RVs and the NEC

BillyBob Jim wrote:

JaxDad wrote:


Make no mistake though, that seal by the door certifying the unit as conforming to NFPA 1192 or whichever standard it's built to is most certainly a legal requirement.

NFPA compliance is a voluntary requirement companies claim they meet. Having the RVIA seal is not mandatory. All that seal says is the manufacturer is a member of the RV Industry Association and claims they comply with NFPA, ANSI, whatever. Nothing says you have to be a member of RVIA to build and sell RVs. The RV Industry Association lobbies hard for minimum requirements. Why do you think most states have no lemon laws for towables. Bingo....the RVIA. A dead giveaway is RVbusiness.com which is sponsored by RVIA. They sugar coat and carefully select every article they have ever published, and are very good at turning a turd of an industry into a Rose.

There are no code inspectors on or at the end of the line in RV factories certifying anything meets anything else. If one feels good and safe because they have an RVIA seal that's what its designed to do, mission accomplished. Reality is slightly different when brakes quit working, the plumbing and LPG system has multiple leaks, and the wiring connections are never tightened..

Well, it's voluntary to the point where it's legally required. LOL.



As an example, in Texas the Transportation Code makes it illegal to tow a trailer on any public road if it has a built in propane system unless it meets NFPA 1192 standards and bears proof of same.



In California the Health and Safety Code - HSC Div 13, PART 2 , CHAPTER 4, Section 18027.3.

"h) It is unlawful for any person to do either of the following:
(2) Alter or convert, or cause to be altered or converted, any recreational vehicle in a manner that is inconsistent with ANSI Standard No. A119.2 or A119.5 or the NFPA 1192 Standard on Recreational Vehicles when the recreational vehicle is used, occupied, sold, or offered for sale within this state."

In California's Statutes, at 18871.5 states;

"(b) A recreational vehicle that does not bear a label, an insignia, or an insignia of approval, as required by subdivision (f) or (g) of Section 18027.3, may not occupy any lot in a park unless the vehicle owner provides reasonable proof of compliance with ANSI Standard No. A119.2 or A119.5 depending upon whether it is a recreational vehicle or park trailer....." (NB: ANSI 119.2 is the same as NFPA 1192)



In the case of Oregon it is incorporated into the Building Codes Division - Chapter 918 says at 918-525-0040;

"(1) The minimum safety standards for recreational vehicles are adopted pursuant to OAR chapter 918, division 8.

(2) Effective January 19, 2017, the following standards are adopted by reference as the standards for the manufacture of recreational vehicles:

(a) The 2015 Edition of NFPA 1192, Standard on Recreational Vehicles, as published by the National Fire Protection Association.

(b) The 2014 Edition of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, specifically but not limited to, Article 551 pertaining to Recreational Vehicles, as published by the National Fire Protection Association.

(c) The 2014 Edition of ANSI/RVIA Standard for Low Voltage Systems in Conversion and Recreational Vehicles, as published by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association."




So yes, it's LAW, of course you could just consider it as 'voluntary' and get sued or charged I guess.