Massachusetts § 25E - Residential gas appliances; sale or installation

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 25E — Residential gas appliances; sale or installation, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 25E. Residential gas appliances; sale or installation

Section 25E. As used in this section, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:—

''Gas appliance'', any furnace, air conditioner, heater, refrigerator, stove, range, dishwasher, clothes dryer, clothes washer, or other such device, which uses a gaseous fuel other than propane for the operation thereof, and which is manufactured after June first, nineteen hundred and eighty-eight and is automatically ignited by a means other than an intermittent ignition device, but not including a water heater which heats water for domestic use, a kitchen heating range or a space heater.

''Automatic gas appliance'', any furnace, air conditioner, heater, refrigerator, stove, range, dishwasher, clothes dryer, clothes washer, or other such device, which uses a gaseous fuel other than propane for the operation thereof, and which is manufactured after the effective date of this section, and is automatically ignited by an intermittent ignition device, but not including a water heater which heats water for domestic use, a kitchen heating range or a space heater.

''Residence'', any building or structure in this state used principally for dwelling purposes, including, but not limited to single and multiple family dwellings or residences of any nature, including apartments, apartment buildings, apartment projects, condominiums and manufactured homes, but not including hotels or motels.

''Intermittent ignition device'', a device which ignites an automatic gas appliance to begin normal operation thereof, and which is activated only at the time such automatic gas appliance is to be so ignited.

It shall be unlawful to:—

(a) Sell or offer for sale by advertisement or otherwise or display for sale of gas appliances for use in, or in connection with, a residence.

(b) Install or cause to be installed a gas appliance in a residence.

(c) Import into the commonwealth a gas appliance for use in, or in connection with, a residence.

(d) Deliver in the commonwealth after sale or pursuant to a contract for a sale of a gas appliance for use in, or in connection with, a residence.

(e) Sell or display for sale an automatic gas appliance, for use in, or in connection with a residence, unless such automatic gas appliance is labeled in a manner visible to the purchaser or prospective purchaser with the words ''intermittent ignition''.

Any violation of the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars for each such violation; provided, however, that each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 25E

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 25E cover?

Section 25E ("Residential gas appliances; sale or installation") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 25E?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 25E" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 25E apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.