Refrigerant Lines Insulation

[jar546]

R3 applies to the refrigerant lines of a HVAC system that goes to the condensing unit. Here is some more information:

http://www.energycodes.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cn_residential_hot_water_piping.pdf

 

[steveray]

And good luck getting any of the foam stuff to meet a plenum rating.....

 

[ICE]

And good luck getting any of the foam stuff to meet a plenum rating.....

Would you allow the refrigerant lines to be in a plenum?

 

[steveray]

Would you allow the refrigerant lines to be in a plenum?

What are they made of? Or what would be the grounds for not having to allow it? I do not believe there is anything in 602....

 

[ICE]

What are they made of? Or what would be the grounds for not having to allow it? I do not believe there is anything in 602....

All of the ones that I've seen were made of copper. I suppose if there was never a leak, there would never be a problem. How about iron gas pipe? How about if either of them leaked? For sure, natural gas would be a problem...refrigerant...who knows.

 

[steveray]

Gas (LP,NG, and sewer) are all problems when and wherever they leak.....Bad idea for a plenum, which may exascerbate the issue, but allowable....

 

[Gregg Harris]

And good luck getting any of the foam stuff to meet a plenum rating.....

Most are plenum rated

 

[mtlogcabin]

The IRC is silent about what materials are allowed within a plenum

Go to the IMC Section 602.2.1 Exception 3

3. This section shall not apply to materials exposed within plenums in one- and two-family dwellings.

However the Energy Code defines a residential building as follows

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING. For this code, includes detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) as well as Group R-2, R-3 and R-4 buildings three stories or less in height above grade plane.

 

[TheCommish]

Thanks JAR, great handout for my pile, when did that change or I did know the code required it