9.33.8. Piping for Heating and Cooling Systems

9.33.8. Piping for Heating and Cooling Systems
9.33.8.1. Piping Materials and Installation
  1. Piping shall be made from materials designed to withstand the effects of temperatures and pressures that may occur in the system. (See Articles 3.1.5.19., 3.1.9.1. and 9.10.9.6. for fire safety requirements.)
  2. Every pipe used in a heating or air-conditioning system shall be installed to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
  3. Supports and anchors for piping in a heating or air-conditioning system shall be designed and installed to ensure that undue stress is not placed on the supporting structure.
9.33.8.2. Insulation and Coverings
  1. Insulation and coverings on pipes shall be composed of material suitable for the operating temperature of the system to withstand deterioration from softening, melting, mildew and mould.
  2. Insulation and coverings on pipes in which the temperature of the fluid exceeds 120°C
    1. shall be made of noncombustible material, or
    2. shall not flame, glow, smoulder or smoke when tested in accordance with ASTM C 411, "Hot-Surface Performance of High-Temperature Thermal Insulation," at the maximum temperature to which such insulation or covering is to be exposed in service.
  3. Except as provided in Sentence (6), where combustible insulation is used on piping in a horizontal or vertical service space, the insulation and coverings on such pipes shall have a flame-spread rating throughout the material of not more than
    1. 25 in buildings of noncombustible construction, and
    2. 75 in buildings of combustible construction.
  4. Except as provided in Sentence (6), insulation and coverings on piping located in rooms and spaces other than the service spaces described in Sentence (3) shall have a flame-spread rating not more than that required for the interior finish for the ceiling of the room or space.
  5. Pipes that are exposed to human contact shall be insulated so that the exposed surface does not exceed 70°C. (See Note A-6.5.1.1.(3).)
  6. No flame-spread rating or smoke developed classification limitations are required where combustible insulation and coverings are used on piping when such piping is
    1. located within a concealed space in a wall,
    2. located in a floor slab, or
    3. enclosed in a noncombustible raceway or conduit.
9.33.8.3. Clearances
  1. Clearances between combustible material and bare pipes carrying steam or hot water shall conform to Table 9.33.8.3.

Table 9.33.8.3.
Clearance between Steam or Hot Water Pipes and Combustible Material

Forming Part of Sentence 9.33.8.3.(1)

Table 9.33.8.3. Clearance between Steam or Hot Water Pipes and Combustible Material
9.33.8.4. Protection
  1. Where a pipe carrying steam or hot water at a temperature above 120°C passes through a combustible floor, ceiling or wall, the construction shall be protected by a sleeve of metal or other noncombustible material not less than 50 mm larger in diameter than the pipe.
  2. Unprotected steam or hot water pipes that pass through a storage space shall be covered with not less than 25 mm thickness of noncombustible insulation to prevent direct contact with the material stored.