUT WHERE A PLUG-IN CONNECTION IS ALLOWED, the plug IN MOST CASES passes as the disconnect.

Do you try real hard to be an ignorant prick, or does it come naturally??

 

[clare]

but if you want to hardwire, a toggle switch outside the door is usually acceptable. They even make special red cover plates for just this purpose.

nate

Some inspectors will require it to be INSIDE the door.
Here in Waterloo Region, Ontario, I THINK the requirement is within 6 feet of the furnace and gas shut-off. My furnace was replaced 7 years ago, and the shutoff for both gas and electric is within arm's reach when standing in front of the furnace service access door. (the furnace, not the furnace room) and within 3 feet of each other.

In my old house 30 years ago I switched from oil to gas and they installed a shutoff switch within about 3 feet of the furnace, on the floor joist above. Cannot remember where the shutoff was for the oil furnace but I THINK it was over by the oil tank, which was in what was originally the coal room. About 6 feet from the BOTTOM of the cellar stairs.It was eliminated (wires wire-nutted together and blank plate installed).

 

[RBM]

In MOST CASES WHERE IT IS ALLOWED. It is OBVIOUSLY allowed some places, as there are numerous reports of it being "common" in certain areas.

Code requires a way of disconnecting the furnace within sight or reach of the furnace. In most cases a switch is used - BUT WHERE A PLUG-IN CONNECTION IS ALLOWED, the plug IN MOST CASES passes as the disconnect.

Do you try real hard to be an ignorant prick, or does it come naturally??

I just try to deal in fact. Fact I or others can support. Every thing written by you in the above lines is pure conjecture. Not one shred of evidence or documentation.

 

[Hank]

In a rental I own the tenants called because they smelled something burning in the closet where the natural gas furnace is located.

I went there last night and saw that the standard AC plug that comes out of the furnace and plugs into an outlet in the closet was scorched and they likely smelled the burning plastic.

This was not an over-current issue as the blower motor has a fuse in the line inside the furnace (something I put in about 1987 and it has never blown). I think it was just a crappy outlet that was making poor contact on the hot and neutral and it was arcing every time the blower motor turned on.

I thought it rather strange that the AC for the furnace was using a regular cord rather than being directly connected to the AC supply with wires inside flexible conduit, but I replaced the AC socket put in a new cord from the junction box inside the furnace (rather than attaching a new plug to the existing wire).

I'm thinking of going back and directly wiring it into the outlet box, though the current plug/socket arrangement has worked since it was built about 30 years ago.

Is it normal for the AC power for a gas furnace to be connected with a plug/socket? It's not like that in my own house.

I don't know what the code is, but I would make sure of the cause. If you think it was just a bad socket, then fine. But I had an extension cord laying on the garage floor plugged into an outlet. Nothing was plugged into the extension cord. A lightning storm come over and actually blew the extension cord in half, along with other damage. So, my point is.....Make sure there isn't other damage to the wiring in this residence. Since this is a rental, documentation can mean a lot in the future.

Hank

 

[Twayne]

In

As I understand, that's a violation of the National
Electrical Code. But, of course, you should consult with your own town's code officer. If you're really concerned.

Socket and plug makes it a lot more convenient during
power cuts, to power the furnace from a generaor. Maybe just easier to leave it be.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

In a rental I own the tenants called because they smelled something burning in the closet where the natural gas furnace is located.

I went there last night and saw that the standard AC plug that comes out of the furnace and plugs into an outlet in the closet was scorched and they likely smelled the burning plastic.

This was not an over-current issue as the blower motor
has a fuse in the line inside the furnace (something I
put in about 1987 and it has never blown). I think it was just a crappy outlet that was making poor contact on the hot and neutral and it was arcing every time the blower motor turned on.

I thought it rather strange that the AC for the furnace was using a regular cord rather than being directly connected to the AC supply with wires inside flexible conduit, but I replaced the AC socket put in a new cord from the junction box inside the furnace (rather than attaching a new plug to the existing wire).

I'm thinking of going back and directly wiring it into
the outlet box, though the current plug/socket
arrangement has worked since it was built about 30 years ago.

Is it normal for the AC power for a gas furnace to be
connected with a plug/socket? It's not like that in my
own house.

As has been mentioned, it pretty much depends on where you live and what the code enforcement for that area has specced for it. I don't know of any such places, but I suppose there could even be areas where no more than the NEC requirements are needed and local codes say nothing except it must be to NEC specs. Here, a plug/socket is not the only method allowed. A bar-operated pull switch could also be used. It will last longer, by decades, than a switch, has a wiping action on the contacts when it's opened/closed and some of them even have fuse holders for specific furnace-fusing. The How-to... site has some pretty good information on this aspect of it all.