CodeNotes
As part of its goal to serve the needs of plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas officials, the ICC PMG Membership Council is committed to providing informative code support documents such as CodesNotes. Topics include backflow devices and protection of water supply, gas pipe sizing based on the IFGC and IRC, and bonding of corrugated stainless steel tubing gas piping system. Click below to view free copies, courtesy of the ICC PMG Membership Council.
2021 Code Cycle
Fire, Smoke, and Combination Fire/ Smoke Damper Fundamentals in the I-Codes
Based on the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and International Mechanical Code (IMC)
Joining of Metallic Tubing and Piping Using Press-Connect Fittings
Based on the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC®), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC®),
2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC®) and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC®)
Compartmentalizing a building with fire-rated separations like fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers and smoke partitions is a critical feature of an effective fire protection system. When penetrating these walls or partitions with the ductwork of the heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system, the integrity of their ratings are sustained by the use of fire dampers, smoke dampers, or combination fire-smoke dampers.
This CodeNotes highlights the various types of dampers and their uses to provide an effective fire protection system.
Press-connect fittings are designed to create tubing and piping joints and are an alternative joining method that does not reduce the wall thickness of the tubing or pipe like traditional threaded joints do. Additionally, the installation of press-connect fittings does not require a heat source that traditional joining methods such as soldering, welding, or brazing do. With a press-connect joint, a pressing tool is used, in conjunction with a specifically sized jaw or ring to press specially designed press-connect fittings, to join pipe and tubing.
Bonding of Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) Gas Piping Systems
Based on the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code® (IFGC®) and International Residential Code® (IRC®)
Nail Salon Exhaust Requirements
in the I-Codes®
Based on the 2021 International Mechanical Code® (IMC®), International Building Code® (IBC®), International Existing Building Code® (IEBC®) and International Property Maintenance Code® (IPMC®)
The permanent bonding of non-arc-resistant (yellow) CSST piping systems directly to the grounding electrode system of a structure serves to lower the voltage build-up on the CSST caused by unintentional energizing from outside sources such as lightning strikes. CSST manufacturers also produce a more robust, arc-resistant, (black) jacket system that does not require direct bonding to the grounding electrode system.
This CodeNotes highlights the steps, hardware and practices needed for the successful electrical protection of the CSST gas piping system using both products.
The design of exhaust systems is extremely important to the occupants of a building. There are specific occupancies and activities that have the potential for introducing hazardous substances into the indoor environment. Nail salons are one such occupancy.
This edition of CodeNotes provides the reader with an understanding of the requirements for an exhaust system for manicure tables and pedicure stations.
2018 Code Cycle
Installation of Air Admittance Valves (AAV’s)
Based on the 2018 International Plumbing Code® and the 2018 International Residential Code®
Water Heater Safety in the I-Codes
Based on Section 504.6 of the International Plumbing Code® (IPC®) and Section P2804.6.1 of the International Residential Code® (IRC®)
Air admittance valves (AAVs) are devices that were created to solve a problem with the conventional open pipe venting design and can serve as a vent for drainage waste and vent (DWV) systems in lieu of open pipe vents. This edition of CodeNotes provides the reader with an understanding of the IPC and IRC requirements on the installation of these valves.
This CodeNotes™ addresses the important code provisions associated with the use of air admittance valves on individual vents, branch vents, and circuit vents.
The water heater installed in a home can be a ticking time bomb if not installed correctly or maintained properly. A water heater temperature and pressure relief valve is an important safety device for water heaters as well as the water distribution system to which it is connected. Any water discharge from the relief valve is an indication of an underlying problem.
This CodeNotes™ addresses the important code provisions associated with the relief valve. These items are mentioned in Section 504.6 of the IPC and Section P2804.6.1 of the IRC.
Solar Water Heating Systems
Based on the 2018 International Solar Energy
Provisions™ (ISEP™)
Through-Penetration Firestop System Requirements for HVAC
Based on the 2018 International Building Code® and the 2018 International Mechanical Code®
Solar water heating systems provide an efficient way to meet hot water loads in most climates. Unlike photovoltaic (PV) systems that generate electricity, most solar water heating systems directly heat fluids using solar energy. Fluid flows through outdoor solar thermal collectors where it is warmed by the sun.
This CodeNotes™ provides a description of the most common solar water heating systems used for residential and small commercial applications along with suggestions for inspecting them in accordance with the requirements found in the 2018 I-Codes.
The control of fire and smoke is a major concern in the International Building Code (IBC®) and International Mechanical Code (IMC®). This edition of CodeNotes provides the reader with an understanding of the detailed requirements on these issues from an overall building construction viewpoint. The IBC and IMC contain many requirements and construction techniques intended to limit or control the spread of fire and smoke within a building.
Firestopping for Plumbing and Piping Systems
Based on the 2018 International Building Code (IBC)
and 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Bonding of Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) Gas Piping System
Based on the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code® (IFGC®)
Firestopping is a Life Safety topic addressed in the International Plumbing Code, but only briefly. The bulk of this topic is addressed within the International Building Code. This edition of CodeNotes introduces the reader to what the building code and plumbing code requires, regarding firestopping.
This edition of CodeNotes discusses a new section that was added to the 2018 editions of the International Fuel Gas Code and the International Residential Code. It addresses arc-resistant CSST products.
2015 Code Cycle
Verifying ACCA Manual J® Procedures
2015 ISPSC® Residential Swimming Pool and Spa Permit & Plan Guidelines
This edition of CodeNotes provides the reader with an understanding of the design process. Achieving occupant satisfaction is the principle goal of any HVAC design. Manual J allows contractors to perform a load calculation on a residential building/home.
The 2015 ISPSC® Residential Swimming Pool and Spa Permit & Plan Guidelines CodeNotes™ provides a guide for state and local jurisdictions for plan submittals of residential swimming pools and spas. The intent is to provide additional clarity for the installation of a residential swimming pool and spa.
Worker Safety on Roofs and
Elevated Structures
Based on the 2015 International Mechanical Code®
Pipe Sizing
Based on the 2015 IFGC® and IRC®
The 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC®) addresses the safety of occupants in buildings, and provides for protection for service and inspection personnel.
The 2015 CodeNotes will provide you with an overview of pipe sizing calculations and requirements in the 2015 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and 2015 International Residential Code (IRC). The 2015 version has been updated with new graphics and include the latest code changes.
2015 ISPSC® Permanent Inground Residential Swimming Pool Entry/Exit Requirements
Velocity Limits in the 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC®)
This CodeNotes™ provides an overview of entry/exit requirements of the 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC®) as they pertain to permanent inground residential swimming pools.
This CodeNotes provides an overview of the velocity limits noted in the 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC®). Velocity is used to help designers select the minimum pipe size for the design flow rate for a specific application. Improperly designed systems lead to highly inefficient systems creating high pressure, excessive noise, vibration, and potentially decreased equipment life.
Solar Water Heating Systems
Based on the 2015 Solar Energy Provisions
Bonding of Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) Gas Piping System
This edition of CodeNotes provides a description of the most common solar water heating systems used in residential and small commercial applications, and suggestions for inspecting them in accordance with the requirements found in 2015 International Codes®.
Discusses revisions to the 2015 editions of the International Fuel Gas Code and the International Residential Code for requirements in the electrical protection of corrugated stainless steel tubing through an extra bonding connection.
Backflow Preventers and Protection of Water Supply
Based on the 2015 IPC® and IRC®
This 2015 CodeNotes will help you understand the importance of protecting the potable water supply, identifying potential threats and determining the appropriate backflow preventer. IPC Table 608.1/IRC Table 2902.3.1 (Application of Backflow Preventers) has been provided to assist the user in selecting a suitable method or device for the application.
2009 Code Cycle
Gas Pipe Sizing
Based on the 2009 IFGC® and IRC®
Backflow Devices and Protection of Water Supply
Based on the 2009 IFGC® and IRC®
This CodeNotes provides an overview of pipe sizing calculations and requirements in the 2009 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and 2009 International Residential Code (IRC). It will cover both the longest length method and the branch length method. Applicable code tables, figures and example problems and solutions are provided for each method to help the reader easily understand the pipe sizing methodology.
This CodeNotes provides cross-connection scenarios and back flow prevention methods and devices in an organized and user-friendly approach in accordance with the requirements of the 2006 and 2009 International Plumbing Code and International Residential Code.
