PLUMBING CODE HIGHLIGHTS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Backflow preventers and conditioning chemicals
Backflow preventers and antifreeze

Low water fuel cutoff devices
Low water fuel cut off and test switch

Mixing valve requirements to meet Plumbing Code
Mixing valve requirements on domestic hot water

Public Building - Definition
Public Building - Temperature controls in

Water temperature requirements - maximum allowed

Backflow preventers and conditioning chemicals

Section 608.16.2 of the 2003 IPC Plumbing Code states that “potable supply to a boiler shall be equipped with a backflow preventer with an intermediate atmospheric vent complying with ASSE 1012 or CAN/CSA B64.3.  Where conditioning chemicals are introduced into the system, the potable water   connection shall be protected by an air gap or a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer complying with ASSE 1013 CAN/CSA B64.4 or AWWA C511”. TOP

Backflow preventers and antifreeze

It is the responsibility of the licensed plumber to protect the potable water supply.  When you add a chemical to the boiler it is up to the licensed plumber to make sure the potable water supply is protected to meet the code. At this time, the backflow preventer must be changed or installed to meet ASSE 1013 or an air gap made so there is no physical connection to the potable water supply.  TOP

Mixing valve requirements on a domestic water heater

Whenever a new or replacement water heater is installed after Feb. 1, 2005. The definition of a water heater is any device that heats hot water. This requirement also applies to instantaneous heaters that supplies hot water to more than one fixture. TOP

Mixing valve requirements to meet the Plumbing Code

The mixing valve shall meet ASSE 1017 which is addressed in section 613.1 of the 2003 IPC Plumbing Code.  This standard ensures that if for any reason  the valve should fail; it fails to the cold position. TOP

Maximum hot water temperature allowed

120 degrees Fahrenheit unless otherwise required by law. This is referenced in section 602.2 of the 2003 IPC.  A good guideline is that any faucet that you can put your hand under, must meet this requirement.  Dishwashers do not have to meet this requirement because you cannot put your hands into them. TOP

Low water fuel cut off devices

All hot water heating boilers installed after January 1, 1991 shall have the low water fuel cut off installed. TOP

Public building definition

The definition is found in the Fire & Building Safety Code regulations effective October 22, 2005.  The definition is quite detailed, but a rule of thumb is anything other than an owner occupied single family dwelling.   See the Code for actual definitions and descriptions. TOP

Low water fuel cut off and test switch
 
The NBIC, which is the reference standard in the Fire Prevention Rules states, “A means shall be provided for testing the operation of the external low water fuel cut off without resorting to draining the entire system.  Such means shall not render the device inoperable except as follows.  If the means  temporarily isolates the device from the boiler during this testing, it shall automatically return to its normal position.  The connection may be so arranged that the device cannot be shut off from the boiler except by a cock  placed at the device and provided with a tee or lever handle arranged to be parallel to the pipe in which it is located when the cock is open.” TOP

Temperature controls in a public building

NFPA 31 requires that each individual automatically fired hot water heating or hot water supply boiler shall have a safety limit control that will cut off the fuel supply to prevent water temperature from exceeding the maximum allowable temperature at the boiler outlet.  This water temperature safety control shall be constructed to prevent a temperature setting above the  maximum allowable temperature.  Also, each individual hot water heating or hot water supply boiler or each system of commonly connected boilers      without intervening valves shall have a control that will cut off the fuel supply when the temperature reaches an operating limit which shall be less than the  maximum allowable temperature.  Table A.10-5.4 of NFPA 31 also requires  “One manual reset type limit control, which requires local manual intervention to reset”. TOP