Is there a code inforced to use a anti-tip bracket on a range?

Answer 1

Yes. It is a code requirement by reference. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) established standards in 1991 that require all free standing and slide in type ranges manufactured thereafter to meet specific stability and anti-tip requirements. Most manufacturer's achieve this by including an anti-tip bracket to be used at the time of installation.

Manufacturer's installation standards require that these anti-tip safety devices be properly installed as part of the range installation. The manufactuer's installation instructions become important to the code question as you will see in the references below.

The Internation Residential Code includes several applicable references (emphasis added):

• The exception to RI02.4 Referenced Codes and Standards - "Where enforcement of a code provision would violate the conditions of the listing of the equipment or appliance, the conditions of the listing and manufacturer's instructions shall apply." The IRC defers to the manufacturer's installation standards for listed appliances
• M1901.2 Cooking appliances. Household cooking appliances shall be listed and labeled and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. The installation shall not interfere with combustion airor access for operation and servicing.
• G2447.1 (623.1) Cooking appliances. Cooking appliances that are designed for permanent installation, including ranges, ovens, stoves, broilers, grills, fryers, griddles, hot plates and barbecues, shall be tested in accordance with ANSI Z21.1 or ANSI Z21.58 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

So we can see that anti-tip devices, although never specifically reference by the code, ARE required due to the code's reference to the manufacturer's installation instructions and by the standards governing the manufacture of these appliances.

Best regards,

Chuck Evans

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