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thermostat location

G

George Shaw

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Joined
Mar 24, 2023
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10
Location
Holyoke
Looking for code references regarding placement in multi-unit (40) apartment unit. It's a renovation and the contractor put them all in one place . The energy code implies that there should be one for each zone, located in that zone. Which inspection or inspector should have addressed this?
 
Welcome!...Are you related to Robert Shaw?...That is my only thermostat joke I promise.......

Not sure how it is done in your jurisdiction, but the designer? If you want to blame an inspector, in theory electrical or mechanical.......
 
Are you sure that they didn't just locate the controls in a central location? Thermocouples could be remote.
 
= = = & = = =

Welcome George Shaw to The Building Code Forum !

Regarding the placement of the thermostats, ...were there any construction
plans submitted for review ?

= = = $ = = =
 
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Mass energy code based on the 20XX International Energy Conservation Code XX is edition 18 probable, depending on the data of permit issuance.

2018 IECC
Definitions
THERMOSTAT. An automatic control device used to maintain temperature at a fixed or adjustable set point.

C403.2.4 HVAC system controls. Each heating and cooling system shall be provided with thermostatic controls as specified
in Section C403.2.4.1, C403.2.4.1.3, C403.2.4.2, C403.2.4.3, C403.3.1, C403.4, C403.4.1 or C403.4.4.

C403.2.4.1 Thermostatic controls. The supply of heating and cooling energy to each zone shall be controlled by individual thermostatic controls capable of responding to temperature within the zone. Where humidification or dehumidification or both is provided, at least one humidity
control device shall be provided for each humidity control system.
 
George Shaw said:
Looking for code references regarding placement in multi-unit (40) apartment unit. It's a renovation and the contractor put them all in one place . The energy code implies that there should be one for each zone, located in that zone. Which inspection or inspector should have addressed this?
Click to expand...
Please clarify: are you saying that there are 40 apartment units, and all 40 aparments have their thermostats located not inside the apartment itself, but in one centralized room, like a manager’s office, that controls the entire apartment complex?
 
You need to look at ICC A117.1 for determining the correct location in each apartment.
IBC
1107.2 Design.
Dwelling units and sleeping units that are required to be Accessible units, Type A units and Type B units shall comply with the applicable portions of Chapter 10 of ICC A117.1. Units required to be Type A units are permitted to be designed and constructed as Accessible units. Units required to be Type B units are permitted to be designed and constructed as Accessible units or as Type A units.

ICC A117.1
1003.9 Operable Parts.
Lighting controls, electrical panelboards, electrical switches and receptacle outlets, environmental controls, appliance controls, operating hardware for operable windows, plumbing fixture controls, and user controls for security or intercom systems shall comply with Section 309.
309 Operable Parts

309.1 General.
Operable parts required to be accessible shall comply with Section 309.

309.2 Clear Floor Space.
A clear floor space complying with Section 305 shall be provided.

309.3 Height.
Operable parts shall be placed within one or more of the reach ranges specified in Section 308.

309.4 Operation.
Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5.0 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.
 
Where's the code that says to place the thermostat where it makes sense?
 
Did you ask Chap GPT?

It is in the GTS code.

What are some common mistakes people make when placing their thermostat?
When placing a thermostat, you need to avoid locating it near things that can cause falsely high or low readings—in other words, away from localized hot spots or cold spots. Windows and doors: Don’t place your thermostat near windows or doors that may let in drafts. Your thermostat will be measuring the temperature of the outside air sneaking in.
 
Yikes said:
Please clarify: are you saying that there are 40 apartment units, and all 40 aparments have their thermostats located not inside the apartment itself, but in one centralized room, like a manager’s office, that controls the entire apartment complex?
Click to expand...
I wasn't at the inspection, but apparently yes
 
George Shaw said:
I wasn't at the inspection, but apparently yes
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So you're not sure and I am doubtful. I think that you need to see this first hand and take pictures...then report back. If it is found to be true, we can go from there.
 
ICE said:
So you're not sure and I am doubtful. I think that you need to see this first hand and take pictures...then report back. If it is found to be true, we can go from there.
Click to expand...
i was looking for a code reference, not a dialog on what I should or should not do.
 
George Shaw said:
i was looking for a code reference, not a dialog on what I should or should not do.
Click to expand...
Great attitude for asking a question when you're new to a group.

Your question doesn't have enough information. People asked follow up questions to try to help you and you respond like this.

I hope no one gives you a code reference, you don't deserve it.
 
redeyedfly said:
Great attitude for asking a question when you're new to a group.

Your question doesn't have enough information. People asked follow up questions to try to help you and you respond like this.

I hope no one gives you a code reference, you don't deserve it.
Click to expand...
actually, I did get the response, I was looking for, with no snark.
 
Mr. Shaw,

I offended you. Please accept my apology. I recognize that my post might be construed to indicate that you are misinformed. Of course you didn't help with the "apparently yes" to the question of whether the thermostats were grouped at some remote location as opposed to each apartment.

Perhaps you can see why I was skeptical. So in fact, you were not misinformed but rather simply not informed. Hence a request for a follow up and the picture was because this would be the first time that I would have encountered such a situation .... and I do have a high regard for visuals ... especially when a thread starts out with "the contractor put them all in one place" and then progresses to "well maybe he did and maybe he didn't"

I owe you a debt of gratitude. I have learned a lesson here. A more direct approach is in order so allow me to start over.

George Shaw said:
Looking for code references regarding placement in multi-unit (40) apartment unit. It's a renovation and the contractor put them all in one place
Click to expand...
This sounds like bullshlt.
 
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George Shaw said:
It's a renovation and the contractor put them all in one place
Click to expand...

All in one place, Huh?
One in the same place in each of the 40 units?

I was in Lowe's Home Improvement last year and it was hot and humid here in KS, and I asked the girl, "Why's it so hot in here!" "she said they control the air conditioning from North Carolina!"

Well...I'll be ... Dam Tar Heels!
 
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