Title: Discussion Board
Course: HET 293 - HVAC and Building Codes > Section: HET 293 - HVAC and Building Codes

Plumbing Codes

In this section, we will be covering Plumbing. Methods and materials outside the scope of the IRC must comply with the International Plumbing Code. Over the years there have been many changes in the type of construction practices; however, materials most commonly encountered in construction of one and two family dwellings and townhouses. Materials must be third-party tested or certified as meeting the applicable IRC referenced standards. In order to perform as intended and to prevent damage or contamination, piping requires adequate support and protection from physical damage.

1. Why is it important to support the piping and have required spacing?
2. Why is it important to have an air space between the supply and the drain?
3. Why is it necessary to have a vent on a drain line?
4. What is the minimal size a condensate drain line should be in the state of Illinois?
5. What is the purpose of a T-P valve on a water heater?
6. How high above the floor should the drain line on a water heater should be located?

Electrical System Codes, chapter 14

The electrical chapters of the International Residential Code (IRC) are based on the 2005 national Electrical Code (NEC). The IRC provisions cover electrical installations normally occurring in the construction of one and two family dwellings and townhouses. This does not prevent the use of other wiring methods and materials that conform to the NEC requirements.

As a HVAC technician and installer, we must be skilled in electrical codes because we deal we all types for equipment at varies voltages. Understand types of wires, conduit, pipe support, service panels, and sub-panels will affect the quality of the installation or service to the job.

1. Where would an installer find the information for clearances for equipment if they did not know the electrical codes?
2. How much space does equipment need for work space?
3. Why we should not install a service panel or disconnect in a closet or bathroom?
4. What is the minimum size of a service panel for a single-family dwelling? Why?
5. How many places should a house be grounded?
6. What is the purpose for a GFCI outlet? Where should it be located?
7. If an Air Conditioning service disconnect have NM water tight flex conduit, does it need a ground wire? Why?

Energy Efficiency, chapter 15

This chapter addresses the prescriptive methods of the International Residential Code for effective use and conservation of energy through proper design and construction of dwellings. In addition to setting minimum requirements for the building thermal envelope enclosing conditioned space, including insulation, windows, and doors, the code regulates the sealing of penetrations to reduce air infiltration and the insulation and sealing of ductwork for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).

1. Explain a thermal envelope?
2. What is a pressure boundary?
3. To bring a crawl space in the thermal boundary, how should it be insulated and protected from vapor if the crawl space does not have ventilation?
4. What is the best type of insulation that should be used in this example?
5. What areas of a house need to checked for sealing against air infiltration?