Sec.14-275a-51. Heaters

(a) Each school bus must be equipped with a heating system capable of maintaining the interior temperatures as specified in SAE test procedure J2233.

(b) All heaters installed by the body manufacturer shall bear a name plate which shall indicate the heater rating in accordance with the SBMTC-001, said plate to be affixed by the heater manufacturer which shall constitute certification that the heater performance is as shown on the plate. Exhaust heaters shall not be used.

(c) Heater hoses shall be adequately supported to guard against excessive wear due to vibration. The hoses shall not dangle or rub against the chassis or sharp edges and shall not interfere with or restrict the operation of any engine function. Heater hoses shall conform to standard SAE J20c. Driver and passengers shall be shielded from heater lines inside the passenger compartment to prevent accidental contact.

(d) Auxiliary fuel fired heating systems are permitted, provided they comply with the following:

1. The auxiliary heating system fuel shall utilize the same type fuel as specified for the vehicle engine;

2. The heater(s) may be direct hot air or connected to the engine's coolant system;

3. An auxiliary heating system, when connected to the engine's coolant system, may be used to preheat the engine coolant or preheat and add supplementary heat to the bus's heating system;

4. Auxiliary heating systems must be installed pursuant to the manufacturer's recommendations and shall not direct exhaust in such a manner that will endanger bus passengers;

5. Auxiliary heating systems which operate on diesel fuel shall be capable of operating on #1, #2 or blended diesel fuel without the need for system adjustment;

6. The auxiliary heating system shall be low voltage;

7. Auxiliary heating systems shall comply with all applicable FMVSS, including FMVSS No. 301, as well as with SAE test procedures.

(Adopted effective May 2, 2007)