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Mechanical Access - "Permanent Construction"

R

redeyedfly

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Joined
Feb 22, 2021
Messages
700
Location
Minneapolis, MN
2018 IMC 306.1

Contractor forgot to price the access panels to VTACs. They are proposing a metal panel with (8) screws to access the equipment. This equipment is very similar to a single family heat pump air handler and requires routine filter changes. Would you allow this or is removing screws considered "permanent construction"?
 
Not ideal, but if it can be removed and put back in place using standard tools like a screwdriver or nutdriver I would consider it a removable panel. Access panels on the equipment itself often require that. The IMC Definition of "Access (to)" allows for a removable panel. It doesn't say it has to be a door or removable without the use of tools.

This would be one I would chalk up to not best practice but meets minimum code requirements.
 
The problem is once it gets a few coats of paint on it and they can't find all the screws. Wing nuts or something similar might less likely to get painted shut.
 
Paul Sweet said:
The problem is once it gets a few coats of paint on it and they can't find all the screws. Wing nuts or something similar might less likely to get painted shut.
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I'm worried about it getting painted shut, the opposite. The panel will need to be removed at least every 60 days to replace the filter. It will look awful after the first filter replacement and only get worse every time.
 
Agreed red, That will look terrible. an actual access panel will be much better for the owner in the long run
 
If only the contract read "actual access panel". Unfortunately it only says "access panel" and the GC thinks a screwed on piece of sheet metal meets the requirements.
 
Red, what type of ceiling is this? I would expect the owner to be a part of the conversation and can determine if he wants to pay a bit more for something actually acceptable..........
 
redeyedfly said:
It's on the wall in the living rooms.
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Who does that? What would the eight screws engage? If it's wood screws they won't work after a few times. A manufactured access cover must have been the first choice of whomever came up with this placement....in the living room LOL.
 
ICE said:
Who does that? What would the eight screws engage? If it's wood screws they won't work after a few times. A manufactured access cover must have been the first choice of whomever came up with this placement....in the living room LOL.
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It's very common to have the mech closet in the corner of the living room or bedroom with VTACs. The equipment must be on an outside wall.
Typically there is a manufactured access panel ~30"x60" or a door with deadbolt only access. This contractor just doesn't know what they're doing.
 
ICE said:
Who does that? What would the eight screws engage? If it's wood screws they won't work after a few times. A manufactured access cover must have been the first choice of whomever came up with this placement....in the living room LOL.
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The screws engage the CFMF so it's probably a little better than wood, but yeah, it is a remarkably stupid suggestion by the GC.
 
Michael Brown said:
Doors and deadbolts are the way to go.. The factory access panels start looking rough in no time.
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Agreed but it was access panels already when I got on the project and there isn't enough space for doors now. They discovered they couldn't source large enough access panels after they had several floors framed. :rolleyes:
 
306.2 Appliances in Rooms

Rooms containing appliances shall be provided with a door and an unobstructed passageway measuring not less than 36 inches (914 mm) wide and 80 inches (2032 mm) high.

Exception: Within a dwelling unit, appliances installed in a compartment, alcove, basement or similar space shall be accessed by an opening or door and an unobstructed passageway measuring not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide and large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance in the space, provided that a level service space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and the height of the appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm), is present at the front or service side of the appliance with the door.

Try this
 
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