New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 13 - LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Chapter 20 - ENFORCEMENT SERVICE
Subchapter 50B - BODY STANDARDS FOR SCHOOL BUSES
Section 13:20-50B.18 - Heaters
Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 6, March 18, 2024
(a) Heaters shall be of a hot water and/or combustion-type.
(b) If only one heater is used, it shall be of a fresh air or combination fresh air and recirculating air-type.
(c) If more than one heater is used, the additional heater(s) may be of the recirculating air-type or convection-type.
(d) The heating system shall be capable of maintaining a temperature of not less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the school bus at the average low temperature for the month of January as established by the United States Department of Commerce, National Weather Service, for the area in which the school bus is to be operated.
(e) Every heater installed by a body manufacturer shall bear a nameplate that indicates that the heater rating is in accordance with specifications for heating systems set forth in the NSTSP, 2010 Revised Edition (May 2010), incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented. The nameplate shall be affixed by the heater manufacturer and shall constitute the manufacturer's certification that the heater performance is as shown on the nameplate.
(f) Heater hoses shall be adequately supported to guard against excessive wear due to vibration. The heater hoses shall not dangle or rub against the chassis or any device that has sharp edges and shall not interfere with or restrict the operation of any engine function. Heater hoses shall conform to SAE Standard J20 (October 1997), incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented. Heater lines on the interior of the school bus shall be shielded to prevent scalding of the driver or passengers.
(g) Each hot water heater system installed by the body manufacturer shall include one shut-off valve in the pressure line and one shut-off valve in the return line with both valves at or near the engine or at another location accessible to the driver that will isolate the heating system from the engine in the event of a leak. Each hot water heater system shall also include a water flow regulating valve installed in the pressure line for convenient operation by the driver while seated. The hot water heater system in a Type A and B school bus constructed on a cutaway chassis may conform to the chassis manufacturer's standard.
(h) Each hot water heater system installed by the body manufacturer shall include accessible bleeder valves installed in an appropriate place in the return lines to remove air from the heater lines.
(i) A rear engine school bus shall be equipped with a hot water heater booster pump.
(j) All combustion-type heaters shall comply with 49 CFR § 393.77, incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented.
(k) Access panels shall be provided to make heater motors, cores, and fans readily accessible for service. An outside access panel may be provided for the driver's heater.
(l) A diesel-powered school bus may be equipped with an auxiliary heater designed to preheat the engine and passenger compartment. The exhaust for this type of heater may vent under an operable window.
