Q: What is not covered by the Kentucky Boiler and Pressure Vessel Laws?
A: See the following:
- 236.060 Application of KRS 236.005 to 236.150.
- KRS 236.005 to 236.150 shall not apply to boilers or pressure vessels or related piping under federal control.
- KRS 236.005 to 236.150 shall not apply to the following boilers or related piping:
- Boilers or pressure vessels located on farms and used solely for agricultural purposes
- Boilers or pressure vessels located at any oil refineries
- Boilers or pressure vessels located at any utility operating under a certificate issued pursuant to KRS 278.020, if the boilers or pressure vessels are inspected by a special boiler inspector under the provisions of KRS 236.110, except that the inspection interval provided for in KRS 236.110 shall be extended to 18 months
- Steam or vapor boilers used for heating purposes carrying a pressure of not more than 15 pounds per square inch gauge, and which are located in private residences
- Hot water heating boilers carrying a pressure of not more than 30 pounds per square inch gauge which are located in private residences or hot water supply boilers which are located in private residences;
- Any unfired pressure vessels used as containers for liquefied petroleum gases and subject to the jurisdiction of the Office of Housing, Buildings and Construction under KRS Chapter 234;
- Pressure vessels used for transportation of compressed gases if constructed and operated in compliance with specifications and regulations of another state or federal authority;
- Pressure vessels containing air located on vehicles operating under the regulations of another state or federal authority;
- Pressure vessels operating at a maximum pressure of 15 PSI or less;
- Single wall pressure vessels having an inside diameter of six inches;
- Pressure vessels with a nominal water containing capacity of 120 gallons or less, to be used for domestic supply purposes, for containing water under pressure, including those containing air, the compression of which serves only as a cushion;
- Pressure vessels containing water heated by steam or other indirect means when none of the following are exceeded:
- Heat input of 200,000 BTU/Hr.
- Water temperature of 210 degrees Fahrenheit
- Water storage capacity of 120 gallons
- Coil-type hot water boilers without a steam space and where no steam is generated within the confines of the unit but where water flashes into steam when released to atmospheric pressure by the operation of a manually operated nozzle, unless one of the following is exceeded:
- Three-quarter inch inside diameter tubing or pipe size with no drum or header attached
- Six gallon water containing capacity
- Water temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Water heaters which are directly fired with oil, gas or electricity when none of the following limitations are exceeded:
- Heat input of 200,000 BTU/Hr.
- A water temperature of 210 degrees Fahrenheit
- A water containing capacity of 120 gallons
- Pressure vessels which may be classified as:
- Pressure containers which are integral parts of components of rotating or reciprocating mechanical devices such as pumps, compressors, turbines, generators, engines, and hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders where the primary design considerations or stresses are derived from the functional requirements of the device; or
- Structures whose primary function is the transport of fluids from one location to another within a system of which it is an integral part, that is, piping system.
3. The fees required by KRS 236.120(1) and 236.130 shall not apply to standard and miniature antique and hobby boiler-operated tractors and equipment used solely for exhibition, if the boiler uses a 50 pounds per square inch or less gauge.
Q: What is required to do boiler, pressure vessel and pressure piping installations and/or repairs within Kentucky?
A: 236.210 License required for installing, erecting and repairing boilers -- Issuance -- Renewal -- Exception.
- No person shall engage in the business of installing, erecting or repairing boilers unless he or she first obtains a license from the executive director on recommendation of the board.
- Each person, firm or corporation must pass an examination prepared by the board and administered by the office.
- A license shall be issued by the executive director or the chief boiler inspector upon recommendation of the board and payment of a reasonable fee not to exceed the cost of examination and other expenses involved as established by the executive director upon advice of the board pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A.
- The license shall be renewable annually, not later than the first of the month following the expiration date, upon payment of a reasonable fee not to exceed the costs involved in such renewal as established by the executive director upon advice of the board pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A.
- All individuals in the employ of a licensee shall not be required to be licensed.
Q: How do I get a Boiler Contractor's License?
A: Examinations for the license to install, erect or repair boilers and pressure vessels and pressure piping in Kentucky shall be in writing and shall be given and monitored by the Boiler Inspection Section. Examinations are given on the second Friday of each month. Examinations will be closed-book with a three-hour time limit. Starting time is 8:30 a.m. (EST) on the morning of the examination date.
To schedule an appointment to take the test, contact our office at (502) 573-1708. Scheduling must be done at least five days prior to the test date.
This application is to be filled out and returned to this office with a check for $250 for the examination, payable to the KENTUCKY STATE TREASURER.
This test is written directly from the boiler statutes and regulations. You may find them at the following Web links:
Q: How long is my license valid?
A: Your boiler license must be renewed annually.
Q: Are there any special requirements my boiler or pressure vessel must meet?
A: All boilers and pressure vessels installed in Kentucky must be American Society of Mechanical Engineers constructed and stamped. All boilers (except cast iron boilers) and pressure vessels must be registered with the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
Q: Are UM stamped pressure vessels, (or vessels built to the unfired miniature pressure vessel code) accepted in Kentucky?
A: Yes, as long as they are registered with the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
Q: When is a water heater considered a boiler?
A: A water heater falls under the jurisdiction of the Boiler Inspection Section anytime it exceeds any of the following:
- 200,000 BTU/HR input or 57KW for electric heaters
- 120 gallons of storage capacity
- 210 degrees Fahrenheit at or near the outlet
Q: What size does my storage tank for my water heater have to be to require an inspection by the Boiler Section?
A: Any unfired hot water storage tanks exceeding 120 gallons of storage capacity require inspection by the Boiler Section.