When is a fire-o-matic switch required?

Question

An inspection of a house I want to purchase noted that neither of the furnaces were equipped with fire-o-matic switches. I assume these switches turn off the gas to the furnace if there is a fire. Would this be covered in local building codes or in the local fire code? I am in Rhode Island.

Answer 1

Ask the people who prepared the report. It is likely a heat sensitive control to shut down the furnace if there is overheating in the furnace. This could occur, for instance, if the thermostat called for heat and a fan belt were broken. A temperature limit switch could shut down the furnace, to prevent fire.