The documentation details requirements for manufacturer’s installation instructions for new manufactured homes in the United States. These instructions are critical for ensuring homes are supported and anchored to meet or exceed design loads as defined by the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (MHCSS). The process involves approval by the Secretary or the Designated Agency for Physical Inspection and Approval (DAPIA), potential certification by professional engineers or registered architects, and adherence to Model Installation Standards. The documentation also outlines procedures for alterations during installation and consultation with the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC).
Manufacturer’s Installation Instructions: General Requirements
Manufacturers of new manufactured homes are required to provide installation designs and instructions that have been approved by either the Secretary or DAPIA. These approved instructions must encompass all topics covered within the Model Installation Standards for manufactured home installation. The provided instructions, and any variations made to them, must provide a level of resident protection equal to or exceeding that of the Model Installation Standards and must not cause the manufactured home to fall out of compliance with the MHCSS. A primary function of these instructions is to ensure the home is adequately supported and anchored to withstand the design loads stipulated by the MHCSS.
Professional Engineer or Architect Certification
In specific circumstances, a professional engineer or registered architect must prepare and certify that the manufacturer’s installation instructions meet or exceed the Model Installation Standards for foundation support and anchoring. These circumstances include:
- When the manufacturer’s instructions do not fully align with the minimum requirements, tables, or conditions outlined in the Model Installation Standards for foundation support and anchoring.
- When an alternative foundation system or anchoring system is employed, including designs for basements and perimeter support foundation systems.
- When the installation instructions specify materials like metal piers or alternatives to concrete footing materials.
- When foundation support and anchoring systems are designed for areas prone to freezing, flood damage, or high seismic risk.
- When foundations support and anchoring systems are designed for use in special snow load conditions or in severe wind design areas.
- When site conditions prevent the use of the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- In any other situation where the manufacturer’s instructions would not allow the home to be installed in accordance with the Installation Standards or the MHCSS.
Variations to Installation Instructions
The documentation addresses scenarios where installers need to deviate from the manufacturer’s installation instructions. If an installer intends to use support or anchorage methods different from those specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, or encounters site conditions that prevent their use (such as areas susceptible to flood damage or seismic activity), a specific process must be followed. First, the installer must attempt to obtain DAPIA-approved designs and instructions directly from the manufacturer. If such designs are unavailable, the installer must secure an alternate design prepared and certified by a registered professional engineer or registered architect. This alternate design must be consistent with the manufactured home’s design, comply with the MHCSS requirements, and receive approval from both the manufacturer and DAPIA. The manufacturer’s installation instructions are required to explain this process.
Scope of Model Installation Standards
The Model Installation Standards establish minimum requirements for the initial installation of new manufactured homes, aligning with section 605 of the Act (42 U.S.C. 5404). These standards are a component of the broader Manufactured Home Installation Program and serve as the foundation for developing the manufacturers’ installation instructions. The manufacturer’s installation instructions, including specific operational or assembly methods, are considered compliant with the Model Installation Standards if they meet or exceed the minimum requirements and do not compromise the home’s compliance with the MHCSS.
Specifically, work related to joining sections of a multi-section home (as detailed in Subparts G, H, and I) and connecting exterior lights, chain-hung light fixtures, or ceiling-suspended fans (as detailed in Subpart I) is not considered assembly or construction of the home. However, the design of these elements must still adhere to the MHCSS.
Temporary Storage Provisions
The manufacturer’s installation instructions must include at least one method for temporarily supporting each transportable section of a manufactured home. This temporary support is crucial to prevent structural damage or other issues when sections are temporarily sited at the manufacturer’s facility, a retailer’s lot, or the final home site.
Consultation with the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee
The Secretary is required to seek input from the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC) when revising the installation standards. Before publishing a proposed rule to revise these standards, the Secretary must provide the MHCC with a 120-day period to provide comments. The MHCC can submit recommendations to the Secretary for adopting new installation standards or modifying existing ones, accompanied by supporting data and arguments. The Secretary will then either accept or modify the recommendation and publish it for public comment, along with an explanation of any modifications, or reject the recommendation entirely, providing a written explanation to the MHCC.
Conflicts with Other Codes
Where conflicts arise between the installation code and the conditions of listing or the manufacturer’s installation instructions, the provisions of the installation code take precedence.
Installer Certification
Upon implementation, installers must certify that the installation was completed in compliance with either the manufacturer’s instructions or an alternate installation design prepared by the manufacturer or in compliance with the guidelines outlined in paragraph (c) of section 3285.2.
Conclusion
Manufacturer’s installation instructions are a critical component of ensuring the safe and compliant installation of manufactured homes in the United States. These instructions must be approved by the Secretary or DAPIA, potentially certified by a professional engineer or architect, and adhere to the Model Installation Standards and the MHCSS. The documentation emphasizes the importance of addressing variations to the instructions, providing temporary support during storage, and consulting with the MHCC during revisions to the standards. Adherence to these guidelines is essential for protecting residents and maintaining the integrity of manufactured home installations.