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CHAPTER 3

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

301.0 Scope. Exception: The installation clearances for


This chapter covers general requirements for furnaces and boilers in rooms not large in
heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, refrigeration, comparison with the size of the equipment shall
miscellaneous heat-producing, and energy-utilizing be as specified in the appliance listing regardless
equipment. Such equipment shall conform to the of whether the enclosure is of combustible or
requirements of this code. noncombustible materials and shall not be
reduced by the protection methods described in
Equipment shall not be installed or altered in
Table 3-3 or any other method.
violation of this code, nor shall the fuel input rate to
equipment be increased in excess of the approved If the ceiling height of the room or space is
Btu/h (kW) rating at the altitude where it is being greater than eight (8) feet (2,438 mm), the volume
used. shall be calculated on the basis of an eight (8) foot
(2,438 mm) height.
Defective material or parts shall be replaced in
such a manner as not to invalidate any approval. 303.3 Unlisted Appliances. Unlisted appliances
shall be installed with the standard clearances from
combustible construction specified in Table 3-2.
302.0 Approval. Unlisted appliances may have the standard clear-
302.1 How Obtained. Each appliance shall be ances of Table 3-2 reduced by employing the forms
approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction for of protection specified in Table 3-3. Forms of protec-
safe use or comply with applicable nationally recog- tion specified in Table 3-3 may be utilized to reduce
nized standards as evidenced by the listing and label clearances to combustible construction for all appli-
of an approved agency. A list of accepted standards cable appliances.
is included in Chapter 17. 303.4 Anchorage of Appliances. Appliances
302.2 Complying Design of Equipment. Installers designed to be fixed in position shall be securely
shall furnish satisfactory evidence that the appliance fastened in place. Supports for appliances shall be
is constructed in conformity with the requirements designed and constructed to sustain vertical and
of this code. The permanently attached label of an horizontal loads within the stress limitations speci-
approved agency may be accepted as such evidence. fied in the Building Code.
302.3 Oil-Burning Appliances. The tank, piping, 303.5 Movement of appliances with casters shall be
and valves for appliances burning oil shall be limited by a restraining device installed in accor-
installed in accordance with the requirements of dance with the connector and appliance manufac-
NFPA 31, Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning turer’s installation instructions.
Equipment. 303.6 Identification of Equipment. When more
than one heating, cooling, ventilating, or refriger-
303.0 Installation. ating system is installed on the roof of a building or
within a building, it shall be permanently identified
303.1 Listed Appliances. Except as otherwise
as to the area or space served by the equipment.
provided in the code, the installation of appliances
regulated by this code shall conform to the condi- 303.7 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Facilities.
Containers, container valves regulating equipment,
tions of listing. The appliance installer shall leave the
and appurtenances for the storage and supply of
manufacturer’s installation and operating instruc-
liquefied petroleum gas shall be installed in accor-
tions attached to the appliance. Clearances of listed
dance with NFPA 58.
appliances from combustible materials shall be as
specified in the listing or on the rating plate. 303.8 Equipment on Roofs.
303.2 Room Large in Comparison to Size of 303.8.1 General.
Equipment. Central-heating furnaces not listed for 303.8.1.1 Enclosures. Equipment on roof
closet or alcove installation shall be installed in a shall be designed or enclosed so as to with-
room or space having a volume at least twelve (12) stand climatic conditions in the areas in
times the total volume of the furnace; central-heating which it is installed. Where enclosures are
boilers not listed for closet or alcove installation shall provided, each enclosure shall be of reason-
be installed in a room or space having a volume able height, and shall have at least a thirty
sixteen (16) times the volume of the boiler. (30) inch (762 mm) clearance between the

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303.8 – 305.0 UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE

entire service access panel(s) of the equip- 304.1 Access to Equipment on Roofs.
ment and the wall of the enclosure. 304.1.1 General. Equipment and appliances
303.8.1.2 Roof Support. Roofs on which located on roofs or other elevated locations shall
equipment is to be installed shall be capable be accessible. [NFPA 54:9.4.3.1]
of supporting the additional load or shall be 304.1.2 Access from Inside. Buildings of more
reinforced to support the additional load. than fifteen (15) feet (4,572 mm) in height shall
303.8.1.3 Corrosion Resistance. All access have an inside means of access to the roof,
locks, screws, and bolts shall be of corro- unless other means acceptable to the roof, unless
sion-resistant material. other means acceptable to the Authority Having
303.8.1.4 Roof Drainage. Equipment shall Jurisdiction are used. [NFPA 54:9.4.3.2]
be installed on a well-drained surface of the 304.1.2.1 Door or Scuttle. The inside
roof. means of access shall be a permanent or
foldaway inside stairway or ladder, termi-
303.8.1.5 Guards or Rails. At least six (6)
nating in an enclosure, scuttle, or trap door.
ft. (1,829 mm) between any part of the
Such scuttles or trap doors shall be at least
equipment and the edge of a roof or similar
twenty-two (22) inches x twenty-four (24)
hazard, or rigidly fixed rail, guards, para-
inches (560 mm x 610 mm) in size, shall
pets, or other building structures at least
open easily and safely under all conditions,
forty-two (42) inches (1,067 mm) in height
especially snow, and shall be constructed so
shall be provided on the exposed side.
as to permit access on the inside.
303.8.1.6 Electrical Power. All equipment 304.1.2.2 Guards or Rails. At least six (6)
requiring an external source of electrical feet (1,829 mm) of clearance shall be avail-
power for its operation shall be provided able between the access opening and the
with: edge of the roof or similar hazard, or rigidly
(1) Readily accessible electrical discon- fixed rails or guards a minimum of forty-
necting means within sight of the equip- two (42) inches (1,067 mm) in height shall be
ment. provided on the exposed side. Where para-
(2) A 120 VAC grounding-type receptacle pets or other building structures are utilized
outlet on the roof adjacent to the equip- in lieu of guards or rails, they shall be a
ment. The receptacle outlet shall be on minimum of forty-two (42) inches (1,067
the supply side of the disconnect mm) in height. [NFPA 54:9.4.3.3]
switch. 304.1.3 Permanent Lighting. Permanent
lighting shall be provided at the roof access. The
switch for such lighting shall be located inside
304.0 Service and Access to Equipment and the building near the access means leading to the
Appliances. roof. [NFPA 54:9.4.3.4]
Equipment and appliances shall be accessible for 304.1.4 Standing Water. Where water stands
inspection, service, repair, and replacement without on the roof at the equipment, in the passageways
removing permanent construction. Sufficient clear- to the equipment, where the roof is of a design
ance shall be maintained to permit cleaning of having a water seal, a suitable platform,
heating surfaces; the replacement of filters, blowers, walkway, or both shall be provided above the
motors, burners, controls, and vent connections; the waterline. Such platform(s) or walkway(s) shall
lubrication of moving parts where necessary; the be located adjacent to the equipment and control
adjustment and cleaning of burners and pilots; and panels so that the equipment can be safely
the proper functioning of explosion vents, if serviced where water stands on the roof.
provided. [NFPA 54-09:9.2.1]
Unless otherwise specified, not less than thirty 305.0 Automatic Control Devices.
(30) inches (762 mm) in depth, width, and height of Heating appliances shall be equipped with a listed
working space shall be provided. device or devices that will shut off the fuel supply to
Exception: Unit heaters and room heaters may be the main burner or burners in the event of pilot or
installed with an eighteen (18) inch (457 mm) ignition failure. In addition, liquefied petroleum
minimum depth working space. A platform shall gas-air-burning heating appliances shall be equipped
not be required for unit heaters or room heaters. with a listed automatic device or devices that will
The operating instructions shall be attached to shut off the flow of gas to the pilot in the event of
the appliance where they can be read easily. ignition failure.

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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 305.0 – 307.1

Exception: The listed shutoff devices shall not be 306.2.4 The output rating in Btu/h or kW.
required on range or cooking tops, log lighters, 306.2.5 The electrical rating in volts, amperes, or
lights, or other open-burner manually operated watts of each field-replaceable electrical compo-
appliances, or listed appliances not requiring nent.
such devices and specific industrial appliances as
306.2.6 The symbol of an approved agency certi-
approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
fying compliance of equipment with recognized
Heating appliances whose manual fuel controls standards.
are not readily accessible from the main portion
306.2.7 Required clearances from combustible
of the building being heated shall be equipped
surfaces on which or adjacent to which it may be
with remote controls.
mounted.
Forced-air and gravity-type warm-air furnaces
Also, the appliance shall be accompanied by
shall be equipped with a listed air outlet temperature
clear and complete installation instructions,
limit control that cannot be set for temperatures
including required clearances from combustibles
higher than 250˚F (121˚C). Such controls shall be
other than mounting or adjacent surfaces, and
located in the bonnet or plenum, within two (2) feet
temperature rating of field-installed wiring
(610 mm) of the discharge side of the heating
connections of over 140˚F (60˚C).
element of gravity furnaces or in accordance with the
conditions of listing. 306.3 Heat Pump and Electric Cooling Appli-
ances. Heat pumps and electric cooling appliances
Electric duct heaters shall be equipped with an
shall bear a permanent and legible factory-applied
approved automatic reset air outlet temperature limit
nameplate on which shall appear:
control that will limit the outlet air temperature to not
more than 200˚F (93˚C). The electric elements of the 306.3.1 The name or trademark of the manufac-
heater shall be equipped with fusible links or a manual turer.
reset temperature limit control that will prevent outlet 306.3.2 The catalog model nomenclature.
air temperature in excess of 250˚F (121˚C). 306.3.3 The amount and type of refrigerant.
306.3.4 The factory test pressures or pressures
306.0 Labeling. applied.
306.1 Fuel-Burning Appliances. Fuel-burning 306.3.5 The electrical rating in volts, amperes,
heating appliances shall bear a permanent and legible and, for other than single phase, the number of
factory-applied nameplate on which shall appear: phases.
306.1.1 The manufacturer’s name. 306.3.6 The output rating in Btu/h or W.
306.1.2 The approved fuel input rating of the 306.3.7 The electrical rating in volts, amperes, or
appliance, expressed in Btu/h (W). watts of each field replaceable electrical compo-
nent.
306.1.3 The model and serial number.
306.3.8 The symbol of an approved agency certi-
306.1.4 Instructions for the lighting, operation,
fying compliance of the equipment with recog-
and shutdown of the appliance.
nized standards.
306.1.5 The type of fuel approved for use with
306.3.9 Required clearances from combustible
the appliance.
surfaces on which or adjacent to which it is
306.1.6 The symbol of an approved agency certi- permitted to be mounted.
fying compliance of the equipment with recog-
Also, the appliance shall be accompanied by
nized standards.
clear and complete installation instructions,
306.1.7 Required clearances from combustible including required clearances from combustible
surfaces on which or adjacent to which it may be other than mounting or adjacent surfaces, and
mounted. temperature rating of field-installed wiring
306.2 Electric Heating Appliances. Electric heating connections over 140°F (60°C).
appliances shall bear a permanent and legible
factory-applied nameplate on which shall appear: 307.0 Location.
306.2.1 The name or trademark of the manufacturer. 307.1 Protection Against Damage. Appliances
306.2.2 The catalog (model) number or equiva- installed in garages, warehouses, or other areas
lent. subject to mechanical damage shall be guarded
306.2.3 The electrical rating in volts, amperes (or against such damage by being installed behind
watts), and; for other than single phase, the protective barriers or by being elevated or located
number of phases. out of the normal path of vehicles.

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307.1 – 309.3 UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE

Heating and cooling equipment located in a 309.0 Condensate Wastes and Control.
garage and that generates a glow, spark, or flame 309.1 Condensate Disposal. Condensate from air
capable of igniting flammable vapors shall be washers, air-cooling coils, fuel-burning condensing
installed with the pilots and burners or heating appliances, and the overflow from evaporative
elements and switches at least eighteen (18) inches coolers and similar water-supplied equipment or
(457 mm) above the floor level. similar air-conditioning equipment shall be collected
Where such appliances installed within a garage and discharged to an approved plumbing fixture or
are enclosed in a separate, approved compartment disposal area. If discharged into the drainage system,
having access only from outside of the garage, such equipment shall drain by means of an indirect waste
appliances may be installed at floor level, provided pipe. The waste pipe shall have a slope of not less
the required combustion air is taken from and than 1/8 inch per foot (10.5 mm/m) or 1 percent
discharged to the exterior of the garage. slope and shall be of approved corrosion-resistant
Heating equipment located in rooms where material not smaller than the outlet size as required
cellulose nitrate plastic is stored or processed shall in either Section 309.3 or 309.4 for air-cooling coils or
comply with the Fire Code. condensing fuel-burning appliances, respectively.
Condensate or wastewater shall not drain over a
307.2 Protection Against Flood Damage. For
public way.
buildings located in flood hazard areas, heating,
ventilating, air-conditioning, refrigeration, miscella- 309.2 Condensate Control. When a cooling coil or
neous heat-producing, and energy-utilizing equip- cooling unit is located in an attic or furred space
ment and appliances shall be elevated at or above the where damage may result from condensate over-
design flood elevation. flow, an additional watertight pan of corrosion-resis-
tant metal shall be installed beneath the cooling coil
Exception: Equipment and appliances are
or unit top to catch the overflow condensate due to a
permitted to be located below the design flood
clogged primary condensate drain, or one pan with a
elevation provided that they are designed and
standing overflow and a separate secondary drain
installed to prevent water from entering or accu-
may be provided in lieu of the secondary drain pan.
mulating within the components and to resist
The additional pan or the standing overflow shall be
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and
provided with a drain pipe, minimum 3/4 inch (19.1
stresses, including the effects of buoyancy,
mm) nominal pipe size, discharging at a point that
during the occurrence of flooding to the design
can be readily observed.
flood elevation in compliance with the flood-
resistant construction requirements of the This requirement is in addition to the require-
Building Code. ments in Sections 309.3 and 309.4.
307.2.1 Walls Below Buildings in Flood 309.3 Condensate Waste Sizing. Condensate waste
Hazard Areas Subject to High Velocity Wave pipes from air-cooling coils shall be sized in accor-
Action. In flood hazard areas subject to high dance with equipment capacity as follows:
velocity wave action, equipment and appliances,
including piping, shall not be mounted on or TABLE 3-1
penetrate walls intended to break away under
Minimum Condensate Pipe Size
flood loads.
Equipment Capacity Minimum Condensate
307.2.2 Air Exhaust and Intake Openings. in Pipe Diameter
Outside air exhaust openings and air intake
Tons of
openings shall be located at or above the design
Refrigeration (kW) Inches (mm)
flood elevation.
Up to 20 (Up to 70.34) 3/4 (20)
21 – 40 (73.85 – 140.67) 1 (25)
308.0 Electrical Connections.
Equipment regulated by this code requiring electrical 41 – 90 (144.19 – 316.6) 1-1/4 (32)
connections of more than fifty (50) volts shall have a 91 – 125 (320.03 – 439.6) 1-1/2 (40)
positive means of disconnect adjacent to and in sight 126 – 250 (443.12 – 879.2) 2 (50)
from the equipment served. A 120 volt receptacle
shall be located within twenty-five (25) feet (7,620 The size of condensate waste pipes may be for
mm) of the equipment for service and maintenance one unit or a combination of units, or as recom-
purposes. The receptacle need not be located on the mended by the manufacturer. The capacity of waste
same level as the equipment. Low-voltage wiring of pipes assumes a one-eights (1/8) inch per foot (10.5
fifty (50) volts or less within a structure shall be mm/m) or 1 percent slope, with the pipe running
installed in a manner to prevent physical damage. three-quarters (3/4) full at the following conditions:

24
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 309.3 – 311.5

Outside Air – 20% Room Air – 80% (3) A hazardous or insanitary location or a refriger- TIA
TIA
DB WB DB WB ation machinery room as defined in this code. TIA
90˚F 73˚F 75˚F 62.5˚F (4) From an area, the volume of which is less than TIA
TIA
(32˚C) (23˚C) (24˚C) (17˚C) 25 percent of the entire volume served by such TIA
system, unless there is a permanent opening to TIA
an area the volume of which is equal to 25 TIA
TIA
Condensate drain sizing for other slopes or other percent of the entire volume served. TIA
conditions shall be approved by the Authority Exception: Such openings when used for a TIA
Having Jurisdiction. heating or cooling air system in a dwelling
TIA
TIA
309.4 Fuel-Burning Appliance Condensate unit shall be permitted to be reduced to not TIA
Drains. Condensate drain lines from individual less than 50 percent of the required area,
TIA
TIA
fuel-burning condensing appliances shall be sized provided the balance of the required return TIA
according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. air is taken from a room or hall having not TIA
TIA
Condensate drain lines serving more than one appli- less than three (3) doors leading to other TIA
ance shall be approved by the Authority Having rooms served by the furnace. TIA
Jurisdiction prior to installation. (5) A closet, bathroom, toilet room or kitchen.
TIA
TIA
309.5 Plastic Fittings. Female PVC screwed fittings (6) From rooms or spaces containing a fuel-burning TIA
TIA
shall be used with plastic male fittings and plastic appliance therein. Where such room or space TIA
male threads only. serves as source of return air. TIA
TIA
Exceptions: TIA
310.0 Personnel Protection. (1) This shall not apply to fireplaces, fire-
TIA
TIA
A suitable and substantial metal guard shall be place appliance, residential cooking TIA
provided around exposed flywheels, fans, pulleys, appliance, direct vent appliance, TIA
TIA
belts, and moving machinery that are portions of a enclosed furnaces and domestic-type TIA
heating, ventilating, or refrigerating system. clothes dryers installed within the room TIA
or space. TIA
TIA
(2) This shall not apply to a gravity-type or TIA
311.0 Heating or Cooling Air System. TIA
listed vented wall heating or cooling air
311.1 Source. A heating or cooling air system shall
TIA
TIA system. TIA
TIA be provided with return air, outside air, or both. A TIA
TIA (3) This shall not apply to a blower-type
heating or cooling air system regulated by this code TIA
TIA heating or cooling air system complying TIA
TIA and designed to replace required ventilation shall be
with the following requirements: TIA
TIA
arranged to discharge into a conditioned space not TIA
TIA
less than the amount of outside air specified in (a) Where the return air is taken from a TIA
TIA
room or space having a volume TIA
TIA Chapter 4. TIA
exceeding one (1) cubic foot for TIA
311.2 Air Filters. Air filters shall be installed in a each ten (10) Btu/h (2.93 W) fuel TIA
heating, cooling or makeup air system. Such filters input rating of all fuel-burning TIA
shall comply with the standard, Air Filter Units, Test appliances therein.
TIA
TIA
Performance of, that is referenced in Chapter 17, as (b) Not less than 75 percent of the TIA
Class I or II filters. supply air is discharged back into
TIA
TIA
Exception: Systems serving single guest rooms the same room or space. TIA
or dwelling units shall not require a listed filter. (c) Return-air inlets shall not be located TIA
TIA
TIA 311.3 Prohibited Source. Outside or return air for a within ten (10) feet (3,048 mm) from TIA
TIA
heating or cooling air system shall not be taken from any appliance firebox or draft TIA
TIA
TIA the following locations: diverter in the same enclosed room TIA
TIA
TIA or confined space. TIA
(1) Closer than ten (10) feet (3,048 mm) from an
TIA
311.4 Return-Air Limitations. Return air from one TIA
TIA appliance vent outlet, a vent opening of a TIA
dwelling unit shall not discharge into another
TIA
plumbing drainage system, or the discharge TIA
TIA dwelling unit through the heating or cooling air TIA
TIA outlet of an exhaust fan, unless the outlet is three system. TIA
TIA (3) feet (914 mm) above the outside-air inlet. TIA
TIA 311.5 Outside Air Inlet Protection. Required TIA
TIA (2) Where it is less than ten (10) feet above the outside-air inlets shall be covered with a screen TIA
TIA surface of any abutting public way, driveway, having not less than one-fourth (1/4) inch (6.4 mm)
TIA
TIA TIA
TIA sidewalk, street, alley or driveway. openings. TIA

25
311.5 – 312.0 UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE

TIA Exception: An outside-air inlet serving a nonres-


TIA
TIA idential portion of a building shall be permitted
TIA to be covered with a screen having openings
TIA larger than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm), but in no case
TIA
TIA exceeding one (1) inch (25.4 mm).

312.0 Water Supply.


Water supplies and backflow protection shall be as
required by the Uniform Plumbing Code.

26
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Table 3-2

TABLE 3-2
Standard Installation Clearances in Inches for Unlisted Heat-Producing Appliances
[NFPA 54: Table 10.3.3]
See Section 303.0.
APPLIANCE
FROM TOP
RESIDENTIAL-TYPE APPLIANCES AND SIDES OF
ABOVE TOP WARM-AIR
OF CASING OR BONNET OR FROM FROM FROM
FUEL APPLIANCE PLENUM FRONT1 BACK SIDES
BOILERS AND WATER HEATERS11
Steam Boilers—15 psi (103.4 kPa) Automatic Oil or
Water Boilers—250°F (121°C) Comb. Gas-Oil 6 24 6 6
Water Heaters—200°F (93°C) Automatic Gas 6 18 6 6
All Water Walled or Jacketed Solid 6 48 6 6
FURNACES—CENTRAL; OR HEATERS11— Automatic Oil or
ELECTRIC CENTRAL WARM-AIR FURNACES Comb. Gas-Oil 62 62 24 6 6
Gravity, Upflow, Downflow, Horizontal and Automatic Gas 62 62 18 6 6
Duct Warm-Air—250°F (121°C) max. Solid 183 183 48 18 18
Electric 62 62 18 6 6
FURNACES—FLOOR Automatic Oil or
For Mounting in Combustible Floors Comb. Gas-Oil 36 12 12 12
Automatic Gas 36 12 12 12
HEAT EXCHANGERS
Steam—15 psi (103.4 kPa) max. 1 1 1 1 1
Hot Water—250°F (121°C) max.
ROOM HEATERS4 Oil or Solid 36 24 12 12
Circulating Type Gas 36 24 12 12
Radiant or Other Type Oil or Solid 36 36 36 36
Gas 36 36 18 18
Gas with double metal
or ceramic back 36 36 12 18
Fireplace Stove Solid 485 54 485 485
RADIATORS
Steam or Hot Water6 36 6 6 6
RANGES—COOKING STOVES Firing Opp.
Side Side

Oil 307 9 24 18
Gas 307 6 6 6
Solid Clay-Lined
Firepot 307 24 24 18
Solid Unlined
Firepot 307 36 36 18
Electric 307 6 6
INCINERATORS
Domestic Types 368 48 36 36
APPLIANCE
FROM TOP
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL-TYPE APPLIANCES AND SIDES OF
ANY AND ALL PHYSICAL SIZES EXCEPT AS NOTED11 ABOVE TOP WARM-AIR
OF CASING OR BONNET OR FROM FROM FROM
FUEL APPLIANCE PLENUM FRONT1 BACK9 SIDES9
BOILERS AND WATER HEATERS
100 cu. ft. (2.832 m3) or less
Steam, any pressure All Fuels 18 48 18 18
50 psi (345 kPa) or less
Any size All Fuels 18 48 18 18
UNIT HEATERS Steam or Hot
Floor Mounted or Suspended—Any Size Water 1 1 1
Suspended—100 cu. ft. (2.832 m3) or less Oil or Comb.
Gas-Oil 6 24 18 18
Suspended—100 cu. ft. (2.832 m3) or less Gas 6 18 18 18
Suspended—Over 100 cu. ft. (2.832 m3) All Fuels 18 48 18 18
Floor Mounted—Any Size All Fuels 18 48 18 18
RANGES—RESTAURANT-TYPE
Floor Mounted All Fuels 48 48 18 18
OTHER LOW-HEAT INDUSTRIAL APPLIANCES
Floor Mounted or Suspended All Fuels 18 18 48 18 18

27
Table 3-2 continued UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE

TABLE 3-2 (continued)


Standard Installation Clearances in Inches for Unlisted Heat-Producing Appliances [NFPA 54: Table10.3.3]
APPLIANCE
FROM TOP
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL-TYPE APPLIANCES AND SIDES OF
ANY AND ALL PHYSICAL SIZES EXCEPT AS NOTED11 ABOVE TOP WARM-AIR
OF CASING OR BONNET OR FROM FROM FROM
FUEL APPLIANCE PLENUM FRONT1 BACK10 SIDES10
BOILERS AND WATER HEATERS
Over 50 psi (345 kPa) All Fuels 48 96 36 36
Over 100 cu. ft. (2832 m3)
OTHER MEDIUM-HEAT INDUSTRIAL
APPLIANCES
All Sizes All Fuels 48 36 96 36 36
INCINERATORS
All Sizes 48 96 36 36
INDUSTRIAL-TYPE HIGH-HEAT APPLIANCES
HIGH-HEAT INDUSTRIAL APPLIANCES
All Sizes All Fuels 180 360 120 120

Notes:
The minimum dimension shall be that necessary for servicing the appliance, including access for cleaning and normal care, tube removal,
1

etc.
For a listed oil, combination gas-oil, gas, or electric furnace, this dimension may be two (2) inches (51 mm) if the furnace limit control
2

cannot be set higher than 250˚F (121°C), or this dimension may be one (1) inch (25.4 mm) if the limit control cannot be set higher than
200˚F (93°C), or the appliance shall be marked to indicate that the outlet air temperature cannot exceed 200˚F (93°C).
The dimension may be six (6) inches (152 mm) for an automatically stoker-fired forced-warm-air furnace equipped with 250˚F (121°C) limit
3

control and with barometric draft control operated by draft intensity and permanently set to limit draft to a maximum intensity of 0.13 inch
(3.3 mm) water gauge.
Unlisted appliances shall be installed on noncombustible floors and may be installed on protected combustible floors. Heating appliances
4

approved for installation on protected combustible flooring shall be so constructed that flame and hot gases do not come in contact with the
appliance base. Protection for combustible floors shall consist of four (4) inch (102 mm) hollow masonry covered with sheet metal at least
0.021 inch (0.53 mm) thick (No. 24 manufacturer’s standard gauge). Masonry shall be permanently fastened in place in an approved
manner with the ends unsealed and joints matched so as to provide free circulation of air through the masonry. Floor protection shall
extend twelve (12) inches (305 mm) at the sides and rear of the appliance, except that at least eighteen (18) inches (457 mm) shall be
required on the appliance-opening side or sides measured horizontally from the edges of the opening.
The forty-eight (48) inch (1,219 mm) clearance may be reduced to 36 inches (914 mm) when protection equivalent to that provided by
5

(a)–(g) of Table 3-2 is applied to the combustible construction.


Steam pipes and hot water heating pipes shall be installed with a clearance of at least one (1) inch (25 mm) to all combustible construction
6

or material, except that at the points where pipes carrying steam at not over fifteen (15) pounds gauge pressure (103.4 kPa) or hot water
that emerge from a floor, wall, or ceiling, the clearance at the opening through the finish floorboards or wall-ceiling boards may be reduced
to not less than one-half (1/2) inch (12.7 mm). Each such opening shall be covered with a plate of noncombustible material.
Such pipes passing through stock shelving shall be covered with not less than one (1) inch (25.4 mm) of approved insulation.
Wood boxes or casings enclosing uninsulated steam or hot water heating pipes or wooden covers to recesses in walls in which such unin-
sulated pipes are placed shall be lined with metal or insulating millboard.
Where the temperature of the boiler piping does not exceed 160˚F (71°C), the provisions of this table shall not apply.
Coverings or insulation used on steam or hot water pipes shall be of material suitable for the operating temperature of the system. The
insulation or jackets shall be of noncombustible materials, or the insulation or jackets and lap-seal adhesives shall be tested as a composite
product. Such composite product shall have a flame-spread rating of not more than twenty-five (25) and a smoke-developed rating not to
exceed fifty (50) when tested in accordance with UBC Standard No. 42-1.
To combustible material or metal cabinets. If the underside of such combustible material or metal cabinet is protected with insulating mill-
7

board at least one-quarter (1/4) inch (6.4 mm) thick covered with sheet metal of not less than 0.013 inch (0.33 mm) (No. 28 gauge), the
distance may be reduced to twenty-four (24) inches (610 mm).
Clearance above charging door shall be at least forty-eight (48) inches (1,219 mm).
8

If the appliance is encased in brick, the eighteen (18) inch (457 mm) clearance above and at the sides and rear may be reduced to twelve
9

(12) inches (305 mm).


If the appliance is encased in brick, the clearance above may be reduced to thirty-six (36) inches (914 mm) and at the sides and rear may
10

be reduced to eighteen (18) inches (457 mm).


A central heating boiler or furnace shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall be installed on a floor of
11

noncombustible construction with noncombustible flooring and surface finish and with no combustible material against the underside
thereof, or on fire-resistive slabs or arches having no combustible material against the underside thereof.
Exception No. 1: Appliances listed for installation on a combustible floor.
Exception No. 2: Installation on a floor protected in an approved manner.
1 in. = 25.4 mm

28
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Table 3-3 – Figure 3-1

TABLE 3-3
Clearances, in Inches, with Specified Forms of Protection1, 2
Where the Standard Clearance in Table 3-1 with No Protection is:
TYPE OF PROTECTION 36 inches 18 inches 12 inches 9 inches 6 inches
4

Applied to the Combustible Material Unless


Otherwise Specified and Covering All Chimney Chimney Chimney Chimney
Surfaces within the Distance Specified as Sides or Vent Sides or Vent Sides or Vent Sides or Vent
the Required Clearance with No Protection and Con- and Con- and Con- and Con-
(Thicknesses Are Minimum) Above Rear nector Above Rear nector Above Rear nector Above Rear nector

(a)1/4" insulating millboard spaced out 1" 30 18 30 15 9 12 9 6 6 3 2 3


3

(b)0.013" (No. 28 manufacturer’s standard


gauge) steel sheet on 1/4" insulating
millboard 24 18 24 12 9 12 9 6 4 3 2 2
(c) 0.013" (No. 28 manufacturer’s standard
gauge) steel sheet spaced out 1" 18 12 18 9 6 9 6 4 4 2 2 2
3

(d)0.013" (No. 28 manufacturer’s standard


gauge) steel sheet on 1/8" insulating
millboard spaced out 1" 18 12 18 9 6 9 6 4 4 2 2 2
3

(e)1-1/2" insulating cement covering on heating


appliance 18 12 36 9 6 18 6 4 9 2 1 6
(f) 1/4" insulating millboard on 1" mineral fiber
batts reinforced with wire mesh or equivalent 18 12 18 6 6 6 4 4 4 2 2 2
(g)0.027" (No. 22 manufacturer’s standard
gauge) steel sheet on 1" mineral fiber batts
reinforced with wire or equivalent 18 12 12 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2
(h)1/4" insulating millboard 36 36 36 18 18 18 12 12 9 4 4 4

Notes:
1
For appliances complying with Sections 303.2 and 303.3
2
Except for the protection described in (e), all clearances shall be measured from the outer surface of the appliance to the combustible material,
disregarding any intervening protection applied to the combustible material.
3
Spacers shall be of noncombustible material.
4
Insulating millboard is a factory-made product formed of noncombustible materials, normally fibers, and having a thermal conductivity of 1
Btu-inch per square foot per degree F [1.73 W/(m•K)] or less.
1 in = 25.4 mm

FIGURE 3-1 Extent of Protection Required to Reduce Clearances from Appliance, Chimney, or Vent
Connectors.

29
Table 3-4 UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE

TABLE 3-4
Chimney Connector and Vent Connector Clearances
from Combustible Materials

Minimum Clearance,1
DESCRIPTION OF APPLIANCE Inches (mm)
RESIDENTIAL-TYPE APPLIANCES
Single-Wall Metal Pipe Connectors
2

Gas appliances without draft hoods 18 (457)


Electric, gas, and oil incinerators 18 (457)
Oil and solid-fuel appliances 18 (457)
Unlisted gas appliances with draft hoods 9 (229)
Boilers and furnaces equipped with listed gas burners
and with draft hoods 93 (229)
Oil appliances listed as suitable for use with Type L
venting systems (but only when connected to chimneys) 9 (229)
Listed gas appliances with draft hoods 6 (152)
Type L Venting System Piping Connectors
Gas appliances without draft hoods 9 (229)
Electric, gas, and oil incinerators 9 (229)
Oil and solid-fuel appliances 9 (229)
Unlisted gas appliances with draft hoods 6 (152)
Boilers and furnaces equipped with listed gas burners
and with draft hoods 6 (152)
Oil appliances listed as suitable for use with Type L
venting systems4
Listed gas appliances with draft hoods5
Type B Gas Vent Piping Connectors
Listed gas appliances with draft hoods5
COMMERCIAL-INDUSTRIAL TYPE APPLIANCES
Low-Heat Appliances
Single-Wall Metal Pipe Connectors2
Gas, oil, and solid-fuel boilers, furnaces, and water heaters 18 (457)
Ranges, restaurant-type 18 (457)
Oil unit heaters 18 (457)
Unlisted gas unit heaters 18 (457)
Listed gas unit heaters with draft hoods 6 (152)
Other low-heat industrial appliances 18 (457)
Medium-Heat Appliances
Single-Wall Metal Pipe Connectors2
All gas, oil, and solid-fuel appliances 36 (914)

Notes:
1
These clearances apply except if the listing of an appliance specifies different clearance, in which case the listed clearance takes
2 precedence.
The clearances from connectors to combustible materials may be reduced if the combustible material is protected in accordance
with Table 3-3.
3
The dimension may be six (6) inches (152 mm), provided the maximum flue temperatures entering the draft hood do not exceed
550°F (288°C).
4
If listed Type L venting system piping is used, the clearance may be in accordance with the venting system listing.
5
If listed Type B or Type L venting system piping is used, the clearance may be in accordance with the venting system listing.

30
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Table 3-5 – Table 3-6

TABLE 3-5
Capacities of Listed Metal Appliance Connectors1
For use with gas pressures 8-inch or more water column (1.99-kPa)

Capacities for Various Lengths in Thousands Btu/h


(based on a pressure drop of 0.2 inch (10.2 mm) water column)
Flexible Natural Gas of 1,100 Btu/cu. ft. (11.4 W/L)4
Semirigid Connector
Connector Nominal 1' 1-1/2' 2' 2-1/2' 3' 4' 5' 6'
O.D.2 I.D.3 Ranges and
Inches (mm) Inches (mm) All Gas Appliances Clothes Dryers
3/8 (10) 1/4 (8) 40 33 29 27 25
1/2 (15) 3/8 (10) 93 76 66 62 58
5/8 (18) 1/2 (15) 189 155 134 125 116 101 90 80
— 3/4 (20) 404 330 287 266 244
— 1 (25) 803 661 573 534 500
Notes:
1
Gas connectors are certified by the testing agency as complete assemblies, including the fittings and valves. Capacities
shown are based on the use of fittings and valves supplied with the connector.
2
Outside diameter.
3
Internal diameter.
4
For liquefied petroleum gas, use 1.6 times the natural gas capacities shown.
1 ft. = 0.305 m, 1 Btu/h = 0.29 Watt

TABLE 3-6
Capacities of Listed Metal Appliance Connectors1
For use with gas pressures less than 8-inch water column (1.99-kPa)

Capacities for Various Lengths in Thousands Btu/h


(based on a pressure drop of 0.2 inch (10.2 mm) water column)
Flexible Natural Gas of 1,100 Btu/cu. ft. (11.4 W/L)4
Semirigid Connector
Connector Nominal 1' 1-1/2' 2' 2-1/2' 3' 4' 5' 6'
O.D.2 I.D.3 Ranges and
Inches (mm) Inches (mm) All Gas Appliances Clothes Dryers
3/8 (10) 1/4 (8) 28 23 20 19 17
1/2 (15) 3/8 (10) 66 54 47 44 41
5/8 (18) 1/2 (15) 134 110 95 88 82 72 63 57
— 3/4 (20) 285 233 202 188 174
— 1 (25) 567 467 405 378 353
Notes:
1
Gas connectors are certified by the testing agency as complete assemblies, including the fittings and valves. Capacities shown
are based on the use of fittings and valves supplied with the connector.
2
Semirigid connector listings are based on the outside diameter.
3
Flexible connector listings are based on nominal diameter.
4
For liquefied petroleum gas, use 1.6 times the natural gas capacities shown.
1 ft. = 0.305 m, 1 Btu/h = 0.29 Watt

31
UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE

32

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