Office Ceiling water heater, Do you relocate

[Brother]

Saw a job recently where they had a very small office that needed a water heater replaced. The 15 gallon water heater was in the in the ceiling of the restroom, (no pan, no seismic not sure if it was required). Other projects I have seen like this, if there was a space on the floor and not too expensive, the inspector would require relocation. (the rest room has a space)
When it was allowed to be in the ceiling, , they required a pan under the water heater, a leak/water detector alarm, and still required the seismic earth quake proof straps and the access hatch had to have a label identifying a water heater there.
The last water heater had leaked and damaged the light and caused mold on the walls now the they have to be redone.

Whats your opinion, are water heaters still allowed in the ceiling in other areas, and if you had to replace it would you be required to relocate it on the floor?

 

[Jeff H Young]

Ive never heard that water heaters are flat prohibited from attic space , there are requirements and at least some requirements as far as I know have zero exceptions in the code example seizmic restraints must be installed , As far as I know a cat walk with certain measurements are required , but above a t bar cieling with a 6 gal I dont think would need cat walk.
Any way again no Ive never heard of attic or cieling areas prohibited just got to meet code requirements

 

[Sponsor]

 

[John Gayewski]

We put them above the ceilings frequently here. We don't require seismic restraint here in Iowa. The t&p should be piped to a drain, but other than that there's no restriction.