1109.0 Refrigeration Piping, Containers, and Valves

Materials used in the construction and installation of refrigerating systems shall be compatible with the conveying refrigerant used. Materials shall not be used that will deteriorate due to the chemical action of the refrigerant, lubricant, or combination of both where exposed to air or moisture to a degree that poses a safety hazard. [ASHRAE 15:9.1.1] Refrigerant piping shall be metallic.

Copper and copper alloy refrigeration piping, valves, fittings, and related parts used in the construction and installation of refrigeration systems shall be approved for the intended use. Refrigeration piping shall comply with ASME B31.5.

Copper linesets shall comply with ASTM B280 or ASTM B1003.

Iron and steel refrigeration piping, valves, fittings, and related parts shall be approved for the intended use. Pipe exceeding 2 inches (50 mm) iron pipe size shall be electric-resistance welded or seamless pipe. Refrigeration piping shall comply with ASME B31.5.

Aluminum, zinc, magnesium, or their alloys shall not be used in contact with methyl chloride. Magnesium alloys shall not be used where in contact with halogenated refrigerants. [ASHRAE 15:9.1.2]

Iron or steel pipe joints shall be of approved threaded, flanged, or welded types. Exposed threads shall be tinned or coated with an approved corrosion inhibitor. Copper or copper alloy pipe joints of iron pipe size shall be of approved threaded, flanged, press-connect or brazed types. Copper tubing joints and connections shall be connected by approved flared, lapped, swaged, or brazed joints, soldered joints, or mechanical joints that comply with UL 207 either individually or as part of an assembly or a system by an approved nationally recognized laboratory. Piping and tubing shall be installed so as to prevent vibration and strains at joints and connections.

Refrigerant piping shall not penetrate floors, ceilings, or roofs.

Exceptions:

1. Penetrations connecting the basement and the first floor.
2. Penetrations connecting the top floor and a machinery penthouse or roof installation.
3. Penetrations connecting adjacent floors served by the refrigeration system.
4. Penetrations of a direct system where the refrigerant concentration does not exceed that listed in Table 1102.3 for the smallest occupied space through which the refrigerant piping passes.
5. In other than industrial occupancies and where the refrigerant concentration exceeds that listed in Table 1102.3 for the smallest occupied space, penetrations that connect separate pieces of equipment that are in accordance with one of the following:
   1. Enclosed by an approved gastight, fire-resistive duct or shaft with openings to those floors served by the refrigerating system.
   2. Located on the exterior wall of a building where vented to the outdoors or to the space served by the system and not used as an air shaft, closed court, or similar space. [ASHRAE 15:8.10.3]

Refrigerant piping crossing an open space that affords passageway in a building shall be not less than 7.25 feet (2210 mm) above the floor unless the piping is located against the ceiling of such space and is permitted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. [ASHRAE 15:8.10.1]

Passages shall not be obstructed by refrigerant piping. Refrigerant piping shall not be located in an elevator, dumbwaiter, or other shaft containing a moving object, or in a shaft that has openings to living quarters, or to means of egress. Refrigerant piping shall not be installed in an enclosed public stairway, stair landing, or means of egress. [ASHRAE 15:8.10.2]

Refrigerant piping placed underground shall be protected against corrosion.

Refrigerant piping installed in concrete floors shall be encased in a pipe duct. Refrigerant piping shall be isolated and supported to prevent damaging vibration, stress, or corrosion. [ASHRAE 15:8.10.4]

In addition to the requirements of Section 1105.2, piping and tubing shall be securely fastened to a permanent support within 6 feet (1829 mm) following the first bend in such tubing from the compressor and within 2 feet (610 mm) of each subsequent bend or angle. Piping and tubing shall be supported at points not more than 15 feet (4572 mm) apart.

Refrigerant piping and tubing shall be installed so that it is not subject to damage from an external source. Soft annealed copper tubing shall not exceed 1³/₈ inches (35 mm) nominal size. Mechanical joints, other than approved press-connect joints, shall not be made on tubing exceeding ³/₄ of an inch (20 mm) nominal size. Soft annealed copper tubing conveying refrigerant shall be enclosed in iron or steel piping and fittings, or in conduit, molding, or raceway that will protect the tubing against mechanical injury from an exterior source.

Exceptions:

1. Tubing entirely within or tubing within 5 feet (1524 mm) of a refrigerant compressor where so located that it is not subject to external injury.
2. Copper tubing serving a dwelling unit, where such tubing contains Group A1 refrigerant and is placed in locations not subject to damage from an external source.

Refrigerant piping and joints erected on the premises shall be exposed to view for visual inspection prior to being covered or enclosed.

Exception: Copper tubing enclosed in iron or steel piping conduit, molding, or raceway, provided there are no fittings or joints concealed therein.

Piping and fittings that convey brine, refrigerant, or coolants that during normal operation are capable of reaching a surface temperature below the dew point of the surrounding air and that are located in spaces or areas where condensation will cause a hazard to the building occupants or damage to the structure, electrical or other equipment shall be protected to prevent such damage.

Piping shall be in accordance with the reference standard for identification. The type of refrigerant, function and pressure shall be indicated.