PREFACE
Introduction
tems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and newmechanical designs. This 2018 edition is fully patible with all of the International Codes°(I-Codes°)published by the International Code CodeInternationalExisting BuldingCodeInternotionglFireCodeInternationalFuelGasCode Council(ICC°),including the InternationalBuilding Code,IntemationalEnergy Conservation Internotional Green Construction Code°, International Plumbing Code°, International Privote Sew- ageDisposalCode°InternationglPropertyMaintenonce CodeInternationalResidentiol Code nationail Zoning Codea and International Code Councll Performonce Code InternotlonolSwimming PoolandSpa CodeInternationgl wildiand-Urban Interfoce Code,Inter- the public and private sectors.Most industry professlonals are familiar with the I-Codes as the basis The I-Codes, including this Internotional Mechanical Code, are used in a variety of ways in both of laws and regulations in munities across the U.S. and in other countries. However, the impact tory settings, including:-nauou jo auen e uasn ae Aau se euane oena au puoaq am spuaxa spo ao and disaster resistance. Voluntary pliance programs such as those promoting sustainability, energy efficiency decisions. The insurance industry, to estimate and manage risk, and as a tool in underwriting and rate struction and safety. Certification and credentialing of individuals involved in the fields of building design, con- Certification of building and construction-related products. saadod paumo-uaaog o ee ve ul uonsu pin o slpale eapa s'n Facilities management. Best practices" benchmarks for designers and builders, including those who are engaged in enforcement mechanism. projects in jurisdictions that do not have a formal regulatory system or a governmental * College, university and professional school textbooks and curricula. * Reference works related to building design and construction. fessionals on a regular basis. It provides an international forum for discussion and deliberation In addition to the codes themselves, the code development process brings together building pro- about building design, construction methods, safety, performance requirements, technological advances and innovative products.
Development
new edition such as this is promulgated every 3 years.2015 editions and further changes approved by the ICC Code Development Process through 2016. A This code is founded on principles intended to establish provisions consistent with the scope of a mechanical code that adequately protects public health, safety and welfare; provisions that do not ds unnecessarilyincrease constructioncosts;provisionsthat donotrestrict the useofnewmaterials, ticular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction. 2018INTERNATIONALMECHANICALCODE*Crpnh 20 CC A RGS BVED Acb R Me 15,&75 AN LAgmm IC. Nf ti iii INTERNATIONALCODECOUNCIL datribzin 强uhrid ANY UNALTIORIZED REFRODUCTION OR DISTRIUTION E A VIOLATION OF THIE FEDEIAL COFYRUGIT ACT AND THE LKCEXSE
Maintenance The Internotional Mechanical Code is kept up to date through the review of proposed changes sub- mittedby code enforcement officials, industry representatives design professionals and other process in which all interested and affected parties may participate. interested parties. Proposed changes are carefully considered through an open code development The ICC CodeDevelopment Process reflects principles of openness transparency,balance d process and consensus, the principles embodied in OMB Circular A-119, which governs the federal government's use of private-sector standards. The ICC process is open to anyone; there is no cost to participate, and people can participate without travel cost through the ICC's cloud-based app, cdp- Access*. A broad cross section of interests are represented in the ICC Code Development Process. required for health and safety reasons. The codes, which are updated regularly, include safeguards that allow for emergency action when in the process,theICChasdeveloped partnerships withkeyindustry segments that suport the o e ae saoo a sa eae ue ap e y sueieoe ana o apo u nated by the following industry partners and approved by the ICC Board: ▪American Institute of Architects (AIA) *National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) The code development mittees evaluate and make remendations regarding proposed changes to the codes.Theirremendations are then subject to publicmentand council-wide votes. The ICC's governmental members-public safety officials who have no financial or business interest in the ouite-cast the final votes on proposed changes. Aue Aq pue sap juaudojanap apoo au qlnouq alueuo o 1oafqns aue xuom su jo sjuajuo au governmentalentitythat enactsthecodeintolaw.Formoreinformationregardingthecode devel- opment process, contact the Codes and Standards Development Department of the Internat...