Mechanical piping? 1103.3

[steveray]

When and to what extent are you guys making people insulate their piping to R3? On a boiler swap the 3 feet of new pipe? On an addition that requires larger equipment the whole system or just the new piping? Just trying to get a feel for what people in the rest of the world are doing....Thanx!

 

[Francis Vineyard]

Just the new installation needs to comply with the current adopted code. Reference 2012 IRC N1101.3 and M1202

 

[mtlogcabin]

Agree

The Chapter is not intended to be used for equipment change outs

N1101.1 Scope.

This chapter regulates the energy efficiency for the design and construction of buildings regulated by this code.

N1101.2 (R101.3) Intent.

This code shall regulate the design and construction of buildings for the effective use and conservation of energy over the useful life of each building.

 

[north star]

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Depending upon the condition of the existing piping insulation, ...and "IF" the IPMC has been adopted

in your jurisdiction, then this section might apply.

From the `12 IPMC, Section 102.2-Maintenance: "Equipment, systems, devices and safeguards

required by this code or a previous regulation or code under which the structure or premises was

constructed, altered or repaired shall be maintained in good working order........... No owner, operator

or occupant shall cause any service, facility, equipment or utility which is required under this

section to be removed from or shut off from or discontinued for any occupied dwelling, except for

such temporary interruption as necessary while repairs or alterations are in progress.................The

requirements of this code are not intended to provide the basis for removal or abrogation of fire

protection and safety systems and devices in existing structures..........Except as otherwise specified

herein, the owner or the owner’s designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of

buildings, structures and premises."

IMO, ...if the existing insulation is missing "in full", or partially, or deteriorated badly, or

otherwise warrants replacement, and it is NOT a SFR, then this section could be used to require

"new" insulation be installed.

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[steveray]

I was debating the "installing larger equipment makes the existing uninsulated piping less compliant which should not be allowed" thoughts with myself, not that I am a huge IECC fan.....Thanks guys, and keep them coming if there are any more thoughts.....