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Code Check Plumbing & Mechanical: 2015 IRC, UPC, UMC Guide
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back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 1 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Code 3Check Plumbing & Mechanical Fifth Edition ® By DOUGLAS HANSEN, SKIP WALKER & REDWOOD KARDON Illustrations & Layout by Paddy Morrissey For more information on the building, electrical, and mechanical codes, valuable resources, and why Benjamin Franklin is featured in the Code Check series, visit www.codecheck.com. C ode Check Plumbing & Mechanical 5th edition is a guide to important code requirements and common code violations in the plumbing and Mechanical systems of 1- & 2-family dwellings & townhouses. The main codes referenced in this book are the plumbing and mechanical provisions of the 2015 International Residential Code® for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (IRC), the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and the 2015 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC). These codes are the most widely used throughout the United States. Other referenced codes used in the book are listed below in Table 1 (T1). NFPA 54, the National Fuel Gas Code, is the basis for the fuel gas provisions of the IRC, UPC, and UMC. Model codes are published on a three year cycle. Codes are adopted at different times in different places around the country. Some states make extensive modifications to the model codes. Significant code changes are highlighted in the text and summarized on the inside back cover. Minor changes and those that only affected numbering (not substance) are not highlighted. To determine the codes in your area, contact your local building department and the ICC at codes.iccsafe.org. For most topics, these different codes will agree. The codes also references standards, many of which are maintained by the organizations in Table 2 (T2). The 2015 cycle of codes remain in effect in most jurisdictions for 3 to 6 years after the cover date. Energy codes vary greatly between areas, and may modify or overrule the code requirements shown in this book. TABLE 1 Organization CODES & STANDARDS USED IN THIS BOOK Edition Code ASHRAE 2016 ASHRAE 62.2 Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings ICC 2015 International Residential Code ICC 2015 ISPDC - International Private Sewage Disposal Code IAPMO 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code IAPMO 2015 Uniform Mechanical Code NFPA 2016 NFPA 31 Standard for Installation of Oil-burning Equipment NFPA 2016 NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances NFPA 2015 NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 2017 NFPA 58 Liquified Petroleum Gas Code NFPA 2017 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code Special thanks to Bill Tott, Jeff Hutcher, & John LaTorra INTRO u CODES & STANDARDS 1 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 2 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE 2 The actual number in the IRC also includes a letter. Issues pertaining to building start with an R, energy an N, Mechanical an M, fuel gas a G, plumbing a P, and elecrical an E. The letters were omitted here to save space. The full IRC section name for the above line would be P3101.2.1. ORGANIZATIONS Acronym Name ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration Engineers ACCA Air Conditioning Contractors of America References to figures and tables are preceded by an F or a T. The following example is from p.13 on the subject of fittings and changes of direction: ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers n Changes in direction req appropriate fittings F11–14,T10____3005.1 ASSE American Society of Sanitary Engineering ASTM ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing & Materials) CSA Canadian Standards Association Changes of directions must use appropriate fittings, as illustrated in Figures 11 through 14 and also in Table 10. A change from the previous code edition is shown by a code citation in a different color. The superscript endnote after the code citation refers to the table on pages 121–123, where more information about the change is found. The following example is from p.53 on the subject of general mechanical requirements: ICC International Code Council IAPMO International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials NFPA National Fire Protection Association NSF National Sanitation Foundation SMACNA Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association UL Underwriters Laboratories KEY TO USING CODE CHECK Code Check Plumbing & Mechanical condenses large amounts of code information by using “shorthand” conventions that are explained here. Each text line begins with a checkbox and ends with the code citations. The first code citation is typically from the IRC, and the second from the UPC or UMC. The following example is taken from p.23 under the topic of plumbing vents: n All fixture traps req venting__________________________3101.2.1 706.1 n Plastic pans not OK under gas water heaters__________ 2801.628 n/a Gas-fired water heater catch pans cannot be plastic and that this IRC code change is #28 in T50 on p.121. The “n/a” in the right column means that the UPC does not have this rule. A line ending in EXC means that an exception to the rule is contained in the line that follows. The following example is from p.74 on the subject of electrical requirements for central heating: n No other equipment on central heating circuit EXC______ 3703.1 • Associated pumps, humidifiers, air cleaners & AC______ 3703.1 422.12 422.12X Central heating equipment requires its own circuit with no other equipment on that circuit. An exception is made for associated pumps, humidifiers, air cleaners, and AC equipment. The “X” at the end of the citation in the right column refers to an exception in the code, i.e., the full citation is section “422.12 Exception”. 901.2 All fixture traps require venting, and the rule is found in section 3101.2.1 of the IRC and section 901.2 of the UPC. ORGANIZATIONS u KEY TO USING CODE CHECK 2 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 3 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited ABBREVIATIONS AAV = air admittance valve ABS = acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene drain (black plastic pipe) ACH = air changes per hour AHJ = Authority Having Jurisdiction AMI = in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions AMM = Alternate Materials, Design, and Methods BO = building official Btu = British thermal unit CI = cast Iron cfm = cubic feet per minute CO = cleanout Cu = copper CPVC = chlorinated polyvynyl chloride pipe CSST = corrugated stainless steel tubing for gas CW = clothes washer CW&V = combination waste & vent DFU = drainage fixture unit DW = dishwasher DWV = drain, waste & vent e.g. = for example (exempli gratia) ex: = example EXC = exception to rule will follow in the next line exc = exception F FAU FLR ft. FVIR gal. GPF = = = = = = = fahrenheit forced-air unit (central heater) flood level rim feet Flamable-Vapor Ignition-Resistant gallon(s) gallons per flush gpm = gallons per minute HP = heat pump hp = horse power hr. = hour Sin. = inches k = 1,000 (1 kBtu = 1,000 Btu) KS = kitchen sink lav = lavatory sink (such as for hand washing) L&L = listed and labeled LP = liquefied petroleum (LP gas) LT = laundry tray max = maximum MFR = manufacturer, manufacturer’s min = minimum MP = medium pressure n/a PE = = PEX PL PRV psi psig PVC req = = = = = = = crossed-link polyethylene tubing property line pressure relief valve pounds per square inch pounds per square inch gage polyvinyl chloride pipe require(s) req’d = required SDC = Seismic Design Category SMACNA = Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association sq. = square, as in sq. ft. TPRV = temperature & pressure relief valve w/ = with w/o = without WC = water closet (toilet) WH = water heater WSFU = water supply fixture unit Zi = zinc, galvanized not applicable polyethylene tubing ABBREVIATIONS 3 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 4 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL RULES FOR ALL PIPING__________________ 7-8 Size_____________________________________________ 26 GAS PIPING_____________________________________ 41-43 Materials & General Rules ___________________________ 7 Vertical Wet Venting_______________________________ 27 General__________________________________________ 41 Pipe Support______________________________________ 7 Common Vent____________________________________ 27 Metallic Pipe Joints & Fittings________________________ 41 Pipe Protection in Framing___________________________ 8 Horizontal Wet Venting_____________________________ 28 Materials_________________________________________ 41 TRENCHES & PIPE PROTECTION____________________ 8-9 SPECIAL VENTING SYSTEMS________________________ 29 Underground_____________________________________ 41 Piping in Concrete or Masonry_______________________ 8 Island Sinks______________________________________ 29 Gas Piping in or below Slab_________________________ 42 Piping in Common Trench___________________________ 9 Combination Waste & Vent (CW&V)__________________ 29 Protection & Installation____________________________ 43 Trenching & Backfilling______________________________ 9 VENT TERMINATION________________________________ 30 Piping Support____________________________________ 43 DRAINAGE_______________________________________ 10-14 Vent Termination__________________________________ 30 Valves, Shutoffs & Appliance Connections_____________ 43 General__________________________________________ 10 Snow or Frost Closure (Design Temperature <0˚F)______ 30 Electrical_________________________________________ 43 Building Drain & Sewer_____________________________ 11 AIR ADMITTANCE VALVES___________________________ 31 Drips & Sediment Traps____________________________ 43 Drain Pipe Size ________________________________ 11-12 Air Admittance Valves______________________________ 31 CORRUGATED STAINLESS-STEEL TUBING (CSST)____ 44 Fittings & Changes of Direction___________________ 13-14 WATER SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION____________________ 32 CSST: Typical Manufacturer Recommendations________ 44 CLEANOUTS________________________________________ 15 General__________________________________________ 32 Electrical Bonding_________________________________ 44 IRC Cleanout Requirements________________________ 15 Materials_________________________________________ 32 Medium Pressure (MP) Regulators___________________ 44 UPC Cleanout Requirements_____________________ 15-16 CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL__________________ 33-34 PIPE SIZE_______________________________________ 45-47 WASTE STACK VENTS_______________________________ 17 Protection of Potable Water_________________________ 33 Pipe Size_____________________________________ 45-47 IRC Waste Stack Vents____________________________ 17 Outdoors & Irrigation Systems_______________________ 34 PROPANE (LP GAS)______________________________ 47-48 FIXTURES BELOW MANHOLE COVER OR SEWER_ 18-19 JOINTS & VALVES___________________________________ 35 Tank Valves & Regulators___________________________ 47 Backwater Valves_________________________________ 18 Joints & Connections______________________________ 35 Horizontal ASME Tanks____________________________ 48 Fixtures below Sewer______________________________ 19 Prohibited Joints__________________________________ 35 Piping & Tubing Systems___________________________ 48 WATER HEATERS________________________________ 49-53 General__________________________________________ 49 Special Locations_________________________________ 50 Access & Working Space___________________________ 50 Tankless (On Demand) Water Heaters________________ 51 Temperature & Pressure Relief Valves (TPRVs)_________ 52 TPRV Drain Piping________________________________ 52 Required Pans & Drain_____________________________ 53 ON-SITE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS_______________________ 20 Required Valves___________________________________ 35 Septic Tanks_____________________________________ 20 PRESSURE REGULATORS___________________________ 36 TRAPS & TAILPIECES_____________________________ 21-23 General__________________________________________ 36 Traps____________________________________________ 21 WATER SUPPLY SIZING__________________________ 37-39 Fixture Tailpieces_______________________________ 21-22 Water Service Size________________________________ 37 Trap Arms (Fixture Drains)_______________________ 23-24 PEX Tubing______________________________________ 38 VENTS___________________________________________ 25-28 Sizing PEX Tubing & Manifolds______________________ 38 General__________________________________________ 25 Trunk & Branch Sizing Methods___________________ 39-40 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 5 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE OF CONTENTS BOILERS & HYDRONICS_________________________ 53-55 Steam & Hot-Water Boilers_________________________ 53 Dual-Purpose Water Heaters________________________ 53 Exposed Piping___________________________________ 54 Hydronic Piping: General___________________________ 54 Embedded Piping (Radiant Heating)_______________ 54-55 FIXTURES_______________________________________ 56-57 General__________________________________________ 56 Kitchen Sinks & Fixtures_________________________ 56-57 KITCHEN APPLIANCES______________________________ 58 Freestanding Ranges______________________________ 58 Built-in Ranges___________________________________ 58 Hood for Open-Top Broilers_________________________ 58 Range Hoods_____________________________________ 58 BATHROOMS____________________________________ 59-60 Toilets & Bidets___________________________________ 59 Tubs & Whirlpools_________________________________ 59 Showers_________________________________________ 60 Shower Pan & Liner_______________________________ 60 LAUNDRY________________________________________ 61-62 Clothes Washers & Laundry Sinks (Trays)_____________ 61 IRC Electric or UMC Electric or Gas Dryers___________ 61 IRC Gas Clothes Dryer Exhaust_____________________ 62 CLOTHES DRYER ELECTRICAL_______________________ 62 Electric Clothes Dryers_____________________________ 62 OIL TANKS & PIPING_____________________________ 63-64 Tanks: General____________________________________ 63 Outside Tanks____________________________________ 63 Inside Tanks______________________________________ 63 Abandoned Tanks_________________________________ 63 Fill & Vent Piping__________________________________ 64 Piping & Tubing to Appliances_______________________ 64 OIL-FIRED APPLIANCES__________________________ 65-66 General__________________________________________ 65 Oil-Fired Room Heaters____________________________ 65 Oil-Fired Floor Furnaces____________________________ 65 Oil-Fired Recessed Wall Furnaces___________________ 66 COMBUSTION AIR FOR OIL-FIRED APPLIANCES_____ 66 Oil-Fired Appliance Combustion Air: General__________ 66 Indoor Air Source_________________________________ 66 Outside Air Source________________________________ 66 OIL-FIRED APPLIANCE CHIMNEYS & VENTS_________ 67 General__________________________________________ 67 Chimneys & Type L Vents___________________________ 67 Chimney Connectors______________________________ 67 VENTILATION & EXHAUST SYSTEMS______________ 68-70 Whole Building Ventilation__________________________ 68 Local Exhaust_____________________________________ 68 Additional Air Quality Requirements__________________ 69 Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs)____________________ 69 Bathroom Exhaust & Ventilation______________________ 70 Ceiling-Suspended Paddle Fans_____________________ 70 GENERAL MECHANICAL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS__ 71 Permits & Interpretations___________________________ 71 Listing & Labeling_________________________________ 71 Appliance Maintenance____________________________ 71 Minimum Heating Requirements_____________________ 71 APPLIANCE LOCATION, ACCESS & ANCHORAGE___ 71-72 Flood Elevation___________________________________ 71 Appliance Access_________________________________ 72 Appliance Anchorage______________________________ 72 ELECTRIC HEAT_____________________________________ 72 General__________________________________________ 72 Central Electric Heat_______________________________ 72 Baseboard Heaters________________________________ 72 TABLE OF CONTENTS Electric Radiant Heat Systems______________________ 73 Electric Duct Heaters______________________________ 73 Embedded Heating Cables in Concrete or Slurry Floors___________________________________ 73 FORCED-AIR FURNACES_________________________ 74-75 Location & Clearances_____________________________ 74 Electrical Requirements____________________________ 74 Appliances under Floors____________________________ 74 Garage__________________________________________ 75 Equipment on Roofs_______________________________ 75 Appliances in Attics_______________________________ 75 AIR-CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMPS______________ 76-77 Heat Pumps (HPs) & Air-Conditioning (AC) ___________ 76 Window & Through-Wall AC Units___________________ 77 EVAPORATIVE (SWAMP) COOLERS__________________ 78 Evaporative Coolers_______________________________ 78 CONDENSATE DISPOSAL________________________ 79-82 Drain Piping______________________________________ 79 Primary Condensate Lines__________________________ 79 Secondary Containment____________________________ 80 Condensate Pumps_______________________________ 80 High-Efficiency Appliances (Category IV)______________ 81 DUCTS___________________________________________ 82-83 General__________________________________________ 82 Duct Installation___________________________________ 82 SMACNA Standards______________________________ 83 Return Air________________________________________ 84 Insulation in Unconditioned Space___________________ 84 GAS APPLIANCE COMBUSTION AIR (C.A.)_________ 85-87 General__________________________________________ 85 Mechanically Supplied Combustion Air_______________ 85 Openings _______________________________________ 85 Ducts___________________________________________ 85 5 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 6 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE OF CONTENTS GAS APPLIANCE COMBUSTION AIR (C.A.) (cont.)___ 85-87 Single-Opening Method____________________________ 85 Two-Opening Method______________________________ 86 Attic & Crawlspace Sources________________________ 86 Indoor Air Source_________________________________ 87 GAS APPLIANCE VENTS__________________________ 88-89 General _________________________________________ 88 Single-Wall Vents_________________________________ 89 Chimneys________________________________________ 89 VENT CONNECTORS________________________________ 90 General__________________________________________ 90 Single-Wall Connectors for Category I Appliances______ 90 Type B Double-Wall Vent Connectors_________________ 90 VENT SIZES_____________________________________ 91-94 Vent Size (Appliances w/ Draft Hoods)________________ 91 Vent Size Using GAMA Vent Tables__________________ 91 Examples of GAMA Vent Tables_____________________ 92 Multiple Appliances Vented in Common_______________ 93 Examples of GAMA Vent Tables for Common Venting___ 94 GAS VENT TERMINATIONS_______________________ 95-98 General ______________________________________ 95-96 Condensing Appliance Forced Vents (Cat. IV)_______ 97-98 GAS FLOOR FURNACES_____________________________ 99 Underfloor Area___________________________________ 99 Excavation Clearances _____________________________ 99 Upper Floor Installations____________________________ 99 Above Floor______________________________________ 99 GAS WALL FURNACES_________________________ 100-101 Furnace Installation_______________________________ 100 Clearances______________________________________ 100 Vent Installation__________________________________ 101 ROOM HEATERS___________________________________ 102 Vented Room Heaters_____________________________ 102 Unvented Room Heaters__________________________ 102 DIRECT-VENT HEATING APPLIANCES___________ 102-103 Direct-Vent Gas Wall Heaters______________________ 102 Direct-Vent Termination____________________________ 102 Direct-Vent Gas Fireplaces________________________ 103 GAS APPLIANCES IN FIREPLACES______________ 103-104 Decorative Appliances (Log Sets) in Fireplaces_______ 103 Vented Decorative Gas Fireplaces__________________104 Vented Gas Fireplace Heaters______________________104 Log Lighters_____________________________________104 FREESTANDING FIREPLACE STOVES (SOLID FUEL)______________________________ 105-107 Fireplace Stoves & Solid-Fuel Room Heaters_________ 105 Connectors_____________________________________ 105 Connection to Masonry Fireplace (Stoves & Fireplace Inserts)____________________106-107 CLEARANCE REDUCTION SYSTEMS________________ 107 Clearance Reduction Systems______________________ 107 FIREPLACES & CHIMNEYS_____________________ 108-111 Fireplace & Chimney Construction__________________108 SDC D­­0, D­­1 & D­­2 Reinforcement___________________108 Flues___________________________________________109 Masonry Fireplaces_______________________________ 110 Factory-Built Fireplaces & Chimneys_________________ 111 Exterior Air Supply (Masonry or Factory-Built)_________ 111 RECOMMENDED INSPECTIONS OF EXISTING CHIMNEYS__________________________ 111 TABLE OF CONTENTS INSPECTIONS_____________________________________ 112 General_________________________________________ 112 Water Supply____________________________________ 112 DWV Systems___________________________________ 112 Hydronics_______________________________________ 112 Fuel Gas________________________________________ 112 STRUCTURAL______________________________________ 113 Plumbing Pipe Protection in Framing________________ 113 Mechanical Pipe & Duct Production in Framing________ 113 Fireblocking_____________________________________ 113 Notches in Joists & Rafters_________________________ 113 Stud Notching & Boring___________________________ 114 GLOSSARY____________________________________ 115-120 SIGNIFICANT CODE CHANGES_________________ 212-122 ORIGIN OF THE FRANKLIN STOVE__________________ 123 CODE CHECK: “YOUR KEY TO THE CODES.” For updates & corrections to this book as well as additional tables & information on the Plumbing & Mechanical Codes, a listing all of the Code Check books, seminar training, online resources & help with the Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical codes, visit: www.codecheck.com 6 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 7 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited GENERAL RULES FOR ALL PIPING Materials & General Rules TABLE 4 15 IRC 15 UPC n Materials must be 3rd party tested or certified__________ 2609.4 301.2 n Piping & fittings marked by MFR exc field-cut nipples____ 2609.1 301.2.1 n ABS/PVC piping no UV exposure w/o protection__________ MFR 312.13&141 n Systems designed to prevent contamination in flood zones__ 2601.3 301.4 Pipe Support n Hangers must prevent stress, maintain alignment & allow for expansion (no wires or metal straps contacting plastic pipe) F1_____ 2605.1 313.2&4 n Isolate dissimilar materials, ex: Zi hangers from Cu pipe___ 2605.1 313.2 n Max support intervals for water & DWV piping T3,4______ 2605.1 313.3 n Min hanger rod size 3⁄ 8 in.________________________________ n/a 313.6 TABLE 3 UPC PIPE SUPPORT HANGER SPACING u T313.3 Pipe Material Horizontal Vertical ABS/PVC DWV 4 ft.A Base & each floorB Threaded steel 10 ft. if ≤¾ in. diameter, 12 ft. if ≥1 in. Every other floor, max 25 ft. Cast-iron hubless Every other joint. If joints > 4 ft. apart, support each jointA, C Base & each floor, max15 ft. Cu water tubing 6 ft. if ≤1½ in. diameter, 10 ft. if ≥2 in. Each floor, max 10 ft. CPVC 3 ft. for ≤1 in. diameter, 4 ft. if ≥1¼ in. Base & each floorB PEX 32 in. if ≤1in. diameter, 4 ft. if ≥1¼ in. Base & each floorB PEX-AL-PEX 98 in.D Base & each floorB IRC PIPE SUPPORT HANGER SPACING u T2605.1 Pipe Material Horizontal Vertical ABS/PVC DWV 4 ft. 10 ft.A Threaded steel 12 ft. 15 ft. Cast-iron hubless 5 ft. (10 ft. OK for 10-ft. lengths of pipe) 15 ft. Cu water tubing 6 ft. if ≤1¼ in. diameter, 10 ft. if ≥1½ in. 10 ft. CPVC 3 ft. for ≤1 in. diameter, 4 ft. if ≥1¼ in. 10 ft.A PEX 32 in. if ≤1in. diameter, 4 ft. if ≥1¼ in.2 10 ft.A PEX-AL-PEX 32 in. 4 ft.A A. Provide mid-story guides for pipes ≤ 2 in. diameter. FIG. 1 ABS/PVC Support & Spacing Evenly spaced holes in listed hangers aid in setting proper slope. Must prevent uplift or lateral thrust A. Support at each horizontal branch connection. B. Provide mid-story guides. C. Supports to be within 18 in. of joint. Hangers are not OK directly on couplings. D. Manufacturers may req closer support spacing. GENERAL RULES FOR ALL PIPING VIOLATION! Wire & plumber’s tape abrade plastic piping and do not resist upward thrust. 4ft. max. spacing between supports 7 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 8 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Pipe Protection in Framing 15 IRC 15 UPC n Steel-plate protection for plastic or Cu in notches or holes <11/4 in. to face of framing (UPC: ≤1 in.) F2_____ 2603.2.13 n Protection req’d to extend min 2 in. above sole plates & 2 in. below top plates______________________________2603.2.1 n Protection min 1½ in. beyond outside diameter of pipe F2____ n/a n Protective plates min 16 gauge (UPC: 18 gauge)______2603.2.1 312.9 n/a 312.9 312.9 FIG. 2 Piping & Tubing Protection Protect pipe when < 11/4 in. (UPC: ≤1 in.) from face of framing. Min. extension 11/2 in. past edge of hole UPC Piping in Concrete or Masonry 15 IRC 15 UPC n Embedded piping req’s protective wrapping____________ 2603.3 n Sleeve req’d to prevent structural load on pipes through foundation walls or under footings EXC F4_____________ 2603.4 • Not req’d for bored or drilled openings___________________ n/a n Sleeve min 2 sizes larger than pipe through foundation F4_ 2603.4 n Seal spaces between pipes & sleeves F4______________ 2606.1 312.2 312.10 312.10X n/a 312.10.2 FIG. 3 Pipes Near Footing 45˚ from vertical No pipes in this area / in. <11 4 Cu or plastic IRC ≤1 in. UPC TRENCHES & PIPE PROTECTION FIG. 4 Pipes through Foundation Wall Pipes in soil must be supported for their entire length. Smooth, self-compacting backfill such as sand or pea gravel helps to eliminate sags that could cause effluent to be trapped and lead to blockage. Pipes must be protected from sharp rocks or other debris when backfill is placed. Piping encased in concrete requires protection. GENERAL RULES FOR ALL PIPING u TRENCHES & PIPE PROTECTION Sleeve 2 pipe sizes larger than pipe through foundation Seal space between pipe & sleeve. 8 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 9 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Piping in Common Trench 15 IRC 15 UPC n Water & sewer OK in same trench if sewer material is a type approved for use inside the building F5______________ 2906.4.1 609.2 n Water & sewer pipes separated min 5 ft. if sewer materials not approved for use within the building F5 EXC_________ 2906.4.1 local • Water min 12 in. above & to side of sewer pipe F5___ 2906.4.15609.2&720.1 n Water pipe crossing sewer min 12 in. above EXC______2906.4.1609.2&720.1 • Water service sleeved 5 ft. each way from sewer pipe__ 2906.4.1 n/a FIG. 5 Clay sewer Trenching & Backfilling (cont.) 15 IRC 15 UPC n Building sewer depth per BO & utility (UPC: min 1 ft.)___2603.5.1 n Plastic drain pipe trench width = pipe O.D. + 16 in. F7_______ n/a n Water service min 12 in. below finished grade F6________ 2603.5 n Water pipe min 6in (UPC: 12 in.) below frost line________ 2603.5 n Building sewer depth per BO & utility (UPC: min 1 ft.)___2603.5.1 n Plastic drain pipe trench width = pipe O.D. + 16 in. F7_______ n/a 718.3 314.4.14 609.1 609.1 718.3 314.4.14 FIG. 6 Water & Sewer Separation Separate & Common Trenches Water pipe min 12 in. below grade PVC 40 sewer Water line Min. 5 ft. or per local ordinance Water pipe in separate trench if sewer pipe material not approved within building Trenching & Backfilling Water 12 in. above if sewer material not OK within building Same trench OK if sewer material OK within building 15 IRC 15 UPC n Pipe supported on firm bed, no contact w/sharp objects__ 2604.1 n No rocks or debris in first 12 in. of backfill over pipe______ 2604.3 n Backfill in layers & tamp in place; no backhoe or grader until 12 in. of tamped earth in place F7________________ 2604.3 n Trenches not to undermine footings (within 45°) F3______ 2604.4 n Water service min 12 in. below finished grade F6________ 2603.5 n Water pipe min 6in (UPC: 12 in.) below frost line________ 2603.5 314.4 314.4 314.4 314.1 609.1 609.1 FIG. 7 UPC: Ledge to provide 12 in. vertical & horizontal separation Clay sewer UPC: Plastic Pipes in Trench Final backfill Compacted backfill in 6 in. layers to at least 12 in. above pipe UPC: Trench width = pipe diameter + 16 in., or 12 in. + 1.25 pipe diameters TRENCHES & PIPE PROTECTION Bedding 9 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 10 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited DRAINAGE TABLE 5 Older DWV systems were typically made with galvanized pipe above ground and iron “Durham” fittings to bell & spigot cast iron. Modern systems are typically plastic or no-hub cast iron. Cast iron has the advantage of being quieter than plastic and is often used in the upper floor levels. DWV MATERIALS u IRC T3002.1 & 2 & UPC T701.2 IRC UPC Material Above Ground Below Ground Building Sewer Above Ground Below Ground Building Sewer 4 15 IRC 15 UPC ABS schedule 40 4 4 4 4 4 n Materials per T5 & applicable ASTM standards________ 3002.1&2 n Min pipe slope ¼ in./ft. EXC_________________________ 3005.3 • 1⁄ 8 in./ft. OK for 3 in. or larger pipe___________________ 3005.3 • 1⁄ 8 in./ft. OK for ≥4-in. pipe where necessary if OK by AHJ___ n/a n No drilled or tapped connections (e.g., saddle fitting)____ 3003.2 n Joints between different materials, mechanical compression or self-sealing type & AMI_______________ 3003.13 n CI couplings req metallic shield & center stop F9_______3003.4.3 n ABS & PVC limited to max 2 stories in residential____________ n/a n ABS & PVC not directly glued together EXC_________ 3003.2 #5 • Building drain to building sewer w/ listed transition solvent___ n/a n No reduction in direction of flow F8 EXC_____3002.3.1, 3005.1.6 • 4-in. × 3-in. water closet bend OK F8_______________3005.1.6 T701.2 708.1 n/a 708.1 310.2 ABS/PVC SDR 35A Ø Ø 4 Ø Ø Ø Cast iron 4 4 4 4 4 4 General FIG. 8 Closet Bend Reductions VIOLATION! No fittings w/ internal ledge 3-in. arm 705.1 705.2.2 localCA 705.1&5 705.8.4 310.5 310.5 4-in. closet flange Cu tubing DWV 4 4 Ø 4 4 4 Cu tubing K or L 4 4 4 4B 4B 4B Cu tubing M 4 4 Ø 4B 4B 4B Galvanized steelC 4 Ø Ø 4 Ø Ø PVC schedule 40 4 4 4 4 4 4 PVC 3¼ in. O.D. 4 4 4 Ø Ø Ø Vitrified clay Ø Ø 4 Ø Ø 4 A. The IRC also accepts ABS SDR 22, 23.5, & 42 & PVC SDR 22, 26, & 41 for building sewers. B. UPC 701.2(4) allows Cu alloy tubing thicker than type DWV, even though not stated in T701.2. C. Min 6 in. above soil (UPC). FIG. 9 3-in. reduction No-Hub Cast Iron No-hub cast-iron pipe must be butted tightly to center stop of hub to ensure a smooth interior waterway. Smooth 4 × 3 reducer OK DRAINAGE Cast-iron pipe No hub coupling w/ center stop Cast-iron pipe 10 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 11 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Building Drain & Sewer 15 IRC 15 UPC n Materials per T5_________________________________ 3002.1&2 T701.2 n Building drain = lowest piping carrying all drains in building to building sewer, which begins 30 in. (UPC: 2 ft.) outside building_____ 202 204.0 n CO req’d at junction of building drain/sewer or upstream near junction (IRC: within 10 ft.) EXC F10____________ 3005.2.36 719.1 • Not req’d if sewer < 10 ft. & straight line from building drain__ n/a 719.2 n Additional cleanouts at max 100-ft. intervals________________ n/a 719.1 FIG. 10 15 IRC 15 UPC n Size piping per DFU loads T6–T9_____________________ 3005.4 n Branches & building drain max load per T7 & T8_____ 3005.4.1&2 n Kitchen, bath & laundry group DFUs can be per T9_____ T3004.1 703.1 703.2 n/a TABLE 6 DFUs & TRAP SIZE u IRC T3004.1 & T3201.7 UPC T702.1 Fixture 2-Way Cleanout 2-way CO Building drain Drain, waste, and vent (DWV) pipe sizes are determined by the number of drainage fixture units that each pipe carries. Begin by drawing an isometric diagram of all the fixtures, and assign each the appropriate number of drainage fixture units from T6. Start at the highest point of the system and work down to the building drain, sizing each pipe per T8 or T9 for the number of DFUs. UPC Trap Size DFUs Trap Size Bar sink 1 1¼ 1 1½ Bathtub (w/ or w/o shower) 2 1½ 2 1½ Bidet 1 1¼ 1 1¼ Bidet (1½-in. outlet) 1 1½ 2 1½ CW standpipe 2 2 3 2 Dishwasher (independent drain) 2 1½ 2 1½A Building sewer DRAINAGE (CONTINUED) IRC DFUs Yard box CO Water flow Drain Pipe Size Floor drain 0 2 0 2 KS 2B 1½ 2 1½A LT 2 1½ 2 1½ Lavatory 1 1¼ 1 1¼ Single head shower stall 2 1½ 2 2 Additional shower heads 2 Note C 1 2 Water closet (toilet) ≤ 1.6 GPF 3 n/a 3 n/a Water closet (toilet) > 1.6 GPF 4 n/a 4 n/a A. UPC: Min 2-in. drain B. W/ or w/o DW or food waste grinder. C. The IRC bases the trap size on the flow rate. >5.7 gpm & ≤ 12.3 gpm = 2 in., ≤25.8 gpm = 3 in. DRAINAGE 11 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 12 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited BRANCH DRAIN & STACKS MAX DFUs IRC T3005.4.1 & UPC T703.2 TABLE 7 Pipe Size 11/4 in. 11/2 in. 2 in. 21/2 in. 3 in. 4 in. IRC DFUs Vertical 1 4 10 20 48 240 Horizontal 1A 3A 6A 12A 20 160 UPC DFUs Vertical 1 2 16 32 48 256 Horizontal 1 1 8 14 35 216A Kitchen, bath, and laundry groups can be sized using T9, which allows a smaller number of DFUs than would be calculated if each individual fixture drain were assigned values from T6. UPC Appendix C (Alternate Plumbing Systems) provides a similar system and requires approval by the AHJ. TABLE 9 A. Based on ¼-in./ft. slope Building drain branches are the horizontal pipes that connect directly to the building drain. They can be carrying the drainage from multiple branch drains, which are less likely to all be used at the same time. Therefore, the IRC allows these drains, and the building drain and building sewer, a larger number of DFUs than for the upstream branch drains of the same pipe size. The UPC does not have a corresponding system other than in an engineered design approved by the AHJ. Group Description DFUs Full bath 1.6 GPF WC, lav, tub w/ or w/o shower 5A Half bath 1.6 GPF WC + lav 4A Laundry CW standpipe + laundry tray 3 Kitchen Separate DW & sink 2 Multiple bath groups 1 full bath + 1 half bath 7B A. Add 1 DFU if WC is > 1.6 gal. per flush. B. For each additional bath beyond 1½ baths, add 1 DFU per half bath, 2 DFUs per full bath. IRC MAX DFUs ON BUILDING DRAIN, BUILDING DRAIN BRANCHES & BUILDING SEWER u IRC T3005.4.2 TABLE 8 Pipe Size (in.) Slope (in. per ft.) 1/8 1/4 1/2 Note A n/a Note A 2B n/a 21 27 2½B n/a 24 31 1½ KITCHEN, BATH & LAUNDRY GROUPS u IRC T3004.1 A 3 36 42 50 4 180 216 250 A. 1½ in. horizontal branches to building drains limited to 1 pumped fixture (included food waste grinder) or 2 nonpumped fixtures. B. Drains <3 in. may not receive discharge from water closets. DRAINAGE 12 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 13 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Fittings & Changes of Direction 15 IRC 15 UPC n Changes in direction req appropriate fittings F11–14,T10____3005.1 n Use double sanitary tees or equivalent (back-to-back fixture fitting) for 2 fixture inlets at same level F11__________________3005.1.1 n Double sanitary tee barrel min 2 sizes larger than inlets F11___ n/a n No horizontal-horizontal fittings within 10 pipe diameters downstream of stack base or horizontal offset___________ 3005.5 n Sanitary tee horizontal to vertical only, not on “back” F12_____3005.1 706.1 TABLE 10 706.2 706.2 n/a 706.1 APPLICATION OF FITTINGS u IRC T3005.1 & UPC 706 Fitting Horizontal to Vertical Vertical to Horizontal Horizontal to Horizontal 1⁄ 16 bend 4 4 4 1⁄ 8 bend 4 4 4 1⁄ 6 bend 4 4 IRC 4 • UPC Ø ¼ bend 4 IRCA • UPC Ø IRCA • UPC Ø Short sweep (cast iron) 4 4B 4A Long sweep 4 4 4 Sanitary tee 4 C,D Ø Ø Wye 4 4 4 Combo wye & 1⁄ 8 bend 4 4 4 FIG. 11 Drains Entering at Same Level Back-to-back fitting Double san tee A back-to-back fixture fitting should be used for fixtures or trap arms entering at the same level. The IRC allows a double sanitary tee to be used for this purpose where they are similar fixtures and both drains are the same size. The UPC allows it only for branch drains entering at the same level and into a barrel that is a min. of two pipe sizes larger than the inlets. FIG. 12 Sanitary Tees Not OK on back OK only for horizontal to vertical VIOLATION! A. IRC max 2 in. diameter. B. IRC fixture drain max 2 in. diameter, fitting min 3 in. diameter. C. Double sanitary tees not to receive discharge from pumped waste or from WCs unless min 18 in. between WC and fitting. D. Double sanitary tees in UPC must have barrel 2 pipe sizes larger than inlets. DRAINAGE 13 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 14 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 13 FIG. 14 DWV Fittings Application of Fittings 60˚ Wye Sanitary tee 1⁄ 6 bend 45˚ 1⁄ 8 bend 22.5˚ IRC allows horizontal-to-horizontal 1/4 bend up to 2 in. diameter. 1⁄ 16 bend Long sweep Combo or wye & 1/8 bend 90˚ Combo 1⁄ 4 bend vent 90˚ 1⁄ 4 bend Long sweep DRAINAGE 14 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 15 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited UPC Cleanout Requirements CLEANOUTS Cleanouts are necessary for clearing drain obstructions and for inspecting the building sewer with a sewer camera. Each code has restrictions on cleanouts in crawlspaces. The UPC requires that underfloor cleanouts be no farther than 5 ft. from the crawl access opening. The IRC allows cleanouts in crawlspaces only where the travel path is a min of 24-in. high. When those conditions cannot be met, the cleanouts must be extended to the exterior. IRC Cleanout Requirements 15 IRC n CO plugs req raised sq. head or countersunk head or slot_________ 3005.2.67 n Size same as drain pipes up to 4 in. diameter EXC_________________ 3005.2.5 • Removable trap OK 1 size smaller than drain (e.g.: kitchen)______3005.2.5X1 • CO in stacks OK 1 size smaller than stack____________________3005.2.5X2 n CO to exterior if crawlspace travel path <24 in. in height__________ 3005.2.108 n COs req’d not >100 ft. apart in each horizontal drainline EXC_______ 3005.2.1 • CO not req’d between nonremovable trap and trap vent__________ 3005.2.1X n COs below grade must be extended to or above grade F10________ 3005.2.10 n Req’d in horizontal drains, building drains & building sewer for each change of direction >45° F16 EXC_________________________ 3005.2.4 • First CO may serve up to 40 ft. that contains multiple changes F16_ 3005.2.4 n COs at base of stacks OK one size smaller than stack size_______ 3005.2.5X2. n CO req’d at (or within 10 ft. developed length upstream of) junction of building drain & building sewer. F10 Toilet not OK as req’d CO_____ 3005.2.36 n Install COs to allow cleaning in direction of flow___________________ 3005.2.8 n Pipes ≤6 in. req 18-in. clearance to face of closest obstruction_____ 3005.2.99 n Not OK to obstruct CO w/ permanent finishes, etc._____________ 3005.2.10.1 n CO openings not OK for new fixtures w/o new CO F17___________ 3005.2.11 15 UPC n COs liquid & gas tight___________________________________________ 707.3 n Plugs brass or plastic w/ raised head or countersunk slot______________ 707.1 n Min plug size for ≤2-in. pipe = 1½ in.; 2½ in. or 3-in. pipe = 2½ in.; ≥4-in. pipe = 3½ in.____________________________________________ 707.10 n Req’d at upper terminal of all horizontal runs F15 EXC________________ 707.4 • Horizontal runs <5 ft. (unless serving sinks or urinals)______________ 707.4X1 • Horizontal pipes ≤72° from vertical (1⁄ 5 bend)_____________________ 707.4X2 • Pipes above lowest floor of building_____________________________ 707.4X3 • No upper terminal CO req’d if 2-way CO at junction of building drain and building sewer F10__________________________________ 707.4X4 n Req’d every 100-ft. length or fraction of developed length______________ 707.4 n Req’d for runs w/ aggregate change of direction >135° F16___________ 707.4 n Trap arm bends <90° do not req CO______________________________ 707.14 n Takeoff above flow line unless wye branch or end of line F17___________ 707.5 n Clearance in front of CO min 24 in. exc ≤2-in. pipe 18 in. OK_________ 707.910 n Underfloor CO must extend above finished floor or outside building if >5 ft. from access door or if <18-in. vertical clearance or if passageway to CO <30 in. wide_________________________________ 707.911 n COs must terminate above grade & be readily accessible or under cover plate_____________________________________________________ 707.8 CLEANOUTS 15 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 16 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 16 FIG. 15 UPC Cleanouts Horizontal Distances Cleanout Bends & Clearances (plan view) CO LAV WC KS CO req’d. CO / 1 8 bends 45 45 CO 45 + 45 + 45 + 45 = 180 CO req’d. IRC req’s a CO for every change of direction > 45° except only one is req’d each 40 ft. ≥5 ft. <5 ft. UPC req’s a CO for an aggregate total bend >135˚. 45 2-way CO if no upper terminal CO FIG. 17 Adding Drain at Cleanout If additional drain is added here, new CO is req’d. COs may not be used for new fixtures unless new CO added. CLEANOUTS 16 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 17 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 18 WASTE STACK VENTS A waste stack provides a convenient way of discharging clustered fixtures on different floor levels. Toilets and urinals may not discharge into the waste stack. The waste stack must be undiminished in size to its vent, and offsets are only allowed 6 in. above the highest fixture draining to the stack. Two possible problems arise with the IRC arrangement in F18. Air that is pushed ahead of the liquids draining from upper fixtures may cause a loss of trap seal at the lower fixtures. There is also a potential for suds in the lower fixture. UPC Appendix C, Alternate Plumbing Systems, requires single-stack venting to be designed by a registered design professional (section C 601.1). AHJ approval would also be required. IRC Waste Stack Vents IRC Waste Stack & Vent 2 in. LT Second floor 15 IRC n No toilet or urinal discharge allowed into waste stack________________3109.2 n Waste stack must be vertical w/ no offsets F18_____________________3109.3 n Offsets in stack vent OK if min 6 in. above FLR of highest fixture F18___ 3109.3 n OK for stack vent to combine w/ other stack vents or vent stacks______ 3109.3 n Waste stack & stack vent same size for entire length F18__________ 3109.3&4 n Size waste stack per total DFUs discharging into it T11______________3109.4 2 in. KS First floor Basement TABLE 11 OK to offset vent 6 in. above FLR of highest fixture. CO Branch interval Not allowed in UPC as this would be considered a vertical wet vent on different floor levels. 2 in. IRC WASTE STACK VENT SIZE u T3109.4 Stack Size (in.) Total Discharge into 1 Branch Interval (DFUs) Total Discharge for Stack (DFUs) 1½ 1 2 2 2 4 2½ no limit 8 3 no limit 24 4 no limit 50 WASTE STACK VENTS 17 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 18 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIXTURES BELOW MANHOLE COVER OR SEWER FIG. 19 Fixtures Downstream of Next Upstream Manhole Cover Fixtures above the sewer will drain by gravity. Where fixtures or their drains are located below the upstream manhole cover, a sewage backup at the street may result in effluent discharge into the lower fixtures. Backups can be prevented by installing backwater valves on the drain lines that are below the manhole cover. Backwater valves must be accessible for maintenance. Cleanouts that could lead to a backwater valve should be labeled to warn against potential damage to the backwater valve from attempting to run a snake through it. Backwater Valves F19 15 IRC n Fixtures below next upstream manhole req backwater valve (measured from FLR in IRC, from floor level in UPC)_____ 3008.1 n Fixtures above elevation of manhole cover not allowed to discharge through backwater valve EXC_______________ 3008.1 • Fixtures in existing buildings above upstream manhole may drain through backwater valve discharging to a public sewer__ 3008.1X n Backwater valves req’d to be accessible for service______ 3008.5 n COs for drains through backwater valve req label____________ n/a 15 UPC 710.1 710.1 Label req’d to warn that CO is on line w/ backwater valve Next upstream manhole n/a 710.6 710.1 Backwater valve below access opening Sewer Fixtures above the sewer but below the next upstream manhole are req’d to be protected by an accessible backwater valve (a type of check valve) as shown here. The valve protects the building from sewer contamination in the event of a street main backup. The UPC also requires a backwater valve for fixtures below the manhole cover of a private sewer system. FIXTURES BELOW MANHOLE COVER OR SEWER 18 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 19 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Fixtures below Sewer 15 IRC 15 UPC n Fixtures must drain by gravity whenever possible_________3007.1 n Fixtures to sump req DWV as for gravity systems_______3101.2.1 n Sump discharge must be lifted above gravity drain F20____3007.1 n Sump pit vented as req’d for gravity systems___________ 3007.3.2 n Min sump vent 11/4 in. (UPC: 11/2 in.)_________________ 3007.3.2 n Connect to wye in top of horizontal gravity drain F20______ 3007.3.5 n Backwater valve req’d on ejector discharge pipe F20,21___3007.2 n Fullway valve req’d at check valve discharge side F20,21__ 3007.2 n Valve bodies cast iron or brass (no plastic ball valves)________ n/a n Sump req’s water- & gas-tight removable cover F21____ 3007.3.2 n Min pump capacity 21 gpm (UPC: 20 gpm)_____________3007.6 n Min 2-in. discharge piping T12 EXC___________________ 3007.6 • Grinder pumps min 1¼-in. discharge_______________ 3007.6X1 n Gravity drains receiving discharge from ejector sized at 1.5 DFU for each GPM of pump (UPC: 2 DFU)________________ T3004.1 709.1 710.7 710.4 710.10 710.10 710.4 710.4 710.4 710.4 710.8 710.3 #1 710.3 #2 710.12.1 TABLE 12 710.5 FIG. 20 Fixtures below Sewer Sump vent Vent Vent Fixtures that can drain by gravity not allowed to drain to sump. CO Building drain IRC MINIMUM EJECTOR PUMP CAPACITY u T3007.6 Discharge Pipe Diameter 2 in. 21 gpm 30 gpm 3 in. 46 gpm Manhole Fullway valve Backwater or check valve Pump Capacity 2½ in. Drain must enter horizontal piping through top, not through side or end. Sewer Sump FIXTURES BELOW MANHOLE COVER OR SEWER 19 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 20 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 21 Sewage Ejector Pump Full-open valve UPC: Metal only Vent min.: IRC 11/4 in. UPC 11/2 in. Backwater or check valve Electrical cord Tight-fitting grommet Bolted & gasketed watertight cover Sump tank IRC: min. 18 in. wide, 24 in. deep Discharge pipe TABLE 13 Bedrooms 1-2 3 4 5 6 ON-SITE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS Discharge pipe min. 2 in. dia. SEPTIC TANK CAPACITY u IPSDC T802.7.1 UPC H201.1(1) Min Tank Size IPSDC Min Tank Size UPC 750 1,000 1,200 1,425 1,650 750 1,000 1,200 1,500 1,500 On-site sewage disposal systems are generally regulated by local environmental health services agencies. Septic systems must be sized and located so as not to impact potable water supply. The areas shown in T14 are a general planning guide only; local regulations must be followed. Soil percolation testing and the type of construction will determine the actual size. In the UPC, on-site systems are found in Appendix H and are subject to local adoption. Septic Tanks 15 IPSDC 15 UPC n System must be located on same parcel as building served__ 202 n Tank min 5 ft. from building___________________________ 802.8 n Tank & disposal field min 5 ft. from PL_________________ T406.1 n Tank min 50 ft. from water wells______________________ T406.1 n Disposal field min 50 ft. (UPC: 100 ft.) from water wells__ T406.1 n Min tank capacity per T13___________________________ 802.7.1 n Design to minimize inundation in flood hazard area________ 303.2 H101.8 H101.8 T H101.8 T H101.8 T H101.8 H201.1 H101.5X TABLE 14 1 & 2 FAMILY – MIN ABSORPTION AREA u IPSCD T603.1 Max UPC DFUs Percolation Class Percolation RateA Seepage TrenchesB Seepage BedsB 15 20 25 33 33 1 2 3 4 0 to <10 10 to <30 30 to <45 45 to 60 165 250 300 330 205 315 375 415 A. Minutes req’d for water to fall 1 in. B. Sq. ft. per bedroom FIXTURES BELOW MANHOLE COVER OR SEWER u ON-SITE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS 20 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 21 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 22 TRAPS & TAILPIECES Traps provide an air barrier between the contaminated atmosphere of the sewer and the indoor air we breathe. Without a proper trap seal, sewer gases, airborne bacteria, vermin, and other contaminants can enter the living area. If the seal is too shallow, the seal could be lost due to evaporation. If too deep, drainage could be blocked with sludge. Trap arms (fixture drains) must be vented, otherwise the negative pressure created by water moving down the pipe will cause water to be sucked out of the trap and the seal to be lost. Maintaining a proper trap seal is the underlying principle behind the code rules for drainage, traps, and venting. Traps 15 IRC 15 UPC n Each fixture req’s separate trap EXC__________________ 3201.6 • Fixtures w/ integral traps (toilets)__________________ 3201.6X1 • 2 or 3 adjacent lavs or sinks of same type max 30 in. apart & in same room OK on 1 trap (if 3 fixtures, trap at center)___ 3201.6X2 • Laundry tray (sink) may drain to CW standpipe_______ 3201.6X3 n Trap seal min 2 in., max 4 in. F22_____________________ 3201.2 n Set traps level & protect from freezing_________________ 3201.3 n Vent opening must be at or above trap weir F26_________ 3201.3 n No “S” traps, bell traps, drum traps, traps w/ moving parts, or traps w/ interior partitions EXC F24_________________ 3201.5 • Lav traps w/ plastic or stainless partitions___________ 3201.5(2) n Size trap for fixture per T6___________________________ 3201.7 n Trap size ≥ fixture tailpiece (UPC: max one size larger)____ 3201.7 n One trap per trap arm, no double traps (in series)________ 3201.6 n No corrugated or flexible traps_______________________ 3201.1 1001.2 1001.2 1001.2 1001.2 1005.1 1005.1 1002.4 1004.1 1004.1 1003.3 1003.3 1004.1 1003.1 Trap Seal Upper dip Depth of trap seal Crown weir Fixture Tailpieces 2 in. min. 4 in. max. 15 IRC 15 UPC n Fixture tailpiece max 24-in. vertical distance EXC F23____ 3201.6 • CW standpipes 18–42 in. (UPC: 18–30 in.) __________2706.1.2 • Max 24-in. total developed length F23____________________ n/a n Max 30-in. horizontal distance F23____________________ 3201.6 n Directional fittings req’d for continuous wastes from disposer or DW (i.e., wyes, combos, or tees w/baffles) F23,27_____ 2707.1 n/a 804.1 1001.2 1001.2 TRAPS u TAILPIECES u TRAP ARMS 419.2 21 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 22 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 23 FIG. 25 Tailpiece Lengths Slip Joints & Access Overflow drain Slip joints must be accessible for service. Access opening should be at least 12 in. by 12 in. to allow proper service access. The opening can be in a ceiling or a wall. IRC max. 24 in. Slip joints UPC max. 24 in. Max. 1 slip joint Directional fitting IRC max. 30 in. FIG. 24 S Trap Water filling the downstream vertical portion of the S trap will cause siphoning and loss of trap seals. Trap seals must be maintained to prevent sewer gases and vermin from entering the dwelling. The IRC allows a combination waste and vent (F40), which is not an S trap because of the horizontal arm and increased vertical drain size. VIOLATION! S trap TRAPS u TAILPIECES u TRAP ARMS 22 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 23 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Trap Arms (Fixture Drains) 15 IRC 15 UPC n Trap same size as trap arm___________________________ 3201.7 1003.3 n Trap arm length min 2× trap arm diameter F28__________ 3105.3 1002.2 n Trap arm length & slope per table EXC T15_____________ 3105.1 1002.2 • Trap arm length from WC unlimited (UPC: 6 ft.)_______ 3105.1X T1002.2 n Trap arms < 3 in. diameter (UPC: 4 in.) min slope ¼ in./ft._ 3005.3 708.1 n Total fall of trap arm max 1 pipe diameter F26,T15_______ 3105.2 n/a n Only 1 trap permitted on trap arm EXC________________ 3201.6 1001.2 • 2 trap arms on same level allowed to join through double-wye fitting to common vent F35 _______________________________3107.2 Ø n Tubing traps req trap adapter F29________________________ n/a 1003.2 n Max 1 slip joint allowed on outlet side of trap F23___________ n/a 1003.2 n CO req’d if direction change >90° in <3 in. arm____________ n/a 1002.3 n Slip joints accessible (min 12-in. × 12-in. access) F25 ___________________________________ 2704.1, 3201.1 402.10 TABLE 15 Min Arm Length IRC Max Arm Length UPC Max Arm Length 1¼ in. 2½ in. 5 ft. 2 ft. 6 in. 1½ in. 3 in. 6 ft. 3 ft. 6 in. 2 in. 4 in. 8 ft. 5 ft. 3 in. 6 in. 12 ft. 6 ft. 8 in. 16 ft. 10 ft.B 4 in. or largerA Trap Arms & Vents San tee No wyes or combos Weir Slope 1⁄4 in./ft. Trap arm length, see T15 The trap arm must allow air to be admitted above the dotted line in the figure. If the slope or length is excessive, the trap weir would be above the vent opening. TRAP ARM DISTANCE TO VENT IRC T3105.1 & UPC T1002.2 Trap Arm Diameter A FIG. 26 A. In the IRC, these arms can have 1⁄ 8 in./ft. slope. In the UPC, all arms must slope ¼ in./ft. B. The max length from a water closet to the vent is 6 ft. in the UPC and unlimited in the IRC. TRAPS u TAILPIECES u TRAP ARMS 23 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 24 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 27 Baffle Baffle Cap FIG. 28 Trap Adapter for Tubing Traps Directional Fittings (Required if food waste disposer or dishwasher present) Washer End outlet tee Center outlet tee VIOLATION! No fittings w/o baffles FIG. 29 VIOLATION! Crown Venting Too close; must be at least 2 pipe diameters VIOLATION! No trap adapter Arm extends too far into pipe. Trap adapter w/ internal stop Threaded nut Washer VIOLATION! Improper application of sanitary tee; cannot be placed on back TRAPS u TAILPIECES u TRAP ARMS 24 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 25 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 31 VENTS Vents prevent atmospheric pressure differences across traps and are essential to maintaining the trap seal. Without vents, the water in the seal could be sucked out, leaving the occupants unprotected from contaminants downstream of the trap. The IRC and UPC have very different approaches to venting. General 15 IRC 15 UPC n All fixture traps req venting__________________________3101.2.1 n Vent system not to be used for any other purposes______ 3101.3 n No flat dry vents (take off above horizontal centerline) F32___3104.3 n Slope vents to drain to soil or waste piping ____________ 3104.2 n Change direction w/ appropriate fittings F13,30_________ 3005.1 n No vent opening below trap weir except toilets F26______ 3105.2 n No crown vents: min 2 pipe diameters from trap F29_____ 3105.3 n Horizontal dry vents min 6 in. above FLR F31___________ 3104.4 n Horizontal branch vents min 6 in. above FLR F31________ 3104.5 n Piping < 6 in. above flood rim req’s drainage-type fittings_ 3104.2 901.2 n/a 905.2 905.1 903.3 905.5 1002.2 905.3 905.3 905.3 FIG. 30 Vent Offsets VIOLATION! Horizontal not OK below FLR Horizontal OK if 6 in. above FLR ≤45˚ from vertical is considered vertical. Do not combine vents until 6 in. above highest FLR. Sanitary tee Branch Vents / 1 4 bend Two or more individual vents may combine to form a branch vent, thereby reducing the number of penetrations through the roof. Horizontal piping must be graded to drain by gravity to the drain served. UPC: Refer to T16 for sizing of the branch vent. VENTS 25 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 26 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 32 TABLE 16 Vent Takeoff above Centerline UPC VENT SIZE AND LENGTH u T703.2 Pipe Size (in.) 1¼ 1½ 2 2½ 3 4 Max DFUs 1 8 24 48 84 256 Max Length (ft.)A 45 60 120 180 212 300 A. Max horizontal length is 1/3 of total length. If pipes are increased one size, the length limitations of this table do not apply. ≥ 45º Vent takeoffs must be at least 45º from horizontal. A direct horizontal takeoff could be blocked by effluent in the pipe, which would make the vent ineffective. Installing cleanouts above the drain flow line may minimize discharge when removing the cleanout plug. Size TABLE 17 UPC VENT AREA FILL-IN TABLE u UPC 904.1 Vent Size Area (in.) (sq. in.) # Vents 11/4 15 IRC 15 UPC n Min size 1¼ in.____________________________________ 3113.1 n Vents min ½ size of drain served______________________ 3113.1 n Size per # of DFUs served & length of vent T16_____________ n/a n Increase 1 pipe size if developed vent length >40 ft._____ 3113.1 n Increase 1 pipe size if >1⁄ 3 of vent is horizontal______________ n/a n Waste stack vent same size as waste stack F18_________ 3109.3 n Total area of vents ≥ size of building sewer T17____________ n/a n Vents for fixtures discharging through pumps, ejectors, or backwater valves do not count towards min vent requirement__ n/a 904.1 904.1 904.1 n/a 904.2X n/a 904.1 1.23 11/2 1.77 2 3.14 3 7.07 4 12.57 TOTAL Net Vent Area Use the fill-in area to the left to determine if the vents through the roof meet the required min area. Ex: Req’d 4-in. bldg. drain = 12.57 sq. in. One 1¼-in. vent = 1.23 sq. in. Three 2-in. vents = 9.42 sq. in. 1.23 + 9.42 = 10.65 sq. in. Thus, more venting req’d through roof. 904.1 VENTS 26 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 27 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Vertical Wet Venting 15 IRC 15 UPC n All wet vented fixtures to be on same story_____________ 3108.4 n IRC: Size to # of DFUs discharging to wet vent T19_____ 3108.3 n UPC: Min 2 in. & 1 pipe size larger than req’d waste F34_____ n/a n WC fixture drains must connect at same elevation_______ 3108.4 n Each fixture drain connects independently to wet vent____ 3108.4 n UPC: Limited to trap arms of 1-DFU & 2-DFU fixtures________ n/a n Max 4 fixtures, max 6 ft. developed length of wet vent F34____ n/a 908.1 n/a 908.1.1 908.1 n/a 908.1 908.1 FIG. 33 FIG. 34 Dry vent IRC: Common Vent 2 in. CW 2 in. / 11 4 in. KS 11/2 in. Size per T18 based upon DFUs of upper fixture. 2 in. Common Vent Lav 11/4 in. FIG. 35 The UPC prohibits this arrangement & considers it as two traps on one arm. TABLE 18 Wet vent max. 6 ft. 1 pipe size larger than req’d drain Shower 2 in. 15 IRC 15 UPC n Common vent only OK for fixtures on same floor level_____3107.1 n Max 2 traps or trapped fixtures to vertical common vent____3107.1 n Vent connection OK downstream of fixture drains F35_____3107.2 n Size common vent per DFUs of upper drain F33,T18______3107.3 n Upper fixture cannot be WC__________________________3107.3 n UPC: Only allowed to double-inlet fitting F11_______________ n/a 905.6 905.6 Ø n/a n/a 905.6 BT Double wye IRC - OK UPC - ø UPC: Vertical Wet Vent 2 in. min. Common Vent Downstream of Fixture Drain Connection CO 2 in. Shower See T15 IRC COMMON VENT SIZES u T3107.3 Pipe Size (in.) Max Discharge from Upper Fixture Drain (Fixture Units)A 1½ 1 2 4 2½ to 3 6 A. In the UPC, the vertical wet vent is one size larger than req’d for the upper fixture drain. VENTS 27 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 28 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Horizontal Wet Venting 15 IRC 15 UPC n Horizontal wet venting OK for combinations of fixtures within 2 bath groups (UPC: 1 group) on same floor F36,37___________ 3108.1 908.212 n Fixtures within the bathroom group(s) only ones allowed on horizontal wet vent (no other upstream fixtures)_______ 3108.1 908.2.5 n Other vented fixtures OK downstream of wet vent_______ 3108.1 908.2.5 n UPC: WC must be downstream of other drain connections___ n/a 908.2.4 n Dry vent connection not from floor drain vent___________3108.2.1 908.2.1 n Dry vent from individual or common vent from any other bath group fixture, if WC drain must connect horizontal______3108.2.1 Ø n Dry vent only individual vent from shower, tub, or bidet_______ n/a 908.2.113 n Max 1 wet-vented fixture upstream of dry vent connection_ 3108.2.1 908.2.1 n Max trap arm length from trap weir to wet vent T15______ 3108.5 908.2.3 n Size based on DFUs into wet vent T19________________ 3108.3 908.2.2 FIG. 37 UPC Horizontal Wet Venting The IRC allows 2 bathroom groups to be horizontally wetvented. T15 WC 11 /2 Wet-vented WC not upstream of wet vent . 3 in Lav Shower WC BT WC Dotted line represents wet vent. VENTS Shower in. Dotted line represents wet vent. WET VENT MIN SIZE u IRC T3108.3 & UPC 908.2.2 IRC Lav IRC Horizontal Wet Venting BT Lav TABLE 19 FIG. 36 Dry vent connection to the wet vent must be individual vent for tub, shower, or bidet. UPC # of DFUs Min Pipe Size # of DFUs Min Pipe Size 1 1½ in. 1–4 2 in. ≥5 3 in. 2–4 2 in. 5–6 2½ in. 7 – 12 3 in. 13 – 32 4 in. Above sizes are for horizontal wet vents. Vertical wet vents are sized one size larger than the req’d drain for the fixtures above. The dry vent to wet vent size is per T16. 28 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 29 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 39 FIG. 38 SPECIAL VENTING SYSTEMS The IRC offers a number of options for island sinks, including air admittance valves, combination waste and vent, and the loop vents shown in F38 & F39. The UPC allows only the method in F38. In the UPC, the AHJ must grant specific approval for alternatives such as AAVs. Island Sinks 15 IRC 15 UPC n Island venting limited to sinks (disposer OK) & lavs______ 3112.1 n Island vented w/ drain-type fittings only F38,39__________ 3112.3 n Island vent above fixture drain outlet F39 (UPC: as high as possible F38) before returning downward___________ 3112.2 n Lowest part of island vent shall connect full size to a vertical drain or top half of a horizontal drain F39_______________ 3112.3 n Air admittance valves OK (see AAV section)____________ 3114.3 n COs required in island vents & drains F38,39___________ 3112.3 n Connect island vent downstream of fixture drain F38_________ n/a n Foot vent req’d through wye branch off below-floor vent F38__ n/a n CO req’d in vertical section of foot vent F38________________ n/a n No upstream fixtures on drain serving island________________ n/a 909.1 909.1 Combination Waste & Vent (CW&V) UPC: Island Sink or Lavy / in. 15 IRC 15 UPC n UPC: CW&V req’s specific approval from AHJ______________ n/a n Only sinks (no disposers), lavs & floor drains____________ 3111.1 n 1, 2 & 3 DFU fixtures only, no WCs or urinals_______________ n/a n One vertical pipe (max 8 ft. length) allowed between fixture drain & horizontal CW&V pipe F40____________________ 3111.2 n Max slope of CW&V piping ½ in./ft., min slope ¼ in./ft. F40_ 3111.2.1 n CW&V must connect to vented horizontal drain or have vent connected to CW&V pipe F40__________________3111.2.2 n Vent connected to CW&V pipe must rise 6 in. min above fixture flood level rim before horizontal offsets__________3111.2.2 910.2 n/a 910.7 n/a n/a 11/2 in. 45˚ 90˚ / in. 11 2 909.1 n/a local 909.1 909.1 909.1 909.1 909.1 IRC: Island Sink or Lavy 11 2 2 in. CO in foot vent COs req’d for vent unless rodding possible through sanitary tee. 11/2 in. CO 2 in. 11/2 in. CO Drain CO could be located in vertical drain under countertop. Must connect to vented drain FIG. 40 IRC: Combination Waste & Vent Max. length per T15 Connect to vented drain Max. length 8 ft. n/a n/a SPECIAL VENTING SYSTEMS Max. slope ½ in./ft., min slope 1/4 in./ft. 29 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 30 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 41 VENT TERMINATION Vent Termination 15 IRC 15 UPC n Min 1 vent must extend outdoors (UPC: All vents)_______ 3102.1 n Req’d IRC exterior vent not an island fixture vent F38____ 3102.2 n Req’d IRC exterior vent min ½ size of building drain______ 3102.3 n Vents through roof min 6 in. above roof________________ 3103.1 n Min 12 in. horiz from adjacent vertical surfaces______________ n/a n Min 7 ft. above roof decks (UPC: or if <10 ft. horizontal)___ 3103.1 n Min 3 ft. above openings within 10 ft. EXC F41_________ 3103.5 • OK if ≥ 4 ft. below building openings F41_____________ 3103.5 n Roof termination min 3 ft. distance from PL, street OK________ n/a n Sidewall terminations: min 10 ft. distance from PL, min 10 ft. from grade within 10 ft., not under vented eaves or soffits_____ 3103.6 n Vent termination not to be used for any other purpose____ 3103.4 n Provide flashing for roof penetrations__________ 2607.1 & 3103.3 n Flashing tucked into vent max reduction 1 pipe size_____ 2607.114 906.1 n/a n/a 906.1&3 906.1 906.3 906.2 n/a 906.2 Vent Termination Clearances to Building Openings Openable window 3 ft. min. 10 f < 10 ft. t. m in. 4 ft. min. Ø n/a 906.5 n/a Snow or Frost Closure (Design Temperature <0°F) n Min 3 in. diameter termination (UPC: min 2 in.)__________ 3103.2 n Increase vent diameter min 1 ft. inside thermal envelope__ 3103.2 n Terminate min 6 in. (UPC: 10 in.) above snow line_______ 3103.1 906.7 906.7 906.7 VENT TERMINATION 30 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 31 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 42 AIR ADMITTANCE VALVES Air admittance valves (AAVs) operate by gravity, as shown in F43, and have no metal or rubber parts that could corrode or deform. In the IRC they can be used for individual fixtures or for branches. The UPC does not explicitly allow AAVs. Some jurisdictions may accept them under the provisions for Alternate Materials and Methods found in 301.3. If the UPC is the code in your area, be sure to check with your local building department (AHJ) before installing AAVs. Air Admittance Valves 15 IRC n Install after DWV leak test_______________________________________3114.2 n OK at individual, branch, circuit & stack vents F42___________________3114.3 n Individual & branch type AAV to vent only fixtures on same floor level & that connect to a horizontal branch drain_________________________3114.3 n Individual fixture & branch AAV ≥4 in. above branch or fixture drain F42_ 3114.4 n Stack-type AAV min 6 in. above FLR of highest fixture________________3114.4 n AAV within same max distance as conventional vent T15______________3114.4 n AAVs terminating in attic min 6 in. above insulation___________________3114.4 n AAVs must be accessible for service & inspection F42_______________3114.5 n Space containing air admittance valve must be ventilated_____________3114.5 n Min 1 vent to outdoors (UPC: all vents to exterior)___________________3114.7 n Not OK for sewer ejector pump or tanks___________________________3114.8 Flood level rim Air Admittance Valve An AAV cannot be located inside a stud cavity or other area where not accessible & open to free air. When AAVs are placed in attics, they must be at least 6 in. above insulation. Air admittance valve Air enters 4 in. min. FIG. 43 Air Admittance Valve Operation Washer Air above washer is open to air inside vent pipe. Washer seats by gravity after use. Airflow Outside openings are separated from air in pipe by washer. AIR ADMITTANCE VALVES During operation, negative pressure in pipe lifts the washer & admits air into pipe. 31 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 32 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited WATER SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION TABLE 20 Plumbing systems must be designed and maintained to prevent contamination of potable water from cross-connections to drains or other contaminated sources. Piping must be protected against movement and against damage during construction. Modern plumbing supply systems typically use plastic pipe or tubing with branch piping originating from a central manifold rather than a trunk and branch system with a main line with branches. Plastics typically can tolerate exposure to sunlight for only limited periods, and some types of plastics require flushing procedures to remove solvents prior to use. General 15 IRC 15 UPC n Nonpotable water system outlets to be marked CAUTION: NONPOTABLE WATER. DO NOT DRINK__ 2910.315 601.3.2CA n Plastic underground water service req #18 tracer blue wire ___ n/a 604.10.1 n Pressure must provide req’d flow at fixtures T22_________ 2903.3 608.1 n If pressure insufficient, install booster pump, tanks, etc.___ 2903.3 608.1 n Max pressure 80 psi (p.36) F51_____________________2903.3.1 608.2 n Mechanical ASSE 1010 water hammer arrestors (not air chambers) req’d near quick-close valves (DW or CW)_____________ 2903.5 609.10CA Materials 15 IRC 15 UPC n All materials must meet NSF 61 & be approved T20___ 2906.4&5 n Weighted average lead content max 0.25%___________2906.2.1 n Cu alloy fittings & valves >15% Zi by weight & used w/ plastic piping systems req resistance to dezincification per NSF 14__ n/a n Flex connectors per ASME A112.18.6/CSA B125.6_____ 2906.7 n Flex connectors accessible (UPC: readily accessible) ___ 2906.7 n Cu pipe markings: K = green, L = blue, M = red_________ 2906.5 n CPVC joints AMI, primer must be orange EXC_______ 2906.9.1.2 • One-step cements AMI yellow (IRC: or red)______ 2906.9.1.218 604.1CA 604.2 604.116 604.517 604.517 604.4 605.3.1 605.3.1 WATER PIPE MATERIALS u IRC T2906.4&5 & UPC T604.1 Material IRC Service UPC Distribution Service Distribution ABS 4 Ø Ø Ø Brass pipe 4 4 4 4 CPVC 4 4 4 4 Cu tubing 4 4 4 4 Ductile iron 4 Ø 4 4 Galvanized steel 4 4 4 4 PE 4 Ø 4 Ø PE-AL-PE 4 4 4 4 PEX 4 4 4 4 PEX-AL-PEXCA 4 4 4 4 PEX-AL-HDPE 4 4 Ø Ø Polypropylene plastic tubing (PP) 4 4 4 4 PVC 4 Ø 4 Ø Stainless steel 4 4 4 4 WATER SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION 32 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 33 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL TABLE 21 Backflow prevention devices protect water systems from backup and contamination. Protection of the drinking water system is critical. Vacuum breakers prevent contaminants from entering through systems such as lawn sprinklers. An air gap is a physical separation and is used to protect waste receptors, such as sinks. Protection of Potable Water 15 IRC 15 UPC n Prevent contamination of potable water supply__________ 2902.1 602.1 n Connections for private to public water supply prohibited__ 2902.1 602.2 n Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers F45 OK for: • Boilers w/ conditioning chemicals__________________2902.5.1 603.5.10 • Fire-sprinkler systems w/ additives________________ 2902.5.4.1 603.5.14.2 • Lawn irrigation systems w/ chemical injectors_________2902.5.3 603.5.6.3 • Solar heating piping w/ additives_________________ 2902.5.5.3 603.5.6.3 • Pool/spa makeup water________________________________ n/a 603.5.20 n Atmospheric vacuum breakers OK for: • Hose bibbs (not needed for tank drain valves) F47____2902.4.3 603.5.7 • Pool/spa inlets 6 in. critical level & after last valve______2902.3.2 603.5.5 • Irrigation system, 6 in. above highest head F46_______2902.3.2 603.5.6 n Integral air gaps in fixtures to recognized standards OK for: • Reverse osmosis drinking water treatment units________ 2909.2 603.4.6 • DWs (AMI may req air gap if discharge connection low)__2717.1 n/a • Pullout spouts and sprayers w/ integral backflow AMI__2902.4.2 603.4.6 • Pullout or separate shower spray wands_____________2902.4.2 603.4.6 • Flush tank fill w/ critical level 1 in. above overflow_____2902.4.1 603.5.2 n Fixture outlet receptor air gaps: • Min 2× diameter of outlet and per table F44,T21______2902.3.1 603.3.1 MINIMUM AIR GAPS u IRC T2902.3.1 & UPC T603.3.1 Opening Diameter & Typical Fixtures (in.) Not Affected by Side Walls (in.) Affected by Side WallsA (in.) IRC UPC IRC UPC ≤½ (lav) 1 1 1½ 1½ ≤¾ (LT) 1½ 1½ 2½ 2¼ ≤1(BT) 2 2 3 3 >1 (pool) 2× diameter 2× diameter 3× diameter 3× diameter A. Affected by side walls = any time the distance from the spout to the wall is <3× the diameter of the effective opening, or <4× the dia for 2 intersecting walls. FIG. 44 Air Gap Flood level Air gap D The air gap is the distance between the lowest edge of the faucet opening D & the top of the flood level. 2× D or 1in. min. CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL 33 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 34 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 45 Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer FIG. 46 Vacuum Breakers RP device used for: 6 in. min. Main shutoff valve • Boilers • Fire-sprinkler systems • Lawn irrigation systems • Solar heating piping Highest sprinkler head Test cocks Outdoors & Irrigation Systems 15 IRC n Irrigation vacuum breakers 6 in. above highest head F46______________________________________ 2902.5.3 n Hose bibb integral backflow or vacuum breaker EXC F47___ 2902.4.3 • Water heater & boiler drains, clothes washers_______ 2902.4.3X 15 UPC T603.2 603.5.7 603.5.7 FIG. 47 Breakaway bolt Backflow Protection Devices Backflow prevention device Hose bibbs req. backflow protection devices, except for clothes washers, tank drains & water heaters. CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL Built-in vacuum breaker 34 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 35 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited JOINTS & VALVES 15 IRC 15 UPC n Joints between dissimilar materials AMI_______________ 2906.17 605.16 n Cu to Fe req’s brass (UPC: min 6 in.) or dielectric fitting__ 2906.17.1 605.16.1CA n Cu joints in or under concrete slab on grade within building req brazed wrought-copper fittings_______________________local 609.3#2 n Slip joints only at exposed fixture supply__________________local 605.14 n Unions req’d within 12 in. of WH________________________local 609.5 n Unions req’d ≤12 in. of softeners, filters, regulators, etc._____local 609.5 n Hose bibbs subject to freezing req valve w/drain (stop-and-waste-type) EXC_________________________ 2903.10 • Frostproof hose bibbs w/ stem through insulation____ 2903.10X n Valves req’d on cold-water supply at each WH_________2903.9.2 n Req’d shutoffs must be accessible___________________2903.9.3 603.5.7 local 606.2 606.6 Prohibited Joints FIG. 48 FIG. 50 Joints & Connections 15 IRC 15 IRC n Connection between different types of plastic piping or different piping materials req’s approved adapter fitting________ 2906.17.2 n Except for necessary valves, intermixing of dissimilar metals only at exposed or accessible locations___________________local n Female threaded CPVC fittings w/ male plastic only_________local n Female threaded PVC fittings w/ male plastic only__________local Required Valves 15 IRC n Accessible main valves req’d near water entrance______2903.9.1 n Main & WH valve must be full-open type F48,49____ 2903.9.1&2 n Throttling valves not OK for main & WH F50________ 2903.9.1&2 n Main valve must be on discharge side of water meter________local n Main valve must have bleed orifice or separate drain____2903.9.1 n Valves req’d on each appliance supply________________2903.9.3 n Valves req’d on each fixture supply EXC______________2903.9.3 • Tubs & showers (UPC: fixtures w/o slip joints)________2903.9.3 n Valves OK at accessible manifold F53 if labeled EXC____ 2903.8.4 • If manifold in attic, crawlspace, or otherwise not readily accessible, separate shutoff req’d at each individual fixture______________ n/a 15 UPC 15 UPC 605.16.2 Required Valves (cont.) Gate Valve FIG. 49 Ball Valve Globe Valve 310.6 605.2.3 605.12.3 15 UPC 606.2 606.2 606.2 606.2 n/a 606.5 606.5 606.5 606.5 Full-open valves Flow control valve 606.519 JOINTS & VALVES 35 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 36 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited PRESSURE REGULATORS FIG. 52 A “closed system” is created when a one-way valve is installed on the main water supply. As water in a storage tank water heater is replaced by cold water, pressure in the tank is reduced. As the temperature rises in the tank, pressure increases but is equalized with the municipal water system pressure. Backflow preventers or pressure-reducing regulators prevent this pressure equalization, and an expansion tank is necessary to prevent excess pressure in the piping. The expansion tank is installed on the cold water line at the water heater and is set to the static pressure of the system. Some pressure regulators have an “integral backflow” feature and do not create a closed system; check the specifications of the regulator to determine if such is the case. General 15 IRC 15 UPC n Req’d when building water pressure exceeds 80 psi____2903.3.1 n Strainer req’d ahead of regulator F51_____________________ n/a n Regulator & strainer accessible w/o removing piping_______ MFR n Pipe sizing based on 80% of regulated pressure____________ n/a n Expansion tank req’d on systems w/ regulators w/o integral bypass or devices that prevent pressure dissipation F52______ 2903.4.1 n Expansion tank req’d for systems w/ supply check valves___2903.4.2 n Booster req’d if min flow rates not achieved (UPC: ≥15 psi)_ 2903.3 608.2 608.2 608.2 608.2 608.3 608.3 608.0 Ball valve Expansion Tank Cold water Hot water UPC: Unions or flex connectors req’d within 12 in. of tank Strapped to wall Expansion tank TPRV not to be used for thermal expansion control FIG. 51 Pressure Regulator Strainer must remain accessible. Pressure is increased by turning the bolt further into the regulator Strainer PRESSURE REGULATORS 36 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 37 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited WATER SUPPLY SIZING Water supply systems historically have been designed with the “trunk and branch” system, with a large supply pipe and progressively smaller pipes toward each fixture outlet. That method is still used, though parallel systems are becoming more popular. These have a central manifold F53 and individual lines to each outlet. Each system has its advantages. Parallel systems are more likely to use plastic tubing, while trunk and branch systems are often copper or CPVC. Follow the manufacturer’s design guides for parallel systems. Each code requires a design that meets minimum and maximum flow rates at the fixture outlets. Many areas have ordinances mandating stricter water efficiency and conservation standards than those in the model codes. Check with your building department for local conservation requirements. Water Service Size 15 IRC 15 UPC n Min water service ¾ in.______________________________ 2903.7 n System sized to provide required flow at peak demand__ 2903.120 n Size system according to supply demand, available pressure, friction & pressure loss of water meter, elevation & developed length of pipe and equivalent length of fittings F54_______ 2903.7 FIG. 54 PEX Manifold Hot water from WH Hotwater lines out to fixtures Shutoff valves Manifold KITCHEN SINK HOT KITCHEN SINK COLD MASTER LAV HOT MASTER LAV COLD MASTER SH HOT MASTER SH COLD DISHWASHER HOT 1BR TOILET COLD BT 4.0 Coldwater lines out to fixtures Lavy 1.0 Hose Bibb 2.5 Shower 2.0 KS 1.5 DW 1.5 Water inlet (size per T24 & 1 size larger than WH feed) WATER SUPPLY SIZING Hose Bibb 1.0 WC 2.5 Lavy 1.0 Cold water to WH 610.4 Water Sizing Worksheet Example Elevation = 20 ft. Distance = 90 ft. FIG. 53 610.8 610.1 WC 2.5 CW 4.0 LT 1.5 Hose Bibb 1.0 37 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 38 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE 22 MIN CAPACITIES AT FIXTURE OUTLETS u IRC T2903.1 Fixture Outlet Flow Rate (gpm) Flow Pressure (psi) Bathtub (BT) 4 20 Bidet 2 20 Dishwasher (DW) 2.75 8 Laundry tray (LT) 4 8 TABLE 23 RECOMMENDEDA MIN BEND RADIUS FOR PEX Tubing Size (in. nominal) Tubing Outer Diameter (in.) Bend Radius (in.) / 1/2 3/4 / 5/8 7/8 11/8 4 38 1 12 5 7 9 A: Plastic Pipe & Fittings Assoc: (https://plasticpipe.org/pdf/pex_designguide_residential_water_supply.pdf) Lavatory/Lav (Sink) 0.8 8 Shower (pressure-balancing or thermostatic mixing)A 2.5 20 Sizing PEX Tubing & Manifolds Hose bibb 5 8 Sink 1.75 8 Water closet (WC) (tank type) 3 20 WC (flushometer) 1.6 20 WC (one piece) 6 20 The Plastic Pipe & Fittings Association recommends at least 1/2- in. tubing to tubs, showers & WCs, and 1/2- in. tubing is commonly chosen for all fixtures. The water service and manifold must have a GPM capacity based on the peak demand for all outlets. Adding up the total fixture units in T27 and converting to GPM using T25 does not necessarily provide the required number in T22 because the pressure and length must also be considered. The Plastic Pipe & Fittings Association design guide and the pipe manufacturer instructions must be followed. The design guide also includes a table for equivalent length of fittings. A. Where valve MFR indicates lower flow, use lower value. PEX Tubing 15 IRC 15 UPC n Bend radius AMI T23_________________________________ MFR n Not allowed in 1st 18 in. of WH connections_____________ MFR n WH fed from end of cold water manifold req’s manifold 1 size larger than WH feed F53_____________________2903.8.2 MFR 604.13 15 IRC 15 UPC n Max consumption limited to rates in T26_______________ 2903.2 n Parallel system sized AMI T24__________________________ 2903.8.1 n 3⁄ 8-in. PEX tubing limited to 60-ft. developed length_____2903.8.2 see T26 610.4 MFR MFR WATER SUPPLY SIZING u PEX TUBING 38 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 39 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE 24 MANIFOLD SIZING u IRC T2903.8.1 Inlet Pipe Size (in.) Max GPM Plastic ¾ 17 11 1 29 20 1¼ 46 31 1½ 66 44 TABLE 26 Max GPM Metal A B A. Based on velocity limitation of 12 ft./second B. Based on velocity limitation of 8 ft./second TABLE 25 Load (WSFUs) Plumbing Fixture or Fixture Fitting IRC & UPC Max Flow Rate Lavatory faucet Shower headA Sink faucet Water closet 2.2 gpm at 60 psiCA 2.5 gpm at 80 psiCA 2.2 gpm at 60 psiCA 1.6 gal. per flushCA A. Handheld shower sprays are also considered shower heads. CONVERTING WSFUs to GPM u IRC T2903.6(1) Demand (gpm) MAX FLOW RATES FOR PLUMBING FIXTURES IRC T2903.2 & UPC 407.2, 408.2, 411.2, 420.2 Load (WSFUs) TABLE 27 Demand (gpm) Fixture WSFU FILL-IN TABLE u IRC T2903.6 & UPC T610.3 IRC Cold 1.0 Comb. 1.4 UPC Comb. 4.0 4.0 1 3.0 14 17.0 Bathtub Hot 1.0 2 5.0 15 17.5 CW 1.0 1.0 1.4 3 6.5 16 18.0 DW 1.4 — 1.4 1.5 Hose bibb — 2.5 2.5 2.5E # 4 8.0 17 18.4 5 9.4 18 18.8 KS 1.0 1.0 1.4 1.5 6 10.7 19 19.2 Lav 0.5 0.5 0.7 1.0 7 11.8 20 19.6 LT 1.0 1.0 1.4 1.5 8 12.8 25 21.5 Shower (per head) 1.0 1.0 1.4 2.0 9 13.7 30 23.3 Water closet — 2.2 2.2 2.5 10 14.6 35 24.9 Laundry groupA 1.8 1.8 2.5 — 11 15.4 40 26.3 Kitchen groupB 1.9 1.0 2.5 — 12 16.0 45 27.7 Half-bath groupC 0.5 2.5 2.6 — 13 16.5 50 29.1 Full-bath groupD 1.5 2.7 3.6 — Total Demand Extension A. Laundry group = CW standpipe and LT. B. Kitchen group = DW and sink w/ or w/o garbage grinder. C. Half-bath group = water closet and lavatory. D. Full-bath group = water closet and lavatory and tub (w/ or w/o shower) or shower stall. E. First hose bibb counts as 2.5 WSFU. Additional hose bibbs add 1.0 WSFU WATER SUPPLY SIZING u PEX TUBING 39 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 40 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE 28 METER & WATER PIPE SIZING WORKSHEET u UPC 610.4 1. Determine fixture unit demand (total from T27). 2. Determine min daily static pressure at meter or source. 3. Subtract (add) ½ lb. pressure per ft. of rise (fall). 4. Deduct pressure losses for filters, regulators, etc. 5. Find pressure range group in T29. 6. Find column for developed length to most remote fixture. 7. Find row meeting fixture unit demand (total from T29). 8. Find req’d meter and pipe size in left column of T29. NOTE: The same procedure can be used for branches. TABLE 29 Meter (in.) WATER SUPPLY SIZING u UPC T610.4 Supply (in.) 30-45 PSI ¾ ½A ¾ ¾ ¾ 1 1 1 ¾ 1¼ 1 1¼ 1½ 1¼ 1 1½ 1½ 1½ 46-60 PSI ¾ ½A ¾ ¾ ¾ 1 1 1 ¾ 1¼ 1 1¼ 1½ 1¼ 1 1½ 1½ 1½ Over 60 PSI ¾ ½A ¾ ¾ ¾ 1 1 1 ¾ 1¼ 1 1¼ 1½ 1¼ 1 1½ 1½ 1½ Max Fixture Units Allowed Per Length of Pipe 40 ft. 6 16 29 36 36 54 78 85 150 40 ft. 7 20 39 39 39 78 78 85 151 40 ft. 7 20 39 39 39 78 78 85 151 60 ft. 5 16 25 31 33 47 68 84 124 60 ft. 7 20 39 39 39 78 78 85 151 60 ft. 7 20 39 39 39 78 78 85 151 80 ft. 4 14 23 27 31 42 57 79 105 80 ft. 6 19 36 39 39 76 78 85 151 80 ft. 7 20 39 39 39 78 78 85 151 100 ft. 3 12 21 25 28 38 48 65 91 100 ft. 5 17 33 36 39 67 78 85 151 100 ft. 6 20 39 39 39 78 78 85 151 150 ft. 2 9 17 20 24 32 38 56 70 150 ft. 4 14 28 30 39 52 66 85 128 150 ft. 5 17 35 38 39 74 78 85 151 200 ft. 1 6 15 17 23 28 32 48 57 200 ft. 3 11 23 25 39 44 52 85 105 200 ft. 4 13 30 32 39 62 74 85 151 A: Min building supply is ¾ in. WATER SUPPLY SIZING u PEX TUBING 40 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 41 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited GAS PIPING TABLE 30 Gas pipe sizing is a function of aggregate appliance demand, gas pressure, BTUs per cubic foot of gas, and the pipe run length. Corrugated stainless-steel tubing systems (CSST) can be run at medium pressure (approximately 2 psig) to a central manifold where the pressure is reduced to the appliance operating pressure, typically not more than 0.5 psig. This method allows smaller main runs and uses less tubing than a system where all piping is operated at utilization pressure. General 15 IRC n Nonsteel pipe req’s yellow label marked “gas” in black letters at ≤5 ft. intervals EXC_________________________ 2412.5 • When located in same room as appliance served_______ 2412.5 n Meters & piping identified to the premise served_________ 2412.7 n LPG storage per NFPA 58 (p.47)_____________________ 2412.2 n No piping in circulating air duct, chimney or gas vent, ventilating duct, or elevator shaft______________________ 2415.3 n No concealed piping in solid partitions (concrete or CMU walls) except in chase____________________________________ 2415.4 Metallic Pipe Joints & Fittings 15 IRC 15 UPC n/a n/a 1208.6.4 1212.10 Materials 15 IRC 15 UPC n Steel or black pipe min schedule 40__________________2414.4.2 n Cu tubing type K or L______________________________2414.5.2 n No Cu or brass if >0.3 grains H2S per 100 cu. ft. gas___2414.5.2 n No pipe repair—pipe w/ defects must be replaced_______ 2414.7 n CSST listed w/ ANSI LC1 (UPC: w/ CSA LC-1)_______2414.5.3 1208.5.2.1 1208.5.3.2 1208.5.3.2 1208.5.5 1208.5.3.4 Typical kBtu/hr. Actual kBtu/hr. Typical cu.ft./hr.A FAU or hydronic boiler 100 91 120 109 Instantaneous WH 2 gpm 143 130 Instantaneous WH 4 gpm 285 259 Storage tank WH 30–40 gal. 35 32 Storage tank WH 50 gal. 50 45 Built-in oven 25 23 36 Built-in cooktop 40 Freestanding range 65 59 Barbecue 40 36 15 UPC n Joints threaded, flanged, brazed, or welded__________ 2414.10.1 1208.5.8.1 n Clear fittings of burrs, brush, blow out chips & scales____ 2414.7 1208.5.5 n Concealed locations req threaded elbows, tees & couplings, brazed or welded fittings, or couplings listed for the purpose: no unions, bushings, or compression couplings________ 2415.521 1210.3.1 Appliance Space & water heating units 1210.2.3 1210.3.2 TYPICAL GAS APPLIANCE DEMAND u UPC T1208.4.1 Clothes dryer 35 32 Direct-vent fireplace 40 36 Gas log 80 73 Actual cu.ft./hr. Total cu. ft./hr. max gas demand A. Based on 1,100 Btu/cu. ft.–consult local gas provider for actual values. GAS PIPING 41 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 42 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Underground 15 IRC 15 UPC n Protect metallic piping subject to corrosion from soil or moisture_______________________________________ 2415.11 1210.1.3 n Zi coatings not sufficient protection underground_______ 2415.11 1210.1.3 n Coatings & wrappings factory-applied EXC__________ 2415.11.2 1210.1.3 • Field protection of nipples & fittings OK if AMI_____ 2415.11.2X 1210.1.3 (Note: The AHJ may req observation of field wrapping after pressure testing.) n Min cover depth 12 in. (UPC: 18 in. if damage likely) EXC_2415.12 1210.1.1 • UPC min 12 in. if external damage not likely or else shield_________ 1210.1.1 • IRC min 8 in. for single appliance if damage not likely___2415.12.1 n Pipe trenches to have firm continuous bearing_________ 2415.13 1210.1.2 n No pipe penetrating foundation walls below grade_______ 2415.6 n/a n UPC allows below-ground penetration if sleeved & sealed_____ Ø 1210.1.5 n Plastic OK only underground & outdoors EXC________ 2415.17.1 1210.1.7 • Anodeless risers or wall head adapters____________2415.17.1X 1210.1.7X • Regulator vent connections to exterior_______________2414.6.3 n/a n Provide yellow insulated tracer wire min #18 (UPC: #14) along plastic pipe & terminating above ground________ 2415.17.3 1210.1.7.2 FIG. 55 Gas Piping in or below Slab n Piping may not penetrate foundation below grade_______ 2415.6 n/a n Piping in slab req’s protected channel or conduit________ 2415.8 n/a n Conduit under slab req’s protective conduit F55_______ 2415.14 1210.1.6 n Conduit w/ both ends terminating in building should not have ends sealed & both must be accessible___ 2415.8.2 & 2415.14.2 1210.1.6.2 n Conduit w/ one end on exterior & one on interior: Pipe sealed gas-tight to conduit at interior, exterior pipe terminated min 4 in. outside building & conduit vented above grade and configured to prevent water & insect entry F55______ 2415.8.1 & 2415.14.1 1210.1.6.1 GAS PIPING Gas Piping below Slab Conduit sealed in building interior to prevent possible entrance of gas Vent, same size as conduit Min. 2 in. above floor Screened vent opening Conduit must be sealed & extend 4 in. past building. Gas pipe 42 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 43 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Protection & Installation 15 IRC 15 UPC n Outdoor piping min 3½ in. above ground or roof surface__ 2415.9 n Shield plates 4 in. past edge of framing members for other than black or Zi steel pipe <1½ in. from face of framing F57____ 2415.7 n/a MFR Piping Support n Max support intervals for gas pipe & smooth tubing T31__ 2424.1 1210.2.4.1 n Hangers to prevent stress & dampen excessive vibration__ 2418.2 1210.2.4 n Hangers must allow for pipe expansion & contraction____ 2418.2 1210.1.4.2 GAS PIPING & TUBING SUPPORT IRC T2424.1 & UPC T1210.2.4.1 TABLE 31 Steel Pipe Nominal Size (in.) Max Support Spacing (ft.) ½ ¾ or 1 ≥1¼ (horizontal) ≥1¼ (vertical) 6 8 10 every floor level FIG. 56 Sediment Trap Sediment traps must be placed as close as possible to appliance inlets. Smooth-Wall Tubing Nominal Size (in.) Max Support Spacing (ft.) ½ 4 6 8 every floor level 5/8 or ¾ 7⁄ 8 or 1 (horizontal) 7⁄ 8 or 1 (vertical) Valves, Shutoffs & Appliance Connections 15 IRC 15 UPC n All valves accessible & protected from damage_________2420.1.3 n Valve within 6 ft. of appliance & in same room EXC_____2420.5.1 • Valve can be at manifold within 50 ft. of appliance_____2420.5.3 n Valve upstream from union or connector at appliance____2420.5.1 n Multiple buildings req shutoff for each building__________ 2420.3 n Valve ahead of each MP regulator F58_________________ 2420.4 n Each appliance req’s its own shutoff valve______________ 2420.5 n Cap any unused outlets (valve alone not OK)__________ 2415.15 n Connector can be rigid pipe, L&L connectors entirely in same room as appliance or CSST AMI & ≤ 6ft.__________ 2422.1 n Connector max 6 ft. length EXC___________________ 2422.1.2.1 • Rigid piping w/ valve ≤ 6 ft. of appliance served & sized as piping rather than as connector___________ 2422.1.2.1X n L&L connectors max one per appliance_____________ 2422.1.2.1 n Flex connectors one-time use only–do not re-use______ 2422.1(3) 1212.5 1212.5 Ø 1212.5 1210.11.2 1210.11 1212.522 1206.3 Shutoff valve before sediment trap Flex connector downstream of sediment trap n/a 1212.1(3) 1212.1(3) Electrical (for CSST – see p.41) n Electrical bond req’d for above-ground gas piping_______ 2411.1 n EGC of circuit supplying equipment OK as bond________ 2411.1 n Gas piping not OK as grounding electrode in earth______ 2410.1 Gas in 1212.1 1212.5 1211.1 1211.1 1211.5 Drips & Sediment Traps n Slope piping min ¼ in./15 ft. unless dry gas____________ 2419.1 n Non-dry gas: Accessible drip at meter & as needed______ 2419.2 n Sediment traps req’d as close as practical to appliance inlets (UPC: before appliance connector) F56 EXC______ 2419.4 • Ranges, dryers, gas lights, fireplaces & outdoor grills____ 2419.4 GAS PIPING 1210.2.2 1210.8 1212.823 1212.8 43 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 44 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited CORRUGATED STAINLESS-STEEL TUBING (CSST) The standard for CSST, CSA LC-1, requires that workers be certified before installing CSST. The manufacturers offer training & certification courses. Increasing concerns over damage from indirect lightning strikes have resulted in the bonding requirements listed below. FIG. 57 Electrical Bonding (cont.) 15 IRC 15 UPC n OK to connect to CSST fitting___________________2411.1.1.124 n Bonding jumper max 75 ft. length_________________2411.1.1.325 n Bonding jumper clamps listed for the purpose_______ 2411.1.1.5 Ø 1211.2 n/a Medium Pressure (MP) Regulators F58 CSST Strike Plates n MP regulators must be accessible____________________ 2421.2 1208.7.3 n MP regulators req tee between shutoff & regulator_______ 2421.2 MFR n Capped tee fitting req’d downstream of MP____________ 2421.2 MFR n Vented regulators must be vented to outdoors EXC______ 2421.3 1208.7.5(1) • If equipped w/ approved vent-limiting device__________ 2421.3X 1208.7.5(1X) n Vent piping must run independently to exterior_________2421.3.1 1208.7.5(1) Not req’d when >11/2 in. from surface The codes require strike-plate protection for piping & tubing other than black pipe or galvanized (see F2). CSST is an engineered Wall top plates system. The manufacturers’ recommendations are typically more restrictive, and proprietary protective plates are usually required. AMI (5 in. typical) FIG. 58 Ball valve CSST Manifold Vent limiter CSST: Typical Manufacturer Recommendations • Size, support, & bend radius AMI per MFR tables • Route below grade using conduit unless specifically allowed AMI • Striker plates per MFR F57 • Avoid kinking, twisting, or contact w/ sharp objects Electrical Bonding 15 IRC n CSST req’s #6 bond to electrical service grounding electrode system or to lightning protection system_______ 2411.1.1 n Bond individual CSST segments if > 1 in system_______2411.1.1 n Connect bonding jumper to metal pipe or fitting______ 2411.1.1.1 15 UPC 1211.2 1211.2 1211.2 Downstream fitting allows connection of pressure measuring instrument. Multiport manifold CORRUGATED STAINLES-STEEL TUBING (CSST) Union MP regulator Sediment trap & pressure measurement access 44 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 45 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 59 PIPE SIZE Gas piping systems in series (F59) can be sized using either the longest length or the branch length method. Systems with MP regulators are sized using the hybrid pressure method. Pipe Size 15 IRC 15 UPC n Size per max demand based on appliance input ratings___ 2413.2 n Assume all appliances operating simultaneously EXC____ 2413.2 • Where diversity of load can be established____________ 2413.2 n Size AMI or per tables T30 & T32—35_________________ 2413.3 n Adjust volumetric flow rate for altitudes > 2,000 ft._______ 2413.2 1208.4.1 1208.4.1 1208.4.1X 1208.4.2 1208.4.1 199,000 Btu tankless water heater 181 cu. ft. Gas Pipe Size Example 100,000 Btu furnace 91 cu. ft. D 20 ft. E 10 ft. Meter B A 10 ft. 20 ft. F 10 ft. C 40 ft. G 10 ft. 35,000 Btu clothes dryer 32 cu. ft. 65,000 Btu freestanding range 59 cu. ft. TABLE 32 GAS PIPE SIZING PROCEDURES u IRC 2413.3 & UPC 1216.1 1. Determine Btu/cu.ft. from local gas provider. 2. Determine cu.ft./hr. demand for each appliance. 3. Sketch layout w/ piping lengths to each appliance (F59). TABLE 33 4. Determine total cu.ft./hr. demand on each pipe section. 5. Determine length to most remote appliance. 6A. (longest length method) use row of T34 for that length for all appliances. 6B. (branch length method) use same row for all sections in series w/ most remote appliance. For other branches, use actual length of each branch. The “longest length” method is more conservative and compensates for pressure losses throughout the system. The “branch length method” has less leeway, and consideration should be given to the lengths of pipe fittings. The codes accept both methods. Systems w/ MP regulators use the “hybrid pressure” method, where the pipe sizes before the regulator are determined separately, each by the longest length method. GAS PIPE SIZE EXAMPLE Pipe Section Total cu. ft./hr.A Longest Length Longest Length Method Actual Lengths Branch Length Method A 363 90 ft. 1¼ in. 90 ft. 1¼ in. B 272 90 ft. 1¼ in. 90 ft. 1¼ in. C 213 90 ft. 1¼ in. 90 ft. 1¼ in. D 181 90 ft. 1 in. 90 ft. 1 in. E 91 90 ft. ¾ in. 30 ft. ½ in. F 59 90 ft. ¾ in. 40 ft. ½ in. G 32 90 ft. ½ in. 80 ft. ½ in. A. Ex based on 1,100 Btu/cu. ft.—contact local provider for actual values. PIPE SIZE 45 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 46 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE 34 CUBIC FEET CAPACITY OF SCHEDULE 40 METALLIC GAS PIPEA u IRC T2413.4(1) & UPC T1216.2(1) Nominal Pipe Size (in.) Pipe Length (in ft.) ½ 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 125 150 175 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 172 118 95 81 72 65 60 56 52 50 44 40 37 34 30 27 25 23 22 21 ¾ 1 1¼ 1½ 2 2½ 3 678 466 374 320 284 257 237 220 207 195 173 157 144 134 119 108 99 92 86 82 1,390 957 768 657 583 528 486 452 424 400 355 322 296 275 244 221 203 189 177 168 2,090 1,430 1,150 985 873 791 728 677 635 600 532 482 443 412 366 331 305 283 266 251 4,020 2,760 2,220 1,900 1,680 1,520 1,400 1,300 1,220 1,160 1,020 928 854 794 704 638 587 546 512 484 6,400 11,300 4,400 7,780 3,530 6,250 3,020 5,350 2,680 4,740 2,430 4,290 2,230 3,950 2,080 3,670 1,950 3,450 1,840 3,260 1,630 2,890 1,480 2,610 1,360 2,410 1,270 2,240 1,120 1,980 1,020 1,800 935 1,650 870 1,540 816 1,440 771 1,360 Pipe Section Total cu. ft./hr.A 4 Longest Length Longest Length Method Actual Lengths Branch Length Method A Demand Capacity (in cu.ft./hr.) 360 247 199 170 151 137 126 117 110 104 92 83 77 71 63 57 53 49 46 43 GAS PIPE SIZE EXAMPLE FILL-IN 23,100 15,900 12,700 10,900 9,660 8,760 8,050 7,490 7,030 6,640 5,890 5,330 4,910 4,560 4,050 3,670 3,370 3,140 2,940 2,780 B C D E F G A. Btu/cu.ft. (from gas supplier) A. Based on inlet pressure <2 psi, pressure drop 0.5 in. water column, specific gravity 0.60 PIPE SIZE 46 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 47 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE 35 Pipe Length (ft.) CUBIC FEET CAPACITY OF CORRUGATED STAINLESSSTEEL TUBINGA u T2413.4(5) T1216.2(14) Effective Hydraulic DiameterB (EHD) and Corresponding Approximate Nominal Pipe Size 13 18 19 23 25 31 37 39 46 3/8 1/2 1/2 3/4 3/4 1 1¼ 1¼ 1½ 1037 746 615 536 482 442 386 347 318 295 277 262 249 205 179 161 148 1790 1260 1030 888 793 723 625 559 509 471 440 415 393 320 277 247 226 Demand Capacity (in cu.ft./hr.) 5 10 15 20 25 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 150 200 250 300 46 32 25 22 19 18 15 13 12 11 10 10 9 7 6 5 5 115 82 66 58 52 47 41 37 34 31 29 28 26 20 18 16 15 134 95 77 67 60 55 47 42 38 36 33 32 30 23 21 19 17 225 161 132 116 104 96 83 75 68 63 60 57 54 42 38 34 32 270 192 157 137 122 112 97 87 80 74 69 65 62 48 44 39 36 546 383 310 269 240 218 188 168 153 141 132 125 118 91 82 74 67 895 639 524 456 409 374 325 292 267 248 232 219 208 171 148 133 95 PROPANE (LP GAS) The IRC and UMC defer to NFPA 58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, published by NFPA. LP gas liquefies under moderate pressure and vaporizes upon release of the pressure. Horizontal storage tanks are manufactured to standards from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and portable cylinders are manufactured to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. As a liquid or gas, propane is heavier than air and when gas leakage occurs in a pit or basement, an invisible pool of combustible material can accumulate until it rises to the level of an ignition source, such as the pilot or igniter on an appliance. One method of protection against this hazard is an interlock that would shut off the gas flow. Another method is to install a pan drain below the equipment with a duct sloped to the exterior. Tank Valves & Regulators NFPA 58 n Vapor & liquid shutoff valve req’d_________________________________ 5.9.4.1 n Shutoff valve req’d to be readily accessible_______________________ 5.9.8.1G n PRV req’d____________________________________________5.9.4.1 & 5.9.2.5 n Rain cap req’d over PRV________________________________________ 6.9.2.4 n No shutoff valve between tank & PRV_____________________________ 6.9.2.8 n No shutoff valves on outlet of PRV_______________________________ 6.9.2.10 n First-stage or high-pressure regulator must be installed outdoors______ 6.10.1.3 n Regulator must be designed to resist elements (freezing)____________ 6.10.1.4 A. Based on inlet pressure <2 psi, pressure drop 0.5 in. water column, specific gravity 0.60 B. EHD is a measure of relative efficiency. These values vary from one manufacturer to another. The tables are given here to determine approximate pipe sizes. These tables include 4 90º bends and 2 end fittings. Additional bends req adjustment in accordance w/ the manufacturer’s instructions. PIPE SIZE u PROPANE (LP GAS) 47 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 48 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Horizontal ASME Tanks NFPA 58 n Tank clearances F60_____________________________________ 6.4.1 & Annex I n Tank not allowed indoors__________________________________________6.2.1 n Tank permanently marked as to regulations governing fabrication_______ 5.2.8.1 n Protect tanks from damage where ≤10 ft. of vehicle thoroughfare______ 6.8.1.2 n Masonry or concrete foundation req’d under tanks___________________ 6.8.3.1 n Supports must be corrosion resistant & noncombustible______________ 6.8.3.5 n Secure tank against flotation in flood hazard areas___________________ 6.8.1.6 n Secure tanks in seismic areas as approved by local AHJ_____________5.2.4.3D n Min 10 ft. from easily ignitable material (weeds, firewood, dry grass)____ 6.5.3.3 n Replace containers w/ excessive dents or corrosion_________________ 5.2.1.4 Piping & Tubing Systems FIG. 60 Propane Tank Clearances Window air conditioner, source of ignition NFPA 58 10 ft. min. 10 ft. min. 5 ft. min. <125 gal. 25 ft. min. 501 gal.– 2,000 gal. PROPANE (LP GAS) 125 gal.–500 gal. 10 ft. min. PL n Provide method of removal of unburned gas for appliances installed in a pit or basement where gas could collect________________LocalCA n Piping material black, galvanized, brass, PE, or polyamide AMI________ 5.11.3.1 n Tubing brass, Cu L or K, CSST, PE, or polyamide AMI_______________ 5.11.3.2 n Plastics only OK underground & outdoors_________________________ 6.11.4.1 n Min #14 tracer wire req’d to be run w/ plastic pipe_________________ 6.11.4.6 n No cast-iron pipe fittings_______________________________________ 5.11.4.2 n Buried metal pipe min 12-in. cover (18 in. if damage likely)__________6.11.3.12 n Conduit or shielding OK when 12-in. cover not possible__________ 6.11.3.12B n Underground metal piping req’s corrosion protection_______________6.11.3.14 n LP gas piping not OK as grounding electrode_____________________6.11.3.15 n Grounding & bonding for static electricity protection not req’d______ A6.25.1.3 n Dielectric fitting req’d between above- & below-ground pipe_________6.11.3.16 n Dielectric fitting to be above ground and outdoors_________________6.11.3.16 No openings lower than relief valve within 5 ft. horizontally Intake to direct vent appliance 25 ft. min. Clearances are for tanks that are filled on site. 48 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 49 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited WATER HEATERS Water heaters should be maintained at as low a temperature as comfortably practical to reduce the risk of scalding. An undersized water heater is more likely to be turned to a dangerously high setting. Other means of protection against scalding include tempering valves at the water heater or at individual fixtures. Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular, including hybrid systems that contain a small storage tank and circulating line. T36 sizing represents the min the code allows but may not provide adequate hot-water supply under all conditions. Improperly sizing tankless water heaters is a common issue. Local energy codes may influence sizing as well. Water heaters that are part of a boiler system are discussed on p.53. General 15 IRC 15 UPC n Replacement water heaters req permits____________________ 105.1 502.1 n Installation & maintenance instructions to be left w/ WH______1307.1 507.24 n Size to meet demand T36______________________________ 2448.1 501.1 n Installation AMI & all instructions in L&L___________________ 2005.1 501.1 n Full-open type valve req’d on supply at WH F48,49________2903.9.2 606.2 n WH also used for space heating must be L&L for both______ 2448.2 501.1 n Systems also used for space heating req master mixing valve to temper domestic water to 140°F or less F68_______ 2803.2 n/a n Unions req’d (UPC: within 12 in.) to allow removal F61,67_____ MFR 609.5 n Electric WH req’s in-sight or lockable disconnect F67______ T4101.5 505.1 n Fuel-fired WH combustion air (p.85)______________________2407.1 506.1 n Fuel-fired WH venting (pp. 67, 88–98)____________ 1801.1 & 2427.1 509.0 TABLE 36 WATER HEATER MIN CAPACITYA u T501.1(1) Number of Bathrooms 1 to 1½ 2 to 2½ 3 to 3½ Number of Bedrooms 1st hr. RatingB 1 42 2 to 3 54 2 54 3 to 4 67 5 80 3 67 4 to 6 80 A. Based upon the first-hour rating found on the “Energy Guide” label. This number is approximately equal to the storage size plus hourly recovery rate. B. This table can also be used to size tankless water heaters. WATER HEATERS 49 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 50 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Special Locations 15 IRC 15 UPC n Fuel-fired WH prohibited in storage closets_____2005.2 & 2406.2 local n Not in bedrooms or bathrooms EXC__________ 2005.2 & 2406.2 504.1 • In dedicated enclosure w/ solid, weatherstripped, self-close door & all combustion air from exterior________2005.2 & 2406.2 504.1(1) • Direct-vent WH OK w/o enclosure___________2005.2 & 2406.2 504.1(2) n Ignition source ≥18 in. above garage floor EXC F61_____ 2801.7 507.13 • Flame Vapor Ignition-Resistant (FVIR) WH F62_______ 2801.7X 507.13 • WH in separate enclosure accessible only from outside the garage & no combustion air from garage____________1307.3 507.13.2 n Min 18 in. above floor in area where flammables stored (basements) unless FVIR F61__________________________ MFR 507.12 n Seismic bracing req’d upper & lower 1/3 of tank in SDC D & townhomes SDC C (UPC: all occupancies SDC C–F) F61___ 1307.2 & 2801.8 507.2CA n Barrier or elevation req’d in vehicle path (garages, etc) F61____ 1307.3.1 507.13.1 n Min 3-in. concrete pad req’d if supported on ground__ 1305.1.4.1 507.4 Access & Working Space 15 IRC 15 UPC n Clearances to combustibles per L&L and AMI____________1307.1 n Remain accessible for service, inspection & removal_____ 1305.1 n Attic hatch or door min 22 in. wide × 30 in. high____1305.1.3&1.4 n Largest appliance fits through access (crawl, attic)____ 1305.1.3&1.4 n Attic min 24-in. passageway, solid floor to WH_________1305.1.3 n Max 20 ft. from access opening if ceiling <6 ft._____1305.1.3&1.4 n Min 30 × 30-in. level working platform req’d EXC___1305.1.3&1.4 • Platform not req’d if service possible from opening_ 1305.1.3X1 n Attic & crawl req light & receptacle near WH__ 1305.1.3.1&1.4.3 n Light switch req’d at normal access____1305.1.3.1&1.4.3 & 3903.4 504.3.1 504.3.1 508.4 508.4 508.4.2 508.4.1 508.4.3 local 508.4.4 508.4.4 FIG. 61 FVIR Water Heater in Garage Bonding jumpers on hot, cold & gas pipe Hot water Heat loop (optional) Vent Fullway valve: gate or ball type Bonding jumper Cold water Temperature & pressure-relief valve (TPRV) Strapping req’d in seismic areas; flex water & gas connectors recommended Elevate source of ignition 18 in. above floor if not FVIR type. Straps min 4 in. above gas valve TPRV drain Protective bollards WATER HEATERS Terminate to approved location IRC: max 6 in. UPC: 6 in.–24 in. above floor or ground No threads on end 50 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 51 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Tankless (On Demand) Water Heaters F63 ____ 15 IRC FIG. 62 From gas supply FVIR Water Heater Push-button pilot ignitor Flame-arrestor plate FIG. 63 Tankless Water Heater Air enters through the vents and passes through a flame-arrestor plate into the sealed combustion chamber. Vent openings should be periodically cleaned. 15 UPC n Size AMI to meet demand_________________________ 2005.1 501.1 n Size gas line to max Btu input rating_________________ 2413.1 1215.2 n Vent AMI, Category III or IV typically req’d____________ 2005.1 509.1.1 n PRV AMI, PRV size at appliance input rating or above_ 2804.2 501.1&504.6 n Not OK to common vent w/ other appliances_______ 2427.10.4 509.10.3.2 n Direct-vent water heater vent clearances (p.45)________2427.8 509.8.2 Vent openings Category III or IV or Direct Vent - cannot be combined w/ other vents Shutoffs & flushing ports Pressure-relief valve (PRV) Hot water Cold water WATER HEATERS u TANKLESS Most tankless WHs have high input ratings. See T32 for gas line sizing. Utility meter must be capable of meeting demand. Full-bore gas shutoff before sediment trap Bond hot, cold & gas lines Condensate line 51 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 52 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Temperature & Pressure Relief Valves (TPRVs) 15 IRC 15 UPC n All WHs req pressure relief device F61,64,65,67________ 2804.1 n All WHs req temperature limiting device F61,64,66,67___ 2804.1 n IRC: devices may be combination TPRV (UPC: mandatory for storage-tank water heaters) F61,64,67______________ 2804.1(2) n Temp probe in top 6 in. of tank (UPC: AMI) F61,66,67___ 2804.4 n Device must open at 150 psi OR 210°F_____________ 2804.3&4 n Watts 210 also req’s PRV F65,66____________________ 2804.1 504.4 504.5 608.3 504.5 608.4 504.6 FIG. 64 Temperature & Pressure-Relief Valve FIG. 65 FIG. 66 PressureRelief Valve Watts 210 Gas Shutoff Valve TPRV Drain Piping n No shutoff or check valves before or after TPRV_________ 2804.6 n Each TPRV piped independently, may not be shared w/ condensate drain or relief valves of other systems____2804.6.1 n Drain must end outside building or at other approved location (IRC allows floor, pan, exterior, or indirect waste)_______2804.6.1 n IRC: TPRV may discharge into pan (UPC: prohibited)___2804.6.1 n Terminate min 2× pipe diameter max 6 in. from ground or receptor (UPC: 6 in. min, 24 in. max)__________2804.6.1(10)26 n Drain min 3/4 in. or same diameter as valve outlet EXC___2804.6.1 • PEX or PE-RT min 1 size larger, end secured ____ 2804.6.1(14)27 n Must drain by gravity; cannot run uphill or be trapped___2804.6.1 n No kinks or restrictions in pipe_______________________2804.6.1 n Pipe termination visible & no threads on end F61, 67____2804.6.1 n Material can be any allowed for water distribution (UPC: rated for operating temperature, e.g., Zisteel, CPVC, hard-drawn Cu, or Listed TPRV drain system) F61, 67__________________2804.6.1 n Protect from freezing (terminate through air gap to indirect receptor located in a heated space)__________________2804.6.1 n May not drain to crawlspace________________________2803.6.1 504.6 608.5 608.5 Ø 608.5 608.5 608.5 n/a 608.5 608.5 608.5 When the water heater is in a basement or below grade, it may not be possible to arrange for a gravity drain of the TPRV valve. A Watts 210 valve (F66) can be installed. The temperaturesensing bulb of the valve goes in the upper portion of the tank & the gas piping runs through the valve. The Watts 210 shuts off the gas if the temperature is excessive. In addition, a separate water pressure–relief valve (F65) must be installed in the piping & must drain by gravity to an approved location. Check with the local AHJ to see if this method is accepted in your area. 608.5 608.5 608.5 TPRV 52 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 53 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Required Pans & Drain 15 IRC n Watertight corrosion-resistant pan req’d for WHs in attics or where leakage could cause damage (UPC: to framing) F67_____ 2801.6 n Pan 24-gauge Zi or listed corrosion-resistant material____ 2801.6 n Plastic pans not OK under gas water heaters__________ 2801.628 n Min ¾ in. diameter drain req’d EXC F67______________2801.6.1 • Not req’d for replacement WH if none at existing pan _ 2801.6.129 n PVC not OK for pan drain piping___________________ 2801.6.130 n Pan drain req’d to end in indirect waste or outdoors 6 in. to 24 in. above grade (UPC: to any approved location) _________2801.6.2 n Pan min 1½ in. deep F67___________________________2801.6.1 n Pan not req’d under tankless water heater______________ 2801.6 15 UPC 507.5 507.5 n/a 507.5 n/a n/a 507.5 507.5 local FIG. 67 TPRV & discharge pipe Drain Pan & TPRV Discharge Disconnect within sight, or breaker w/ locking hasp TPRV discharge pipe: • No threads on end • Not trapped (not uphill) • No smaller than relief valve outlet • No valves or fittings • Discharge to readily observable location • Max. 6 in. above receptor in IRC • U PC: Not OK to terminate in pan BOILERS & HYDRONICS Modern high-efficiency boilers can be used for hydronic heating systems and for indirect-fired water heating systems. Distribution can be through radiators, baseboard convectors, radiant in-floor tubing, or duct heaters. Valves, backflow preventers, drain piping, and other items are governed also by plumbing codes. Steam & Hot-Water Boilers 15 IRC 15 UMC n Install AMI & per ASME standards__________________ 2001.1 1002.1 n Installer to supply control diagram & operating manual__ 2001.1 1012.1 n Must be securely anchored to structure________________ 1307.2 1001.5 n Hot water boilers req pressure & temperature gauges F69_ 2002.2 1003.3 n Steam boilers req sight-glass & pressure gauge_______ 2002.3 1003.3 n Pressure regulator req’d on water feed F69______________MFR MFR n Shutoff valves req’d in supply & return piping F69_____ 2001.3 1212.3 n Low-water cutoff control req’d EXC_________________ 2002.5 1008.1 • Coil-type or forced-circulation boiler w/ flow sensor_2002.5X31 1008.1 n Hydronic boilers req expansion tanks F69____________ 2003.1 1004.1 n Tank test pressure 2½ × allowable system pressure__ 2003.1.1 1004.3 n Tank support designed for twice waterlogged weight___ 2003.1 1004.1 n Tank capacity based on system volume T37__________ 2003.2 1004.4 n PRV req’d F69___________________________________ 2002.4 1005.1&1206.2 n PRV drain piped to within 18 in. of floor or receptor____ 2002.4 Ø n Discharge piping same rules as for WH (p.27)____________ n/a 1005.232 Dual-Purpose Water Heaters Min. 11/2 in. deep IRC: Pan drain only w/ materials approved for interior water pipe (no PVC) TPRV drain materials approved for interior water pipe (no PVC) n Water heaters used for space heating & domestic HW L&L for the purpose & installed AMI F68_______2004.1 & 2448.2 n Tempering valve must limit potable water to 140°F F68___ 2803.2 TPRV u BOILERS & HYDRONICS 1203.2 1207.3.1 53 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 54 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Exposed Piping n Support piping to avoid strain T3,4____________________ 2101.9 n Allow for expansion & contraction_____________________ 2101.8 n Sleeve pipes through concrete walls or floors___________ 2101.4 Hydronic Piping: General 15 IRC n Materials rated for temperature & heat transfer medium___ 2101.1 n Provide means of system drain down F69______________ 2101.2 n Maintain backflow protection to potable water F69______ 2101.3 n RP req’d to protect potable water if additives used______ 2101.3 n Provide for expansion and contraction of piping_________ 2101.8 n Expansion tank req’d for every hydronic system F69_____ 2003.1 n Pressure-reducing valve req’d on makeup water feed F69_____ n/a n PEX & PB in closed systems req oxygen barrier________ T2101.1 n Indicate flow directions on system F69____________________ n/a 1210.3 1210.2 1217.6.1 15 UMC 1210.1 1221.4 1202.1 1202.2 1210.2 1209.1 1214.4 1205.4 1204.6 Embedded Piping (Radiant Heating) TABLE 37 MIN EXPANSION TANK CAPACITY u IRC 2003.2 System Volume (gal.) Pressurized Tank Open Tanks 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 1.0 1.5 2.5 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.5 8.0 1.5 3.0 4.5 6.0 7.5 9.0 10.5 12.0 13.5 15.0 Based on average water temperature of 195°F, fill pressure of 12 PSIG, max operating pressure 30 PSIG n Plastic pipe rated min 100 psi at 180°F________________ 2103.1 n Cu tubing joints brazed not soldered________________ 2103.3(2) n Tubing embedded in concrete min 2 in. below surface ________ n/a n Min R-5 insulation under poured concrete radiant system in soil contact & R-5 on vertical slab edges on grade_________2103.2.1 1221.2 1221.2.2 1217.6 1217.6.2 BOILERS & HYDRONICS 54 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 55 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 68 Indirect Water Heater FIG. 69 The hydronic system components shown here can be designed in many different arrangements; the purpose of this illustration is simply to depict the major components required by code. Other components, such as balancing valves, check valves, purge valves, thermostats, zone valves, and control wiring, are not shown. Hydronic Heating Boiler Thermostatic mixing valve TPRV Shutoff valves Indirect water heaters can use a shared boiler, a solar heating system, or both, as the energy source for the storage tank. Pumps Temperature & pressure gauge Air release valve Gas line PRV The concept shown here has primary and secondary circulation lines. Systems can be designed w/ pumps for each zone or w/ individual zone valves from a Expansion single pump. We have depicted tank this system w/ the pump on the supply side, though it could also be on the return to the boiler. Sediment trap Pressure reducing regulator Shutoff valve Drain valve Flow direction labels BOILERS & HYDRONICS Condensate Feed water shutoff 55 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 56 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIXTURES Kitchen Sinks & Fixtures Fixtures include faucets, showers, sinks, toilets, hose bibbs, and similar equipment. They must be arranged so as to prevent cross-connections between the supply and waste. Fixtures must meet recognized standards. Faucets, toilets, and showers must conform to federal water conservation regulations. Many states and local jurisdictions have stricter conservation standards. General 15 IRC 15 UPC n Fixtures req’d to be smooth, impervious & free from concealed fouling areas F70_________________________ 2701.1 401.2 n Watertight seal req’d between fixtures & walls or floors (caulk base of toilet)______________________________ 2705.1#3 402.2 n Valves req’d on each fixture supply EXC______________2903.9.3 606.5 • Tubs & showers (UPC: fixtures w/o slip joints)________2903.9.3 606.5 n Shutoff OK at manifolds (p.37) F53__________________2903.8.4 606.5 n Hot on left, cold on right when facing outlet EXC________ 2722.2 417.5 • Single-handle controls—orientation per control labels____ 2722.2 417.5 n Sinks & lavs req drain strainer (UPC: stopper in lav OK)__ 2702.1 407.5&420.4 n Tailpiece min 1¼ in. for lavs & bidets__________________ 2703.1 T702.1 n Tailpiece min 1½ in. for other fixtures__________________ 2703.1 420.4 n Floor drains req removable strainers __________________ 2719.1 418.2 n Max lead content in fixtures 0.25% w/ respect to wetted surfaces of pipes, fittings & fixtures used for cooking or drinking________ 2906.2.133 604.233 15 IRC 15 UPC n Sink min outlet 1½. in. diameter______________________ 2714.1 n OK for sink, DW & disposer on same 1½-in. trap_________2717.2 n 2-in. drain req’d for sink downstream of trap________________ n/a n DW supply req’s air gap or integral backflow device______2717.1 n DW may discharge directly to a trap, trapped fixture, branch wye tailpiece on KS, or directly to disposer__________________2717.2 n Secure DW drain hose to underside of counter F73______2717.2 n MFR may req air gap if connection to drain lower than AMI__ MFR n Air gap fitting above sink flood level req’d for DW drain F72___ n/a n No DW connection to discharge side of disposer F72______ MFR T702.1 T702.1 T702.1 602.3 FIG. 72 414.3 n/a n/a 807.3 414.3 FIG. 73 Dishwasher Drain—UPC Dishwasher Drain—IRC Air gap device FIG. 70 Concealed Fouling Areas Disposer DW FIXTURES High loop drain must be secured to underside of counter. 56 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 57 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Kitchen Sinks & Fixtures (cont.) 15 IRC 15 UPC n Reverse osmosis systems to recognized standards______ 2909.2 n Reverse osmosis system discharge req’s air gap F71____ 2909.2 n No saddle fittings or tapping/drilling of drain line________ 3003.2 611.1 611.2 310.2 FIG. 71 Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Water dispenser w/ built-in air gap Reject water line Reject water line must discharge to drainage system through an air gap. Drinking water supply Water supply Storage tank Reverse osmosis filter FIXTURES 57 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 58 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 74 KITCHEN APPLIANCES Freestanding Ranges 15 IRC 15 UMC n L&L as household type—not commercial_________ 1901.2&2447.2 902.1,MFR n Anti-tip bracket req’d AMI_____________________________ MFR MFR n Vertical clearance to combustibles min 30 in. EXC F74___ 1901.1 921.3.2 • Lesser clearances AMI F74_________________________ 1901.1 921.3.2(3) • 24 in. OK w/ metal hood or metal over ¼ in. millboard______ n/a 921.3.2(1) n Side clearance to combustibles AMI EXC______________ 1901.2 921.3.1(1) • 6 in. min sides & rear for unlisted appliances________________ Ø 921.3.1(4) Range Clearances Lesser clearances allowed for listed appliances per terms of listing. 30 in. to unprotected surface Clearance to microwave AMI Clearance to range hood AMI Built-in Ranges n Install AMI________________________________ 1901.1 & 2447.1 n Vertical clearance to combustibles min 30 in. EXC F74___ 1901.1 • Lesser clearances per L&L and AMI F74______________ 1901.1 • 24 in. OK w/ metal hood or metal over ¼ in. millboard______ n/a n Must be level________________________________________ MFR 921.4.1 921.4.2 921.4.2(3) 921.4.2(1) 921.4.4 Hood for Open-Top Broilers n Hood req’d & must extend as wide as broiler unit________ 1505.1 n Min ¼-in. clearance to combustibles__________________ 1505.1 n Min 24 in. from cooking surface to combustible materials_ 1505.1 n Must be ducted to outdoors & have backdraft damper____ 1505.1 923.3 923.3 923.3 504.1.1 Range Hoods n Terminate min 3 ft. from building openings EXC__ 1503.1,1506.3 • Ductless (recirculating) range hoods OK_____________ 1503.1X n Gas ranges do not req vent to outdoors_____________ 2425.8(1) n Exterior openings screened w/ ¼-in. to ½-in. mesh______ 1506.3 n Ducts metal, smooth interior surface EXC____________ 1503.1&2 • Downdraft duct, PVC OK for portion under slab ______ 1503.2X n ≥100 cfm intermittent or ≥25 cfm (UMC: 50) continuous_ 1503.3 502.2.1 504.1X1 802.2.1(1) 502.1 504.3 504.3X T403.7 KITCHEN APPLIANCES 58 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 59 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 76 FIG. 75 Toilet Flanges Closet flange should be flush or above finished floor AMI. VIOLATION! Beneath floor: concealed fouling areas Fixture Layout WC flange Wall BATHROOMS IRC: 21 in. UPC: 24 in. Spacer Toilets & Bidets 15 in. Tubs & Whirlpools (also see Code Check Electrical) 15 IRC 15 UPC n Slip joints accessible, min 12 in. × 12 in. access F25____ 2704.1 n Tub waste opening to crawlspace req’s protective screen_____ n/a n Over-rim spigot–min vertical air gap 2× outlet diameter_T2902.3.1 n Tubs, whirlpools req temp limiting device at max 120ºF, water heater thermostat is not acceptable method_______ 2713.3 n Whirlpool pump accessible & above trap crown weir_____ 2720.2 n Pump access ≥12 × 12 in., 18 × 18 in. if > 2 ft. from access__ 2720.1 402.10 312.12.3 T603.3.1 FIG. 77 Shower Pan Outside dimensions: IAPMO listed—391/2 in. NOT IAPMO listed—371/2 in. n. 402.5 402.534 402.5 310.5 T1002.2 603.5.2 410.3 Distance to opposite wall or fixture i 22 402.6.1 402.6.2 n. 15 UPC IRC: 21 in. UPC: 24 in. Mi 15 IRC n Floor outlets req flanges, install AMI, no fouling area F75___2705.1 n Secure floor flange w/ corrosion-resistant fasteners____ 2705.1(1) n 15-in. min clearance from center toilet (WC) or bidet to side wall, vanity, or outer rim of adjacent fixtures F76_____________ 2705.1(5) n 21 in. min (UPC : 24 in.) clear in front of lav or toilet F76__ 2705.1(5) n Toilet or bidet min 30-in. separation center to center___ 2705.1(5) n No offset or reducing floor flanges unless listed for same_ 3002.3.1 n UPC: closet flange to vent max 6 ft. (IRC: unlimited)____ 3105.1X n Ballcock critical level ≥1 in. above overflow pipe________2902.4.1 n Max discharge temp at bidet 110ºF___________________ 2721.2 15 in. 409.4 409.6 n/a BATHROOMS 59 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 60 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Showers 15 IRC n Min area 900 sq. in. (UPC : 1,024 sq. in.) & encompass _min 30-in.diameter circle measured from finished wall EXC F78____ 2708.1 • 25 in. OK if area ≥ 1300 sq. in. (UPC: 1,800 sq. in.)____ 2708.1X2 n Maintain req’d shower area to min 70 in. above drain outlet__ 2708.1 n Shower heads, valves, grab bars & soap dishes allowed to protrude into req’d min space________________________ 2708.1 n Shower walls nonabsorbent to min 72 in. above drain______ 307.2 n If threshold provided, height min 1 in. below top of shower receptor membrane & 2 in.–9 in. above top of drain F78__ 2709.1 n If no threshold, adjacent floor considered a wet location_____local n Door must open outward F77________________________ 2708.1 n Door min 22-in.-wide clear egress opening F77________2708.1.1 n Finished floor slope min ¼ in./ft. & max ½ in./ft._________ 2709.1 n Secure shower valve, head/riser to permanent structure__ 2708.3 n Shower head cannot discharge directly at entrance_________local n Listed anti-scald/pressure balance valve req’d 120˚max___ 2708.4 15 UPC Shower Pan & Liner (cont.) 408.6 408.6X2 408.6 n Water-tight connection between liner and drain flange____ 2709.4 n Pan leak test min 2 in. water measured at threshold, min 15 minutes (UPC: water level ≥ rough threshold height)____________ 2503.6 n Pan leak test req’s plug (balloon) in pipe below flange____ 2503.6 408.6 local 408.5 408.535 local 408.5 408.5 408.10 408.9 408.3 FIG. 78 15 IRC 15 UPC 408.7 408.7.5 408.7.5 Site-Built Shower Pan Lining material min. 2 in. (UPC: 3 in.) above threshold or dam. Recess from face to not interfere with wall covering. 9 in. max. 2 in. min. Weep holes in drain Clamping ring Shower Pan & Liner n Min rough pan 32 in. × 32 in.________________________ 2708.1 n Site-built liner materials conform to approved standards__ 2709.2 n Slope underlayment ¼ in./ft. to weep holes F78_________ 2709.3 • Liner min 2 in. above dam or threshold (UPC: 3 in.) F78___2709.2 n Pan liner plastic AMI or 3 layers hot mop type 15 felt_____ 2709.2 n Special attention to hot mop corner installation; extend 4 in. all directions from corner_______________________2709.2.3 n PVC & CPE sheet lining cemented AMI____________ 2709.2.1&2 n Weep holes at drain req’d & must remain clear F78______ 2709.4 n No fasteners in liner <1 in. above finished threshold______ 2709. 3 n Roll over top of rough threshold (no penetrations through top) & fasten to outside edge F78________________________ 2709.3 408.6 408.7 408.7 408.7 408.7 408.7 408.7.1&2 408.7 408.7 Solidly formed subbase to provide grade to weep holes for lining material Liner not less than 1/4 in./ft. Nor more than 1/2 in./ft. 30 in. min. diameter IRC: 900 sq. in. min. area UPC: 1,024 sq. in. min. area Diameter is measured to center of threshold. 408.7 BATHROOMS 60 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 61 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 79 LAUNDRY Clothes Washers & Laundry Sinks (Trays) 15 IRC 15 UPC n Standpipe ≥18 in. & ≤42 in. (30 in. UPC) above trap F79__ 2706.1.2 n Must drain through air break (no pressurized waste)______ 2718.1 n No trap below floor_____________________________________ n/a n Trap ≥ 6 in. & ≤ 18 in. above floor F79_____________________ n/a n CW may drain directly into LT______________________ 3201.6X3 n LT may drain into washer standpipe within 30 in. if standpipe min 30 in. above trap weir & above FLR of LT F80_____ 2706.1.2.1 804.1 805.1 804.1 804.1 T702.1 Laundry Standpipe Standpipe must be accessible Min. 18 in. IRC: Max. 42 in. UPC: Max. 30 in. Ø IRC Electric or UMC Electric or Gas Dryers ______ 15 IRC 15 UMC n Install AMI & independently vented to exterior EXC_____ 1502.1&2 504.4 • Ductless (condensing) dryers OK if L&L & AMI________ 1502.2X 303.1 n Closet installation req’s makeup air ≥100 sq. in.____________ local 504.4.1 n Flexible transition ducts L&L, AMI & single piece F81_____ 1502.4.3 504.4.2.2 n Connectors not concealed & max 8 ft. (UMC: 6 ft.)_______ 1502.4.3 504.4.2.2 n Duct smooth metal, no screws inside (IRC: 1/8 in. OK) __ 1502.4.2 504.4 n Support max 12 ft. intervals (UMC: per SMACNA)______ 1502.4.2 504.4.536 n Duct min 4 in. diameter F81_________________________ 1502.4.1 504.4.2 n IRC: Max length AMI or 35 ft. minus bends per T38___ 1502.4.5.1 n/a n IRC: Longer lengths req sign within 6 ft. of connection stating equivalent length of exhaust duct______________________1502.4.6 n/a n UMC: Max length 14 ft. plus connector, includes 2 90° turns, deduct 2 ft. for each additional 90° turn EXC_________________ n/a 504.4.2.1 • Longer lengths OK AMI w/ specific AHJ approval___________ n/a 504.4.2.1 n No mixing w/ or passage through other systems__________1502.2 504.4 n End outside w/ backdraft damper & no screens F82_______1502.3 504.4 n Min 3 ft. from other building openings___________________1502.3 502.2.1 UPC: 6 in.—18 in. FIG. 80 IRC: Laundry Tray Draining into Standpipe LAUNDRY FLR Min. 30 in. Standpipe must be accessible Max. 30 in. 61 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 62 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 81 Dryers are a leading cause of U.S. home fires. The Dryer Exhaust Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that up to 16,000 home fires a year originate If duct length based on at clothes dryers. Common causes are lint buildup MFR instructions, copy from improperly installed or maintained exhaust ducts. must be provided to AHJ & Screws should not penetrate to the interior of the duct duct must be inspected. as they accumulate lint and lead to blockage. NOTICE UMC: Max 14 ft. plus connector, up to 2 90˚ bends, deduct 2 ft. for each additional 90˚ Concealed duct length 39 ft. IRC max length 35 ft. counting connector or AMI FIG. 82 IRC: Deduct for bends T38 Backdraft Damper Transition ducts metal, L&L, and not concealed Dryers w/ specific MFR instructions are allowed longer lengths than otherwise permitted by code. TABLE 38 DRYER FITTING EQUIVALENT LENGTH IRC T1502.4.5.1 & T2439.7.4.1 Fitting Radius 4 in. mitered 6 in. smooth 8 in. smooth 10 in. smooth Equivalent Length 45° Elbow 90° Elbow 2 ft. 6 in. 1 ft. 1 ft. 9 in. 5 ft. 1 ft. 9 in. 1 ft. 7 in. 1 ft. 6 in. IRC Gas Clothes Dryer Exhaust (cont.) 15 IRC n Max length AMI or 35 ft. minus bends per T38,F81 EXC___________2439.7.4.1 • Longer lengths OK w/ sign within 6 ft. of connection stating equivalent length of exhaust duct________________________________ 2439.7.5 n No mixing w/ or passage through other vent systems______________ 2439.1&3 n Terminate outside w/ backdraft damper & no screens F82____________2439.3 n Maintain fire-resistance integrity at duct penetrations_________________2439.2 n Shield plates if <11/4 in. from framing surface F2____________________2439.6 n Booster fans L&L to UL 705 & installed AMI______________________ 2439.437 insulated or part of SE cable originating from service_____________ 250.140X CLOTHES DRYER ELECTRICAL 15 IRC Clothes dryers should have a 4-wire cord when the receptacle has separate neutral and ground slots, and the dryer’s internal bonding jumper should be removed. If the receptacle has only 3 slots, a 3-wire cord is installed and the dryer’s internal bonding jumper is connected. n Closet req’s ≥100 sq. in. makeup air opening_______________________2439.5 n Flexible transition ducts (connectors) L&L, install AMI, no splices, connectors not concealed & max 8 ft. F81________________________ 2439.7.3 n Duct smooth metal min 4 in., screws ≤1/8 in. in airflow, male end point in direction of flow, support intervals max 4 ft. spacing F81___ 2439.7.1&2 n Min 30 amp circuit_____________________________________________220.54 n 4-conductor branch circuit & receptacle req’d EXC________________ 250.140 • Existing 3-wire circuits OK to remain if neutral min #10 & insulated or part of SE cable originating from service_____________ 250.140X IRC Gas Clothes Dryer Exhaust No screens Electric Clothes Dryers LAUNDRY u CLOTHES DRYER ELECTRICAL 17 NEC 62 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 63 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 83 OIL TANKS & PIPING While the IRC and NFPA 31 provide rules for buried tanks, many jurisdictions do not allow them due to the risk of groundwater contamination should they leak. Storage tanks may also be under the jurisdiction of the state or local environmental agency and the local fire protection district. There are special considerations with tanks in flood-prone areas or those with high seismic risk. Tanks: General Vent pipe Cross-connector 7.2.1 7.2.8.1 7.2.8.2 7.3.1 7.3.2 n/a 7.2.7.2-5 Outside Tanks n Outside tank supports firmly anchored to foundation_______ local n Tanks ≤275 gal (IRC: ≤660 gal) min 5 ft. from PL_______2201.2.2 n Tanks >275 gal & ≤660 gal min 10 ft. from PL______________ n/a n Tanks >660 gal per NFPA 30_______________________ 2201.2X n Protect external tanks from corrosion & damage________2201.2.2 7.3.3 7.8.2 7.8.2 7.8.3 7.8.4 Inside Tanks n Inside tanks >60 gal. only on lowest floor EXC_____________local • Spill containment & no floor or open space below_________local n Tanks >10 gal. min 5 ft. from any fire or open flame_____2201.2.1 7.5.4 7.5.5 7.5.7 Abandoned Tanks n Temporarily unused tanks emptied, cleaned & fill pipe filled w/concrete & all other piping capped__________________ 2201.7 n Remove per International Fire Code or NFPA 30________ 2201.7 n Also remove exterior piping of abandoned tanks_________ 2201.7 7.12 7.14 7.13.1 Oil-burning appliance Fill pipe 15 IRC NFPA 31 n Tanks L&L (IRC: indoor UL 80, underground UL 58) _____ 2201.1 n Install above design flood elevation or per NFPA 30_____ 2201.6 n Restrain against earthquake movement per local codes____1307.2 n Tanks & supports req solid concrete foundations____________ n/a n Design foundation to minimize settling & corrosion_______ 2201.2 n Max 660 gal. above ground or inside building EXC______ 2201.2 • Systems compliant w/ NFPA 31____________________ 2201.2X Indoor Oil Tanks Fusible link shutoff valve Filter Shutoff valve Fusible link shutoff valves Min. 5 ft. from open flame Compared to other fuels, heating oil has the greatest number of Btus per gallon (approximately 139k). It can be safely stored indoors as it is less readily ignitable than gasoline or propane. It is a commonly used fuel in the Northeast and relatively rare in western states or areas where natural gas is readily available. It displaced coal as the primary fuel source in many areas of the country. Heating oil typically has a red dye added to distinguish it from diesel oil. In areas with outdoor tanks subject to freezing, special fuel oil mixtures are supplied, and they contain a mixture of kerosene and #2 oil. Oil-fired appliances require regular maintenance. Filters need to be inspected and cleaned, and other routine adjustments will be necessary. Systems should be serviced by a qualified heating professional at least once a year. Black stains or soot in any part of the vent or chimney system are an indicator of improper combustion and should prompt an immediate service call. OIL TANKS & PIPING 63 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 64 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Fill & Vent Piping 15 IRC NFPA 31 n Each tank or tank system req’s separate fill & vent F83___ 2203.4 n Fill & vent pipes must terminate outside building F83___ 2203.3&5 n Tank fill & vent piping min schedule 40 steel or brass_____ 2202.1 n No cast-iron fittings_________________________________ 2202.2 n Fill pipe min 1¼ in. & pitched toward tank________________ MFR n Vent pipe min 1¼ in. & pitched toward tank_____________ 2203.4 n Fill piping min 2 ft. from building openings______________ 2203.3 n Each tank req’s fill gauge (IRC: tank inside buildings)____ 2201.5 n No glass gauges or gauges subject to breakage________ 2201.5 n Vent termination min 2 ft. from building openings________ 2203.5 n Vent terminal screened & w/weatherproof cap F83______ 2203.5 n Vent terminal above snow level & visible from fill_________ 2203.5 7.5.9 8.4.7 8.2.1.1 8.3.4 8.5.1 8.6.1 8.5.2 7.5.10 8.10.4 8.6.2 8.6.3&4 8.6.2.1&2 Piping & Tubing to Appliances n Above ground fuel supply schedule 40 steel or brass or seamless Cu, brass, or steel tubing___________________ 2202.1 n Tubing req’s corrosion-resistant coating or protective conduit to within 12 in. of tank or appliance_______________________ n/a n Min tubing size 3⁄ 8-in. o.d. Cu min Type L_______________ 2203.2 n Readily accessible manual shutoff req’d at tank outlet____ 2204.2 n Shutoff req’d at building entrance if tank outdoors___________ n/a n Filter or strainer req’d on appliance supply_________________local n Cross-connection of tanks to 660 gal. total OK F83_____ 2203.6 n Fusible link safety shutoffs req’d within 6 in. of filter on tank side & within 12 in. of inlet connection to burner F83_________ n/a 8.2.2.1 8.2.2.2.1 8.7.1 8.7.1 9.2.11.1 7.58 8.9.1 Links and Resources for Oil and Oil-Burning Appliances: NFPA 31, Standard for Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/listof-codes-and-standards/detail?code=31 Fine Homebuilding Comparison of Cost of Heating Fuels https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2008/11/12/should-you-switch-heating-fuels Annual Service of Oil-Fired Appliance Chimney https://www.csia.org/oil_fired_chimneys.html National Oilheat Research Alliance https://noraweb.org/ Department of Energy – Furnaces and Boilers https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-heating-systems/furnacesand-boilers 8.10.6 OIL TANKS & PIPING 64 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 65 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Oil-Fired Floor Furnaces (cont.) OIL-FIRED APPLIANCES 15 IRC NFPA 31 The IRC provides specific rules for oil systems and oil-burning appliances in chapter 14, 18 & 22. The UMC defers to NFPA 31 for oil systems and appliances. Jurisdictions using the UMC should use the NFPA 31 columns. n Provide adequate combustion air_____________________ 1701.1 n Chimney connector clearance min 9 in. EXC___________1803.3.4 • Lesser clearances w/ clearance reduction system T47__ 1803.3.4 General FIG. 84 15 IRC NFPA 31 n FAU closet clearances AMI & per F84 EXC____________1305.1.1 • Clearances for replacement FAU in closet AMI_________1305.1.1X n Readily accessible oil shutoff valve req’d F85___________ 2204.2 4.3.2 MFR 10.5.1 Oil-Fired Room Heaters n Must be L&L & installed AMI and per code_____________ 1410.1 n Noncombustible floor or assembly min 18 in. (12 in. NFPA 31) beyond all sides of appliance EXC____________________ 1410.2 • Appliances L&L for installation AMI or w/o protection__ 1410.2X n Min clearances 24 in. front, 6 in. sides, rear & above_______ MFR n/a 10.6.3.1 10.6.3 T10.6.1 Oil-Fired Floor Furnaces n Must be L&L for combustible construction______________ 1408.1 n Install AMI________________________________________ 1408.1 n Floor register types min 6 in. from wall_________________ 1408.3 n Wall register type min 6 in. from inside corners__________ 1408.3 n Min 12 in. from door swing arc, draperies or combustibles_1408.3 n Min 5-ft. clearance above furnace to draperies, etc.______ 1408.3 n Not OK to project into habitable space below___________ 1408.3 n Support furnace independent of grill___________________ 1408.5 n Not OK to support from ground______________________ 1408.5 n Furnace must be accessible (not OK in slab)_________ 1408.3&4 n Access to underfloor area min 18 in. × 24 in.___________ 1408.4 • IRC: If floor access, min 22 in. × 30 in._______________ 1408.4 n Min 6-in. clearance to ground________________________ 1408.5 n Min 6-in. clearance on all sides below floor_________________ n/a 10.9.1 4.3.2 10.9.4 10.9.5 10.9.4 MFR 10.9.9 10.9.3 MFR 10.9.7 10.9.7.1 Ø 10.9.6 10.9.9.2 10.9.8 10.9.11 10.9.11 Oil Furnace in Alcove or Closet New FAUs in existing closets are OK if installed w/ clearances AMI. 3 in. min to sides, top & back Oil-burning furnace HANSEN 6-in. front clearance of open firebox OIL-FIRED APPLIANCES Total interior space 12 in. wider than unit Opening min 12 in. wider than appliance but no less than 24-in. min. doorway Appliance must fit through door opening. 65 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 66 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 85 COMBUSTION AIR FOR OIL-FIRED APPLIANCES The IRC no longer includes a separate set of rules for combustion air for oil-burning appliances. Instead refers to NFPA 31 oil appliance combustion air. Oil-Burning Appliance Vents Draft regulator in same room as appliance Oil-fired Appliance Combustion Air – General Connector rise: min. 1/4 in./ft. Manual shutoff req. at oil tank Indoor Air Source n Only OK for buildings of ordinary tightness___________________________5.3.1 n Infiltration sufficient for unconfined space____________________________5.3.1 n Unconfined space = ≥50 cu. ft./kBtu/hr. of all appliances in space F110_3.3.60 n Confined area req’s openings to unconfined space of adequate volume_ 5.4.1.3 n Openings to unconfined space min 1sq. in./kBtu/hr. T40______________ 5.4.1.2 n Openings located near top & bottom of confined space F111_________ 5.4.1.1 Oil burner Outside Air Source Min. tubing size 3⁄ 8 in. Oil-Fired Recessed Wall Furnaces NFPA 31 n Source from outside if building is unusually tight construction____________5.2.3 n Consider effect from exhaust fans (kitchen, bath, laundry)_______________5.2.3 n Screen req’d on outside openings, mesh openings ≥¼ in._______________5.6.2 n Consider restrictive effect of louvers on openings:_____________________5.6.3 • Net free area 60–75% for metal louvers • Net free area 20–25% for wood louvers 15 IRC NFPA 31 n Must be L&L for combustible construction______________ 1409.1 n Install AMI________________________________________ 1409.1 n Locate so no fire hazard to walls, floors, or furnishings____ 1409.2 n Door’s swing arc not within 12 in. of face of furnace_____ 1409.2 n Doorstop cannot be used to maintain req’d clearance____ 1409.2 n Min 3 ft. from wall opposite register_____________________ MFR n Panels, grills & access doors not attached to walls_________ MFR n Provide adequate combustion air_____________________ 1701.1 10.13.1 10.13.3 10.13.4 MFR MFR 10.13.5 10.13.6 10.13.7 n Openings located near top & bottom of confined space F111_________ 5.4.2.1 n Openings to vented attic or crawlspace equivalent to outdoors F107___ 5.4.2.2 n Direct exterior openings each sized at 1sq. in./4kBtu/hr. F106_________ 5.4.2.3 n Vertical ducts each sized at 1sq. in./4kBtu/hr. F103,109______________ 5.4.2.3 n Horizontal ducts each sized at 1sq. in./2kBtu/hr. F104_______________ 5.4.2.4 OIL-FIRED APPLIANCES 66 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 67 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited OIL-FIRED APPLIANCE CHIMNEYS & VENTS Oil-fired appliances can be vented to listed L vents or into masonry or listed chimneys. IRC chapter 18 deals with this subject. The UMC defers to NFPA 211 for oil-fired appliances, though NFPA 31 also contains similar rules. NFPA 211 does not address as many topics on oil-fired vents as NFPA 31, and for consistency with the rest of the codes in this section we are providing the NFPA 31 rules below. General 15 IRC NFPA 31 n Appliances must be listed___________________________ 1302.1 n Fuel-burning appliances req venting to outdoors_________ 1801.1 n Vent system AMI of connected appliance______________ 1801.2 n Draft regulator req’d if connected to chimney EXC_______ 1802.3 • Arrangements that prevent excessive chimney draft_________ n/a • Appliances L&L for use w/o draft regulator________________ n/a n No manually operated dampers______________________1802.2.1 n Automatic dampers req burner interlock_______________1802.2.2 n Unused openings not OK in vent system______________ 1801.10 13.2 6.2.1 6.3.1 6.4.1 6.4.1 6.4.1 6.4.2 6.4.3 n/a Chimneys & Type L Vents n Chimney flues serving oil systems sized per NFPA 31___ 1805.3X n Verify existing chimney OK if installing new appliance____ 1801.3 n Installer verify chimney size OK or resize per NFPA 31__1801.3.1 n If deterioration visible, inspect per NFPA 211 (Chapter 14)___ n/a n Type L vents must be L&L & installed AMI____________ 1804.1&3 n Type L vent termination min 2 ft. above roof____________1804.2.4 n Chimney termination min 3 ft. above roof F133__________ 1805.1 n Vent or chimney termination min 2 ft. above any portion of building within 10 ft. F133_______________ 1804.2.4 & 1805.1 n Masonry chimneys req CO__________________________1801.3.3 n Masonry chimneys req liner__________________________ 1805.1 6.6 6.6.7 6.6.7 6.6.7.2 6.7.1.2 6.7.1.4 6.6.6 Chimney Connectors 15 IRC NFPA 31 n Connectors as short & straight as practical______________ 1803.3 6.5.1 n Min rise ¼ in./ft._____________________________________ 1803.3 6.5.10 n Secure support, screw or rivet joints (NFPA 31: min 3)____ 1803.3 6.5.13&14 n Single-wall clearance 18 in., 9 in. if appliance listed type L______ 1803.3.4 6.5.17 n Type L connector 9 in., 3 in. if appliance listed type L_____ 1803.3.4 6.5.17 n Reduced clearances per F130_______________________ 1803.3.4 6.5.17 n Diameter min size of flue collar of appliance or AMI______ 1803.3.3 6.5.7 n Entire length accessible for cleaning & replacement______ 1803.3.5 6.5.16 n Unlisted connector horizontal run max 75% of vertical____ 1803.3.2 6.5.1.2 n Horizontal distance max 10 ft. w/out draft fan________________ n/a 6.5.1.1 n Draft fan req’s burner interlock____________________________ n/a 6.3.2 6.7.1.4 6.6.1 6.6.8 OIL-FIRED APPLIANCE CHIMNEYS & VENTS 67 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 68 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited VENTILATION & EXHAUST SYSTEMS TABLE 39 In general, building codes tell us when we must provide ventilation for interior spaces, and mechanical codes tell us how to provide it. The energy codes and green building standards also impact required ventilation. ASHRAE 62.2, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings, is the standard referenced by many energy codes. Check with your local jurisdiction to determine the standards in your area. Greater energy efficiency results in the need to provide systematic whole-house ventilation to dilute contaminants from materials such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in furnishings, and building products. Localized exhaust removes contaminants from specific sources, such as kitchens and baths. Whole Building Ventilation ASHRAE 62.2 n Mechanical exhaust, supply, or combination system req’d________________ 4.1 n Min ventilation rate must comply w/ T39______________________________ 4.1 n Local exhaust fans can count to req’d whole-house continuous ventilation__ 4.2 n Min ventilation rates from T39 averaged over min 3-hr. period____________4.5.1 n Measured infiltration rate can be used as credit to req’d ventilation_______4.1.2 n Whole building or continuous ventilation fans max 1.0 sone EXC_________ 7.2.1 • Mechanical air handlers__________________________________________ 7.2X • Remote-mounted fans w/min 4 ft. ductwork between grill & fan_________ 7.2X Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) 85B 15 IRC 15 UMC n Install per L&L to UL 1812 & AMI_____________________ 1302.1 n Exhaust outside, not to attics or crawlspaces____________1507.2 n Combine all sources for req’d ventilation rate per T39_____1507.3 n Do not recirculate Class ll air (baths, kitchens) to Class I___1507.2 504.5 502.1 402.1.2 403.9.2 MIN VENTILATION RATES IN CFM u ASHRAE 62.2 T4.1A Number of Bedrooms Floor Area (sq. ft.) 1 2 3 4 5 <500 30 38 45 53 60 501–1000 45 53 60 68 75 1001–1500 60 68 75 83 90 1501–2000 75 83 90 98 105 2001–2500 90 98 105 113 120 2501–3000 105 113 120 128 135 3001–3500 120 128 135 143 150 3501–4000 135 143 150 158 165 4001–4500 150 158 165 173 180 4501–5000 165 173 180 188 195 Multiple continuously operating exhaust fans adding up to a min of the required amount is acceptable. Assumes 2 occupants up to 1 BR, plus1 additional occupant per BR. Add 7.5 cfm per additional occupant. FIG. 85B Energy Recovery Ventilator Heat exchanger Filters Fresh cool air from outside Stale air from inside Exhaust to outside Fans VENTILATION & EXHAUST SYSTEMS Fresh warm air to inside 68 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 69 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Local Exhaust ASHRAE 62.2 n Demand exhaust (kitchen, bath) < 400 cfm max 3.0 sone ________________ 7.2.2 n Mechanical exhaust req’d each kitchen & bath w/ tub or shower__________ 5.1 n Kitchen exhaust min 100 cfm intermittent or 5 ACH continuous____ T5.1 & T5.2 n Vented range hood req’d if 100 cfm is <5 kitchen ACH of kitchen volume_ T5.1 n Bathroom 50 cfm intermittent or 20 cfm continuous______________ T5.1 & T5.2 n Controls may be humidistat, timer, or occupancy sensor provided that occupant has manual override control (ON/OFF)__________________5.2.1 n Duct sizes & length per T40 _______________________________________ T5.3 Additional Air Quality Requirements n Clothes dryers req exterior exhaust except condensing dryers____________ 6.3 n Air inlets min 10 ft. from contaminants such as plumbing vents____________ 6.8 n Exhaust ventilation may not deplete combustion air to appliances within pressure boundary (sum of 2 largest exhaust max 15 cfm/100 sq. ft.)______ 6.4 n Door from attached garage to house weatherstripped__________________6.5.1 n Duct leakage outside pressure boundary max 6%_____________________6.5.2 n Central furnace or AC system filter min efficiency MERV 6_______________ 6.7 n Habitable spaces req ventilation ≥4% (min 5 sq. ft.) of floor area_________6.6.1 n Utility/WC rooms req ventilation ≥4% (min 11/2 sq. ft.) of floor area EXC___6.6.2 • Utility rooms w/ dryer exhaust duct_________________________________ 6.6X n All controls labeled as to purpose, manuals present for occupants_________ 6.2 TABLE 40 Fan CFM EXHAUST DUCT SIZE u ASHRAE 62.2 T5.3 50 80 Size (in.)A 100 125 150 200 250 300 Max Length of Flexible DuctB (ft.) 4 56 4 Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø 5 NL 81 42 16 2 Ø Ø Ø 6 NL NL 158 91 55 18 1 Ø 7 NL NL NL NL 161 78 40 19 ≥8 NL NL NL NL NL 189 111 69 Size (in.) Max Length of Smooth DuctB (ft.) 3 2 Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø 4 114 31 10 Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø 5 NL 152 91 51 28 4 Ø Ø 6 NL NL NL 168 112 53 25 9 7 NL NL NL NL NL 148 88 54 ≥8 NL NL NL NL NL NL 198 133 A. Flex duct smaller than 4 in. not allowed. B. NL = No Limit, Ø = not allowed VENTILATION & EXHAUST SYSTEMS 69 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 70 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Bathroom Exhaust & Ventilation 15 IRC ASHRAE n Mechanical ventilation 50 cfm intermittent or 20 cfm continuous direct to exterior OK EXC F86_______________________ 303.3X • Natural ventilation openings min 1.5 sq. ft. OK__________ 303.3 n Air may not be exhausted into attic F86________________ 1501.1 n WC room vent openings min 1.5 sq. ft. & ≥4% of floor area EXC___n/a • Toilet compartments within bathrooms____________________ n/a n Air exhaust & intake openings req screens (62.2: intake only) 303.6 T5.1&T5.2 Ø definition 6.6.2CA 6.6.2X 6.8 15 IRC 17 NEC n Listed box for fan support (no standard boxes)__________ 3905.8 314.27C n Listed fan boxes w/o weight marking OK up to 35 lb._____ 3905.8 314.27C n Fan >35 lb. & <70 lb., fan box L&L for suitable weight____ 3905.8 314.27C n Independent support for fans >70 lb.__________________ 3905.8 314.27C n If spare separately switched ungrounded conductors run to ceiling box, box or box system must be listed for paddle fan support_______ 3905.8 314.27C FIG. 87 FIG. 86 Bathroom Exhaust Venting Ceiling-Suspended Paddle Fans F87 Paddle Fan Support Ceiling fans >70 lb. must be supported independently from box. VIOLATION! Listed fan box Exhaust air is vented to the outside to prevent the build-up of mold or mildew from condensation. Box systems rated >35 lb. must be marked w/ rating. VENTILATION & EXHAUST SYSTEMS 70 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 71 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited GENERAL MECHANICAL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Many sections of the IRC and UMC are identical except for their numbering. The model code for systems using natural gas is NFPA 54–The National Fuel Gas Code, and both the IRC and UMC adopt material directly from it. Permits & Interpretations 15 IRC 15 UMC n New installations, alterations & repairs req permits EXC___ 105.1 • Portable equipment & minor replacement parts__________ 105.2 • Components within equipment regulated by these codes_ 105.2 n Building Official may accept alternative materials, design & methods (AMM) _________________________________ 104.11 n Written response req’d for rejected AMM applications___ 104.1138 n If general & specific rules in conflict, specific rule prevails__ 102.1 n When rules in conflict, the more stringent prevails________ 102.1 n Plumbing code prevails if conflicting w/ mechanical code_____ n/a n Continued use of existing installations OK if safe & compliant w/ code in effect at time of construction_______________ 1202.2 104.1 104.2 104.2 302.2 n/a 102.1 102.1 102.1 102.2 Listing & Labeling n Appliances req L&L_________________________________ 1302.1 301.2 n Install listed appliances AMI & per listing F88___ 1307.1 & 1401.1 n Attach installation & operating instructions to appliance____1307.1 n Fuel-fired factory-applied nameplates must include:______ 1303.1 • MFR name, model, serial number & listing mark of testing agency • Electrical rating in volts, amps & phase • Type of fuel and hourly Btu rating • Req’d clearances from combustibles • Operating & maintenance instructions 303.1 303.1 307.1 (The UMC req’s either approval by the AHJ or listing to a national standard) FIG. 88 “SSU” Switch Manufacturer’s instructions may req supplementary overcurrent protection, which can be provided by a fused switch. An ex: might be a furnace requiring 15A overcurrent protection installed on a 20A circuit. Appliance Maintenance Type S Fuse Adapter Fuseholders must be supplied w/ Type S Fuse adapters, which prevent replacement w/ the wrong size fuse. 15 IRC 15 UMC n Maintain system in proper working order_______________ 1202.3 n BO may order reinspections to determine compliance____ 1202.3 102.3 102.3 Minimum Heating Requirements n Habitable rooms req installed heat source capable of min 68°F at 3 ft. above floor & 2 ft. from exterior wall_________ 303.10 n Portable space heater not OK to meet above rule________ 303.10 n/a n/a APPLIANCE LOCATION, ACCESS & ANCHORAGE Appliances must remain accessible for inspection, service, repair, and replacement without the need to remove permanent construction. Appliances must be located where they are not subject to flooding or damage, and with adequate clearances from combustible surfaces. Appliances in under-floor areas and attics have specific rules. The IRC does not address appliances on roofs, though it does state that in the absence of specific rules, those from the International Mechanical Code apply. Flood Elevation 15 IRC 15 UMC n Locate above design flood elevation EXC_____________1301.1.1 • If designed to prevent water entry & resist buoyancy___322.1.6X n No equipment mounted on breakaway flood walls_______ 322.3.4 305.2 305.2X 305.2.1 GENERAL MECHANICAL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS u APPLIANCE LOCATION ACCESS & ANCHORAGE 71 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 72 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Appliance Access 15 IRC 15 UMC n Maintain accessibility for service of appliances__________ 1305.1 304.1 n Min 30 in. × 30 in. level work space on control side_____ 1305.139 304.139 n Equipment room door min 24 in. wide F84____________1305.1.2 n/a n Equipment must fit through door F84_________________1305.1.2 304.4 The UMC defers to NFPA 31 for the tank, piping & valves for oil-burning appliances & does not have specific rules for oil-burning appliances. Appliance Anchorage n Fixed appliances req anchorage AMI___________________1307.2 n AHJ may req appliances > 400 lb. in SDC D to have engineered anchorage in accordance w/ ASCE7 Chapter 13_________1307.2 n WHs & thermal storage in SDC D (& SDC C townhouses) anchorage to resist horizontal force = to 1/3 of operating weight F61___ 1307.2 FIG. 89 Electric Baseboard Heaters Listing instructions prohibit installation of baseboard heaters under receptacles. Integral receptacles may not be on the same circuit as the heater. 303.4 local local ELECTRIC HEAT Electric resistance heating can be in the form of central forced-air furnaces, baseboard heaters, radiant ceiling panels, duct heaters, and even exotic systems such as electric heat in ceramic tile bath floors. Electric heating is classified as a continuous load. The heating circuit wiring must be sized to 125% of the load to ensure that the wiring is not overloaded during periods of prolonged use. General 15 IRC 17 NEC n Circuits considered continuous load__________________ 3702.10 n Circuits must be sized to 125% of load________________ 3701.2 n All electric heating equipment must be L&L_____________ 3403.3 n Factory-applied nameplates must include identifying name & normal rating in volts & watts or volts & amps____ 1303.1 424.3B 210.20A 424.6 424.28A Central Electric Heat n Within-sight disconnect or lockable breaker____________ 4101.5 n Locking hasp must remain w/o lock installed___________ T4101.5 n If multiple disconnecting means req’d, disconnects must be grouped & identified as to conductors they control __________ n/a 424.19 424.19 424.1940 Baseboard Heaters VIOLATION! Integral receptacle n Must be L&L and installed AMI_______________________ 3403.3 n Branch circuits for 2 or more units max 30 amps_______ 3702.10 n No receptacles above heaters: integral receptacles w/ heaters can substitute for req’d room receptacles F89___________ 1405.1 APPLIANCE LOCATION ACCESS & ANCHORAGE u ELECTRIC HEAT 424.6 424.3A 424.9 72 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 73 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Electric Radiant Heat Systems 15 IRC 17 NEC n Install AMI________________________________________ 1406.1 n Install panels parallel to framing_____________________ 1406.3(1) n Fasteners >¼ in. from heating element______________ 1406.3(2) n Min 8 in. distance from surface-mounted fixture boxes________ n/a n Min 2 in. distance from recessed fixtures & trim_____________ n/a n No field modification/cutting of panels unless so listed_ 1406.3(3) n Wiring min 2 in. above heated ceiling______________________ n/a n Wiring above heated ceiling considered as 50°C ambient unless over min 2 in. thickness of thermal insulation__________ n/a 424.93A1 424.93B2 424.93B3 424.93A3 424.93A3 424.93B4 424.94 424.94 Electric Duct Heaters n Install AMI_________________________________________1407.1 n Must be accessible for servicing_______________________1407.4 n If used in system w/ AC, must be L&L for same__________1407.1 n If <4 ft. from heat pump/air-conditioning, both pieces of equipment must be listed for such clearances____________1407.3 n Lockable breaker req’d or disconnect within sight_______ 4101.5 n Each unit req’s integral limit controls & manual reset______1407.1 n Interlock req’d to prevent heat if fan not operating________1407.5 424.66 424.66 424.62 Embedded Heating Cables in Concrete or Slurry Floors 17 NEC 424.61 424.65 424.64 424.63 n Spacing between cables AMI__________________________________ 424.44A n Secure in place while concrete or other finish applied______________ 424.44B n Protect leads where leaving floor_____________________________424.44C&D n GFCI protection req’d for cables in bathroom & kitchen floors_______ 424.44E n Inspection & approval req’d before covering________________________424.46 n MFR to provide marking labels for panelboard indicating locations of circuits for space heating installations_________________ 424.4741 ELECTRIC HEAT 73 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 74 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Appliances under Floors (also see p. 99) FORCED-AIR FURNACES Furnace design must be in accordance with approved methods, such as ACCA Manuals S & J. High-efficiency furnaces may have options for combustion air and venting; follow the manufacturer’s instructions and have the installation instructions and user’s manuals on site. Location & Clearances 15 IRC 15 UMC n Prohibited in bedroom, bathroom, or their closets EXC___ 2406.2 • Direct-vent type installed AMI_____________________2406.2#1 • Separated by weatherstripped self-closing door & all combustion air from exterior_______________________2406.2#5 n Equipment room door & passageway min 24 in. wide & large enough to service or replace appliance _______________1305.1.2 n Work space min 30 in. deep & wide in front of appliance__ 1305.1 n Clearances to combustibles per nameplate___ 1306.1 & 2409.3.1 n Install above design flood elevation____________________ 1401.5 904.1 904.1(2) Electrical Requirements 15 IRC 17 NEC n Receptacle within 25 ft. of appliance 1305.1.3.1 & 1305.1.4.3 n Crawlspace furnace req’s light w/switch at access___ 1305.1.4.3 n Attic furnace req’s light w/switch at access__________ 1305.1.3.1 n Individual circuit req’d for central heating_______________ 3703.1 n No other equipment on central heating circuit EXC______ 3703.1 • Associated pumps, humidifiers, air cleaners & AC______ 3703.1 210.63 210.70A3 210.70A3 422.12 422.12 422.12X 904.1(1) 304.142 304.1 904.2(1) 305.2 15 IRC 15 UMC n Access opening & passageway min size 22 in. × 30 in.__1305.1.4 n Appliance must fit through opening__________________1305.1.4 n Passageway max 20 ft. long EXC____________________1305.1.4 • Passageway ≥ 6 ft. high OK for unlimited length___ 1305.1.4X2 n Min 30-in. × 30-in. level space on service side F90_____1305.1.4 n Support on concrete slab min 3 in. above adjoining ground or suspend from floor AMI & min 6 in. above ground F90_ 1305.1.4.1 n Excavations min 6 in. below appliance, 12 in. on sides, 30 in. on control side F90________________________ 1305.1.4.2 n If excavation >12 in. below adjacent grade, line w/ concrete extending 4 in. above adjacent grade F90_______________ 1305.1.4 n Luminaire & receptacle outlet near appliance F90____ 1305.1.4.3 n Switch for luminaire at passageway entrance F90____ 1305.1.4.3 n Exposed lamp protected by location or lamp guards F90,F91___________________________1305.1.4.343 304.4 304.4 304.4 .1 304.4 .1 304.4.3 FIG. 90 Min. 4 in. above adjacent grade if excavation >12 in. deep 904.3.1.3 904.3.1.3 304.4.4 304.4.4 n/a Furnace in Crawlspace Luminaire (switched at entry) Min. 30-in. working space on control side FORCED-AIR FURNACES 904.3.1 Furnace 6 in. min. Electrical receptacle 12 in. min. 74 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 75 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Garage 15 IRC n Protect appliance from impact F61___________ 1307.3.1 & 2408.3X n Ignition source min 18 in. above floor EXC________ 1307.3 & 2408.2 • FVIR appliances _________________________ 1307.3X & 2408.2X n Gas-fired appliance OK on garage floor if in separate space w/ access only from outside & exterior combustion air_______ 2408.2.1 n Ducts & penetrations min 26-gauge steel_______________ 302.5.2 n Ducts through common wall to house min 26-gauge steel___ 302.5.2 n No duct openings into garage_________________________ 302.5.2 n Openings around duct penetrations through common wall sealed w/ approved materials_________________________ 302.5.3 15 UMC 305.1.1 305.1 305.1 305.1.2 local local local local Equipment on Roofs n Appliances on roofs shall be accessible__________________ 1305.1 n Min 30-in. × 30-in. level work space req’d on service side of appliance (UMC: when roof slope ≥ 4:12) _______________ 1305.1 n Buildings > 15 ft. high must have inside means of access to roof or other means acceptable to AHJ______________________n/a Appliances in Attics F91 15 IRC Appliances in Attics F91 (cont.) 15 IRC n Luminaire & receptacle req’d near appliance___________1305.1.3.1 n Switch for luminaire req’d at entrance_________________1305.1.3.1 n Exposed lamp protected by location or lamp guards____1305.1.3.143 FIG. 91 304.4.4 304.4.4 n/a Min. 6 ft. from flue collar to termination Attic Furnace Lamp guard No added loads on trusses except per design. Min. 30-in. platform on control side 304.3 Electrical outlet 304.244 15 UMC 304.3.1 15 UMC n Appliance must fit through opening___________________ 1305.1.3 304.4 n Opening & passageway min 22 in. wide × 30 in. high ____ 1305.1.3 304.4 n Max 20 ft. from access opening to appliance EXC_______ 1305.1.3 304.4.1 • 50 ft. OK (UMC: unlimited) if passageway ≥ 6 ft. high__ 1305.1.3X2 304.4.1 n Solid floor min 24 in. wide to equipment_______________ 1305.1.3 304.4.2 n Min 30-in. × 30-in. platform at service area EXC_________ 1305.1.3 304.4.3 • Not req’d if equipment can be serviced from opening___ 1305.1.3X1 304.4.3X • (UMC only) max 1 ft. setback if serviced from opening__________ n/a 304.4.3X n Floor under furnace noncombustible construction EXC_____ 2449.4 904.3 • Not req’d if appliance L&L for combustible floor____________ 2449.4 904.3X1 • Not req’d if floor protected in approved manner____________ 2449.4 904.3X2 Access hatch min. 22 in. × 30 in. Light switch near opening Platform noncombustible or clearance per labeling The codes allow the 30 in. working platform to be omitted if the furnace can be serviced from the opening. In the UMC, the max setback from the opening is 12 in. The min height of a gas vent above the draft hood or flue collar is 5 ft. Appliances that are fan-assisted must use the vent sizing tables supplied w/ the appliance (see p. 42). These tables start at 6 ft., and therefore the furnace shown in this figure must have a vent at least 6 ft. above the flue collar. FORCED-AIR FURNACES 75 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 76 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited AIR-CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMPS Air-conditioning and heat pump efficiency is measured in SEER—Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating or in HSPF—Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. The numbers are higher as efficiency is increased. As of this writing, the Department of Energy minimum for an Energy Star rating is 14. The minimums for tax credits for split-system units are SEER 15 and HSPF of 8.5. When replacing an existing system, both the indoor and outdoor units would likely have to be replaced to qualify. Heating and cooling equipment is to be sized to ACCA Manual S with building loads determined by ACCA Manual J or other approved methods. Larger is seldom better. Systems need only be sized to make up for the temperature gains or losses that occur through the building envelope, and proper insulation and vapor retarders reduce the need for larger equipment. Heat Pumps (HPs) & Air-Conditioning (AC) 15 IRC 15 UMC n Outdoor heat pump unit on min 3 in. raised pad F92_____ 1401.4 n/a n Furnace w/ cooling coil must have blower capable of overcoming resistance of cooling coil + duct system_______________ 1411.2 904.8(1) n Cooling coil downstream from heat exchangers unless L&L for upstream (stainless-steel heat exchanger)___________ 1411.2 904.8(2) n Central AC req’s air filter______________________________ MFR 311.2 n Condenser not near clothes dryer vent___________________ MFR local n Refrigerant vapor (suction) lines insulated min R4 & vapor retarder max 0.05 perm F92____________________ 1411.6 local n Protect refrigerant piping < 1½ in. from underside of roof deck from nails/fasteners (UMC: no specific distance)_______ 1411.745 1109.7 n Tamper-resistant caps on outdoor refrigerant ports EXC__ 1411.8 1105.11 • Where protected by walls/fencing w/ key access_______ 1411.8 1105.11X46 n Disconnecting means req’d within sight of condenser____ 4101.5 301.4 n Receptacle outlet req’d within 25 ft. of equipment______ 3901.12 301.4 n Install ductless mini-split AMI___________________________ MFR 936.147 FIG. 92 Air­-Conditioning Condenser All ACs req an in-sight disconnect. Switch not to be installed directly behind condenser Conductors in outdoor raceways must be suitable for wet locations. No NM cable AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMPS Insulation & vapor retarder on suction line Tamper-resistant caps on fill ports 76 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 77 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Window & Through-Wall AC Units 15 IRC n Must have equipment grounding conductor; no adapters to existing 2-slot receptacles_________________________ 3908.1 n Max cord length 10 ft. if 120V, 6 ft. if 240V_______________ MFR n Cord plug OK as disconnect if controls ≤ 6 ft. of floor______ MFR n AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter) or LCDI (leakage current detection interrupter) or HDCI (heat-detecting circuit interrupter) req’d in attachment plug F93_________________ MFR n Max load rating 80% of individual circuit_____________3702.12.1 n Max load rating 50% of shared circuit_______________3702.12.2 FIG. 93 Room AC Plug 17 NEC 440.61 440.64 440.63 440.6548 440.62B 440.62C Mini-split heat pumps (F94) can have separate zones for each indoor wall-mounted air handler, all supplied by a single outdoor unit. The same code rules apply as for single-zone split-system air conditioners or heat pumps. The indoor units derive their electrical power from the outdoor unit. If the outdoor unit has a lockable disconnecting means, a separate disconnect at the indoor unit is not required unless specified by the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Recent developments in this technology include Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems and ceiling mounted “cassette” units. A VRF system can simultaneously provide cooling at one outlet and heating at another. FIG. 94 Multi-Zoned Mini-Split System Electrical cable, refrigerant lines & control wires Indoor units Each indoor unit is independently controlled with its own thermostat, typically a remote control. The units must be in the same mode, i.e., one cannot be heating while the other is cooling except for VRF systems. AFCI, LCDI, or HDCI req’d in attachment plug for room AC AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMPS 77 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 78 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited EVAPORATIVE (SWAMP) COOLERS FIG. 95 In dry climates evaporative coolers can reduce the sensible temperature and provide fresh air to the building interior. Care must be taken in locating these to ensure that objectionable odors are not brought into the building. They are also used to provide makeup air to commercial kitchens. Evaporative Coolers F95 15 IRC 15 UMC n Install AMI & on level platform___________________ 1413.1(1&2) n Locate so as to minimize probability of damage_________ 1413.1 n Ground-mounted min 3 in. above adjoining ground_______ 1413.1 n Platform-mounted min 6 in. above adjoining ground__________ n/a n Provide flashing at openings into building____________ 1413.1(3) n OFF switch or disconnect in sight if motor >1⁄ 8 hp_______ 4101.5 n Backflow protection on supply (internal air gap OK)____ 1413.1(4) Min 10 ft. horizontal clearance to plumbing or gas vents__ 303.5.1 n UMC: Electrical receptacle ≤ 25 ft. (IRC: not req’d)_____ 3901.12X 934.4 934.2 934.4.2 934.4.3 934.4.1 301.4 p.33 311.3(1) 301.4 Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler Hot outside air is pulled through moist pads where it is cooled by evaporation & circulated through the house or building by a large blower, leaving the air much cooler & slightly more humid than when it entered the cooler. Evaporative cooling is especially well suited for climates where the air is hot and humidity is low. Window must be opened to circulate air. VIOLATION! No vents within 10 ft. of unit EVAPORATIVE (SWAMP) COOLERS 78 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 79 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited CONDENSATE DISPOSAL Air conditioners, Category IV high-efficiency furnaces, and some water heaters produce condensate, which must be disposed of to an approved location. Drains are typically connected as an indirect waste to the sanitary sewer system, though in some areas condensate is allowed to go to landscape or storm drains. Building conditions may require use of a pump to reach an approved discharge location. Equipment located over a space where leakage would cause damage requires a secondary means to control condensate leakage. Drain Piping 15 IRC 15 UMC n Trap in primary drain from AC coil, trap depth AMI 1401.1 n Drain pipe min ¾ in. w/ min 1⁄ 8 in./ft. slope F96 1411.3 n AC discharge to approved location (UMC: Indirectly to drywell, pit, plumbing fixture, or trapped & vented receptor) 1411.3 n Cleanouts req’d to allow clearing of blockages F96 1411.3.349 n No threaded metal fittings into female plastic fittings 2609.2 310.5 310.1 310.5 310.3.149 310.7 FIG. 96 Condensate Control A-coil or condensing furnace (1) Secondary drain Trap depth per MFR (2) Pan All drains req. Vent / 1 8 in./ft. slope. Primary drain Secondary Containment F96 n If condensate stoppage would damage any building components install one of the following methods: _________________1411.3.1 • Water level detection in primary w/ interlocked cutout_1411.3.1(4) • Auxiliary pan w/ separate drain to readily observed location, such as over a window_________________ 1411.3.1(1) • Secondary drain piped to readily observed location_ 1411.3.1(2) • Auxiliary drain pan w/ leak detector & drain fitting____ 1411.3.1(3) n Equipment above drain pans above FLR of drain pan____1411.3.4 n Down-flow units w/ no secondary & no way to install auxiliary drain pan req internal blockage detector w/ interlocked cutout_______________________________ 1411.3.1.1 waste if equipped w/ check valves________________________ n/a 310.2 310.2(1)50 310.2(2) 310.2(3) 310.2(4)51 310.2.1 Discharge to readily observable location CO (3 & 4) Water detection device in one of these locations All condensate drains req 1/8 in./ft. slope. The primary drain trap must be deep enough to create a trap seal that resists the pressure of the air over the coil. When located over a space where blockage could damage building components, one of four methods must be chosen to control secondary drainage: (1) pan w/ drain, (2) secondary drain pipe, (3) pan w/ water detection, or (4) blockage detection device in primary drain. n/a 310.1.155 CONDENSATE DISPOSAL 79 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 80 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Condensate Pumps 15 IRC 15 UMC n Install AMI_______________________________________ 1411.452 n Discharge to rise vertically to gravity condensate drain_______ n/a n Each appliance to have separate pump w/ interlock to prevent operation during pump failure_____________ 1411.4 & 2404.1154 n Separate pumps OK to connect to single gravity indirect waste if equipped w/ check valves________________________ n/a High-Efficiency Appliances (Category IV) 310.1.152 310.1.153 310.1.154 310.1.155 15 IRC 15 UMC n Provide means to collect & dispose of condensate F97____2427.9 n Condensate drain also req’d for Category I or III if local experience shows need (recommended for some tankless WH) F63___2427.9 n Condensate drains AMI (including primer at joints)_____ 2427.8(4) n Auxiliary drain pan req’d if condensate stoppage could damage any building component EXC______________ 1411.5 & 2404.10 • Automatic cutout installed in drain system___ 1411.5X & 2404.10X 802.9 802.9.1 802.8.3 n/a n/a FIG. 97 See F120 for terminations Plenum High-Efficiency Furnace Flue Combustion air Serpentine heat exchanger Gas burners Recuperative heat exchanger Inducer motor & fan Blower Condensate Return air High-efficiency furnaces cool the flue gases below their dew point, producing condensation. Vents are typically plastic. The appliance and vents req condensate drain piping to an approved point of disposal. Joints in the plastic piping req primers & must be installed AMI. CONDENSATE DISPOSAL 80 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 81 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 98 Primary Condensate Lines n Not OK to drain over walkway, street, or public way______ 1411.3 310.1 n No direct connection to waste or vent pipe_____________ 1411.3 310.1 n Indirect waste connection OK (lavatory tailpiece) F98____ 1411.3 310.1 n No drilling (saddle fittings) of DWV pipes to accept condensate drain (use wye tailpiece)__________________ 3003.2 UPC 310.2 Condensate to Indirect Waste A-coil or condensing furnace Vent Primary drain Sink tailpiece Bathtub overflow pipe CONDENSATE DISPOSAL 81 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 82 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Duct Installation DUCTS Manual D by ACCA is the design standard for sizing residential duct systems. SMACNA provides fabrication and support standards for sheet-metal ducting and installation standards for factory-made duct systems. Factory-made ducts must also comply with UL standards. Local or state energy codes may require duct leakage testing and other performance tests. General 15 IRC 15 UMC n Factory-made ducts L&L, per UL 181 & installed AMI__ 1601.1.1(2) n Max 2 stories for vertical riser on factory-made duct_________n/a n Fireblock openings around ducts between floors______302.11(4) n Stud cavities prohibited as supply air plenum________ 1601.1.1(7) FIG. 99 Duct Splices Step 1 Peel jacket & insulation from core & butt cores together, w/ min. 1-in. lap over collar on each side. Step 2 Apply approved tape & secure w/ band clamps. If collar >12 in., band must be behind a bead on the metal collar. Metal collar min 4 in. wide 603.4 603.4 n/a n/a 15 IRC 15 UMC n Ground clearance min 4 in.________________________ 1601.4.8 n 18 in. vertical clearance where needed under duct to prevent cutting off access to crawlspace__________________n/a n Joints, seams & connections per SMACNA standards_ 1601.4.1 n Mechanically fasten ducts to plenums & flanges______ 1601.4.1 n Crimp joints fasten w/ min 3 sheet metal screws______ 1601.4.1 n Seal w/ UL 181 pressure-sensitive tape F99_________ 1601.4.1 n Factory-made (flex) ducts that are L&L to UL 181 AMI_ 1601.4.456 n Install all other ducts per SMACNA standards F100__ 1601.4.456 n Exposed gypsum in duct OK if no condensation_____1601.1.1(5) n Stud cavity return not to convey from > 1 floor_____ 1601.1.1(7.3) n Duct in garage min 26 gauge sheet steel; no flex________ 302.5.2 n UG metal ducts in min 2 in. concrete encasement_____ 1601.1.2 n UG ducts must slope to a drain (UPC: min 1%)______ 1601.1.2 603.3&4 603.2 603.10 603.10 603.10 603.10 603.856 603.856 602.5 n/a n/a 603.12 603.12 1 Band clamps Step 3 Pull jacket & insulation back together & apply 2 wraps of UL 181 pressure-sensitive tape. 2 UL181 tape 3 DUCTS 82 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 83 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 100 FIG. 101 The radius of the turn at the center line must be no less than the diameter of the duct. Ducts should not be compressed. Use the min length of duct to avoid extra turns and kinks. VIOLATION! No kinks in ducts Flex typical 11/2-in. straps @ 5 ft., round metal horizontal duct support typical 1/2-in. metal straps or 12-gauge wire every 10 ft. support bands Min. 12 gauge Sag max. 1/2 in. per foot of support spacing Flex Duct Support Flexible Duct Bends 5 ft. max. 2X Ducts should extend a few in. beyond a sheet metal connection before bending. SMACNA Standards ANSI/SMACNA 006-2006 n Rigid horizontal ducts req support within 2 ft. each elbow______________ 5.1.1 n Rigid horizontal ducts req support within 4 ft. each branch intersection___ 5.1.1 n Rigid round duct max support spacing 12 ft._________________________ T5-2 n Round duct up to 24 in. diameter: support straps 1 in. × 22 gauge _____ T5-2 n Round 10-in. diameter duct support wires 1 @ 12 gauge______________ T5-2 n Round 11-in. – 18-in.-diameter duct support wires 2 @ 12 gauge or 1 @ 8 gauge F101______________________________________________ T5-2 n Round 19-in. – 24-in.-diameter duct support wires 2 @ 10 gauge_______ T5-2 n Sleeves F99 for joining sections min 4-in. length________________ 3.5: S3.30 n Draw bands F99 req’d______________________________________ 3.5: S3.33 DUCTS 83 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 84 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Return Air 15 IRC 15 UMC n Air filters req’d______________________________________ MFR 311.2 n Not to be taken from bathroom, kitchen, mechanical room, closet, garage, or separate dwelling unit________ 1602.2(4) & 2442.4(6) 311.3(3&5) n Amount of return air from any space ≤ supply air______1602.2(2) n/a n System must be balanced by an approved method__________n/a 314.1 n No return air from one dwelling to another dwelling____1602.2X4 311.4 n Must be open to min 25% area served______________2442.4(4) 311.3(4) n Return openings min 10 ft. from appliance vent outlets__2442.4(1) 311.3(1) n Duct min size 2 sq. in./kBtu output rating______________ 2442.2 MFR n Return OK from room w/ fuel-burning equipment if supply air provided to replace return air, return min 10 ft. from draft hood & room volume min 100 cu. ft. per 1,000Btu of equipment F102____ 2442.4(5)X 311.3(6)X3 Insulation in Unconditioned Space FIG. 102 Closet Furnace above Return Air Combustion air Separation of combustion and circulating air is essential for safe and complete combustion of flue gases. In this common setup, if the closet door is open, the return air competes w/ the combustion air ducts, resulting in incomplete combustion and production of carbon monoxide. The basic rule is that return air must be at least 10 ft. from the appliance draft hood and burners. 15 IRC 15 UMC n Factory-made duct insulation value marked on duct __ 1601.3(3&4) n In attics: R-8 ducts > 3 in. diameter, R-6 if ≤ 3 in.____ 1103.3.157 n Other areas: R-6 > 3 in. diameter, R-4.2 if ≤ 3 in. EXC_1103.3.157 • Ducts completely inside building thermal envelope__ 1103.3.1X Note: Energy codes may take precedence over mechanical code insulation reqs. 604.1 n/a n/a n/aCA DUCTS Return air 84 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 85 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 103 GAS APPLIANCE COMBUSTION AIR (C.A.) General 15 IRC 15 UMC Note: The IRC & UMC address combustion air for gas-burning appliances only. Oil-fired appliances are governed by NFPA 31 (see p.33). n C.A. for natural draft (Cat. I) appliances per this page_____2407.1 n C.A. for other appliances (not Cat. I) AMI________________2407.1 n Draft hood in same space as appliance_________________2407.3 n Provide makeup air to offset exhaust fans (kitchen, bath)___ 2407.4 701.1 701.1.1 701.2 701.3 Vertical Ducts to Outdoors 701.9 701.9.2 Openings n Outside air openings req screens w/ mesh ≥1/4 in.____ 2407.10 n No screens allowed on ducts terminating in attic____ 2407.11(5) n Where net free area of louvers is not known, use 75% for metal, 25% for wood_____________________ 2407.10 n Nonmotorized louvers/dampers fixed in open position__ 2407.10 n Motorized louvers/dampers req appliance interlock____ 2407.10 Ducts 701.10.1 701.11(5) 701.10 701.10 701.10.2 n Zi metal or material of equivalent performance EXC___ 2407.11(1) 701.11(1) • Joist/stud space OK if not >1 fireblock removed_ 2407.11(1)X 701.11(1)X n Ducts to outdoors min dimension 3 in._______________ 2407.6 701.5(1) n No manual dampers or fire dampers in C.A. ducts__________n/a 701.12 n Exterior openings min 12 in. above finished grade F104,106_______________________________ 2407.11(8) 701.11(6) n Duct to serve only 1 enclosure or appliance space__ 2407.11(3) 701.11(3) n Ducts to upper part of enclosure may not slope down to source (upper duct not to originate from below) F108______ 2407.11(6) 701.11(7) n Upper & lower ducts remain separate to source_____ 2407.11(4) 701.11(4) Horizontal Ducts to Outdoors ≥12 in. above finished ground 2 vertical ducts min. 1 sq.in./4kBtu each Mechanically Supplied Combustion Air n Mechanical C.A. supply min 0.35cu.ft/minute/kBtu_____ 2407.9 n Appliance interlock req’d if mechanically supplied C.A. _ 2407.9.2 FIG. 104 2 openings in exterior wall min. 1 sq.in./2kBtu each Attic & Crawlspace Sources___________________15 IRC 15 UMC n Ventilated attics & crawlspaces considered equivalent to outdoors F107,109______________ F2407.6.1(1&2) F701.6.1(1&2) n Crawlspace only for lower C.A., not upper F108____ 2407.11(6) 701.11(7) FIG. 107 FIG. 108 FIG. 109 Crawlspace & Attic Openings Crawlspace Cannot Be Upper Air Source Vertical Ducts to Attic Attic & crawlspace min. 1 sq. in./4kBtu each VIOLATION! Crawlspace may not provide upper combustion air source 2 openings to ventilated attic min. 1 sq. in./4kBtu each & sleeved min. 6 in. above joist GAS APPLIANCE COMBUSTION AIR (C.A.) 85 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 86 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Single-Opening Method 15 IRC 15 UMC n Single direct exterior opening OK in upper 12 in. of enclosure min 1 sq. in./3kBtu & ≥ sum of vent connectors F105__2407.6.2 n Appliance min 1-in. clearance sides & back, 6 in. front_ 2407.6.2 n Single opening can be to ventilated attic____________F2407.6.2 701.6.2 701.6.2 F701.6.2 Two-Opening Method n 2 openings—locate in upper & lower 12 in. F106,111___2407.6.1 n 2 direct exterior openings min 1 sq. in./4kBtu T41,F106_ 2407.6.1 n 2 vertical ducts min 1 sq. in./4kBtu T41,F103,109_____2407.6.1 n 2 horizontal ducts min 1 sq. in./2kBtu T41,F104______2407.6.1 FIG. 105 701.6.1 701.6.1 701.6.1 701.6.1 FIG. 106 Single-Opening Method 1 opening in upper 12 in. of exterior wall min. 1 sq. in./3kBtu 2 Direct Exterior Openings ≥12in. above finished ground TABLE 41 COMBUSTION AIR OPENING SIZES Indoor AirA Btu Outdoor Air Openings Opening sizeB cu.ft. min (sq. ft.C) 1 in./2kBtu/hr. 1 in./4kBtu/hr. 30k 100 sq.in. 1,500 (188) 15 sq.in. 7.5 sq.in. 40k 100 sq.in. 2,000 (250) 20 sq.in. 10 sq.in. 50k 100 sq.in. 2,500 (313) 25 sq.in. 12.5 sq.in. 60k 100 sq.in. 3,000 (375) 30 sq.in. 15 sq.in. 80k 100 sq.in. 4,000 (500) 40 sq.in. 20 sq.in. 100k 100 sq.in. 5,000 (625) 50 sq.in. 25 sq.in. 125k 125 sq.in. 6,250 (781) 62.5 sq.in. 31.3 sq.in. 150k 150 sq.in. 7,500 (938) 75 sq.in. 37.5 sq.in. A. For construction w/ known air infiltration rate >0.40/hr. B. Req’d opening between confined space (<50 cu.ft. per kBtus) & unconfined space. C. Ex: sq. ft. for 8-ft. ceiling—use actual room volume. 2 openings in exterior wall min. 1 sq. in./4kBtu each GAS APPLIANCE COMBUSTION AIR (C.A.) 86 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 87 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Indoor Air Source_______________________________ 15 IRC 15 UMC ACH = air changes per hr.___________________________2407.5.2 Indoor air source alone only OK if infiltration ≥0.40 ACH_____2407.5 Min volume of space 50 cu. ft./1kBtu/hr. T41,F110_______2407.5.1 Volume includes rooms directly communicating w/ appliance space through openings w/o doors or openings per T41,F111____ 2407.5 Openings connecting indoor spaces req’d to be located in upper & lower 12 in. of appliance space F111_________ 2407.5.3.1 Openings connecting indoor spaces on same story min 100 sq. in. each & min 1 sq. in./kBtu of appliances_____ 2407.5.3.1 If on different levels, min 2 sq. in./kBtu of appliances____ 2407.5.3.2 If ACH <0.40, min volumes for known air infiltration method: • Non fan-assisted appliance (21cu. ft./ACH) per kBtu____2407.5.2 • Fan-assisted appliance (15 cu. ft./ACH) per kBtu_______2407.5.2 FIG. 110 All Air from Indoors Space w/ > 0.40 ACH sufficient if volume ≥ 50 cu.ft./kBtu. 701.4.2 701.4 701.4.1 701.4 701.5(1) 701.5(1) 701.5(2) 701.4.2 701.4.2 FIG. 111 Air from Confined Indoor Space Indoor air cannot be the sole source of combustion air in tightly constructed homes. The air infiltration rate must be > 0.40 ACH. TABLE 41 COMBUSTION AIR OPENING SIZES Indoor AirA Btu Outdoor Air Openings Opening sizeB cu.ft. min (sq. ft.C) 1 in./2kBtu/hr. 1 in./4kBtu/hr. 30k 100 sq.in. 1,500 (188) 15 sq.in. 7.5 sq.in. 40k 100 sq.in. 2,000 (250) 20 sq.in. 10 sq.in. 50k 100 sq.in. 2,500 (313) 25 sq.in. 12.5 sq.in. 60k 100 sq.in. 3,000 (375) 30 sq.in. 15 sq.in. 80k 100 sq.in. 4,000 (500) 40 sq.in. 20 sq.in. 100k 100 sq.in. 5,000 (625) 50 sq.in. 25 sq.in. 125k 125 sq.in. 6,250 (781) 62.5 sq.in. 31.3 sq.in. 150k 150 sq.in. 7,500 (938) 75 sq.in. 37.5 sq.in. A. For construction w/ known air infiltration rate >0.40/hr. B. Req’d opening between confined space (<50 cu.ft. per kBtus) & unconfined space. C. Ex: sq. ft. for 8-ft. ceiling—use actual room volume. Openings from enclosed space in upper 12 in. & in lower 12 in. GAS APPLIANCE COMBUSTION AIR (C.A.) 87 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 88 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited GAS APPLIANCE VENTS TABLE 43 Gas appliances at one time were almost exclusively a “gravity” vent design, where combustion gases lighter than the surrounding air rose through a flue or chimney to the outdoors. As appliances became more efficient, other types of venting systems were developed, including fan-assisted appliances that induced the flow of combustion gases through a heat exchanger while still delivering these in a condition that is lighter than the air outside the flue. These fan-assisted appliances could still be considered as “Category I” in T42. Appliances with even greater efficiency extract so much heat that the vent gases are cooled to their dew point and are then at positive pressure relative to the outside air. These are the “Category IV” appliances in T42. The vent system must match the appliance category and manufacturer’s recommendations. TABLE 42 APPLIANCE VENTING CATEGORIES u NFPA 54 3.3.6.11 Category Condensation Static Pressure Typical Vent I II III IV No Yes No Yes Nonpositive Nonpositive Positive Positive B Vent Per manu Stainless Plastic General 15 IRC 15 UMC n System must convey all flue & vent gases to outdoors_____2427.3 802.3 n Choose vent system type per appliance category T43_____2427.4 802.4 n Induced-draft furnaces are “fan-assisted” Category I_____ 2428.1 803.1 n Install all vents AMI_________________________________ 2426.5 802.6 n B & B-W vents req L&L per UL 441___________________ 2426.1 802.1 n Sheet-metal shield to 2 in. above attic insulation_________ 2426.4 802.6.2.758 n No screw into inner wall of double-wall vent EXC______ 2427.6.11 802.6.1 • At draft hood outlet or to single-wall connector_______ 2427.6.11 802.6.1 n Protect concealed vents <1½ in. from face of wall w/steel shield plates extending min 4 in. beyond framing inside wall_____ 2426.7 n/a n No solid fuel and gas in same chimney flue__________ 2427.5.6.1 802.5.8 TYPE OF VENTING SYSTEM u IRC T2427.4 & UMC T802.4 Appliances Type of Vent IRC UMC Type B gas vent 2427.6 802.6 Chimney 2427.5 802.5 Single-wall metal pipe 2427.7 Ø 802.7.3 Listed chimney lining for gas 2427.5.2 802.5.3 Special vent listed for appliance (e.g.: pellet stove) 2427.4.2 802.4.3 Listed vented wall furnaces Type B-W gas vent 2427.6 802.6 907.0 Cat. II, III & IV appliances As specified by MFR (typically plastic or stainless steel) 2427.4.1 2427.4.2 802.4.1 802.4.3 Listed Cat. I Listed appliances w/ draft hoods Appliances listed for B vent Unlisted appliances Chimney 2427.5 802.5 Decorative appliances in vented fireplaces Chimney 2427.5 911.2 Direct-vent appliances As specified by MFR 2427.2.1 802.2.4 Appliances w/ integral vent As specified by MFR 2427.2.2 802.2.5 GAS APPLIANCE VENTS 88 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 89 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Single-wall vents are not allowed for residential applications in the UMC. They lose heat through their surface, creating a weak draft by lowering the flue gas temperature. This problem is worse with appliances that are higher efficiency. The remaining applications for these vents are only for appliances with draft hoods, such as water heaters. Single-wall vents are not a listed product. Single-Wall Vents 15 IRC 15 UMC n Not allowed in dwellings_________________________________ n/a n Not allowed outdoors in cold (freezing) climates________ 2427.7.2 n Galvanized sheet steel min 0.0304 in. (22 gauge) thick___ 2427.7.1 n Only for runs from appliance space directly to outside___ 2427.7.4 n Termination min 5 ft. above flue collar or draft hood_____ 2427.7.3 n Termination min 2 ft. above roof______________________ 2427.7.3 n Termination min 2 ft. higher than building within 10 ft.___ 2427.7.3 n May not originate in attic or pass through inside wall____ 2427.7.6 n Min 6 in. clear to combustible for single-wall pipe_______ 2427.7.8 n Passage through combustible exterior wall req’s thimble_ 2427.7.7 n Passage through combustible roof req’s thimble________ 2427.7.5 n Roof thimble min 18 in. above & 6 in. below roof_______ 2427.7.5 802.7.3 802.7.1 802.7 802.7.3.1 802.7.2(1) 802.7.2(2) 802.7.2(2) 802.7.3.2 802.7.3.4 802.7.3.5 802.7.3.6 802.7.3.6 Chimneys (also see p.108) 15 IRC 15 UMC n Inspection req’d before connecting to existing chimney _ 2427.5.5 802.5.7 n Must be lined w/ clay or metal EXC________________ 2427.5.5.1 802.5.7.1 • Like-for-like appliance OK to inspected chimney______________________________________2427.5.5.1X 802.5.7.1X n Chimney cross-sectional area not >7× size of gas vent_2427.5.4(2) 802.5.5(2) n No connection to chimney also serving fireplace _____2427.10.12 802.10.11 n No decorative shrouds unless L&L & AMI_____________ 2427.5.3 802.5.4.3 n Secure connector to prevent blocking chimney_______2427.10.10 802.10.9 n Enter chimney above extreme bottom to avoid stoppage__ 2425.9 802.10.9 n Chimneys min 3 ft. above roof F133__________________ 2427.5.3 802.5.4 n Min 2 ft. higher than part of building within 10 ft. F133__ 2427.5.3 802.5.4 GAS APPLIANCE VENTS 89 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 90 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 112 VENT CONNECTORS General 15 IRC 15 UMC n Connector req’d unless vent directly attached_________ 2427.10.1 802.10 n Must be as straight as practical—no dips or sags______ 2427.10.7 802.10.6 n Min ¼ in./ft. slope toward appliance F112,113________ 2427.10.7 802.10.6 n Joints between sections & connections to draft hoods req sheet-metal screws or listed materials installed AMI____ 2427.10.6 802.10.5 n Provide adequate support_________________________ 2427.10.9 802.10.8 n Entire connector req’d to be readily accessible_______2427.10.11 802.10.10 n Necessary size increases req’d to be made only at appliance outlet connection______________________ 2427.10.3.5 802.10.2.4 n Connectors not to be smaller than draft hood outlet ___2428.3.17 803.2.20 Single-Wall Connectors for Category I Appliances n Not in attics or crawlspaces______________________ 2427.10.2.2 802.10.1.1 n OK in other unconditioned space within exterior walls if local 99% winter design temp ≥ 5°F_______________ 2427.10.2.2X 802.10.1.1X n Horizontal connector length ≤ 75% of vertical vent for draft-hood-equipped appliance F112________________ 2427.10.8 802.10.7.1 n Min 6 in. clearance to combustibles EXC_____________ 2427.10.5 802.10.4 • Lesser clearances w/ system per F130,T47________2427.10.5X 802.10.4X n May not pass through interior wall, floor or ceiling_____ 2427.10.13 802.10.12 Connector Length (draft-hood appliances) Secured to draft hood min. 3 screws L Connector min. 1/4 in./ft. slope B vent H When the connector is single-wall, the max. length of L is 75% of H. When the connector is double-wall, the max. length of L is 100% of H. FIG. 113 Connector Length with Vent Offset (draft-hood appliances) L Connector min. 1/4 in./ft. slope B vent Offset H Type B Double-Wall Vent Connectors n Min clearance to combustibles per L&L (typical 1 in.) __ 2427.10.5 802.10.4 n Horizontal connector length ≤ 100% of vertical vent for draft-hood-equipped appliance F112________________ 2427.10.8 802.10.7.2 Secured to draft hood min. 3 screws VENT CONNECTORS Offsets limited to 45° except that one offset of 60° is allowed. When there are offsets in the vent, the max. length of L is 75% of H. 90 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 91 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited VENT SIZES Category I appliances ship with tables for sizing the vent system. These supplied tables were developed by GAMA (the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association). They are repeated in the model codes and downloadable from many web sites. IRC Appendix B and UMC Appendix F contain instructions and examples on how to use the tables. The tables distinguish between fan-assisted and “natural” draft appliances. Fan-assisted appliances must be sized using the tables. Vent Size (Appliances w/ Draft Hoods) 15 IRC Vent Size Using GAMA Vent Tables (cont.) 15 IRC 15 UMC n Reduce table capacity 5% for each additional elbow up to 45° & 10% for each additional elbow >45° up to 90°____2428.2.3 n Reductions for elbows in common vents same as above__ 2428.3.6 803.1.2 803.2.5 15 UMC n Min size same as flue collar_____________________ 2427.6.8.1(2) 802.6.3.1(3) n Max size 7× area of smallest flue collar___________ 2427.6.8.1(2) 802.6.3.1(3) n If 2 appliances, 100% of larger + 50% of smaller___ 2427.6.8.1(3) 802.6.3.1(4) n Offsets 45° max except one of 60° OK_____________ 2427.6.8.2 802.6.3.2 n Total horizontal distance of vent + connector ≤ 75% of vertical height of vent if offsets in vent F113_______ 2427.6.8.2 802.6.3.2 FIG. 113 Connector Length with Vent Offset (draft-hood appliances) Vent Size Using GAMA Vent Tables n Tables can be used for all Category I appliances____ 2427.6.8.1(1) 802.6.3.1(1) n Tables mandatory for fan-assisted Category I______ 2427.6.8.1(1) 802.6.3.1(2) n Appliances w/ draft hoods: connector & vent min size same as draft hood outlet area, max size 7× area________ 2427.6.8.1(2) 802.6.3.1(3) n If vertical vent larger diameter than connector, use vent diameter to determine table min & connector diameter for table max_ 2428.2.8 803.1.8 n Flow area of vertical vent max 7× appliance flue collar___2428.2.8 803.1.8 n Use double-wall vent tables only for vents not exposed to outdoors below the roof line (B vent in unvented chase insulated to R-8 or in unused masonry chimney flue not considered outdoors) F118_________________________2428.2.9 803.1.10 n Zero lateral values in tables only OK if straight vertical vent connects directly to a top outlet draft hood or flue collar_________2428.2.4 803.1.3 n No elbows if using “zero lateral length” table column____2428.2.3 803.1.2 n Tables w/ lateral length allow for 2-90° elbows F114____2428.2.3 803.1.2 Secured to draft hood min. 3 screws VENT SIZES L Connector min. 1/4 in./ft. slope B vent Offset H Offsets limited to 45° except that one offset of 60° is allowed. When there are offsets in the vent, the max. length of L is 75% of H. 91 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 92 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 114 Examples of GAMA Vent Tables The first step is to select the correct table based on the type of vent or chimney, the connector type, and the number of appliances. In F114, the situation is a double-wall B vent connected directly to the appliance. Two 90° elbows are allowed w/o requiring a further reduction in table values. The table has different columns for natural and fan-assisted appliances. Question: Is 4-in. vent adequate for an 80,000 Btu fan-assisted furnace if H = 10 ft. and L = 5 ft? Solution: Use IRC table G2428.2(1) or UMC table 803.1.2(1). In the 4-in. “fan” column, on the row for 10-ft. height and 5-ft. lateral, the minimum kBtu for this size vent is 32 and the maximum is 113, and the furnace is within that range. If this had been a natural draft appliance, the maximum kBtu rating would have been 77. It would require either a larger vent, a lesser “L,” or taller “H”. F115 shows a draft-hood-equipped appliance w/ a 5-in. draft hood outlet and a singlewall metal 4-in. connector. If the appliance kBtu = 120, H = 10 & L = 5, what size “D” is required for the vent? Use IRC table G2428.2(2) or UMC table 803.1.2(2). Find the row associated w/ a 10-ft. height and 5-ft. lateral. Read across until reaching a capacity >120k. A 5-in. vent is sufficient. Note that if more than two elbows had been used, the next higher size (6 in.) would be required. VENT SIZES B Vent FIG. 115 B Vent with Single-Wall Connector Type B doublewall gas vent Type B doublewall gas vent L H D L H Single-wall connector D Fan-assisted furnace Furnace 92 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 93 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Appliances can share a common vent by separate connectors to the vent, or by a common manifold that then connects to the vent. When the common-vented appliances all have draft hoods, the vent and connector sizes are determined by the size of the draft hood outlets. If one or more appliances are fan-assisted, the tables are used to determine the proper sizes. Multiple Appliances Vented in Common 15 IRC TABLE 44 Diameter (in.) Max Horizontal Length (ft.) Diameter (in.) Max Horizontal Length (ft.) 3 4½ 7 10½ 4 6 8 12 5 7½ 9 13½ 6 9 10 15 15 UMC n If both appliances have draft hoods, size vent for 100% of larger draft hood outlet + 50% of smaller & ≤ 7× area of smaller draft hood outlet _____________________ 2427.6.8.1(3) 802.6.3.1(4) n Tables mandatory for fan-assisted Category I______ 2427.6.8.1(1) 802.6.3.1(2) n Max horizontal length of vent connector 18 in. per in. of connector diameter T44 EXC________________________ 2428.3.2 803.2.1 • Longer lengths allowed by subtracting 10% of max table capacity for each added multiplier of allowed length in T44__ 2428.3.3(1) 803.2.2 FIG. 116 x: If a 4-in. connector, normally allowed to be 6 ft., is between 6 ft. & 12 ft. in length E (one multiplier of 6), reduce the allowed BTU capacity in the tables by 10%. n Size connectors using supplied tables_____________ 2427.10.3.3 802.10.2.2 n Join common vent connectors as high as possible per available headroom & clearance___________________2427.10.3.4 802.10.2.3 n Two or more connectors to common vent must enter at different levels EXC F116______________________2427.10.4.1 802.10.3 • OK at same level if max 45° from vertical F116_____ 2427.10.4.1 802.10.3 n Smaller connector to enter above larger _____________ 2427.10.4 802.10.3.1 n Reduce connector table capacity 5% each elbow up to 45° & 10% each elbow >45° up to 90° ____________2428.3.7 803.2.5 MAX HORIZONTAL LENGTH VENT CONNECTOR FOR COMMON VENTING u IRC T2428.3.2 & UMC T803.2.1 Venting in Common Smaller appliance connector enters vent above larger connector. Openings into vent at same level min. 45˚ from horizontal ≥45˚ Smaller appliance connector as high as possible per available headroom before offsetting horizontally VENT SIZES 93 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 94 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Examples of GAMA Vent Tables for Common Venting Given that the appliances in F116 are a 35,000 Btu water heater and a 100,000 BTU fan-assisted furnace, each w/ 4-in. flue collars, connecting to a type B common vent. The overall height of the common vent (measured from the taller appliance outlet to the top of the common vent) is 20 ft. The horizontal length of each vent connector is 4 ft., the rise of the water heater connector is 2 ft., and the rise of the furnace connector is 4 ft. Question: What diameter single-wall connectors and type B common vent should be used? Solution: Use IRC table G2428.3(1) or UMC table 803.2(2). The connector horizontal lengths comply w/ T44 without adjustment. First the water heater: Go to the table row for 20 ft. vent height and read across the 2 ft. row to the first number in the “NAT” column that exceeds 35k. Although that is in the 3-in. diameter column, a 4-in. connector must be used to be at least the same size as the flue collar. Do the same procedure for the furnace, this time using the ≥3 ft. connector rise row and going across to the first number in the “FAN” column that has a “Min” < 100k rating and a “Max” > 100k rating of the furnace. Again it is a 4-in connector. In the “common vent capacity” portion of the table, use the “FAN + NAT” column. A 4-in. vent is limited to 123k, and a 5-in. vent is good for 183k. Therefore, use a 5-in. B vent for the common vent portion. FIG. 116 Venting in Common Smaller appliance connector enters vent above larger connector. Openings into vent at same level min. 45˚ from horizontal ≥45˚ Smaller appliance connector as high as possible per available headroom before offsetting horizontally VENT SIZES 94 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 95 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 117 GAS VENT TERMINATIONS General 15 IRC 15 UMC n Gas vents must extend above roof EXC__________ 2427.6.3(1&2) • Direct vent appliances F120,127_________________2427.6.3(3) • Appliances w/ integral vents_____________________2427.6.3(4) • Mechanical draft appliances AMI _________________2427.6.3(5) n Roof penetration req’s flashing______________________ 2427.6.5 n Must have listed cap or listed roof assembly___________ 2427.6.5 n Decorative shrouds only if L&L & AMI ______________ 2427.6.3.1 n Vent termination min 5 ft. vertical above flue collar______ 2427.6.4 n Vent termination min 6 ft. vertical using tables___________ 2428.2 n B vents ≤ 12 in. per F117 & T45 if > 8 ft. from wall______ 2427.6.3(1) n B vents >12 in. diameter min 2 ft. above roof________2427.6.3(2) n Wall furnace min 12 ft. from bottom of furnace F124____ 2427.6.4 n Direct vent per T46_______________________________ 2427.8(3) 802.6.2(1) 802.6.2(3) 802.6.2(4) 802.6.2(5) 802.6.5 802.6.2.5 802.6.2.4 802.6.2.1 803.0 802.6.2(1) 802.6.2(1) 802.6.2.2 802.8.2 TABLE 45 B VENT TERMINATION (F117) u IRC 2427.6.3 & UMC 802.6.2 Roof Slope Min Height (ft.) Roof Slope Min Height (ft.) Flat to 6/12 1 >11/12 to 12/12 4 B Vent Termination B vent ≤ 12 in. diameter Min. height above roof T45 If < 8 ft., vent must terminate 2 ft. higher than any portion of building within 10 ft. Min. 2 ft. < 8 ft. 12 Roof slope: X/12 Parapet or wall Roof DIRECT-VENT TERMINATION CLEARANCES FROM BUILDING OPENINGS u IRC 2427.8 & UMC 802.8.2 TABLE 46 Appliance Rating ClearanceA from Openings 6 in. >6/12 to 7/12 1¼ >12/12 to 14/12 5 ≤10kBtu >7/12 to 8/12 1½ >14/12 to 16/12 6 >10kBtu to 50kBtu 9 in. >8/12 to 9/12 2 >16/12 to 18/12 7 >50kBtu 12 in. >9/12 to 10/12 2½ >18/12 to 20/12 7½ >10/12 to 11/12 3¼ >20/12 to 21/12 8 A. Measure stretched-string distance from edge of vent opening. GAS VENT TERMINATIONS 95 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 96 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 118 Location of Vent Termination Min. 2 ft. above roof < 8 ft. from wall Chase w/ min. R-8 insulation VIOLATION! Vent must be min. 2 ft. above roof if < 8 ft. from wall The prescriptive rules on Vent Connectors, Vent Sizes & Gas Vent Terminations can be used for appliances with draft hoods. The GAMA tables are mandatory for fan-assisted Category 1 appliances and are based upon there being no exposed vent below the roof. If the appliance to the right was a water heater with a draft hood, the chase would not be required. GAS VENT TERMINATIONS 96 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 97 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 119 Forced-Vent Terminations Vent termination: min. 4 ft. below min. 4 ft. horizontal or 1 ft. above building openings Most Cat. IV furnaces can be installed either as a forcedvent w/ clearances as shown above, or as direct-vent, w/ clearance to openings per T46 Condensing Appliance Forced Vents (Cat. IV) Combustion air from furnace area Cat. IV furnace 15 IRC 15 UMC n Burner interlock req’d to forced-vent fan____________2427.3.3(5) 802.3.3.4 n Installation & support of vent AMI_____________________ 2426.5 802.6.5 n Size Category II, III & IV appliance vents AMI________ 2427.6.8.3 802.6.3.3 n All mechanical draft systems L&L & installed AMI_____2427.3.3(1) 802.3.3 n Positive-pressure systems req’d to be gas-tight______2427.3.3(3) 802.3.3.2 n No mixing natural & forced-draft connectors or vents__2427.3.3(4) 802.3.3.3 n Furnaces w/ combustion air piping terminating AMI in same location as vent typically considered direct-vent (MFR) F97__ 2427.8(1)X1 802.8.X1 n Terminate 3 ft. above forced air inlets within 10 ft. EXC__ 2427.8(1) 802.8 • Systems installed as direct vent AMI F120_____ 2427.8(1)X1&2 802.8X1&2 n Terminate min 4 ft. to side or below or 1 ft. above building openings, min 1 ft. above ground level F119 EXC _____ 2427.8(2) 802.8.1 • Termination can be same as direct vent if AMI F120__ 2427.8(2) 802.8.1 n Through-wall vents of condensate-producing appliances not to terminate over public way or where creating nuisance__ 2427.8(4) 802.8.3 n Min 7 ft. above ground if adjacent to public walkway__2427.3.3(6) 802.3.3.5 n Through-wall vent min 10 ft. horizontally from openings in (facing) buildings if ≤ 2 ft. above or ≤ 25 ft. below openings___2427.8(5)59 802.8.5X59 n Collect & dispose of condensate from vent (p.79)________2427.9 802.9 n Condensate drains AMI for appliance & vent MFR_____ 2427.8(4) 802.8.3 n Plastic vents for Category IV AMI per appliance MFR____ 2426.1 802.4.2 n Pressure-rated plastic only—no cellular core___________ 2427.4.1 802.4.1 n Plastic vent joint primer must be contrasting color____ 2427.4.1.1 802.4.2 GAS VENT TERMINATIONS 97 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 98 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIG. 120 Direct-Vent Terminations Exhaust Intake air Intake air Sidewall Vents Intake Exhaust Intake vent terminal 90˚ Exhaust vent terminal Rooftop Vents Screen Exhaust Intake air Distance AMI Min. 12 in. to grade or snow For clearances to build- level ing openings, see T46 GAS VENT TERMINATIONS Screen 98 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 99 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited GAS FLOOR FURNACES See Appliances Under Floors for rules governing the underfloor access & passageway to a floor furnace. Grills for these furnaces can be hot; child-protective measures may be necessary. Underfloor Area 15 IRC 15 UMC n Must be L&L & installed AMI__________________________2437.1 n Unlisted furnaces allowed only in noncombustible floors_______ Ø n Appliance must fit through access opening ___________1305.1.4 n Access opening min 22 in. × 30 in. IRC (UMC min 18-in. × 24-in. wall opening or 24-in. × 24-in. trap door)__________________1305.1.4 906.1 906.1 304.4 906.8 Excavation Clearances n 6 in. to ground (2 in. if factory sealed) F121_____________2437.4 n 12-in. side clearance; 18 in. on control side F121________2437.4 906.7 906.7 Upper Floor Installations n May not project into habitable space below___________ 2437.5&6 n Projection into nonhabitable space supplied w/ combustion air & enclosed w/ noncombustible materials _________________2437.6 906.11 Above Floor 15 IRC 15 UMC n Not in doorway, landing, passageway, or exit way______ 2437.2(1) n Flat-register type min 6 in. from wall F122,123________ 2437.2(2) n Two adjoining sides must have 18-in. clearance________ 2437.2(2) n Min 12 in. from door swing or draperies F122_________ 2437.2(3) n Wall-register type min 6 in. to inner corner F122_______ 2437.2(2) n Thermostat in same room or one always open to room__ 2437.2(5) 906.4(1) 906.4(2) 906.4(2) 906.4(3) 906.4(2) 906.1(3) FIG. 122 Wall-Register Floor Furnace Clearances Min. 6 in. from inside corner Min. 12 in. 906.11 FIG. 123 FIG. 121 Min. 12 in. to door Min. 6 in. to wall Improper Floor Register Clearances Floor Furnace Min. 6 in. to joist 18 in. on control side Min. 6 in. to soil Min. 6 in. Min clearances: • 6 in. from wall • 18 in. on 2 adjoining sides Not OK in hallway or doorway VIOLATION! Min. 6 in. 12 in. on sides GAS FLOOR FURNACES 99 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 100 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited GAS WALL FURNACES Gas-fired wall furnaces that are not direct-vent can only be located in rooms that are large enough to meet the combustion air requirements of the appliance. Because they need indoor air for combustion, they are typically found only in older buildings with high air infiltration rates.Vent installation on wall furnaces is especially important, in that clearances inside the wall are less than the normal minimums for B vents. When a wall furnace is installed in an existing building, one side of the wall above the furnace should be opened for inspection of vent clearances. Furnace Installation 15 IRC 15 UMC n OK in bedroom or bath that is not confined space_____ 2406.2(2) n Fan assist only if L&L & AMI__________________________ 2436.1 n No ducts attached to wall furnaces____________________ 2436.5 n Panels, grills & access doors not attached to building____ 2436.6 n Header plate at top of furnace AMI____________________ 2436.1 n Stud bay depth AMI________________________________ 2436.1 n Unlisted furnaces not OK in combustible construction____ 2404.3 902.2 907.1(1) 907.1(1) 907.1(5) 907.1(3) 907.1(1) 907.1(2) Clearances 15 IRC 15 UMC n From sidewall—install AMI (typical 6 in. min) F124_______ 2436.3 n From door swing 12 in. IRC (UMC: AMI) F124_________ 2436.4 n Do not rely on doorstops to maintain clearance__________ 2436.4 n Clearance below structural projections AMI (typical 18 in.)_ 2436.3 907.2 907.1(1) 907.1(1) 907.1(1) FIG. 124 Min. 12 ft. Vent termination min. 12 ft. above furnace bottom Furnace must not be too close to corner. Typical manufacturer specification is 6 in. from inside corner. Draperies must not touch heater. Wall furnaces must remain accessible for cleaning. Dust or lint accumulating on the burner assembly can restrict the flow of oxygen necessary for complete combustion. GAS WALL FURNACES Must be >12 in. from door. 100 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 101 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Vent Installation 15 IRC 15 UMC n Cut top & floor plates flush to stud F125______________ 2427.6.1 n Furnace stud space vented by ceiling plate spacers AMI F125________________________________________ 2427.6.1 n Subsequent ceiling stud plates firestopped AMI F125___ 2427.6.1 n Single-story systems OK only in single story or top of multistory________________________________________ 2427.6.1 n Multistory systems OK in single story or multistory______ 2427.6.1 n Sleeve around vent in insulated assembly F126_________ 2426.4 n Sleeve min 2 in. above insulation in insulated attic F126__ 2426.4 n Vent min 12 ft. above bottom of furnace F124__________ 2427.6.4 907.1(3) 907.1(3) 907.1(3) 907.1(3) 907.1(3) 802.6.2.7 802.6.2.7 802.6.2.2 FIG. 124 FIG. 125 BW vent Wall Furnace Flue Each floor above ceiling line req firestop spacers. Stud space above furnace vented by spacer supplied w/ furnace. Min. 12 ft. Ceiling line above wall furnace FIG. 126 Vent termination min. 12 ft. above furnace bottom BW Vent Sleeve Furnace must not be too close to corner. Typical manufacturer specification is 6 in. from inside corner. Insulation sleeves should be at least 2 in. higher than insulation. Header plate supplied w/ heater is the first fire block. Draperies must not touch heater. Wall furnaces must remain accessible for cleaning. Dust or lint accumulating on the burner assembly can restrict the flow of oxygen necessary for complete combustion. 2 in. min. Must be >12 in. from door. GAS WALL FURNACES 101 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 102 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Direct-Vent Gas Wall Heaters F127 ROOM HEATERS Room heaters other than direct-vent types must be supplied with combustion air from the interior and are typically found only in older buildings with high air-infiltration rates. They must be secured to prevent displacement of their vent. Though unvented heaters are recognized in the model codes, many jurisdictions (including California) prohibit their use. They should be provided with a nontamperable oxygen depletion sensor. Vented Room Heaters 15 IRC 15 UMC n Secure to floor______________________________________1307.2 n Install AMI & leave manuals w/ unit____________________ 2446.1 n Flame safeguard (pilot safety) req’d___________________ 2446.1 n Room must meet req’d indoor air volume (p.85-87)____ 2406.2(2) n Locate to avoid hazard to walls, curtains, free movement____ MFR 303.4 303.1 306.1 701.1 916.2.3 15 IRC 15 UMC n Install AMI_______________________________________ 2427.2.1 n Combustion air req’d to be from outdoors AMI_________ 2407.1 303.1 907.1(4) FIG. 127 Direct-Vent Wall Furnace 303.1CA 916.2.1 916.2.1 916.2.1.1 916.2.1.1 n/a n/a 701.4 916.2.1.1 DIRECT-VENT HEATING APPLIANCES Direct-vent appliances draw their source of combustion air from the same area where they vent combustion gases. This arrangement equalizes pressure on the inlet & outlet of the firebox, which is sealed and has no open flame on the building interior. Because these appliances do not require interior combustion air, they can be located in rooms that are considered confined spaces. Combustion gases Termination cap Unvented Room Heaters n Install AMI & leave manuals w/ unit____________________ 2445.1 n Unvented heater may NOT be sole heat source_________ 2445.2 n Room must meet req’d indoor air volume (p.85-87)____ 2406.2(2) n Unvented heater ≤6k Btu OK in bath________________ 2406.2(3) n Unvented heater ≤10k Btu OK in bedroom___________ 2406.2(4) n Max size 40k Btu___________________________________ 2445.3 n Max input ratings ≤ 20 Btu/cu. ft. of room or space______ 2445.5 n Adjacent spaces w/ permanent large openings (doorway or archway) considered part of room volume____________ 2445.5 n Unvented heater req’s oxygen-depletion sensor_________ 2445.6 Combustion air Combustion gases Combustion air Direct-Vent Termination 15 IRC 15 UMC n OK to terminate through wall F120,127______________ 2427.8(3) 802.8.2 n Termination clearances from building openings T46____ 2427.8(3) 802.8.2 n Bottom of vent terminal min 12 in. above grade_______ 2427.8(3) 802.8.2 Many water heaters & Cat. IV furnaces are direct-vent types. In all cases, the termination on the building exterior must be installed AMI. See pp.27 & 97. ROOM HEATERS u DIRECT-VENT HEATING APPLIANCES 102 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 103 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Direct-Vent Gas Fireplaces F128 15 IRC 15 UMC FIG. 128 n OK in bedroom or bath____________________________ 2406.2(1) 912.1X n Must be L&L & AMI________________________________ 2427.2.1 912.2(1&4) n CSST or flex req’s grommet through appliance wall__ 2422.1.2.3X3 1313.1(7) n Termination clearances from building openings T46___ 2427.8(3) 802.8.2 Direct-Vent Gas Fireplace GAS APPLIANCES IN FIREPLACES The only function of a vented decorative appliance is the aesthetic effect of the flames. Artificial log sets inside a fireplace are decorative appliances. A freestanding appliance that simulates the appearance of a fireplace is a vented decorative gas appliance. Masonry fireplaces can also be modified to contain a vented gas fireplace heater, such as shown in F128, with the vent and combustion air pipes through the existing fireplace flue. The flue must be large enough to contain these, and the cap must be modified to have the appropriate direct-vent termination. Log lighters are not decorative, as their function is to help initiate a fire in a solid-fuel burning fireplace. Decorative Appliances (Log Sets) in Fireplaces 15 IRC 15 UMC n Not in bath or bedroom if confined space (p.85-87)_____ 2432.3 n Maintain open vent (block damper in full-open position)___ 2453.1 n Thermostatic control not allowed _______________________ MFR n Install listed appliances AMI & per L&L ________________ 2432.1 n Fireplace screen req’d________________________________ MFR n Appliance w/pilot or ignition system req’s pilot safety_____ 2432.2 n Shutoff inside firepit OK if AMI______________________2420.5.1 n Shutoff in same room & within 6 ft. EXC______________2420.5.1 • Where provided w/ ready access & connector ≤ 6 ft.___2420.5.2 • Where located in manifold & connector ≤ 6 ft.________2420.5.3 911.1 911.2 911.2 911.2(1) 911.3 306.1 1313.4 1313.4 Ø Ø Warmed room air Combustion gases Safety screen Glass pane Decorative logs Combustion air Room air Fan Shutoff valve Regulator Gas pipe A direct-vent fireplace can vent horizontally out a sidewall or vertically to the roof. With a completely enclosed chamber, it draws in outside air for combustion & expels gases to the outside. The front glass enclosure allows radiant heat to pass into the room. It heats a room w/o robbing it of oxygen or of the heated air it provides & keeps it free of fumes & combustible materials, such as embers or ash. The glass fronts can be dangerously hot and req protective screening to avoid contact. Manufacturers offer retrofit kits for older systems that lack this safety feature. DIRECT-VENT HEATING APPLIANCES u GAS APPLIANCES IN FIREPLACES 103 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 104 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Vented Decorative Gas Fireplaces 15 IRC 15 UMC n Not in bath or bedroom if confined space (p.85-87) EXC___ 2432.3 • OK if direct vent_______________________________ 2406.2(1) n Must comply w/ ANSI Z21.50 & be installed AMI________ 2434.1 n Appliance w/pilot or ignition system req’s pilot safety_____ 2434.1 n Service access panels not attached to building_________ 2434.2 912.1 912.1X 912.2(1) 306.1 912.2(3) Vented Gas Fireplace Heaters n Comply w/ same rules as above for decorative fireplaces____2435.1 n Conform to ANSI Z21.88 & install AMI___________________2435.1 912.0CA 912.2(1) Log Lighters n Log lighters to comply w/ CSA 8 & be installed AMI_____ 2433.1 n Shutoff in same room & within 6 ft.___________________2420.5.1 n Hard gas pipe inside firepit (no flex)__________________2422.1.1 MFR 1313.4 1313.1(7) GAS APPLIANCES IN FIREPLACES 104 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 105 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FREESTANDING FIREPLACE STOVES (SOLID FUEL) The IRC (section 1414.1) requires fireplace stoves to be listed, labeled & tested in accord with UL737, which in turn references the current edition of NFPA 211, the basis of the rules for solid-fuel burning appliances in the IRC and UMC. NFPA 211 recognizes unlisted appliances and provides specific rules to maintain safe clearances and protection of adjacent combustible material. Fireplace Stoves & Solid-Fuel Room Heaters NFPA 211 n Install listed equipment per L&L & AMI_______________________________ 13.1 n Install unlisted equipment AMI & per NFPA 211_____________________ 13.1.1 n No unlisted equipment in mobile homes____________________________ 13.1.2 n Not in alcove or enclosed space <512 cu. ft. unless specifically listed__ 13.2.2 n Not OK where flammable vapors or liquids present or garages_______ 13.2.3&4 n Noncombustible floor material 18 in. beyond stove on all sides EXC___ 13.5.1.4 • L&L floor protection assemblies OK AMI_________________________ 13.5.1.5 n Listed appliances OK on combustible floors if per L&L & AMI_________ 13.5.1.1 n Unlisted appliance floor protection:_______________________________ 13.5.1.2 • If legs provide ≥6 in. of ventilated clearance under stove, 2 in. thick masonry covered w/ min 24 gauge metal F131____________________ 13.5.2.1 • If legs provide ≥2 in. to <6 in. of ventilated clearance, min 4 in. thick hollow masonry + metal, cores open to allow airflow F131___________ 13.5.2.2 n If legs provide <2 in. clearance, floor req’d to be noncombustible_____ 13.5.2.3 n Fuel storage (firewood) min 36 in. from appliance_____________ T13.6.1 note a n 36-in. side, top & front clearance from appliance to combustibles EXC__ 13.6.1 • Listed appliance clearance to combustibles AMI__________________ 13.6.1.1 • Reduced clearances OK per T47,129___________________________ 13.6.2.1 FIG. 131 Unlisted Fireplace Stove Clearances Listed penetration or per NFPA 211 F9.7.4 2 in. thick OK if legs provide 6-in. space under stove 18 in. min. or per listing 18 in. min. 1 in. min. See T47 Spacers not directly behind stove unless connected to prevent heat conducting to wall Proper clearances to combustibles are critical to the safe long-term operation of all fuel-burning systems. Improper clearances can allow heat transfer to adjacent combustible materials. Over time, heat degrades the wood and lowers its ignition temperature. This process—pyrolysis—can take many years and may eventually result in a fire. Connectors n Must be accessible for inspection, cleaning & replacement_____________9.7.10 n Single wall min 18-in. clearance to combustibles EXC F131__________ T9.5.1.1 • Lesser clearance w/ approved clearance-reduction system T47_____ 9.5.1.2.1 n Not to pass through wall EXC______________________________________ 9.7.4 FREESTANDING FIREPLACE STOVES (SOLID FUEL) 105 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 106 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Connectors NFPA 211 • Listed pass-through system_______________________________________ 9.7.4 • Pass-through system constructed per NFPA 211 figure 9.7.4___________ 9.7.4 n Maintain min ¼ in./ft. rise from appliance collar to chimney______________ 9.7.6 Connection to Masonry Fireplace (Stoves & Fireplace Inserts) n Connector must extend to flue liner—not just to firebox_______________ 13.4.5.1 n If connector enters direct through chimney wall above smoke chamber, noncombustible seal req’d below entry___________________________ 13.4.5.1 n No dilution of combustion products in flue w/ habitable space air_____ 13.4.5.1 n Flue not less than size of appliance collar_________________________ 13.4.5.1 n Flue diameter max 2× appliance collar if chimney walls exposed to exterior below roof____________________________________________ 13.4.5.1 n Flue diameter max 3× appliance collar if no part of chimney walls exposed to exterior below roof___________________________________ 13.4.5.1 n Installation must allow for chimney inspection & cleaning_____________ 13.4.5.1 FIG. 129 Clearance-Reduction System for Fireplace Stove The spacers that hold the clearance-reduction system out from the wall must not be located directly behind the appliance or connector. Metal fasteners can transfer heat to wood studs. The appliance’s distance from the wall must be in accordance w/T47. FIG. 130 Clearance Reduction for Gas Equipment or Gas Vent Connectors Combustible wall construction Clearance reduction system Allowable reduction per T47 Required clearance w/o protection Oil or gas equipment or vent connector FREESTANDING FIREPLACE STOVES (SOLID FUEL) Distance of each dashed arrow must equal the required clearance w/o protection distance. 106 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 107 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE 47 Unprotected MethodA CLEARANCE REDUCTION SYSTEMS CLEARANCE (in.) u T1306.2 T303.10.1 36 18 12 9 6 Protected Wall Clearance 36 18 12 9 6 Protected Ceiling Clearance 3½-in. masonry 24 12 9 6 5 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 3½-in. masonry w/ air spaceB 12 6 6 6 6 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a ½-in. insulation board over fiber or mineral wool battsC 18 9 6 5 3 24 12 9 6 4 ½-in. insulation board w/ air spaceB 12 6 4 3 3 18 9 6 5 3 24-gauge Zi steel w/ air spaceB 12 6 4 3 2 18 9 6 5 3 1-in. insulating batts between 2 sheets 0.024 Zi steel w/ air space 12 6 4 3 3 18 9 6 5 3 24-gauge Zi steel over reinforced batts w/ air spaceB 12 6 4 3 3 18 9 6 5 3 A. Clearances are measured in closest stretched-string distance. In no case can a solid-fuel burning appliance clearance be reduced to <12 in. B. Air spaces must be a min of 1 in. and be ventilated by being open at the bottom & top edges or sides & top edges. Spacers must be noncombustible & cannot be mounted directly opposite the appliance or connector. C. Insulation fiber or mineral wool must have thermal conductivity ≤1.0 Btu/sq. ft. Mineral wool blankets or board min density 8 lb./cu. ft. & min melting point 1,500°F. Clearance reduction systems are used with solid-fuel, oil-burning, and gas-burning appliances. They provide a practical means of installing appliances in spaces where they might otherwise not be safe to install or would take too much space in a room. Clearance reduction systems cannot be used for appliances in closets (alcoves); those appliances require clearances in accordance with the nameplate label. Tables 9.5.1.2 & 13.6.2.1 in NFPA 211 have the same values as T47 for fireplace stoves, which otherwise require 36-in. clearance. The UMC uses T47 as table 303.10.1, and in NFPA 54 it is table 10.2.3. Clearance Reduction Systems 15 IRC n Clearance reductions allowed per T47 EXC_______ 1306.2, 1803.3.4, 2409.2 • Clearance allowed based on assembly L&L to UL 1618__________1306.2.160 n Gas appliance & vent connector reductions per F130,T47____________2409.2 n Solid-fuel appliances cannot be reduced to <12 in. EXC____________ 1306.2.3 • Appliances listed for <12 in. & installed AMI ____________________ 1306.2.3 n No spacers directly behind appliance or connector F129–131________F1306.2 Spaces noncombustible (stacked washers, conduit, etc.)____________F1306.2 n Ventilated air space min 1in. & open at edges F129–131,T47_________1306.2 n Air space in corner open top & bottom F120,T47____________________1306.2 n Air space on flat wall open top & bottom or side & top F129,T47_______1306.2 CLEARANCE REDUCTION SYSTEMS 107 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 108 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited FIREPLACES & CHIMNEYS FIG. 132 Masonry fireplaces are declining in popularity due to environmental issues and the popularity of gas-burning appliances that provide an aesthetically pleasing alternative. Many jurisdictions have restrictions on the construction of new solid-fuel burning fireplaces. Fireplace & Chimney Construction 15 IRC n Footing min 12 in. thick & 6 in. beyond sides_____________ 1001.2 & 1003.2 n Framing min 2-in. clearance from chimney & front & sides of fireplace & 4 in. from back of fireplace F132 EXC_______ 1001.11 & 1003.18 • Combustible trim, siding, flooring & gypsum board can touch if 12 in. from firebox lining or 8 in. from flue lining F132__ 1001.11X3 & 1003.18X361 n Clear air space not filled except for fireblocking F132____ 1001.11 & 1003.18 n Corbeling max 1⁄ 2 chimney’s wall thickness from wall or foundation____ 1003.5 n Projection of single course ≤ 1⁄ 2 unit height or 1/3 unit bed depth______ 1003.5 n Chimneys to support no other loads unless engineer-designed_______ 1003.8 n Chimney cap req’d w/ drip edge & caulked bond break at flue liner_ 1003.9.1 Chimney Clearances & Reinforcement #4 bars Anchor straps Combustible trim min. 12 in. from firebox, 8 in. from flue interior Fireblocking only item allowed in clear space SDC D0, D1 & D2 Reinforcement Min. of 4 #4 vertical bars for chimneys up to 40 in. wide. Wider chimneys req at least 2 additional bars. 2×4 ties must cross min. 4 joists. Anchor straps must hook around the outer bars of the chimney & be fastened to the framing w/ min. of 2 bolts, min. 1⁄ 2 in. diameter. n Min 4 #4 vertical bars F132________________________ 1001.3.1 & 1003.3.1 n If >40 in. wide, 2 additional bars req’d_______________ 1001.3.1 & 1003.3.1 n Min ¼-in. horizontal ties 18 in. on center around vertical bars______________________________________ 1001.3.2 & 1003.3.2 n 2 horizontal ties req’d at each bend in vertical bars_____ 1001.3.2 & 1003.3.2 n Grout must enclose rebar & not bond w/ flue liner______ 1001.3.1 & 1003.3.1 n Anchor at each floor, ceiling, or roof >6 ft. above grade EXC_ 1001.4 & 1003.4 • Chimneys completely inside exterior walls______________ 1001.4 & 1003.4 n Anchor straps hooked around outer bars F132________ 1001.4.1 & 1003.4.1 n Fasten each strap to min 4 joists w/ 2½-in. bolts F132__ 1001.4.1 & 1003.4.1 n For steel-stud framing, reinforce location of bolts w/ min 3-in. × 3-in. steel plate fastened w/ min 6 screws____________ 1001.4.1.1 & 1003.4.1.162 FIREPLACES & CHIMNEYS 108 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 109 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Flues F133 15 IRC n Area & height per IRC tables__________________________________ 1003.15 n Terminate min 3 ft. above roof & 2 ft. above building within 10 ft.______ 1003.9 n Spark arresters net free area min 4× flue opening size___________ 1003.9.2CA n Screening mesh > 3/8 in. & <1/2 in. & removable for cleaning_______ 1003.9.2 n Net free area under metal or masonry rain cap 4× flue opening size_ 1003.9.3 n Chimney cricket req’d if chimney width parallel to ridge > 30 in._____ 1003.20 FIG. 133 Min. Chimney Height Screen area must be 4× the flue opening area. Chimney cap or screen must be removable for cleaning. Min. 3 ft. above roof penetration 2 ft. 10 ft. Cricket req’d if chimney width parallel to ridge > 30 in. FIREPLACES & CHIMNEYS 109 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 110 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Masonry Fireplaces 15 IRC n Firebrick-lined firebox walls min 8 in. thick including liner____________ 1001.5 n Min firebox depth 20 in. EXC___________________________________ 1001.6 • Rumford fireplaces 12 in. deep or 1/3 width of opening___________ 1001.6X n Throat min 8 in. above fireplace opening & min 4 in. deep___________ 1001.6 n Masonry over opening req’s lintel w/ min 4-in. bearing each side______ 1001.7 n Ferrous metal damper req’d min 8 in. above fireplace opening_______1001.7.1 n Damper must be operable from room containing fireplace__________1001.7.1 n Smoke chamber parged smooth w/ refractory mortar_______________ 1001.8 n Hearth & extension reinforced to carry their weight & imposed loads__ 1001.9 n Remove all combustible material from under hearth & extension______ 1001.9 n Min hearth thickness 4 in., min extension thickness 2 in. EXC____ 1001.9.1&2 • 3/8-in.-thick noncombustible extension OK if bottom of fireplace opening ≥ 8 in. above extension______________________ 1001.9.2X n Extension min 16 in. front, 8 in. side, if opening < 6 sq. ft F134______ 1001.10 n Extension min 20 in. front, 12 in. side, if opening ≥ 6 sq. ft. F134____ 1001.10 n No combustible material within 6 in. of opening________________ 1001.11X4 n Combustible material ≤12 in. from opening limited to projection of 1/8 in. for each inch distance from opening F134_____________ 1001.11X4 FIG. 134 Masonry Fireplace Clearances Max. 11⁄2 in. Max. 3⁄4 in. 6 in. min. clearance 12 in. Min. 8 in. if opening < 6 sq. ft., 12 in. if opening ≥ 6 sq. ft. Hearth Hearth extension FIREPLACES & CHIMNEYS Min. 16 in. if opening < 6 sq. ft., 20 in. if opening ≥ 6 sq. ft. 110 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Factory-Built Fireplaces & Chimneys 15 IRC n Fireplaces & chimneys L&L & installed AMI______________ 1004.1 & 1005.1CA n Must be listed to & comply w/ UL 127__________________ 1004.1 & 1005.4 n Hearth extensions AMI & distinguishable from surrounding floor______ 1004.2 n Decorative shrouds req L&L for specific system & AMI_____ 1004.3 & 1005.2 n Firestop spacer AMI where passing through ceilings_______________ 1005.4 n Insulation shield per UL 127 if passing through loose fill in attic______ 1005.4 Exterior Air Supply (Masonry or Factory-Built) n Exterior air supply req’d unless room mechanically ventilated & controlled to ensure neutral or positive indoor air pressure___________ 1006.1 n Exterior air intake no higher than elevation of firebox EXC____________ 1006.2 • Listed component of factory-built fireplace____________________ 1006.1.163 n Exterior air ducts of factory-built fireplace must be listed component of fireplace & be installed AMI ______________________ 1006.1.1 n Intake not from garage or basement_____________________________ 1006.2 n Combustion air passageway min 6 sq. in. max 55 sq. in._____________ 1006.4 n Outlet closable & located in back or side of firebox or outside firebox at level of hearth & within 24 in. of firebox__________ 1006.564 RECOMMENDED INSPECTIONS OF EXISTING CHIMNEYS NFPA 211 15.1 Level 1: All readily accessible areas (not including attic area) of chimney, flue, and structure for deposits or obstructions. To be performed annually, during routine cleaning, and when replacing appliances w/ a similar appliance. Level 2: Level 1 + attic + video scan of flue. Verify flue connections, clearances, and size and suitability of flues. To be performed upon resale of property; upon addition, removal, or replacement of appliances; or after operating malfunction. Level 3: Level 1 & 2 + removal of components or finishes as necessary to gain access. To be performed when Level 1 or Level 2 cannot identify conditions deemed critical to renewed or continued use; fire or damage investigations. FIREPLACES & CHIMNEYS u RECOMMENDED INSPECTIONS OF EXISTING CHIMNEYS NFPA 211 15.1 111 111 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 112 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Fuel Gas INSPECTIONS General 15 IRC 15 UPC n Nothing concealed until inspected and approved________ 2503.2 n Testing to be conducted in presence of AHJ____________ 2503.1 105.1 105.3 Water Supply n Test all piping before cover or concealment_____________ 2503.2 n Water pipe test under working pressure 15 minutes EXC__ 2503.7 • 50 PSI air for other than plastic pipe_________________ 2503.7 n Water for testing must be from potable water source_____ 2503.7 n RP devices tested at installation & annually____________2503.8.2 n Test gauges req’d to have increments of:_______________ 2503.9 • 0.1 psi up to test pressure of 10 psi • 1 psi up to test pressure of 100 psi • 2 psi where test pressure is greater than 100 psi • UPC: Gauge range max 2× applied test pressure 105.2.1.1 609.4 609.4 609.4 603.4.2 318.1-4 15 IRC 15 UPC n Leave all joints exposed until tested____________________2417.3 n IRC: Test pressure min 1½× working pressure, min 3 psig_ 2417.4.1 n IRC: Test time min 10 minutes_______________________ 2417.4.2 n UPC: Test pressure min 10 psig (MP CSST: min 30 psig)____ n/a n UPC: Test time min 15 minutes (MP CSST: min 30 min)______ n/a n Test medium air, nitrogen, or CO2 (not oxygen)___________2417.2 n Test gauge scale ≤5× (UPC: ≤2×) test pressure_________2417.4 n Cap outlets before pressure test_____________________ 2417.3.3 n Inspect for open fittings or valves before turning on gas_ 2417.6.2 n Check for leakage immediately after turning on gas_____ 2417.6.3 n Soapy water or gas detector OK for locating leaks______ 2417.5.1 n Matches, open flames not OK for locating leaks________ 2417.5.1 n Purge appliances before placing in operation__________ 2417.7.2 1213.2.1 n/a n/a 1213.366 1213.366 1213.3 318.5 1213.2.3 1213.5.1 1213.5.2 1213.4.1 1213.4.1 1213.5.3 DWV Systems n Rough-in plumbing, one of the following: • Water test–10-ft. head for 15 minutes OR___________2503.5.1 • Air test–5 psi (10 in. mercury column) for 15 minutes___2503.5.1 n Building sewer 10-ft. head for 15 minutes (UPC: or air test)_ 2503.4 n No air testing for plastic pipe (DWV only OK per AHJ)___2503.5.1 n Finished plumbing: fill each drain, inspect traps_____ 2503.5.2#1 n Alternative: BO may req gas test w/ smoke 15 minutes @ 1in. water column or peppermint test 2 oz. in 10 qt. water_____ 2503.5.2#2 Hydronics 712.2 712.3 723.1 712.1 712.1 n/a 15 IRC 15 UMC n Pressure test min 100 psi, min 1.5× design pressure____ 2101.10 n Duration 15–20 minutes (UMC: 30 minutes) _________2101.1065 n Embedded piping min 100 psi min 30 minutes__________ 2103.4 1205.2 1205.2 1205.2 INSPECTIONS 112 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 113 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Notches in Joists & Rafters (cont.) STRUCTURAL Plumbing Pipe Protection in Framing F2 15 IRC 15 UPC n Steel-plate protection for plumbing pipes other than ZI & CI in notches or holes <1¼ in. (UPC: ≤1 in.) of face of framing________2603.2.13 312.9 n Protective plates min 16 gauge (UPC: 18 gauge)_______ 2603.2.1 312.9 n Protection min 2 in. above sole plates & below top plates_ 2603.2.1 n/a Mechanical Pipe & Duct Protection in Framing 15 IRC 15 UMC n Steel-plate protection for mechanical system pipes other than ZI & CI in notches or holes <1½ in. (UMC: ≤1 in.) of face of framing_______ 1308.2.1 316.6 n Protect entire length of piping within 1½ in. of framing__ 1308.2.267 n/a Fireblocking 15 IRC n Req’d at openings for vents, ducts & pipes at ceilings & floors F135_____302.11 n Caulking does not have to be fire-rated F135____________________ 302.11#4 FIG. 136 Notching & Boring Joists & Girders End notch depth max. ×⁄ 4 IRC: Caulking need not be fire-rated in singlefamily dwelling. n No structural member weakened or impaired___________________ n Drilling & notching per T48,49_______________________________ n Notches in sawn lumber max 1/6 depth of member F136,T48_____ n Max length of notches in sawn lumber 1/3 depth of member F136__ n Notches in sawn lumber not in middle 1/3 F136_________________ 2603.1 2603.2 502.8.1 502.8.1 502.8.1 Depth max ×⁄ 6 Length max ×⁄ 3 × No notching at bottom if >4-in. nominal lumber, except at ends Outer 1/3 TABLE 48 JOIST & GIRDER NOTCHING & BORING u IRC 502.8.1 Nominal dimension joist or girder Max diameter bored hole Max notch length A Notches in Joists & Rafters 15 IRC No notching in middle 1/3, holes OK Holes min. 2 in. from top, bottom, or other holes, max. size ×⁄ 3 FIG. 135 Fireblocking at Top Plates 15 IRC n End notches max ¼ depth of member F136____________________ 502.8.1 n No notches in tension side of members ≥ 4 in., except at ends____ 502.8.1 n Holes 2-in. min to top or bottom or notch or other hole F136______ 502.8.1 n Engineered product (TJI®’s) notches, holes, or cuts AMI____ 502.8.2 & 2405.3 n No field modification of trusses, e.g., notching, cutting____________ 802.10.4 n No alteration or loading of trusses w/o written concurrence of design professional_________________________________802.10.4 & 2405.2 Max notch depth outer 1/3 Max depth end notch 6 11/2 in. 1 3/4 in. 7/8 in. 13/8 in. 8 2 3/8 in. 2 3/8 in. 1 3/16 in. 17/8 in. 10 3 1/16 in. 3 1/16 in. 11/2 in. 2 5/16 in. 12 3 3/4 in. 3 3/4 in. 1 7/8 in. 2 7/8 in. A. Table numbers based on actual dimensions: typically 5½, 7¼, 9¼ & 11¼ STRUCTURAL 113 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 114 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE 49 Stud Notching & Boring STUD NOTCHING & BORING u IRC 602.6 Bearing walls 2×4 3×4 2×6 Max notch depth 7/8 in. 7/8 in. 13/8 in. Max diameter bored hole 13/8 in. 13/8 in. 23/16 in. 3¼ in. Max diameter bored hole doubled studs 2 in. 2 in. Nonbearing walls 2×3 2×4 3×4 2×6 Max notch depth 1 in. 13/8 in. 13/8 in. 23/16 in. Max diameter bored hole 1½ in. 2 in. 2 in. 3¼ in. 15 IRC n Notching 25% max in bearing wall, 40% nonbearing F137,T49______ 602.6(1) n Bored holes min 5/8 in. from face of stud_________________________ 602.6(2) n Boring 40% max in bearing wall, 60% nonbearing EXC F137,T49___ 602.6(2) • 2 successive doubled bearing studs 60% OK F137______________ 602.6(2) n Holes not in same stud section as cuts or notches_________________ 602.6(2) n Approved stud shoes OK in lieu of above if installed AMI__________ 602.6(2)X n If top plate >50% removed for pipes, attach galvanized metal tie 1½ in. wide & min 6 in. each side of notch, min 8-10d nails each side of notch EXC________________________________________ 602.6.1 • If entire side of wall w/ notch covered w/ wood sheathing__________ 602.6.1X FIG. 137 Notching & Boring Studs VIOLATION! No holes in notched area Bearing STRUCTURAL 40% 60% 25% 40% 60% hole OK on bearing walls if the studs are doubled and the holes do not pass through more than 2 ­parallel studs. Nonbearing 114 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 115 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited GLOSSARY B A ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene): Black plastic pipe, typically with a foam core, used for DWV. Some types of ABS are also used for vent piping of high-efficiency condensing appliances specifically listed for such pipe. Backflow: A flow of water or other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water from any source other than its intended source. Accessible: Capable of being exposed without damage to the building or component structure or finishes, and that may req removal of access doors or fasteners req tools. Bathroom: In ASHRAE & the UPC, a bathroom is a room containing a bathtub, shower, or combination tub and shower. A half bath containing only a water closet & lavatory is not considered a bathroom. In the NEC, a bathroom is a room containing a basin & another plumbing fixture such as a tub or toilet or shower. AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction): An organization responsible for enforcing the code, typically the building department & its authorized representatives. Air Break: A physical separation in which discharge from a fixture, appliance, or device drains indirectly into a receptor & enters below the flood level rim of a receptor, such as a sink tailpiece or clothes washer standpipe. Air conditioning: The process of heating, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying, filtering, or otherwise treating air in a building. The most common useage of this term is to refer to cooling. Air handler: A blower or fan enclosed in a metal box used for the purpose of distributing supply air to a room, space, or area. Alcove: Aside from the common meaning of this term, it was also used to define a space such as a closet that was not “large” in relationship to the appliances within it. That in turn had an effect on the allowed clearance of the appliance, and on the application of clearance reduction systems. These rules went away in the 2012 code cycle, and appliance clearances are now part of the listing of the appliance. Also see “Room large in comparison to size of equipment.” Approved: Accepted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). UL & other testing laboratories do not approve materials; they test products & determine their conformity to published standards. Only the AHJ can approve them. Btu (British thermal unit): The quantity of heat necessary to raise the temperature of 1 lb. of water 1°F (roughly equal to what is given off by one stick match). Building thermal envelope: The basement walls, exterior walls, floor, roof & any other building element that encloses conditioned spaces. C Central-fan-integrated supply system: A method of supplying whole-house ventilation through a makeup air duct connected to a forced-air system & a timer on the furnace fan control. Check valve: A device used to prevent the flow of liquids in a direction not intended in the design of the system. Check valves are not backflow preventers. They are often used in solar systems. Chimney: A primarily vertical structure containing one or more flues, for the purpose of carrying gaseous products of combustion & air from an appliance to the outside atmosphere. Factory-built chimneys must be listed & labeled. Masonry chimneys are field constructed of solid masonry units, bricks, stones, or concrete. GLOSSARY 115 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 116 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Chimney connector: A pipe connecting a fuel-burning appliance to a chimney flue. Combustible material: Any material not defined as noncombustible. The extent of combustibility of surface materials is measured in flame spread index & smoke-developed index. Many HVAC components req specified clearances from combustible material, including the paper facing of gypsum board. Combustion air: Air req’d for combustion of a fuel. It includes (1) air that is burned with the fuel, (2) air for dilution of the flue gases and that is introduced into draft hoods, and (3) ventilation air that cools appliances. Common vent (plumbing): A pipe venting two trap arms on the same branch, either back to back or one above another. Concealed: Not exposed to view without removal of building surfaces or finishes. Confined space: A room or space having a volume less than 50 cu. ft. for each 1,000Btu input rating of all fuel-burning appliances in the room or space. CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride): Plastic pipe designed for hot & cold water. Water distribution pipe is typically cream-colored, and orange CPVC is used for automatic fire sprinkler piping. Cross-Connection: A connection between a potable water supply system and a plumbing fixture or device where it is possible for nonpotable or contaminated water or other substances to enter into the potable water system. Dilution air: Air that combines with flue gases at the draft hood of an appliance. See “Combustion air.” Direct-vent appliances: Appliances that are constructed & installed so that combustion air and flue gases are conveyed directly to the outside atmosphere. These appliances may have a dual-pipe system or a coaxial flue pipe inside the combustion air pipe. Draft: The flow of gases or air through a chimney or flue caused by pressure differences. Induced draft appliances have a fan to overcome the resistance of the combustion chamber while still delivering flue gas to the vent at lower pressure relative to the atmosphere. A forced draft appliance delivers flue gas under positive pressure. Natural, or “gravity” draft is created by the hot flue gases being lighter than outside atmosphere. Draft hood: A nonadjustable device integral to an appliance or made part of the appliance connector. It provides for the escape of flue gases from the appliance in the event of flue blockage, allows dilution air to be introduced into the flue, prevents backdraft from entering the appliance, & neutralizes the stack effect on the operation of the appliance. Draft regulator: A device that functions to maintain a desired draft in the appliance by automatically reducing the draft to the desired value. These are usually adjustable, such as the barometric damper on an oil-burning appliance flue. A double-acting barometric draft regulator is free to move in either direction & protect against both excessive draft (that could allow the flame to lift) & backdraft. Duct: A continuous passageway for the transmission of air (usually forced) made of factory-built components. D Decorative appliance for installation in fireplaces: An assembly with artificial logs & with gas burners to simulate a solid-fuel fire, installed inside a fireplace otherwise capable of burning solid fuel. They can be either manually or automatically operated. If automatic, they must include a flame safeguard device. Decorative shroud: A partial enclosure for aesthetic purposes that surrounds or conceals the termination of a chimney or vent. Decorative shrouds must be specifically listed for the chimney or vent assembly & are often installed incorrectly. E Energy-recovery ventilator (ERV): Same as heat-recovery ventilator, with a heat exchanger core that removes humidity. ERVs req a drain to remove water that condenses in them. GLOSSARY 116 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 117 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Evaporative cooler: A device used for reducing the sensible heat of air for cooling by the process of evaporation of water into an airstream. Also known as a “swamp cooler.” Evaporative coolers are used in hot, dry climates & for makeup air in commercial kitchens. F Factory-built fireplace: A fireplace composed of listed factory-built components assembled in accordance with the terms of the listing to form the completed fireplace. The appliance must be suitable for solid fuel & be equipped with a listed & properly installed chimney. Fan-assisted appliance: An appliance equipped with an integral mechanical means to either draw or force products of combustion through the combustion chamber &/or heat exchanger. Fireblock: Building materials installed to resist the free passage of flame to other areas through small concealed spaces of the building. Forced draft: A vent system using a fan or other mechanical means to expel flue gases under positive static vent pressure. Furnace: A device that is completely self-contained & designed to supply heated air to spaces remote from or adjacent to the furnace location. A central furnace uses ducts to supply heat to spaces. G Gas connector: Tubing or piping that connects the gas supply piping to the appliance. H Habitable room: A room used for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking. Bathrooms, closets, halls, storage spaces & laundry rooms are not considered habitable rooms. Fireplace stove: A freestanding solid-fuel burning device designed to be operated with the firebox door either open or closed. Hangers: See “Supports.” Firestop: Until the early 1990s, this term was used for what today is called fireblocking. A penetration firestop assembly is a group of materials installed to resist free passage of flame through an assembly, typically around a duct, vent, or chimney passing through a rated ceiling, floor, or wall. Hearth extension: The surfacing applied to the floor area in front of & to the sides of the hearth opening of a fireplace or fireplace stove. Flame safeguard: A device that will automatically shut off the fuel supply to a main burner or group of burners when the means of ignition of those burners becomes disabled & when flame failure occurs. Flue: A passageway intended to carry hot gases through a chimney. The term is also used as a substitute for “vent.” Flue collar: The outlet of an appliance designed for the attachment of a draft hood, vent connector, or venting system. Flue gases: Products of combustion & air in appliance flues or heat exchangers. Hearth: The floor area with the fire chamber of a fireplace or fireplace stove. Heat pump: A system that uses the change of state of a refrigerant to extract heat from one substance & transfer it to another area of the same or a different substance. Heat pumps can provide both heating & cooling. Heat-recovery ventilator (HRV): A combination ventilation system that replaces indoor air with outdoor air that passes through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger tempers the outdoor air to minimize energy losses. HRVs that also remove humidity from the indoor air are referred to as energy-recovery ventilators. Horizontal: Any pipe or vent that is less than 45° from horizontal. H.S.P.F. (Heating seasonal-performance factor): The measure of a system’s efficiency in heating mode. The higher the number, the more efficient the system. GLOSSARY 117 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 118 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Welded joint or seam: Joint or seam obtained by the joining of metal parts in the plastic molten state. I In sight: See “Within sight.” Indirect-fired WH: A water heater with a storage tank equipped with a heat exchanger used to transfer heat from an external source to heat potable water. The storage tank could derive its heat source from an external source, such as solar or a boiler, or an internal source. Induced draft appliance: An appliance that utilizes a fan to overcome resistance of a heat exchanger & to assist in the delivery of flue gases to the appliance outlet (flue collar). Induced draft appliances typically deliver the flue gases to the flue collar at non-positive pressure due to the temperature of those gases relative to outside atmosphere. See “Vented gas appliance categories.” Induced draft burner: A burner that depends upon a draft that is induced by a fan that is integral to the appliance & is downstream from the burner. J Joint: Connection between two pipes: Brazed joint: Joint obtained by joining metal parts with alloys that melt at temperatures > 840°F (449°C), but lower than the melting temperature of the parts to be joined. Expansion joint: Loop, return bend, or return offset that accommodates pipe expansion & contraction. Flexible joint: Joint that allows movement of one pipe without deflecting the other pipe. Mechanical joint: Joint that uses compression to seal the joint. Slip joint: Joint that incorporates a washer or special packing material to create a seal. Soldered joint: Joint obtained by joining of metal parts with metallic mixtures or alloys that melt at a temperature < 800°F (427°C) & > 300°F (149°C). L Label: A marking applied on a product that identifies the MFR, the function or designation of the product, and the agency that has evaluated a sample of that product. Labeled: Equipment, materials, or products affixed with a label or other identifying mark to attest that the product complies with identified standards or has been found suitable for a specific purpose. See “Listed.” Liquefied petroleum (LP) gas: LP or propane gas is composed primarily of propane, propylene, butanes, or butylenes or mixtures thereof that are gaseous under normal atmospheric conditions but capable of being liquefied under moderate pressure at normal temperatures. LP gas is typically stored in tanks on site. Unlike natural gas (CH4), LP gas (C3H8) is heavier than air. Listed: Equipment or materials on a list published by an approved organization that is concerned with product evaluation and that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials. The listing will state that the product meets specified standards or has been found suitable for a specific purpose. Log lighter, gas-fired: A manually operated solid-fuel ignition device for installation in a vented solid-fuel burning fireplace. These devices are intended to help initiate a fire in a fireplace, as compared to a decorative appliance for installation in a fireplace. Low-pressure hot-water heating boiler: A boiler furnishing hot water at pressures not exceeding 160 psi or temperatures not exceeding 250°F. Low-pressure steam-heating boiler: A steam boiler that operates at pressures not exceeding 15 psi. Luminaire: A complete lighting fixture including the lamp(s), mounting assembly & cover. GLOSSARY 118 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 119 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Plenum: A chamber, other than the occupied space being conditioned, that forms part of the air circulation system. M Power vent: See “Forced draft.” Makeup air: Air provided to replace air being exhausted. Pressure boundary: The boundary separating indoor from outdoor air. A ventilated crawl space or attic would be outside the pressure boundary. N Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL): A testing facility recognized by OSHA as qualified to provide testing & certification of products & services. Examples of NRTLs are CSA, NDF & UL. Natural-draft burner: A burner in which proper combustion depends on establishing a draft of flue gases that will rise by the pressure difference between the flue gases & outside atmosphere. Noncombustible material: Material that passes a test procedure as set forth in ASTM E136 for defining noncombustibility of materials. This includes materials that will not ignite & burn when subjected to fire, or material having a structural base of noncombustible material with a surfacing material not > 1⁄8 in. thick & a flame-spread index not higher than 50. This does not apply to surface-finish materials, the entire material of which must be noncombustible from the standpoint of clearances to heating appliances. O Offset: A combination of elbows or bends in a line of piping that brings a section of pipe or a vent out of line, but into a line parallel with the other section. Ordinary tightness: Buildings of ordinary tightness are those that do not meet the standards for “unusually tight construction.” P Pressure-relief valve (PRV): A device designed to protect against high pressure & to function as a relief mechanism. R Readily accessible: Access that does not req removing a panel or door. For electrical equipment, this also means not having to resort to use of a ladder. Room heater, circulating: A room heater with an outer jacket surrounding the heat exchanger & with openings at the top & bottom designed to circulate air between the heat exchanger & outer jacket. Room heater (liquid or gas fuel): A room heater installed in the space to be heated & not connected to duct. Room heater, radiant: A room heater designed to transfer heat primarily by direct radiation. Room heater (solid fuel): A solid-fuel burning appliance designed to be operated with the fire chamber door closed. See “Fireplace stove.” Room large in comparison to size of equipment: (pre-2012 code cycle) A room having at least 12 times the volume of a furnace or other air-handling device, or 16 times the volume of a boiler. When the ceiling is greater than 8 ft., the volume is calculated based on an 8 ft. height. See “Alcove.” S PEX tubing: Water-supply or hydronic heat tubing made of cross-linked polyethylene. PEX-AL-PEX has a layer of aluminum sandwiched between layers of PEX. Slope: Fall or pitch along a line of a pipe or vent. Supports: Devices used to support or secure pipes, fixtures, or equipment. GLOSSARY 119 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 120 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited Vent, Type L: A vent listed & labeled for appliances requiring either type L (oilfired appliance) vents or Type B vents. T Ton (cooling): The amount of heat energy req’d to melt 1 ton of ice (288,000 Btus). Air-conditioners & heat pumps are typically sized in terms of tonnage, based on melting 1 ton of ice in 1 day. Therefore 1 ton of AC = 288,000Btus/24hr. = 12,000 Btus. The tonnage of a unit is usually encoded in the model number as a multiplier of 12, i.e., the number 36 would equal a 3-ton unit. U Unconfined space: A room or space having at least 50 cu. ft. for each 1,000 Btu of the fuel-burning appliances contained in the room or space. Unlisted: An appliance not shown to comply with nationally recognized standards by an approved testing agency. An unlisted appliance might still have nameplate instructions. The IRC does not accept unlisted appliances. The UMC leaves their acceptance to the AHJ. Unusually tight construction: Construction with walls & ceilings having a vapor retarder of 1 perm or less with sealed or gasketed openings, weatherstripping on openable windows & doors, and caulking or sealant at joints. Buildings of unusually tight construction are req’d by many energy codes & have a targeted air infiltration rate < 0.35ACH. Vent connector: A device that connects an appliance to a vent. Vented decorative gas appliance: A vented appliance that does not provide heat & whose only function is the aesthetic effect of the gas flames. Vented gas appliance categories: Category I: An appliance that operates with nonpositive vent static pressure & with a gas vent temperature that avoids excessive condensate production in the vent. Category II: An appliance that operates with nonpositive vent static pressure & a vent gas temperature that is capable of causing excessive condensate production in the vent. Category III: An appliance that operates with a positive vent static pressure & with a vent gas temperature that avoids excessive condensate production in the vent. Category IV: An appliance that operates with a positive vent static pressure & with a vent gas temperature that is capable of causing excessive condensate production in the vent. Vertical: Any pipe or vent that is 45° or more from horizontal. W V Vent (fuel-burning appliances): A passageway for conveying flue gases from an appliance to the outside atmosphere. Within sight: Visible, unobstructed & not more than 50 ft. away. Wood stove: See “Fireplace stove” or “Room heater (solid fuel).” Vent, Type B: A vent listed & labeled for use with appliances with draft hoods & other Category I appliances Vent, Type BW: A vent listed & labeled for use with wall furnaces. GLOSSARY 120 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 121 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE 50 # Page SIGNIFICANT CODE CHANGES—2015 IRC, 2015 UPC, 2015 UMC & 2017 NEC Code # Description # Page Code # Description 1 5 UV protection of plastic pipe was previously part of UPC 312.13&14 the installation standard & is now part of code. 2 5 IRC T2605.1 IRC allows PEX 1¼ in. or larger to have supports at max 4-ft. intervals. UPC made this change in 2012. 14 28 IRC 2607.1 Flashing that must tuck into pipe OK if not reducing free area by more than one pipe size. 3 6, 113 IRC 2603.2.1 Protection req’d at 1¼ in.—changed from 1½ in. 15 30 IRC 2910.3 New IRC section on nonpotable water systems. 4 7 UPC 314.4.1 Specific width mandated for trench w/plastic pipe. 16 30 UPC 604.1 Fittings & valves to be resistant to dezincification. Flex connectors must be readily accessible. 7 IRC2906.4.1 IRC no longer req’s the ledge in F6 (UPC req’s 12-in. min horizontal & vertical separation). UPC 604.5 5 6 9, 13 IRC 3005.2.3 2012 IRC allowed upstream stack within 10 ft. as alternative to CO. 2015 specifically prohibits using removal of WC for such CO. 7 13 IRC 3005.2.6 CO plugs to be type made for the purpose & conforming to referenced standards. 8 13 IRC 3005.2.10 Cleanouts not allowed in concealed locations, including crawlspaces w/ < 24-in. clear height. 9 13 IRC 3005.2.9 Req’d clearance for pipes < 3 in. was 12 in. & is now 18 in. for all pipes up to 6 in. 10 11 12 13 13 26 UPC 707.9 Clearance increased to 18 in. for up to 2-in. pipe & 24 in. for larger pipes (was 12 in. & 18 in.) UPC 707.9 Cleanouts in crawlspace cannot be > 5 ft. from opening—effectively req’s bringing above grade. UPC 908.2 UPC now limits horizontal wet venting to one bathroom group (not two). 13 26 UPC 908.2.1 UPC dry vent connection for a horizontal wet vent now limited to bidet, shower, or bathtub. 17 30 18 30 19 33 UPC 606.5 If manifold not readily accessible, individual shutoffs req’d at each fixture. 20 35 IRC T2903.1 Lower min flow rates allowed for sinks, lavatories, and showers: formerly 2.5, 2, & 3 gpm respectively. 21 39 IRC 2415.5 2015 IRC lists allowed methods (2012 listed what was prohibited); left-right couplings now OK. 22 41 UPC 1212.5 Clarification that each gas appliance req’s shutoff. 23 41 UPC 1212.8 Sediment trap must be upstream of connector. 24 42 IRC 2411.1.1.1 Allowed to connect bonding jumper to CSST fitting. 25 42 IRC 2411.1.1.3 26 52 IRC 2804.6.1(10) Min distance for TPR termination above receptor. 27 52 IRC 2804.6.1(14) Plastic tubing must be upsized & secured when used as TPRV discharge. 28 53 IRC 2801.6 Plastic pans not allowed under gas water heaters. IRC 2906.9.1.2 One-step CPVC solvent cement red in color OK. SIGNIFICANT CODE CHANGES Max 75-ft. length. If supplemental electrodes req’d, all electrodes to be bonded together to form one system. 121 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 122 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE 36 # Page SIGNIFICANT CODE CHANGES—2015 IRC, 2015 UPC, 2015 UMC & 2017 NEC Code # Description 29 53 IRC 2801.6.1 Pan drain not req’d for replacement water heater if existing pan had no drain. 30 53 IRC 2801.6.1 Pan drain pipe must be a material approved for water distribution. 31 53 IRC 2002.5X Flow-sensor cutoff required on coil-type boiler. 32 53 UMC 1005.2 Boiler relief valve discharge rules expanded to essentially same as for storage tank water heaters. 33 56 IRC 2906.2.1 UPC 604.2 Limitation on lead content of fixtures. 34 59 UPC 402.5 UPC now req’s 24 in. clearance in front of lav. 35 60 UPC 408.5 Floor adjacent to curbless shower req’s construction suitable for wet location. 36 61 UMC 504.4.5 Clothes dryer exhaust support per SMACNA. 37 62 IRC 1502.4.4 IRC 2439.4 Clothes dryer booster fans listed to UL 705 & to be installed AMI. (UMC req’s AHJ approval.) 38 71 IRC 104.11 Written response req’d for rejected AMM. 39 72 IRC 1305.1 UMC 304.1 2012 codes only req’d 18 in. working space in front of room heaters. 40 72 NEC 424.19 Multiple disconnects for same appliance must be grouped & labeled as such (also applies to WHs). 41 73 NEC 424.47 MFR labels to be provided for identification of circuits controlling underfloor space-heating cables. # Page Code # Description UMC 304.1 2012 req’d access for appliance replacement w/o removing permanent construction. 2015 req’s access for service & replacement of components. 42 74 43 75 44 75 UMC 304.2 Prior editions of UMC did not state when working platform was req’d to be level. 45 76 IRC 1411.7 Refrigeration piping to be min 1½ in. from underside of roof decks. 46 76 UMC 1105.11 Locking ports not req’d if behind key-access fence. 47 76 UMC 936.1 UMC has a new section recognizing mini-splits. 48 77 NEC 440.65 HDCI OK as protective device for room AC. 49 79 IRC 1411.3.3 UMC 310.3.1 Means to clear blockages (cleanouts) req’d for condensate lines. 50 79 UMC 310.2(1) Interlocked blockage detector in primary drain OK. 51 79 UMC 310.2(4) Interlocked water-level detection device OK in lieu of pan drain. 52 80 IRC 1411.4 UMC 310.1.1 Both codes now have section on condensate pumps & req them to be installed AMI. 53 80 UMC 310.1.1 Condensate pump discharge to rise vertically to a gravity condensate drain. 54 80 IRC 1411.4 IRC 2404.11 UMC 310.1.1 Pumps to serve only 1 AC unit and must be interlocked to prevent operation during pump failure (IRC: interlock only req’d if pump in uninhabitable space). IRC 1305.1.3.1 Bulbs near appliance in attic or under floor space req IRC 1305.1.4.3 suitable guard—no bare bulbs SIGNIFICANT CODE CHANGES 122 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 123 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited TABLE 36 # Page SIGNIFICANT CODE CHANGES—2015 IRC, 2015 UPC, 2015 UMC & 2017 NEC Code # Description 55 79, 80 UMC 310.1.1 Pumped discharge from >1 appliance OK to common indirect waste if provided w/ check valves. 56 82 IRC 1601.4.4 UMC 603.8 Duct support all per SMACNA except factory-made listed to UL 181 & AMI. 57 84 IRC 1103.3 Duct insulation minimums increased. 58 88 UMC 802.6.2.7 Secured insulation shield req’d. 59 97 IRC 2427.7(5) UMC 802.8.5 Clearance to openings in facing building from forced vent and exception if sufficient vertical separation. 60 107 IRC 1306.2.1 Clearance of labeled products listed to UL 1618 as alternative to clearance reduction tables. 61 108 IRC 1003.18X3 Min siding clearance to interior of chimney liner reduced from 12 in. to 8 in. 62 108 IRC 1001.4.1.1 IRC addresses seismic anchoring of chimneys to & 1003.4.1.1 cold-formed steel framing. 63 111 IRC 1006.1.1 Allows combustion air openings above firebox when part of listed fireplace/chimney. 64 111 IRC 1006.5 Outlet locations changed from permissive to mandatory rule. 65 112 IRC 2101.10 Max test period 20 minutes. 66 112 UPC 1213.3 MP system test pressure 30 psig 30 minutes. 67 113 IRC 1308.2.2 Pipes other than Zi steel & CI and associated with mechanical systems req protection when crossing or parallel to stud & closer to face than 1½ in. California Amendments to the model codes are marked throughout the text with a superscript “CA.” A list of those amendments is available for download at: codecheck.com/CCPM5-CAA/ SIGNIFICANT CODE CHANGES Tin Snips 123 back to previous page table of contents abbreviations code changes 124 glossary Licensed exclusively to Ignacio Aguirre - copying or redistribution prohibited I n colonial America, most homes were warmed by building a fire in a fireplace. This method resulted in sending most of the heat up the chimney, using a lot of wood and causing many house fires. In 1742, Ben Franklin invented an iron furnace stove, equipped with loosely fitting iron plates through which air circulated & warmed before passing into the room. It warmed homes more efficiently, less dangerously & with less wood— resulting in less air pollution. He named this furnace stove the “Pennsylvania Fireplace,” although today it is known as the “Franklin Stove.” ORIGIN OF THE FRANKLIN STOVE 124
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