UMC 2012 (Chapter 9): Item # 86 Dave Levanger Chair, Technical Correlating Committee The following is recommended by the Technical Correlating Committee (see TCC Items of Discussion Report Chapter 9). 902.3 Building Structural Members. 902.3.1 Gas Utilization Appliances (exceeding 500 F degrees). Structural members of a building shall not pass through gas utilization appliances having an operating temperature exceeding 500 F (260 C). [NFPA 54:9.1.8.1] 902.3.2 Gas Utilization Appliances (equal to or less than 500 F degrees). Structural members passing through gas utilization appliances having an operating temperature of 500 F (260 C) or less shall be of noncombustible material. Building columns, girders, beams, or trusses shall not be installed within appliances, unless insulation and ventilation are provided to avoid deterioration in strength and linear expansion of the building structure in either a vertical or a horizontal direction. [NFPA 54:9.1.8.2] 902.3.3 Support of Gas Utilization Appliances. Gas utilization appliances shall be furnished either with load-distributing bases or with an approved number of supports to prevent damage to either the building structure or appliance. [NFPA 54:9.1.8.3] 902.3.4 Structural Capacity. At the locations selected for installation of the gas utilization appliance, the dynamic and static load-carrying capacities of the building structure shall be checked to determine whether they are adequate to carry the additional loads. The appliance shall be supported and shall be connected to the piping so as not to exert undue stress on the connections. [NFPA 54:9.1.8.4] 902.4 Flammable Vapors. Gas appliances shall not be installed in areas where the open use, handling, or dispensing of flammable liquids occurs, unless the design, operation, or installation reduces the potential of ignition of the flammable vapors. Gas utilization appliances installed in accordance with Section 911.8 or Section 911.9 shall be considered to be in accordance with the intent of this provision. [NFPA 54:9.1.9] 904.10 Access to Appliances on Roofs. 904.10.1 Appliances located on roofs or other elevated locations shall be accessible. [NFPA 54-09:9.4.3.1] 304.1 Access to Equipment on Roofs. 304.1.1 General. Equipment and appliances located on roofs or other elevated locations shall be accessible. [NFPA 54:9.4.3.1] The technical correlating committee is submitting these proposals as part of their responsibility to resolve conflicts, achieve correlation between the UPC and UMC, along with correcting errors and omissions. For informational purposes the code language from the UPC is shown as follows based on action taken by the TCC: 508.12 Building Structural Members. 508.12.1 Gas Utilization Appliances (exceeding 500 F degrees). Structural members of a building shall not pass through gas utilization appliances having an operating temperature exceeding 500 F (260 C). [NFPA 54:9.1.8.1] 508.12.2 Gas Utilization Appliances (equal to or less than 500 F degrees). Structural members passing through gas utilization appliances having an operating temperature of 500 F (260 C) or less shall be of noncombustible material. Building columns, girders, beams, or trusses shall not be installed within appliances, unless insulation and ventilation are provided to avoid deterioration in strength and linear expansion of the building structure in either a vertical or a horizontal direction. [NFPA 54:9.1.8.2] 201
508.12.3 Support of Gas Utilization Appliances. Gas utilization appliances shall be furnished either with loaddistributing bases or with a sufficient an approved number of supports to prevent damage to either the building structure or appliance. [NFPA 54:9.1.8.3] 508.12.4 Structural Capacity. At the locations selected for installation of the gas utilization appliance, the dynamic and static load-carrying capacities of the building structure shall be checked to determine whether they are adequate to carry the additional loads.the appliance shall be supported and shall be connected to the piping so as not to exert undue stress on the connections. [NFPA 54:9.1.8.4] 508.13 Flammable Vapors. Gas appliances shall not be installed in areas where the open use, handling, or dispensing of flammable liquids occurs, unless the design, operation, or installation reduces the potential of ignition of the flammable vapors. Gas utilization appliances installed in compliance accordance with Sections 508.14, 508.15, or through Section 508.16 shall be considered to comply be in accordance with the intent of this provision. [NFPA 54:9.1.9] 509.3 Access to Appliances on Roofs. 509.3.1 Gas utilization aappliances located on roofs or other elevated locations shall be accessible. [NFPA 54:9.4.3.1] The TCC has the responsibility to resolve conflicts and achieve correlation among the recommendations of the TCs. The TCC shall have the authority to choose between alternative text recommended by the TC, but only as necessary for correlation, consistency, and the correction of errors and omissions in accordance with Section 3-4 of the Regulations Governing Committee Projects. Actions taken on UMC Item 86 for building structural members and UPC Items 80 and 80.01 for building structural members resulted in a conflict between the codes. In order to correlate language the following Technical Correlating Committee proposed action to the UMC is shown as follows: 902.3 Building Structural Members. 902.3.1 Gas Utilization Appliances (exceeding 500 F degrees). Structural members of a building shall not pass through gas utilization appliances having an operating temperature exceeding 500 F (260 C). [NFPA 54:9.1.8.1] 902.3.2 Gas Utilization Appliances (equal to or less than 500 F degrees). Structural members passing through gas utilization appliances having an operating temperature of 500 F (260 C) or less shall be of noncombustible material. Building columns, girders, beams, or trusses shall not be installed within appliances, unless insulation and ventilation are provided to avoid deterioration in strength and linear expansion of the building structure in either a vertical or a horizontal direction. [NFPA 54:9.1.8.2] (renumber remaining sections) 902.4 Flammable Vapors. Gas appliances shall not be installed in areas where the open use, handling, or dispensing of flammable liquids occurs, unless the design, operation, or installation reduces the potential of ignition of the flammable vapors. Gas utilization aappliances installed in accordance with Section 911.8 or Section 911.9 shall be considered to be in accordance with the intent of this provision. [NFPA 54:9.1.9] 304.1.1 General. Equipment and aappliances located on roofs or other elevated locations shall be accessible. [NFPA 54:9.4.3.1] 202
TCC TCC COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The code language in Sections 902.3.1 and 902.3.2 of the UMC is being deleted to provide correlation with Sections 508.12.1 and 508.12.2 of the UPC. The term gas utilization is being deleted from Section 902.4 of the UMC to correlate with Section 508.13 of the UPC. The code language of Equipment and is being deleted from Section 304.1.1 of the UMC to correlate with Section 509.3.1 of the UPC. The following proposed action moves forward as approved by the TCC and supersedes the recommendation from the UMC TC for action taken on Section 902.3 on Building Structural Members, Section 902.4 on Flammable Vapors, and Section 304.1.1 on general requirement for Access to Equipment on Roofs. 203
UMC 2012 (902.2): Item # 86.01 UMC Technical Committee Proposal 902.2 Type of Gas(es). It shall be determined whether the appliance has been designed for use with the gas to which it will be connected. The appliance shall be connected to the fuel gas for which it was designed. No attempt shall be made to convert the appliance from the gas specified on the rating plate for use with a different gas without consulting the installation instruction, the serving gas supplier, or the appliance manufacturer for complete instructions. [NFPA 54:9.1.3] This revision provides an enforceable code language that coordinates the UMC with NFPA 54-2012. 204
UMC 2012 (220.0, 903.3, 904.2, 903.5): Item # 86.02 UMC Technical Committee Proposal 220.0 ROOM LARGE IN COMPARISON WITH SIZE OF EQUIPMENT A room having a volume of at least twelve (12) times the total volume of a furnace or air-conditioning appliance and at least sixteen (16) times the total volume of a boiler. Total volume of the appliance is determined from exterior dimensions and includes fan compartments and burner vestibules when used. When the actual ceiling height of a room is greater than eight (8) feet (2,438 mm), the volume of the room is figured on the basis of a ceiling height of eight (8) feet (2,438 mm). 902.0 (C) Where the room size in comparison with the size of the appliance is to be calculated, the total volume of the appliance is determined from exterior dimensions and is to include fan compartments and burner vestibules, where used. Where the actual ceiling height of a room is greater than eight (8) feet (2,438 mm), the volume of the room is figured on the basis of a ceiling height of eight (8) ft. (2,438 mm). [NFPA 54:10.1.3] 903.3 Clearances for Indoor Installation. The installation of air-conditioning appliances shall comply with the following requirements: (A) Listed air-conditioning appliances installed in rooms that are large in comparison with the size of the appliance shall be installed with clearances per the terms of their listing and the manufacturer s instructions. (B) Air-conditioning appliances installed in rooms that are NOT large (such as alcoves and closets) in comparison with the size of the equipment shall be listed for such installations and installed in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. Listed clearances shall not be reduced by the protection methods described in Table 5-3, regardless of whether the enclosure is of combustible or noncombustible material. (B)(C) Unlisted air-conditioning appliances shall be installed with clearances from combustible material of not less than eighteen (18) inches (457 mm) above the appliance and at the sides, front, rear, and nine (9) inches (229 mm) from the draft hood and in accordance with the manufacturer s installation instructions. 904.2 Clearance. (A) Listed central heating furnaces and low-pressure boilers installed in rooms that are large in comparison with the size of the appliance shall be installed with clearances per the terms of their listings and the manufacturer s instructions. (See Sections 208.0 and 1004.0 for definition.) [NFPA 54:10.3.2.1] (B) Central-heating furnaces and low-pressure boilers installed in rooms that are NOT large (such as alcoves and closets) in comparison with the size of the appliance shall be listed for such installations. Listed clearances shall not be reduced by the protection methods described in Table 5-3 and illustrated in Figures 9-1(a) through 9-1(c), regardless of whether the enclosure is of combustible or noncombustible material. [NFPA 54:10.3.2.2] (B)(C) Unlisted central-heating furnaces and low pressure boilers installed in rooms that are large in comparison with the size of the appliance shall be installed with clearances from combustible material not less than those specified in Table 9-1 and such reduction is allowed by the manufacturer installation instructions. [NFPA 54:10.3.2.3] (C)(D) Listed and unlisted central-heating furnaces and low-pressure boilers (listed and unlisted) installed in rooms that are large in comparison with the size of the appliance shall be permitted to be installed with reduced clearances to combustible material provided that the combustible material or appliance is protected as described in Table 5-3. [NFPA 54:10.3.2.4] 903.5 Furnace Plenums and Air Ducts. A furnace plenum supplied as a part of the air-conditioning appliance shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. Where a furnace plenum is not supplied with the appliance, any fabrication and installation instructions provided by the manufacturer shall be followed. The method of connecting supply and 205
return ducts shall facilitate proper circulation of air. Where the air conditioner is installed within an enclosure the installation shall comply with 904.8 (D) [NFPA 54:10.2.5] Revise the title of Table 9-1 to read: Clearances to Combustible Material for Unlisted Furnaces, Boilers, and Air Conditioners Installed in Rooms That Are Large in Comparison with the Size of Appliances. [NFPA 54: Table 10.2.3(a)] The use of the term Room Large in Comparison with Size of Appliance originated for high input air-conditioning, boiler and furnaces were that were either unlisted or where designed in a world where today s federal energy efficiency laws were not enacted. Modern gas-fired HVAC equipment is more efficient and has much lower heat losses through their jackets. Therefore the code s current requirements for the size of the room in which they can be installed have also changed. The concept of room large in comparison with size of appliance has out lived its intended usage and is being misused to determine a closet size. The proposal will delete the term and coverage from the code. Unlisted appliances will not be allowed in such locations (1.4 Equivalency could still be used). Listed appliances would be required to be installed with clearances in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. The code will continue to require the current minimum clearances for unlisted appliances. These revised code requirements are consistent with how the code treats all other types of appliances. Clearance to combustibles for listed appliances are revised to not be in conflict with the manufacturers installation instructions. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 16, NEGATIVE: 4, NOT RETURNED: 1 Nikravi EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ADLER, MACELLAIO, MANN: These sections provide prescriptive direction that clarifies the intent of the code or more precisely states the intent. FEEHAN: These sections supply prescriptive direction that clarifies the intent of the code. The current language is necessary as the term Room Large in Comparison with Size of Appliance is used to provide requirements for appliances built on site that will not have manufacturer s installation instructions for clearances. Appliance built on site such as tile manufacturing kilns. 206
UMC 2012 (904.2): Item # 86.03 UMC Technical Committee Proposal 904.2 (H) Listed central heating furnaces shall have the clearance from supply ducts within three (3) feet (914 mm) of the furnace plenum be not less than that specified from the furnace plenum. No clearance is necessary beyond this distance. Supply air ducts connecting to listed central heating furnaces shall have the same minimum clearance to combustibles as required for the furnace supply plenum for a distance of not less than 3 ft from the supply plenum. Clearance is not required beyond the 3 ft distance [NFPA 54:10.3.2.8] (I) Unlisted central heating furnaces with temperature limit controls that cannot be set higher than 250ºF (121ºC) shall have the clearance from supply duct within six (6) feet (1,829 mm) of the furnace plenum be not less than six (6) inches (150 mm). No clearance is necessary beyond this distance. Supply air ducts connecting to unlisted central heating furnaces equipped with temperature limit controls with a maximum setting of 250 F shall have a minimum clearance to combustibles of 6 in. for a distance of not less than 6 ft from the furnace supply plenum. Clearance is not required beyond the 6 ft distance. [NFPA 54:10.3.2.9] The revision clarifies clearances to combustible materials for listed central heating furnaces and unlisted central heating furnaces. 207
UMC 2012 (904.8): Item # 86.04 UMC Technical Committee Proposal 904.8 Refrigeration Coils. The installation of refrigeration coils shall comply with the following requirements: [NFPA 54:10.3.8] (A) A refrigeration coil shall not be installed in conjunction with a forced-air furnace where circulation of cooled air is provided by the furnace blower, unless the blower has sufficient capacity to overcome the external static resistance imposed by the duct system and cooling refrigeration coil and at the air flow rate throughput necessary for heating or cooling, whichever is greater. [NFPA 54:10.3.8(1)] (B) Furnaces shall not be located upstream from cooling units refrigeration coils, unless the cooling unit refrigeration coil is designed or equipped so as not to develop excessive temperature or pressure. [NFPA 54:10.3.8(2)] (remaining text unchanged) The proposed text provides editorial revisions for clarity. The term refrigeration is substituted for cooling unit for consistency, and flow rate is substituted for throughput. 208
UMC 2012 (904.11.4): Item # 87 Michael Giordano Clark County, Nevada 904.11.4 Work Surface. A level working platform or grade surface not less than thirty (30) inches (760 mm) by thirty (30) inches (760 mm) shall be provided in front of the service side of the appliance. [NFPA 54:9.5.2] Exception: A working platform need not be provided where the furnace can be serviced from the required access opening. The furnace service side shall not exceed 12 inches (305 mm) from the access opening. The problem is furnaces are being installed approximately 6 inches to 24 inches from the access opening. When distances exceed 12 inches it is difficult to service depending on service technician and ladder size. In addition the 24 inches in front of the service side is being used to sit on when unable to service from ladder. Per Section 904.11.4, 30 inches is required in depth and width in front of the entire fire box side. If we require a maximum distance this would reduce any safety issues when servicing furnaces in attics off ladders. 209
UMC 2012 (904.11.4, 913.3-913.4): Item # 88 Ted Lemoff NFPA 904.11.4 Work Surface Platform. A level working platform or grade surface not less than thirty (30) inches (760 mm) by thirty (30) inches (760 mm) shall be provided in front of the service side of the appliance. [NFPA 54:9.5.2] 913.3 Mounting on Combustible Floor. (B2) Floor-mounted food service appliances that is not listed for mounting on a combustible floor shall be mounted in accordance with Section 913.4 or be mounted in accordance with one of the following: [NFPA 54:10.12.3.2] (1) Where the appliance is set on legs that provide not less than eighteen (18) in.ches (460 mm) open space under the base of the appliance or where it has no burners and no portion of any oven or broiler within eighteen (18) in.ches (460 mm) of the floor, it shall be permitted to be mounted on a combustible floor without special floor protection, provided there is at least not less than one sheet metal baffle between the burner and the floor. [NFPA 54:10.12.3.2(1)] (portion of text not shown remains unchanged) 913.4 Mounting Installation on Noncombustible Floor. Listed floor-mounted food service appliances that are designed and marked, For use only in non-combustible locations, shall be mounted installed on floors of noncombustible construction with noncombustible flooring and surface finish and with no combustible material against the underside thereof, or on noncombustible slabs or arches having no combustible material against the underside thereof. Such construction shall in all cases extend not less than twelve (12) inches (300 mm) beyond the appliance on all sides. [NFPA 54:10.12.4] This change provides consistency with NFPA 54-2009 and an editorial revision to use a more appropriate term for clarity. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept as Amended by the TC Amend proposal as follows: 904.11.4 Work Surface Platform. A level working platform or grade surface not less than 30 inches (760 mm) by 30 inches (760 mm) shall be provided in front of the service side of the appliance. [NFPA 54-06:9.5.2] COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The modification provides an option for an appliance that does not require a platform but it requires a work area. For example, appliances located under floor spaces. 210
UMC 2012 (910.1, 910.3): Item # 89 Ted Lemoff NFPA Revised text as follows: 910.1 Application. Direct gas-fired industrial air heaters of the recirculating type shall be designed and certified to be in compliance with the Standard for Recirculating Direct Gas-Fired Industrial Air Heaters, ANSI Z83.18. Unlisted direct gas-fired industrial air heaters of the recirculating type shall not be installed. [NFPA 54:10.9.1] 910.3 Installation. Installation of direct gas-fired industrial air heaters shall comply with the following requirements: [NFPA 54:10.9.3] (A1) Recirculating direct gas-fired industrial air heaters shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. [NFPA 54:10.9.3(1)] (B2) Recirculating direct gas-fired industrial air heaters shall be installed only in industrial or commercial occupancies. [NFPA 54:10.9.3(2)] (C) Recirculating direct gas-fired industrial air heaters shall be permitted to provide fresh air ventilation only for the amount that exceeds the minimum ventilation air specified on the heater s rating plate to maintain the combustion level created by the heater in the space being served by the heater below 25 ppm for carbon monoxide, 3 ppm for nitrogen dioxide, and 5000 ppm for carbon dioxide. Where gas-powered fork trucks or other fossil-fueled appliance are utilized in the conditioned space, additional ventilation requirements for the facility must be addressed separately. [NFPA 54:10.9.3(3)] (D) Recirculating direct gas-fired industrial air heaters shall be provided with access for removal of burners; replacement of motors, controls, filters, and other working parts; and for adjustment and lubrication of parts requiring maintenance. [NFPA 54:10.9.3(4)] This proposed change revises the coverage of recirculating direct gas-rired industrial air heaters to require all units to be listed, as was done in the 1996 edition of NFPA 54. Previously, requirement would have allowed unlisted units to be used if they met key safety criteria similar to the listing standard. As these units have a greater possibility of increased levels of carbon monoxide in building, only listed units should be used. 211
UMC 2012 (910.5, 1309.7.5): Item # 90 Ted Lemoff NFPA 910.5 Air Supply. Ventilation air to the recirculating direct gas-fired industrial air heater shall be ducted directly from outdoors. Air to the recirculating direct gas-fired industrial air heater in excess of the minimum ventilation air specified on the heater s rating plate shall be taken from the building, ducted directly from outdoors, or a combination of both. Where outside outdoor air dampers or closing louvers are used, they shall be verified to be in the open position prior to main burner operation. [NFPA 54:10.9.5] 1309.7.5 Venting. (A) Line Gas Pressure Regulators. (1) An independent vent to the outside of the building, sized in accordance with the regulator manufacturer s instructions, shall be provided where the location of a regulator is such that a ruptured diaphragm will cause a hazard. Where there is more than one (1) regulator at a location, each regulator shall have a separate vent to the outside, or if approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, the vent lines shall be permitted to be manifolded in accordance with accepted engineering practices to minimize back pressure in the event of diaphragm failure. (See NFPA 54:5.9.7 for information on properly locating the vent.) Materials for vent piping shall be in accordance with Section 1309.5. Exception: A regulator and vent-limiting means combination listed as complying with CSA Z21.80, Standard for Line Pressure Regulators, shall be permitted to be used without a vent to the outdoors. The following references were extracted from NFPA 54: 5.9.7 Vents. The discharge stacks, vents or outlet parts of all pressure-relieving and pressure-limiting devices shall be located so that gas is safely discharged into the outside atmosphere outdoors. Discharge stacks or vents shall be designed to prevent the entry of water, insects, or any other foreign material that could cause blockage. The discharge stack or vent line shall be at least not less than the same size as the outlet of the pressure-relieving device. (remaining text unchanged) This change provides consistency with NFPA 54-2009 and an editorial revision for clarity. 212
UMC 2012 (911.6): Item # 91 Ted Lemoff NFPA 911.6 Duct Furnaces Used with Refrigeration Systems. (D4)Where a duct furnace is installed downstream of an evaporative cooler or air washer, the heat exchanger shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant materials. Stainless steel, ceramic-coated steel, and an aluminum-coated steel in which the bond between the steel and the aluminum is an iron-aluminum alloy are considered to be corrosion resistant. Air washers operating with chilled water that deliver air below the dew point of the ambient air at the equipment duct furnace are considered as refrigeration systems. [NFPA 54:9.10.6.4] (portions of text not shown remains unchanged) This change provides consistency with NFPA 54-2009. In the NFPA 54-2009, the term equipment is reserved for anything that is not an appliance. 213
UMC 2012 (912.1, 916.1, 916.2, 922.2): Item # 92 Ted Lemoff NFPA 912.1 Installation. The installation of floor furnaces shall comply with the following requirements: (A1) Listed floor furnaces shall be installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer s installation instructions. (remaining text unchanged) 916.1 Floor-Mounted Units. (A1) Clearance from Combustible Material. The clearances specified as follows shall not interfere with combustion air, accessibility for operation, and servicing. (1a) Listed floor-mounted household cooking appliances, where installed on combustible floors, shall be set on their own bases or legs and shall be installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer s installation instructions. (3c) Listed household cooking appliances that include a solid or liquid fuel-burning section shall be spaced from combustible material and otherwise installed in accordance with the standards applying to manufacturer s installation instructions for the supplementary fuel section of the appliance. (portions of text not shown remain unchanged) 916.2 Built-In Units. (A1)Installation. Listed built-in household cooking appliances shall be installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer s installation instructions. The installation shall not interfere with combustion air, accessibility for operation, and servicing. Unlisted built-in household cooking appliances shall not be installed in or adjacent to combustible material. [NFPA 54-09:10.15.2.1] (remaining text unchanged) 922.2 Clearance. The installation of pool heaters shall comply with the following requirements: (B2) A listed pool heater shall be installed in accordance with its listing and the manufacturer s installation instructions. (portions of text not shown remain unchanged) The terms of the listing of specific appliances (i.e. household cooking appliance, floor furnace, and household pool heaters) are not available to the installer. The manufacturer s installation instructions contain the necessary installation provisions, and are reviewed by the listing agency. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 15, NEGATIVE: 5, NOT RETURNED: 1 Nikravi 214
EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ADLER, MANN: The term of listing is critical for plan checking and inspection purposes. In order for the Authority Having Jurisdictions to properly check plans and issue the permit, the appliance listing must be provided. BERGER: The term listing should be left as written to require all available information to be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdictions for review. The listing information is necessary to assist the Authority Having Jurisdictions in the decision making process. FEEHAN: Terms of their listing should not be removed. The manufacturers instructions may not have the information necessary for a proper installation. The listing is the only way to insure that appliances are installed correctly. The terms of the appliances listing are critical for plan checking and inspection purposes. MACELLAIO: The appliance listing must be submitted to the plan reviewer in order to properly review submitted plans. 215
UMC 2012 (1002.0, 1002.1, Table 17-1): Item # 93 Erik S. Emblem 3E International Incorporated Add new text as follows: 1002.0 Standards. 1002.1 General. Boilers shall be constructed and designed in accordance with ASME CSD-1 and one of the following standards: (1) ASME BPVC Section I (2) ASME BPVC Section IV (3) NFPA 85 (renumber existing sections) CHAPTER 17 STANDARDS TABLE 17-1 STANDARDS FOR EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS STANDARD NUMBER STANDARD TITLE APPLICATION REFERENCED SECTION ASME BPVC Section I-2007 Power Boilers Boilers 1002.1 ASME BPVC Section IV-2007 Rules for Construction of Heating Boilers Boiler construction, 1001.02.1 Heating Boilers ASME CSD-1-2009 Controls and Safety Devices for Automatically Boilers, Controls 1002.1 Fired Boilers Note: ASME BPVC Section I-2007 and ASME CSD-1-2009 were not provided for review at the time of this monograph (portions of table not shown remain unchanged) This addition provides referenced standards for boilers in Chapter 10 of the UMC. Standards listed above are new and will be proposed as additions to Table 1701.1. ASME BPVC Section I provides requirements for all methods of construction of power, electric, and miniature boilers; high temperature water boilers used in stationary service; and power boilers used in locomotive, portable, and traction service. Superheaters, economizers, and other pressure parts connected directly to the boiler without intervening valves are considered as part of the scope of Section I. ASME BPVC Section IV provides requirements for design, fabrication, installation, and inspection of steam generating boilers, and hot water boilers intended for low pressure service that are directly fired by oil, gas, electricity, or coal. It contains appendices which cover approval of new material, methods of checking safety valve and safety relief valve capacity, examples of methods of checking safety valve and safety relief valve capacity, examples of methods of calculation and computation, definitions relating to boiler design and welding, and quality control systems. Rules pertaining to use of the H, HV, and HLW Code symbol stamps are also included. (look at companion change, Item # 94 and 95) 216
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UMC 2012 (1002.2-1002.2.2, 1018.0): Item # 94 Erik S. Emblem 3 E International Incorporated 1002.2 Oil-Burning Boilers. Oil-burning boilers shall be in accordance with Section 1002.2.1 and Section 1002.2.2. 1002.2.1 Listing & Labeling. Oil-burning boilers shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 726. 1002.2.2 Installation. Tanks, piping, and valves for oil-burning boilers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 31. (renumber remaining sections) 1018.0 Fuel Piping, Tanks, and Valves. Tanks, piping, and valves for oil burning appliances shall be installed in accordance NFPA 31, Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment. The design, installation and operation of single burner boilers, multiple burner boilers, stokers, and atmospheric fluidized-bed boilers with not less than a fuel input rating of 12.5 billion Btu/hr (3.7 MWt) to pulverized fuel systems, fired or unfired steam generators used to recover heat from combustion turbines and to other combustion turbine exhaust systems shall be in accordance with NFPA 85. That portion of the oil-burning system supplied on boilers and covered within the scope of NFPA 85 shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 85. This addition provides referenced standards for oil-fired boilers in Chapter 10 of the UMC. Because of the misconception of the referenced standard required, the applicable standard was added to provide the necessary information. In addition to provide a clarification, the scope of NFPA 85 has been inserted into section 1018.0 to assist the user. (look at companion change, Item # 93 and 95) 218
UMC 2012 (1002.3): Item # 95 Erik S. Emblem 3E International Incorporated Add new text as follows: 1002.3 Electric Boilers. Electric boilers shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 834. (renumber remaining sections) This addition provides cross-reference between Chapter 10 and Table 17-1 for UL 834 standard. (look at companion change, Item # 93 and 94) 219
UMC 2012 (1105.4.1): Item # 96 Erik Emblem Chair, UMC Standards Task Group The following is recommended by the Standards Task Group (see Standards Task Group Report Item 1). 1105.4.1 New and Reclaimed Refrigerants. The Purity of Nnew and reclaimed refrigerants shall meet the referenced standard for refrigerant specifications in Chapter 17 be in accordance with AHRI 700 or other approved standards. This change provides the correct reference standard for new and reclaimed refrigerants. AHRI 700 is the only known current standard available in the industry for new and reclaimed refrigerants. AHRI 700 specifies acceptable levels of contaminants (purity requirements) for fluorocarbon refrigerants regardless of source and lists acceptable test methods. Refrigerants listed in AHRI 700 are also referenced in ASHRAE Standard 34 which Table 11-1 of the UMC is extracted from. 220
UMC 2012 (1106.1): Item # 97 Jeff Henning Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) 1106.1 Human Comfort. Cooling systems used for human comfort shall comply be in accordance with the return-air and outside-air provisions for furnaces in Sections 904.7 and Section 904.8 of this code. Cooling equipment used for human comfort in dwelling units shall be selected sized to satisfy the calculated loads determined in accordance with the reference standards in Chapter 17 or other approved methods. Equipment is often selected based on the capacity rating from Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institutes (AHRI). This information is applicable to only an extremely small demographic (95 F outdoor temperature, and indoor conditions of 80 F / 50%RH). There are very few people who desire an 80 F indoor temperature and live in an area with an outdoor design temperature of 95 F. The country has many different climates and operating conditions. For example, a home with a 30,000 Btu load would nominally need a 2.5 ton unit however, that same home in: (1) Phoenix (hot and dry) might need 3.5 ton system running on high fan speed to deliver 30,000 Btu because the design outdoor temperature is 108 F, (2) Miami (hot and humid) might need a 3.0 ton system running on low fan speed to deliver 30,000 Btu and address the high latent heat load (moisture), (3) Seattle (mild and dry) might only need a 2.0 ton system running on medium fan speed because it rarely gets warmer than 80 F. Manual S (residential) and CS (commercial) explains the procedure of using the original manufacturer s expanded performance data to determine a cooling unit s capacity in different climates. Manual S / CS also address altitude correction factors, which can affect equipment capacity by an additional 10%. ACCA Manual J and Manual N are often referenced for sizing cooling equipment. However, these procedures provide guidance to estimate the cooling load that serves as the basis for the equipment size. They refer to ACCA Manual S / CS to address the equipment selection procedure. ANSI/ACCA Manual S 3-2010 (pending) is the ANSI standard for residential equipment sizing and selection. The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials reference standards for sizing and selecting residential equipment should be consistent with the official ANSI standard. 221
UMC 2012 (1107.1.3): Item # 98 Steve Taylor Taylor Engineering Delete text without substitution: 1107.1.3 An A1 system having an aggregate combined compressor horsepower of 100 (73.55 kw) or more is used. (renumber remaining sections) In rooms where there are multi-circuit chillers that would individually fall below the threshold of 100 hp, an accident scenario that would involve more than one circuit at a time is very unlikely. The current code requirement makes the design of such a room much more difficult to account for the possibility of a very unlikely scenario. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed deletion reduces the requirement for safety. Based on the quantity and the safety group of refrigerant, a dedicated machinery room is necessary to be provided. VOTING RESULTS: AFFIRMATIVE: 19, NEGATIVE: 1, NOT RETURNED: 1 Nikravi EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: TAYLOR: The requirement for a refrigeration machinery room is based on the amount of refrigerant that would escape into the room in case of a leak from the largest refrigerant circuit. The code does not assume that an accident will occur from many circuits, just one. Therefore, this section is inconsistent with the rest of Chapter 11. There is no increase in risk of dangerous refrigerant levels in the room if it has 10 or 100 small circuits. This section is not in ASHRAE Standard 15 upon which most of Chapter 11 of the UMC is based. 222
UMC 2012 (1107.4, 1108.5, 1108.6, 1109.4): Item # 99 Steve Taylor Taylor Engineering 1107.4 Refrigerant-Vapor Alarms. Machinery rooms shall have approved refrigerant-vapor detectors located in an area sensing where refrigerant from a leak is likely to concentrate and that will activate visual and audible alarms inside the refrigerating machinery room, outside each entrance to the refrigerating machinery room and shall activate mechanical ventilation in accordance with Section 1108.5. Alarms shall be activated at a value not greater than one-half the immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH), or measurement consistent therewith; the PEL, or measurement consistent therewith; or 25 percent of the LFL, whichever is less. The alarm shall be of the manual reset type with the reset located inside the refrigerating machinery room. 1108.5 Emergency Control of the Ventilation Systems. Fans required by Section 1108.2 to provideing emergency purge ventilation for refrigerant escape shall be activated by a refrigerant detector in accordance with Section 1107.4 and by have a clearly identified switch of the break-glass type providing on only control located immediately adjacent to and outside of each refrigerant machinery room exit. For other than ammonia, purge fans shall also respond automatically to the refrigerant concentration detection system set to activate the ventilation system at no more than 25 percent of the LFL, or 50 percent of the IDLH, or a measure equivalent thereto, whichever is less. For ammonia, purge fans shall also respond automatically to the refrigerant concentration detection system set to activate the ventilation system at no more than 1,000 parts per million. An emergency purge control shall be provided with a manual reset only. 1108.6 Central Control of Ventilation Systems. Mechanical ventilation systems shall have switches to control power to each fan. The switches shall be key operated or within a locked, glass-covered enclosure at an approved location adjacent to and outside of the principal entrance to the machinery room. Necessary keys shall be located in a single approved location. Switches controlling fans providing continuous ventilation shall be of the two-position, on-off type. Switches controlling fans providing intermittent or emergency ventilation shall be of the threeposition, automatic on-off type. Switches shall be labeled identifying both the function and the specific fan controlled. Two colored and labeled indicator lamps responding to the differential pressure across the purge fan or current through the fan motor created by airflow shall be provided for each switch. One lamp shall indicate flow; the other shall indicate no flow. 1109.4 Emergency Control. A clearly identified switch of the break-glass type providing off -only control of electrically energized equipment and devices within the refrigeration machinery room shall be provided immediately adjacent to and outside of each refrigeration machinery room exit. In addition, emergency shutoff shall also be automatically activated when the concentration of refrigerant vapor exceeds 25 percent of the LFL by the refrigerant alarm in accordance with Section 1107.4. Sections 1108.5 and 1108.6 both address the same subject but have overlapping and sometimes competing requirements. Refrigerant alarm concentrations and limits are listed in three locations; they are not all the same. In this revision: 1. The refrigerant detector is addressed once in 1107.4. It is clearly indicated as the device that initiates alarm horns and lights as well as purge fans. 2. Alarm horns and lights are required to be in the room and outside each exit (in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 15). Previously the location was not specified. 3. The duplicated refrigerant concentration limits in these sections are eliminated and listed only in 1107.4. 4. The redundant switches and alarm limits listed in section 1108.6. are eliminated. 5. Current switches are allowed in addition to differential pressure switches. The former are more reliable. The on/off lights are now required at each exit, not just the main exit. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept as Amended by the TC Amend proposal as follows: 223
1108.5 Emergency Control of the Ventilation Systems. Fans required by Section 1108.2 to provideing emergency purge ventilation for refrigerant escape shall be activated by a refrigerant detector in accordance with Section 1107.4 and by have a clearly identified switch of the break-glass type providing on only control located immediately adjacent to and outside of each refrigerant machinery room exit. For other than ammonia, purge fans shall also respond automatically to the refrigerant concentration detection system set to activate the ventilation system at no more than 25 percent of the LFL, or 50 percent of the IDLH, or a measure equivalent thereto, whichever is less. For ammonia, purge fans shall also respond automatically to the refrigerant concentration detection system set to activate the ventilation system at no more than 1 000 parts per million. An emergency purge control shall be provided with a manual reset only. 1109.4 Emergency Control. A clearly identified switch of the break-glass type providing off -only control of electrically energized equipment and devices within the refrigeration machinery room shall be provided immediately adjacent to and outside of each refrigeration machinery room exit. In addition, emergency shutoff shall also be automatically activated when the concentration of refrigerant vapor exceeds 25 percent of the LFL by the refrigerant alarm in accordance with Section 1107.4. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The modification to Section 1108.5 permits alternative covers to a break-glass type that are acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction. This modification correlates with action taken on Item #102. In addition, modification to Section 1109.4 correlates with action taken by the technical committee on Item #106. The proposed text in Item #106 revises the operational threshold for detectors to be lesser of 25% of LFL. 224
UMC 2012 (1108.0 1108.2.2): Item # 100 Steve Taylor Taylor Engineering 1108.0 Refrigeration Machinery Room Ventilation. 1108.1 General. Refrigeration machinery rooms shall be provided with a continuous source of outside air for ventilation and removal of rejected heat. 1108.2 Refrigeration Machinery Rooms. Refrigeration machinery rooms shall be provided with dedicated mechanical exhaust systems. The exhaust systems shall have the capacity to achieve each of the following: 1108.2.1 Continuously maintain the refrigeration machinery room at 0.05 inch (12.44 Pa) water gauge negative relative to adjacent spaces calculated by: Q = 2610A e p (Equation 11-1) Exception: Refrigeration machinery rooms located in entirely detached structures and more than twenty (20) feet (6,096 mm) from property lines or openings into buildings. 1108.2.2 Continuously provide 0.5 cubic foot per minute of airflow per gross square foot (2.54 L/s/m2) of floor area within the refrigeration machinery rooms as calculated by: Q = 0.5Agf (Equation 11-2) (renumber remaining sections) Continuous ventilation of refrigeration machinery rooms is not necessary and is a waste of energy. The requirements for exhaust airflow rates of refrigeration machinery rooms should be based on safety. The airflow rates as calculated by Sections 1108.2.3 and 1108.2.4 are sufficient to ensure safe levels of exhaust. If the refrigerant concentration is below the detector alarm level, the room is de facto safe so no ventilation is needed. If it rises above that concentration, the detector starts the fans which, if sized per 1108.2.3, will render the room safe. So there is no need for continuous ventilation. In fact, a continuous exhaust can dilute a small leak such that the detector will not detect it, causing damage to the environment (ozone depletion, global warming). It also can cause a cooling or heating load in the room, increasing energy usage. 225
UMC 2012 (1108.2.4): Item # 101 Jeffrey Shapiro, P.E. International Code Consultants/Rep. International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration 1108.2.4 Provide emergency purge of escaping refrigerant in accordance with IIAR 2 for ammonia, or for other refrigerants as calculated by: (remaining text unchanged) The proposed change will defer the required ventilation rate for ammonia refrigeration machinery rooms to IIAR 2, which is the ANSI accredited industry standard. IIAR 2 is in the process of being revised to change the basis of calculating required ventilation to an air changes per minute/hour basis. There is general agreement in the industry that the minimum ventilation rate for ammonia needs to be greater than the rate calculated using the current formula, and IIAR 2 is out for public comment so that a consensus rate that is unique based on the properties of ammonia can be established. It is anticipated that the public comment period for IIAR 2 will close prior to the ICC IAPMO hearing, and additional information on the new calculation approach will be presented at that time to support this proposal. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept as Amended by the TC Amend proposal as follows: 1108.2.4 Provide emergency purge of escaping refrigerant at a rate of 30 air changes per hour in accordance with IIAR 2 for ammonia, or for other refrigerants as calculated by: (remaining text unchanged) COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The modification clarifies a specific rate for emergency purge of escaping refrigerant and provides clear and concise code language which is enforceable. 226
UMC 2012 (1108.5): Item # 102 Jeffrey Shapiro, P.E. International Code Consultants/Rep. International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration 1108.5 Emergency Control of the Ventilation Systems. Fans providing emergency purge ventilation for refrigerant escape shall have a clearly identified switch of the break-glass type or protected by an approved tamper resistant cover. The switch shall provideing on only control and shall be located immediately adjacent to and outside of each the principal refrigerant machinery room exit. For other than ammonia, purge fans shall also respond automatically to the refrigerant concentration detection system set to activate the ventilation system at no more than 25 percent of the LFL, or 50 percent of the IDLH, or a measure equivalent thereto, whichever is less. For ammonia, purge fans shall also respond automatically to the refrigerant concentration detection system set to activate the ventilation system at no more than 1,000 parts per million. An emergency purge control shall be provided with a manual reset only. This change permits alternative covers to a break-glass type that are acceptable to the code official. It also revises the location of emergency ventilation control switches from every machinery room exit to only one. This change correlates with ASHRAE 8.12(i), and IFC 606.9, which only require a switch at one machinery room door. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept as Amended by the TC Amend proposal as follows: 1108.5 Emergency Control of the Ventilation Systems. Fans required by Section 1108.2 to provideing emergency purge ventilation for refrigerant escape shall be activated by a refrigerant detector in accordance with Section 1107.4 and by have a clearly identified switch of the break-glass type, or protected by an approved tamper resistant cover. The switch shall, provideing on only control and shall be located immediately adjacent to and outside of each the principal refrigerant machinery room exit. For other than ammonia, purge fans shall also respond automatically to the refrigerant concentration detection system set to activate the ventilation system at no more than 25 percent of the LFL, or 50 percent of the IDLH, or a measure equivalent thereto, whichever is less. For ammonia, purge fans shall also respond automatically to the refrigerant concentration detection system set to activate the ventilation system at no more than 1,000 parts per million. An emergency purge control shall be provided with a manual reset only. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The modification provides a reference to required refrigerant detector in accordance with Section 1107.4. Section 1107.4 currently permits sensor settings which initiate at minimum levels as PEL. In addition, the last portion of Section 1108.5 is retained to provide 1000 ppm threshold for ammonia ventilation. This requirement is consistent with ASHRAE 15, Section 8.12(h). 227
UMC 2012 (1106.4): Item # 103 Mona Casey United Parents to Restrict Open Access to Refrigerant (UPROAR) Add new text as follows: 1106.4 Refrigerant Port Protection. Air conditioning refrigerant circuit access ports located outdoors shall be protected from unauthorized access with locking-type tamper-resistant caps or in a manner approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. (renumber remaining sections) The Uniform Mechanical Code currently does not address the issue of securing refrigerant service ports that are accessible to the public. This proposal seeks to prevent illegal venting of refrigerant by unauthorized individuals. Refrigerant poses a serious threat to human life and safety. Huffing, the intentional inhalation of refrigerant and other inhalants affects over one million children per year. As a result, deaths and injuries resulting from exposure to refrigerant are rising at an alarming rate. In addition, refrigerant leaks and illegal venting of refrigerant are contributing to the greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. This is illustrated in Figure 1.1. The reasons for securing refrigerant are compelling. Refrigerant is classified as hazardous material by the U. S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the U. S Department of Transportation, the U. S. Department of Energy, and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. It is also listed in the European Waste Catalogue and Hazardous Waste List. Regulation (EC) No. 2037/2000 mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency classifies refrigerant as a controlled substance. According to Mike Opitz, Certification Manager, LEED for Existing Buildings, U.S. Green Building Council, chlorine in CFCs and HCFCs destroy the ozone and depletes the Earth s natural shield for incoming ultraviolet radiation and absorb outgoing infrared radiation from the earth, functioning as potent greenhouse gases. 228