Test for embedded hydronic systems for commercial buildings.

[Mr. Inspector]

Need to test an embedded hydronic system for an apartment building. Using 2018 IMC.

In the 2018 IRC we have this test for Hydronic system test:

M2101.10 Tests. Hydronic piping systems shall be tested
hydrostatically at a pressure of one and one-half times the
maximum system design pressure, but not less than 100
pounds per square inch (689 kPa). The duration of each test
shall be not less than 15 minutes.

But when the system is embedded we have this test:

M2103.4 Testing. Piping or tubing to be embedded shall be
tested by applying a hydrostatic pressure of not less than 100
psi (690 kPa). The pressure shall be maintained for 30 minutes,
during which the joints shall be visually inspected for leaks.

In the 2018 IMC we have this section which is the same as in the IRC

1208.1 General. Hydronic piping systems shall be tested
hydrostatically at one and one-half times the maximum system
design pressure, but not less than 100 psi (689 kPa). The
duration of each test shall be not less than 15 minutes.

The next section (1209) is for embedded systems, but does not
say anything about testing. Why a difference? Is no test required?

 

[mtlogcabin]

1209.2 Pressurizing during installation.
Piping to be embedded in concrete shall be pressure tested prior to pouring concrete. During pouring, the pipe shall be maintained at the proposed operating pressure.

No time is required because it is required to be under pressure during the placement of the concrete. If it did not maintain pressure during the time the concrete was being placed, then there was possible damage to the piping system during that operation.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

1209.2 Pressurizing during installation.
Piping to be embedded in concrete shall be pressure tested prior to pouring concrete. During pouring, the pipe shall be maintained at the proposed operating pressure.

No time is required because it is required to be under pressure during the placement of the concrete. If it did not maintain pressure during the time the concrete was being placed, then there was possible damage to the piping system during that operation.

But this is not a test, the inspector is not required to be there when pouring the concrete. It says piping is to be tested before embedded but it doesn't say how. Just wondering why we need a 30 min. test for houses but IMC does not say for commercial buildings.