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There are no amended sections in this chapter.
This chapter shall govern the approval and
installation of all equipment and appliances that comprise
parts of the building mechanical systems regulated by this
code in accordance with Section 101.2.
Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning
systems of all structures shall be designed and
installed for efficient utilization of energy in accordance with
the International Energy Conservation Code.
Each length of pipe and tubing and
each pipe fitting utilized in a mechanical system shall bear
the identification of the manufacturer.
Plastic pipe,
fittings and components shall be third-party certified as conforming
to NSF 14.
Piping, tubing
and fittings shall comply with the applicable referenced standards,
specifications and performance criteria of this code
and shall be identified in accordance with Section 301.3. Piping,
tubing and fittings shall either be tested by an approved
third-party testing agency or certified by an approved third-party
certification agency.
Appliances regulated by this code
shall be listed and labeled for the application in which they
are installed and used, unless otherwise approved in accordance
with Section 105.
Exception: Listing and labeling of equipment and appliances
used for refrigeration shall be in accordance with
Section 1101.2.
An approved agency shall test a representative
sample of the mechanical equipment and appliances
being labeled to the relevant standard or standards.
The approved agency shall maintain a record of all of the
tests performed. The record shall provide sufficient detail
to verify compliance with the test standard.
The approved
agency shall periodically perform an inspection, which
shall be in-plant if necessary, of the mechanical equipment
and appliances to be labeled. The inspection shall verify
that the labeled mechanical equipment and appliances are
representative of the mechanical equipment and appliances
tested.
The agency to be approved
shall be objective and competent. To confirm its objectivity,
the agency shall disclose all possible conflicts of
interest.
An approved agency shall have
adequate equipment to perform all required tests. The
equipment shall be periodically calibrated.
An approved agency shall
employ experienced personnel educated in conducting,
supervising and evaluating tests.
A permanent factory-applied
nameplate(s) shall be affixed to appliances on which shall
appear in legible lettering, the manufacturer's name or trademark,
the model number, serial number and the seal or mark
of the approved agency. A label shall also include the following:
- Electrical equipment and appliances: Electrical rating in volts, amperes and motor phase; identification of individual electrical components in volts, amperes or watts, motor phase; Btu/h (W) output; and required clearances.
- Absorption units: Hourly rating in Btu/h (W); minimum hourly rating for units having step or automatic modulating controls; type of fuel; type of refrigerant; cooling capacity in Btu/h (W); and required clearances.
- Fuel-burning units: Hourly rating in Btu/h (W); type of fuel approved for use with the appliance; and required clearances.
- Electric comfort heating appliances: electric rating in volts, amperes and phase; Btu/h (W) output rating; individual marking for each electrical component in amperes or watts, volts and phase; and required clearances from combustibles.
Electrical wiring, controls and connections
to equipment and appliances regulated by this code shall be in
accordance with NFPA 70.
Potable water supply and
building drainage system connections to equipment and
appliances regulated by this code shall be in accordance with
the International Plumbing Code.
Fuel-fired appliances shall be designed
for use with the type of fuel to which they will be connected
and the altitude at which they are installed. Appliances that
comprise parts of the building mechanical system shall not be
converted for the usage of a different fuel, except where approved and converted in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions. The fuel input rate shall not be increased
or decreased beyond the limit rating for the altitude at which
the appliance is installed.
Where vibration isolation of
equipment and appliances is employed, an approved means of
supplemental restraint shall be used to accomplish the support
and restraint.
Defective material or parts shall be replaced
or repaired in such a manner so as to preserve the original
approval or listing.
Mechanical equipment, appliances
and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and
installed to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance
with the International Building Code.
For structures located in flood
hazard areas, mechanical systems, equipment and appliances
shall be located at or above the elevation required by Section
1612 of the International Building Code for utilities and
attendant equipment.
Exception: Mechanical systems, equipment and appliances
are permitted to be located below the elevation
required by Section 1612 of the of the International Building
Code for utilities and attendant equipment provided
that they are designed and installed to prevent water from
entering or accumulating within the components and to
resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses,
including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence
of flooding up to such elevation.
In coastal high-hazard areas and coastal A zones,
mechanical systems and equipment shall not be mounted on
or penetrate walls intended to break away under flood loads.
Buildings or structures and the
walls enclosing habitable or occupiable rooms and spaces in
which persons live, sleep or work, or in which feed, food or
foodstuffs are stored, prepared, processed, served or sold,
shall be constructed to protect against the entrance of rodents
in accordance with the International Building Code.
Where earthquake loads are
applicable in accordance with the International Building
Code, mechanical system supports shall be designed and
installed for the seismic forces in accordance with the International
Building Code.
The building or structure shall not
be weakened by the installation of mechanical systems.
Where floors, walls, ceilings or any other portion of the
building or structure are required to be altered or replaced in
the proce ss of installing or repairing any system, the building
or structure shall be left in a safe structural condition in
accordance with the International Building Code.
Penetrations of floor/ceiling assemblies and assemblies required to have a fire-resistance
rating shall be protected in accordance with Chapter 7 of the
International Building Code.
Notches on the ends of joists
shall not exceed one-fourth the joist depth. Holes bored in
joists shall not be within 2 inches (51 mm) of the top or
bottom of the joist, and the diameter of any such hole shall
not exceed one-third the depth of the joist. Notches in the
top or bottom of joists shall not exceed one-sixth the depth
and shall not be located in the middle third of the span.
In exterior walls
and bearing partitions, a wood stud shall not be cut or
notched in excess of 25 percent of its depth. In nonbearing
partitions that do not support loads other than the weight
of the partition, a stud shall not be cut or notched in excess
of 40 percent of its depth.
The diameter of bored holes in
wood studs shall not exceed 40 percent of the stud depth.
The diameter of bored holes in wood studs shall not
exceed 60 percent of the stud depth in nonbearing partitions.
The diameter of bored holes in wood studs shall not
exceed 60 percent of the stud depth in any wall where each
stud is doubled, provided that not more than two such successive
doubled studs are so bored. The edge of the bored
hole shall be not closer than 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) to the edge
of the stud. Bored holes shall be not located at the same
section of stud as a cut or notch.
Cuts, notches
and holes bored in trusses, structural composite lumber,
structural glue-laminated members and I-joists are prohibited
except where permitted by the manufacturer's recommendations
or where the effects of such alterations are
specifically considered in the design of the member by a
registered design professional.
Truss members and components
shall not be cut, drilled, notched, spliced or otherwise
altered in any way without written concurrence and approval
of a registered design professional. Alterations resulting in
the addition of loads to any member, such as HVAC equipment
and water heaters, shall not be permitted without verification
that the truss is capable of supporting such additional
loading.
The cutting, notching and boring
of holes in structural steel framing members shall be as
prescribed by the registered design professional.
Flanges and lips of load-bearing
cold-formed steel framing members shall not be cut or
notched. Holes in webs of load-bearing cold-formed steel
framing members shall be permitted along the centerline of the web of the framing member and shall not exceed the
dimensional limitations, penetration spacing or minimum
hole edge distance as prescribed by the registered design
professional. Cutting, notching and boring holes of steel
floor/roof decking shall be as prescribed by the registered
design professional.
Flanges and lips of nonstructural cold-formed steel wall studs shall not be cut or notched. Holes in webs of nonstructural coldformed steel wall studs shall be permitted along the centerline of the web of the framing member, shall not exceed 11/2 inches (38 mm) in width or 4 inches (102 mm) in length, and shall not be spaced less than 24 inches (610 mm) center to center from another hole or less than 10 inches (254 mm) from the bearing end.
Equipment and appliances shall be located as
required by this section, specific requirements elsewhere in
this code and the conditions of the equipment and appliance
listing.
Appliances shall not be located
in a hazardous location unless listed and approved for the
specific installation.
Fuel-fired appliances shall not be located in, or obtain combustion air from, any of the following rooms or spaces:
- Sleeping rooms.
- Bathrooms.
- Toilet rooms.
- Storage closets.
- Surgical rooms.
Exception: This section shall not apply to the following appliances:
- Direct-vent appliances that obtain all combustion air directly from the outdoors.
- Solid fuel-fired appliances, provided that combustion air is provided in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.
- Appliances installed in a dedicated enclosure in which all combustion air is taken directly from the outdoors, in accordance with Chapter 7. Access to such enclosure shall be through a solid door, weather-stripped in accordance with the exterior door air leakage requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code and equipped with an approved self-closing device.
Appliances shall not be
installed in a location where subject to mechanical damage
unless protected by approved barriers.
Appliances installed in other than
indoor locations shall be listed and labeled for outdoor installation.
Appliances installed in pits or excavations
shall not come in direct contact with the surrounding
soil. The sides of the pit or excavation shall be held back not
less than 12 inches (305 mm) from the appliance. Where the
depth exceeds 12 inches (305 mm) below adjoining grade, the
walls of the pit or excavation shall be lined with concrete or
masonry. Such concrete or masonry shall extend not less than
4 inches (102 mm) above adjoining grade and shall have sufficient
lateral load-bearing capacity to resist collapse. The
appliance shall be protected from flooding in an approved
manner.
Mechanical systems shall not be
located in an elevator shaft.
Equipment and appliances shall be installed
as required by the terms of their approval, in accordance with
the conditions of the listing, the manufacturer's installation
instructions and this code. Manufacturer's installation
instructions shall be available on the job site at the time of
inspection.
Where conflicts between this code and the
conditions of listing or the manufacturer's installation
instructions occur, the provisions of this code shall apply.
Equipment and appliances
having an ignition source and located in hazardous
locations and public garages, private garages, repair garages,
automotive motor fuel-dispensing facilities and parking
garages shall be elevated such that the source of ignition is
not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor surface on
which the equipment or appliance rests. For the purpose of
this section, rooms or spaces that are not part of the living
space of a dwelling unit and that communicate directly with a
private garage through openings shall be considered to be
part of the private garage.
Exception: Elevation of the ignition source is not
required for appliances that are listed as flammable vapor
ignition resistant.
Connection of a parking garage with any room in which there is a fuel-fired appliance shall be by means of a vestibule providing a two-doorway separation, except that a single door is permitted where the sources of ignition in the appliance are elevated in accordance with Section 304.3.
Exception: This section shall not apply to appliance installations complying with Section 304.6.
Equipment and appliances having an ignition source shall not
be installed in Group H occupancies or control areas where
open use, handling or dispensing of combustible, flammable
or explosive materials occurs.
Hydrogen-generating and refueling appliances shall be
installed and located in accordance with their listing and the
manufacturer's instructions. Ventilation shall be required in
accordance with Section 304.5.1, 304.5.2 or 304.5.3 in public
garages, private garages, repair garages, automotive motor
fuel-dispensing facilities and parking garages that contain
hydrogen-generating appliances or refueling systems. For the
purpose of this section, rooms or spaces that are not part of
the living space of a dwelling unit and that communicate
directly with a private garage through openings shall be considered
to be part of the private garage.
Indoor locations
intended for hydrogen-generating or refueling operations
shall be limited to a maximum floor area of 850 square
feet (79 m2) and shall communicate with the outdoors in
accordance with Sections 304.5.1.1 and 304.5.1.2. The
maximum rated output capacity of hydrogen-generating
appliances shall not exceed 4 standard cubic feet per minute
(0.00189 m3/s) of hydrogen for each 250 square feet
(23.2 m2) of floor area in such spaces. The minimum
cross-sectional dimension of air openings shall be 3 inches
(76 mm). Where ducts are used, they shall be of the same
cross-sectional area as the free area of the openings to
which they connect. In such locations, equipment and
appliances having an ignition source shall be located such
that the source of ignition is not within 12 inches (305
mm) of the ceiling.
Two permanent openings shall be provided within the garage. The upper opening shall be located entirely within 12 inches (305 mm) of the ceiling of the garage. The lower opening shall be located entirely within 12 inches (305 mm) of the floor of the garage. Both openings shall be provided in the same exterior wall. The openings shall communicate directly with the outdoors and shall have a minimum free area of 1/2 square foot per 1,000 cubic feet (1m2/610 m3) of garage volume.
In calculating free
area required by Section 304.5.1, the required size of
openings shall be based on the net free area of each
opening. If the free area through a design of louver or
grille is known, it shall be used in calculating the size
opening required to provide the free area specified. If
the design and free area are not known, it shall be
assumed that wood louvers will have 25 percent free
area and metal louvers and grilles will have 75 percent
free area. Louvers and grilles shall be fixed in the open
position.
Indoor locations
intended for hydrogen-generating or refueling operations
shall be ventilated in accordance with Section 502.16. In
such locations, equipment and appliances having an ignition source shall be located such that the source of ignition
is below the mechanical ventilation outlet(s).
As an
alternative to the provisions of Sections 304.5.1 and
304.5.2, the necessary supply of air for ventilation and
dilution of flammable gases shall be provided by an
approved engineered system.
Appliances located in public garages,
motor fueling-dispensing facilities, repair garages or other
areas frequented by motor vehicles, shall be installed not less
than 8 feet (2438 mm) above the floor. Where motor vehicles
are capable of passing under an appliance, the appliance shall
be installed at the clearances required by the appliance manufacturer
and not less than 1 foot (305 mm) higher than the
tallest vehicle garage door opening.
Exception: The requirements of this section shall not
apply where the appliances are protected from motor vehicle
impact and installed in accordance with Section 304.3
and NFPA 30A.
Appliances located in private garages
and carports shall be installed with a minimum clearance of 6
feet (1829 mm) above the floor.
Exception: The requirements of this section shall not
apply where the appliances are protected from motor vehicle
impact and installed in accordance with Section 304.3.
Heat-producing
equipment and appliances shall be installed to maintain
the required clearances to combustible construction as
specified in the listing and manufacturer's instructions. Such
clearances shall be reduced only in accordance with Section
308. Clearances to combustibles shall include such considerations
as door swing, drawer pull, overhead projections or
shelving and window swing, shutters, coverings and drapes.
Devices such as doorstops or limits, closers, drapery ties or
guards shall not be used to provide the required clearances.
Equipment and appliances
installed at grade level shall be supported on a level concrete
slab or other approved material extending not less than 3
inches (76 mm) above adjoining grade or shall be suspended
not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above adjoining grade. Such
support shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Guards shall be provided where various
components that require service and roof hatch openings
are located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a roof edge or open
side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is
located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor, roof,
or grade below. The guard shall extend not less than 30
inches (762 mm) beyond each end of components that require
service. The top of the guard shall be located not less than 42
inches (1067 mm) above the elevated surface adjacent to the
guard. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the
passage of a 21-inch-diameter (533 mm) sphere and shall comply with the loading requirements for guards specified in
the International Building Code.
Exception: Guards are not required where permanent fall
arrest/restraint anchorage connector devices that comply
with ANSI/ASSE Z 359.1 are affixed for use during the
entire lifetime of the roof covering. The devices shall be
re-evaluated for possible replacement when the entire roof
covering is replaced. The devices shall be placed not more
than 10 feet (3048 mm) on center along hip and ridge lines
and placed not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from roof
edges and the open sides of walking surfaces.
Appliances serving different areas of a
building other than where they are installed shall be permanently
marked in an approved manner that uniquely identifies
the appliance and the area it serves.
Mechanical system piping shall be supported
in accordance with this section.
Pipe hangers and supports shall have sufficient
strength to withstand all anticipated static and specified
dynamic loading conditions associated with the intended use.
Pipe hangers and supports that are in direct contact with piping
shall be of approved materials that are compatible with
the piping and that will not promote galvanic action.
Hangers and anchors shall be
attached to the building construction in an approved manner.
Piping shall be supported at distances not exceeding the spacing specified in Table 305.4, or in accordance with ANSI/MSS SP-58.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
| PIPING MATERIAL | MAXIMUM HORIZONTAL SPACING (feet) |
MAXIMUM VERTICAL SPACING (feet) |
|---|---|---|
| ABS pipe | 4 | 10c |
| Aluminum pipe and tubing | 10 | 15 |
| Brass pipe | 10 | 10 |
| Brass tubing, 11/4-inch diameter and smaller |
6 | 10 |
| Brass tubing, 11/2-inch diameter and larger |
10 | 10 |
| Cast-iron pipeb | 5 | 15 |
| Copper or copper-alloy pipe | 12 | 10 |
| Copper or copper-alloy tubing, 11/4-inch diameter and smaller |
6 | 10 |
| Copper or copper-alloy tubing, 11/2-inch diameter and larger |
10 | 10 |
| CPVC pipe or tubing, 1 inch and smaller |
3 | 10c |
| CPVC pipe or tubing, 11/4-inch and larger |
4 | 10c |
| Lead pipe | Continuous | 4 |
| PB pipe or tubing | 22/3(32 inches) | 4 |
| PE-RT 1 inch and smaller | 22/3 (32 inches) | 10c |
| PE-RT 11/4 inches and larger | 4 | 10c |
| PEX tubing | 22/3(32 inches) | 10c |
| Polypropylene (PP) pipe or tubing, 1 inch and smaller |
22/3 (32 inches) | 10c |
| Polypropylene (PP) pipe or tubing, 11/4 inches and larger |
4 | 10c |
| PVC pipe | 4 | 10c |
| Steel tubing | 8 | 10 |
| Steel pipe | 12 | 15 |
- See Section 301.18.
- The maximum horizontal spacing of cast-iron pipe hangers shall be increased to 10 feet where 10-foot lengths of pipe are installed.
- Mid-story guide.
In concealed
locations where piping, other than cast-iron or steel, is
installed through holes or notches in studs, joists, rafters or
similar members less than 11/2 inches (38 mm) from the nearest
edge of the member, the pipe shall be protected by shield
plates. Protective steel shield plates having a minimum thickness
of 0.0575 inch (1.463 mm) (No. 16 gage) shall cover the
area of the pipe where the member is notched or bored, and
shall extend not less than 2 inches (51 mm) above sole plates
and below top plates.
Appliances, controls devices, heat exchangers and HVAC system components that utilize energy shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement without disabling the function of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or removing permanent construction, other appliances, venting systems or any other piping or ducts not connected to the appliance being inspected, serviced, repaired or replaced. A level working space not less than 30 inches deep and 30 inches wide (762 mm by 762 mm) shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance.
Central furnaces within compartments
or alcoves shall have a minimum working space
clearance of 3 inches (76 mm) along the sides, back and
top with a total width of the enclosing space being not less
than 12 inches (305 mm) wider than the furnace. Furnaces
having a firebox open to the atmosphere shall have not
less than 6 inches (152 mm) working space along the front
combustion chamber side. Combustion air openings at the
rear or side of the compartment shall comply with the
requirements of Chapter 7.
Exception: This section shall not apply to replacement
appliances installed in existing compartments and
alcoves where the working space clearances are in accordance with the equipment or appliance manufacturer's
installation instructions.
Rooms containing appliances
shall be provided with a door and an unobstructed passageway
measuring not less than 36 inches (914 mm) wide and 80
inches (2032 mm) high.
Exception: Within a dwelling unit, appliances installed in
a compartment, alcove, basement or similar space shall be
accessed by an opening or door and an unobstructed passageway
measuring not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide
and large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance
in the space, provided that a level service space of not less
than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and the height of the appliance,
but not less than 30 inches (762 mm), is present at
the front or service side of the appliance with the door
open.
Attics containing appliances
shall be provided with an opening and unobstructed passageway
large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance.
The passageway shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm)
high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide and not more than 20 feet
(6096 mm) in length measured along the centerline of the
passageway from the opening to the appliance. The passageway
shall have continuous solid flooring not less than 24
inches (610 mm) wide. A level service space not less than 30
inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be
present at the front or service side of the appliance. The clear
access opening dimensions shall be not less than 20 inches by
30 inches (508 mm by 762 mm), and large enough to allow
removal of the largest appliance.
Exceptions:
- The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance is capable of being serviced and removed through the required opening.
- Where the passageway is unobstructed and not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide for its entire length, the passageway shall be not greater than 50 feet (15 250 mm) in length.
Underfloor spaces containing
appliances shall be provided with an access opening and
unobstructed passageway large enough to remove the largest
appliance. The passageway shall be not less than 30 inches
(762 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide, nor more than
20 feet (6096 mm) in length measured along the centerline of
the passageway from the opening to the appliance. A level
service space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30
inches (762 mm) wide shall be present at the front or service
side of the appliance. If the depth of the passageway or the
service space exceeds 12 inches (305 mm) below the adjoining
grade, the walls of the passageway shall be lined with
concrete or masonry. Such concrete or masonry shall extend
not less than 4 inches (102 mm) above the adjoining grade
and shall have sufficient lateral-bearing capacity to resist collapse. The clear access opening dimensions shall be not less
than 22 inches by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm), and large
enough to allow removal of the largest appliance.
Exceptions:
- The passageway is not required where the level service space is present when the access is open and the appliance is capable of being serviced and removed through the required opening.
- Where the passageway is unobstructed and not less than 6 feet high (1929 mm) and 22 inches (559 mm) wide for its entire length, the passageway shall not be limited in length.
Where equipment or appliances requiring access are located on an elevated structure or the roof of a building so that personnel will have to climb higher than 16 feet above grade to access this equipment or appliances, an interior or exterior means of access shall be provided. Such access shall not require climbing over obstructions greater than 30 inches high or walking on roofs having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope). Such access shall not require the use of portable ladders. Where access involves climbing over parapet walls, the height shall be measured to the top of the parapet wall.
Permanent ladders installed to provide the required access shall comply with all of the following minimum design criteria:
Exception 1: An approved, permanent building-mounted ladder receiver which prevents the ladder from sliding sideways off the building or slipping backward and meets the ladder safety standard of OSHA regulations (Standard - 29 CFR) Ladders - 1926.1053 (b)(1) may be installed on buildings under 20 feet in height above grade to access such equipment or appliances.
R 408.30927a
Permanent ladders installed to provide the required access shall comply with all of the following minimum design criteria:
- The side railing shall extend above the parapet or roof edge not less than 30 inches.
- Ladders shall have rung spacing not to exceed 14 inches on center. The uppermost rung shall be a maximum of 24 inches below the upper edge of the roof hatch, roof, or parapet, as applicable.
- Ladders shall have a toe spacing not less than 6 inches deep.
- There shall be a minimum of 18 inches between rails.
- Rungs shall have a minimum 0.75-inch diameter and be capable of withstanding a 300-pound load.
- Ladders over 30 feet in height shall be provided with offset sections and landings capable of withstanding 100 pounds per square foot. Landing dimensions shall be not less than 18 inches and not less than the width of the ladder served. A guard rail shall be provided on all open sides of the landing.
- Climbing clearance. The distance from the center line of the rungs to the nearest permanent object on the climbing side of the ladder shall be a minimum of 30 inches measured perpendicular to the rungs. This distance shall be maintained from the point of ladder access to the bottom of the roof hatch. A minimum clear width of 15 inches shall be provided on both sides of the ladder measured from the midpoint of and parallel with the rungs, except where cages or wells are installed.
- Landing required. A ladder shall be provided with a clear and unobstructed bottom landing area having a minimum dimension of 30 inches by 30 inches centered in front of the ladder.
- Ladders shall be protected against corrosion by approved means
- Access to ladders shall be provided at all times.
Exception 1: An approved, permanent building-mounted ladder receiver which prevents the ladder from sliding sideways off the building or slipping backward and meets the ladder safety standard of OSHA regulations (Standard - 29 CFR) Ladders - 1926.1053 (b)(1) may be installed on buildings under 20 feet in height above grade to access such equipment or appliances.
Exception 2: This section shall not apply to group R-3 occupancies.
R 408.30927a
Where appliances are installed on a
roof having a slope of 3 units vertical in 12 units horizontal
or greater and having an edge more than 30 inches
above grade at such edge, a level platform shall be provided
on each side of the appliance to which the access is
required for service, repair, or maintenance. The platform
shall not be less than 30 inches in any dimension and shall
be provided with guards. The guards shall extend not less
than 42 inches above the platform, shall be constructed so
as to prevent the passage of a 21-inch-diameter sphere,
and shall comply with the loading requirements for guards
specified in the Michigan building code. Access to appliances
shall not require climbing over obstructions greater
than 30 inches high or walking on roofs having a slope
greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal. Permanent
ladders, or equivalent, shall be provided on both sides
requiring access in accordance with the ladder requirements
of Section 306.5.
R 408.30927a
Exception: This section shall not apply to group R-3
occupancies.
R 408.30927a
Liquid combustion by-products
of condensing appliances shall be collected and discharged
to an approved plumbing fixture or disposal area in
accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Condensate piping shall be of approved corrosion-resistant
material and shall not be smaller than the drain connection on the appliance. Such piping shall maintain a minimum horizontal
slope in the direction of discharge of not less than oneeighth
unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (1-percent slope).
Condensate drain systems
shall be provided for equipment and appliances containing
evaporators or cooling coils. Condensate drain systems
shall be designed, constructed and installed in accordance
with Sections 307.2.1 through 307.2.5.
Exception: Evaporators and cooling coils that are
designed to operate in sensible cooling only and not support
condensation shall not be required to meet the
requirements of this section.
Condensate from all cooling coils and evaporators shall be conveyed from the drain pan outlet to an approved place of disposal. Such piping shall maintain a minimum horizontal slope in the direction of discharge of not less than one-eighth unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (1-percent slope). Condensate shall not discharge into a street, alley or other areas so as to cause a nuisance.
In addition to the requirements of Section 307.2.1, where damage to any building components could occur as a result of overflow from the equipment primary condensate removal system, one of the following auxiliary protection methods shall be provided for each cooling coil or fuel-fired appliance that produces condensate:
- An auxiliary drain pan with a separate drain shall be provided under the coils on which condensation will occur. The auxiliary pan drain shall discharge to a conspicuous point of disposal to alert occupants in the event of a stoppage of the primary drain. The pan shall have a minimum depth of 11/2 inches (38 mm), shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) larger than the unit, or the coil dimensions in width and length and shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant material. Galvanized sheet steel pans shall have a minimum thickness of not less than 0.0236 inch (0.6010 mm) (No. 24 gage). Nonmetallic pans shall have a minimum thickness of not less than 0.0625 inch (1.6 mm).
- A separate overflow drain line shall be connected to the drain pan provided with the equipment. Such overflow drain shall discharge to a conspicuous point of disposal to alert occupants in the event of a stoppage of the primary drain. The overflow drain line shall connect to the drain pan at a higher level than the primary drain connection.
- An auxiliary drain pan without a separate drain line shall be provided under the coils on which condensate will occur. Such pan shall be equipped with a water-level detection device conforming to UL 508 that will shut off the equipment served prior to overflow of the pan. The auxiliary drain pan shall be constructed in accordance with Item 1 of this section.
- A water-level detection device conforming to UL 508 shall be provided that will shut off the equipment served in the event that the primary drain is blocked. The device shall be installed in the primary drain line, the overflow drain line, or in the equipment-supplied drain pan, located at a point higher than the primary drain line connection and below the overflow rim of such pan.
Exception: Fuel-fired appliances that automatically shut down operation in the event of a stoppage in the condensate drainage system.
On downflow
units and all other coils that do not have a secondary
drain or provisions to install a secondary or
auxiliary drain pan, a water-level monitoring device
shall be installed inside the primary drain pan. This
device shall shut off the equipment served in the event
that the primary drain becomes restricted. Devices
installed in the drain line shall not be permitted.
Where appliances, equipment or insulation are
subject to water damage when auxiliary drain pans fill,
that portion of the appliance, equipment and insulation
shall be installed above the rim of the pan. Supports
located inside of the pan to support the appliance or
equipment shall be water resistant and approved.
Components of the condensate disposal system shall be cast iron, galvanized steel, copper, cross-linked polyethylene, polyethylene, ABS, CPVC, PVC, or polypropylene pipe or tubing. Components shall be selected for the pressure and temperature rating of the installation. Joints and connections shall be made in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 7 of the International Plumbing Code relative to the material type. Condensate waste and drain line size shall be not less than 3/4-inch (19.1 mm) internal diameter and shall not decrease in size from the drain pan connection to the place of condensate disposal. Where the drain pipes from more than one unit are manifolded together for condensate drainage, the pipe or tubing shall be sized in accordance with Table 307.2.2.
1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 ton = 3.517 kW.
| EQUIPMENT CAPACITY | MINIMUM CONDENSATE PIPE DIAMETER |
|---|---|
| Up to 20 tons of refrigeration | 3/4 inch |
| Over 20 tons to 40 tons of refrigeration | 1 inch |
| Over 40 tons to 90 tons of refrigeration | 11/4 inches |
| Over 90 tons to 125 tons of refrigeration | 1 1/2 inches |
| Over 125 tons to 250 tons of refrigeration | 2 inches |
1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 ton = 3.517 kW.
Ductless
mini-split equipment that produces condensate shall be
provided with an inline check valve located in the drain
line, or a trap.
Condensate drain lines
shall be configured to permit the clearing of blockages and
performance of maintenance without requiring the drain
line to be cut.
Condensate pumps located in
uninhabitable spaces, such as attics and crawl spaces, shall be
connected to the appliance or equipment served such that
when the pump fails, the appliance or equipment will be prevented
from operating. Pumps shall be installed in accordance
with the manufacturers' instructions.
This section shall govern the reduction in
required clearances to combustible materials and combustible
assemblies for chimneys, vents, kitchen exhaust equipment,
mechanical appliances, and mechanical devices and
equipment.
The reduction of
the required clearances to combustibles for listed and labeled
appliances and equipment shall be in accordance with the
requirements of this section except that such clearances shall
not be reduced where reduction is specifically prohibited by
the terms of the appliance or equipment listing.
Reduced clearance protective assemblies, including structural
and support elements, shall be constructed of noncombustible
materials. Spacers utilized to maintain an airspace
between the protective assembly and the protected material or
assembly shall be noncombustible. Where a space between
the protective assembly and protected combustible material
or assembly is specified, the same space shall be provided
around the edges of the protective assembly and the spacers
shall be placed so as to allow air circulation by convection in
such space. Protective assemblies shall not be placed less
than 1 inch (25 mm) from the mechanical appliances, devices
or equipment, regardless of the allowable reduced clearance.
The reduction of required clearances
to combustible assemblies or combustible materials
shall be based on the utilization of a reduced clearance protective
assembly in accordance with Section 308.4.1 or
308.4.2.
The allowable clearance
reduction shall be based on an approved reduced clearance
protective assembly that is listed and labeled in accordance
with UL 1618.
The allowable clearance reduction shall be based on one of the methods specified in Table 308.4.2. Where required clearances are not listed in Table 308.4.2, the reduced clearances shall be determined by linear interpolation between the distances listed in the table. Reduced clearances shall not be derived by extrapolation below the range of the table.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, °C = [(°F)-32]/1.8, 1 pound per cubic foot = 16.02 kg/m3, 1.0 Btu • in/(ft2 • h • °F) = 0.144 W/m2 • K.
| TYPE OF PROTECTIVE ASSEMBLYa | REDUCED CLEARANCE WITH PROTECTION (inches)a | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horizontal combustible assemblies located above the heat source |
Horizontal combustible assemblies located beneath the heat source and all vertical combustible assemblies |
|||||||
| Required clearance to combustibles without protection (inches)a |
Required clearance to combustibles without protection (inches) |
|||||||
| 36 | 18 | 9 | 6 | 36 | 18 | 9 | 6 | |
| Galvanized sheet steel, having a minimum thickness of 0.0236 inch (No. 24 gage), mounted on 1-inch glass fiber or mineral wool batt reinforced with wire on the back, 1 inch off the combustible assembly |
18 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Galvanized sheet steel, having a minimum thickness of 0.0236 inch (No. 24 gage), spaced 1 inch off the combustible assembly |
18 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Two layers of galvanized sheet steel, having a minimum thickness of 0.0236 inch (No. 24 gage), having a 1-inch airspace between layers, spaced 1 inch off the combustible assembly |
18 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Two layers of galvanized sheet steel, having a minimum thickness of 0.0236 inch (No. 24 gage), having 1 inch of fiberglass insulation between layers, spaced 1 inch off the combustible assembly |
18 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| 0.5-inch inorganic insulating board, over 1 inch of fiberglass or mineral wool batt, against the combustible assembly |
24 | 12 | 6 | 4 | 18 | 9 | 5 | 3 |
| 3 1/2-inch brick wall, spaced 1 inch off the combustible wall | - | - | - | - | 12 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 3 1/2-inch brick wall, against the combustible wall | - | - | - | - | 24 | 12 | 6 | 5 |
- Mineral wool and glass fiber batts (blanket or board) shall have a minimum density of 8 pounds per cubic foot and a minimum melting point of 1,500°F. Insulation material utilized as part of a clearance reduction system shall have a thermal conductivity of 1.0 Btu• in/(ft2 • h • °F) or less. Insulation board shall be formed of noncombustible material.
- For limitations on clearance reduction for solid fuel-burning appliances, masonry chimneys, connector pass-throughs, masonry fire places and kitchen ducts, see Sections 308.4.2.1 through 308.4.2.5.
The clearance
reduction methods specified in Table 308.4.2 shall
not be utilized to reduce the clearance required for
solid fuel-burning appliances that are labeled for installation with clearances of 12 inches (305 mm) or less.
Where appliances are labeled for installation with
clearances of greater than 12 inches (305 mm), the
clearance reduction methods of Table 308.4.2 shall not
reduce the clearance to less than 12 inches (305 mm).
The clearance reduction
methods specified in Table 308.4.2 shall not be utilized
to reduce the clearances required for masonry
chimneys as specified in Chapter 8 and the International
Building Code.
The
clearance reduction methods specified in Table 308.4.2
shall not be utilized to reduce the clearances required
for chimney connector pass-throughs as specified in
Section 803.10.4.
The clearance reduction
methods specified in Table 308.4.2 shall not be utilized
to reduce the clearances required for masonry
fireplaces as specified in Chapter 8 and the International
Building Code.
The clearance
reduction methods specified in Table 308.4.2 shall not
be utilized to reduce the minimum clearances required
by Section 506.3.11.1 for kitchen exhaust ducts
enclosed in a shaft.
Interior
spaces intended for human occupancy shall be provided with
heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum room
temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit at a point 3 feet above
the floor and 2 feet from exterior walls at the design temperature.
The installation of portable space heaters shall not be
used to achieve compliance with this section.
Exceptions:
R 408.30923a- Interior spaces where the primary purpose is not associated with human comfort.
- Group F, H, S, and U occupancies.
Structures occupied for purposes
involving explosion hazards shall be provided with explosion
control where required by the International Fire Code.
Explosion control systems shall be designed and installed
in accordance with Section 911 of the International Fire
Code.
Heating and cooling system design
loads for the purpose of sizing systems, appliances and equipment
shall be determined in accordance with the procedures
described in the ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 183. Alternatively,
design loads shall be determined by an approved
equivalent computation procedure, using the design parameters
specified in Chapter 3 [CE] of the International Energy
Conservation Code.
