Plumbing Subcode Changes to 2015 IMC and IFGC and 2009 ICC A117.1
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
What is happening at the State of NJ?
· HVACR Contractor Licensing Act
· NJUCC Adoption – NJAC 5:23-4.5(j) Conflict of Interest Changes (effective February 17, 2015) http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/codes/codreg/pdf_regs/njac_5_23_4.pdf
(starts on page 17)
· NJUCC Adoption – NJAC 5:23-3.4(d) Plumbing Official responsibility “for the installation and replacement of mechanical equipment in existing residential buildings of Use Group R-3, R-4 and R-5 in that the Plumbing Official is assigned in cases where no Mechanical Inspector is employed.” (includes flue vent compliance) (see page 25 - middle of page) http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/codes/codreg/pdf_regs/njac_5_23_3.pdf
· Code Adoption Status (2015 IBC, 2015 IRC, 2015 IMC, 2015 IFGC, 2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1, etc.) Published in the NJ Register and public review is complete
· (2015 NSPC) Has not been published in the NJ Register for 60 day public comment
· Rule Proposals and Adoptions (see January 5, 2015 posting for the above NJUCC subcodes that have received public comment and note missing NJAC 5:23-3.15 (Plumbing Subcode)
http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/codes/codreg/rule_proposals_adoptions.html
What is happening at the Federal level?
· New water heater efficiency regulations (Effective 4/16/2015)
Free Code Resources and Magazines:
· (Google “Free NFPA codes, 2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1, etc.)
· 2009 ICC/ANSI A117.1 Barrier Free Code:
· http://ecodes.biz/ecodes_support/free_resources/ICC_Standards/ICC_A117.1-2009/ICC_A117.1-2009_main.html
· NFPA Codes:
· http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/free-access/about-free-access
PM magazine www.pmmag.com ; Plumbing Systems and Design (ASPE) http://psdmagazine.com/
Significant Changes - 2015 International Fuel Gas Code
(applicable sections also changed in the 2015 International Residential Code)
2015 IFGC Section 310 ELECTRICAL BONDING
(Also see attached copy from the 2015 ICC Significant Changes to the IMC and IFGC.)
310.1.1 CSST. Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) gas piping systems and piping systems containing one or more segments of CSST shall be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system or, where provided, the lightening protection grounding electrode system.
310.1.1.1 Point of connection. The bonding jumper shall connect to a metallic pipe, pipe fitting or CSST fitting.
310.1.1.2. Size and material of jumper. The bonding jumper shall be not smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent. 1.
310.1.1.3 Bonding Jumper length. The length of the bonding jumper between the connection to a gas piping system and the connection to a grounding electrode system shall not exceed 75 feet. Any additional grounding electrodes used shall be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system or, where provided, the lightening protection grounding electrode system.
310.1.1.4 Bonding connections. Bonding connections shall be in accordance with NFPA 70.
310.1.1.5 Connection devices. Devices used for making the bonding connections shall be listed for the application in accordance with UL 467.
2015 IFGC, Section 401.9, 401.10 and 401.1 – All materials and each section of pipe, tubing and each fitting shall be identified and bear the ID of the manufacturer.
2015 IFGC, Section 408.4 – An illustration of a “dirt leg” added to the code to clarify “the intended installation”. (See attached copy from the code 2015 IFGC.)
Significant Changes - 2015 International Mechanical Code Applicable sections also changed in the 2015 International Residential Code)
2015 IMC amended the locking refrigerant port cap requirement by adding “or shall be otherwise secured to prevent unauthorized access” (i.e. enclosure around A/C unit, locking door to roof top equipment, etc.)
1101.10 Locking access port caps. Refrigerant circuit access ports located outdoors shall be fitted with locking-type tamper-resistant caps or shall be otherwise secured to prevent unauthorized access. Exception: This section shall not apply to refrigerant circuit access ports on equipment installed in controlled areas such as on roofs with locked access hatches or doors.
Accessibility, Significant Changes ICC A117.1 - 2003 to 2009
606.2 Clear Floor Space for Lavatories and Sinks
The clear space for the parallel approach must now be centered on the fixture.
607.4.1.1, 607.4.2.1 Grab Bars at Bath Tubs
Modifications of grab bar locations were made. (Consistent with ADA Standards).
608 Shower Compartments
There are three styles of showers. The roll-in type shower, both standard and alternate, now requires seats. They shall be folding or fixed. Grab bar locations were modified due to the new seat requirement. Modifications of locations of controls and hand showers were made. (Consistent with ADA Standards).
609 Grab Bar Clearance and Height
Provisions were added for recessed dispensers adjacent to toilets.
612 Saunas and Steam Rooms
This is a new section requiring a turning space and bench within saunas and steam rooms. (Consistent with ADA Standards).
804.5.4, 804.5.5, 1003.12.5.4, 1003.12.5.5, 1004.12.2.3, 1004.12.2.4 Cooktops and Ovens
Cooktop and oven requirements were coordinated. Range requirements were split out from cooktop requirements. Clear floor space at ovens and cooktops were revised. Appliance controls are less restrictive.
1109 Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas
This is a new section with requirements for accessible entries.
2.
Utilizing and locating the ICC Evaluation Service – ICC-ES Report
ICC Evaluation Services – Main Website to search for Evaluation Service Reports (ES Reports)
http://www.icc-es.org/Evaluation_Reports/ (ICC Search Engine for all ES Reports)
ES Reports – Facility Fuel Piping: http://www.icc-es.org/Reports/index.cfm?csi_id=467&view_details
______
For CSST bonding evaluation (ICC ES - tested/certified that bonding is not required):
GASTITE CSST: PMG-1155
Titeflex Corporation Gastite Division Portland, TN
Gastite FlashShield Conductive Jacketed Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing
From Gastite web site - http://www.gastite.com/downloads/pdfs/PMG-1155_Final_Report.pdf
From ICC ES website –
http://www.icc-es.org/Reports/pdf_files/load_file.cfm?file_type=pdf&file_name=PMG-1155.pdf
TRACPIPE CSST: PMG-1058
OmegaFlex, Inc
TracPipe CounterStrike Conductive Jacketed Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing
From ICC ES website:
http://www.icc-es.org/Reports/pdf_files/load_file.cfm?file_type=pdf&file_name=PMG-1058.pdf
WARDFLEX CSST: PMG-1100
Ward Manufacturing, LLC Blossburg, PA
Wardflex II Conductive Jacketed Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing
From ICC website:
http://www.icc-es.org/Reports/pdf_files/load_file.cfm?file_type=pdf&file_name=PMG-1100.pdf
**per mgf installation instructions and the ES Report “Plenum Installations: Per manufacturer’s installation requirements, product must not be installed in plenum applications.
As of 6/15/15 – Ward Flex Installation instructions indicate that the lightening protected CSST (WardFlex II) does not meet the 25/50 flame spread and smoke development requirements of ASTM E84 for installation in a non-combustible plenum per IBC. See the last sentence in “Item 7” on page 3 in the below weblink (installation instructions) which states “Currently WardFlex II does not meet ASTM E84 requirements.”
http://1nud9a2j8wrb2t7d2f2s9k98.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/WARDFLEX_DI_GUIDE_BDH-9-11-14.pdf
3.